The State Hornet voted Shea Roberts, defender for the Sacramento State women’s soccer team, as the best female athlete of the fall semester.

Roberts ended her Hornet career by being named to the first team all-Big Sky Conference. In 2010, she was named to the second team all-Big Sky and Roberts said she was pleased to be named to the first team this season.

“I was very excited to be recognized in the conference. It was a nice honor and also cool that so many others on our team were recognized in the conference as well,” Roberts said.

Women’s soccer head coach Randy Dedini said Roberts is one of the best players he has coached.

“She is one of the strongest defenders I’ve seen in this program, one of the most consistent backs and also very athletic,” Dedini said.

The Hornet defender played a team-high 1,565 minutes starting every game this season and collecting one assist.

Roberts described that assist as one of her best moments along with winning a conference title.

“The best moment I have had in my soccer career at Sac State would have to be winning the Big Sky Conference Tournament last year. I will never forget that,” Roberts said. “Another memory I can recall was my assist to Jordan Carlberg this year.”

The team finished the 2011 season at 6-9-2 and 4-4-2 in conference play.

Dedini said Roberts is one of the best defenders in the Big Sky.

“She is probably the best back (defender) in all of conference,” Dedini said. “She plays simple – probably why she does not get noticed enough.”

Roberts said she is going to miss everything about playing on the team, from being around teammates, to road trips and conditioning exercises.

“I will also miss the fitness, believe it or not. Working out with the team is way better and more motivating than working out by myself,” Roberts said.

Fellow defender and redshirt freshman Lauren Garcia said Roberts is a great person both on and off the field.

“As both a person and a player she is incredible. She works her butt off for the team and she’ll do anything for you as a friend, whether you are her best friend or just an acquaintance,” Garcia said.

Roberts is the 21st first team all-Big Sky selection for the Hornets since the 1997 season, a year after Sac State joined the conference in 1996.

Comments about Shea Roberts: 

Lauren Garcia, defender: “(Roberts) played extremely well. She’s an amazing player, always has been and always will be. I had a rough start coming off an injury and she helped keep my head up… just watching her was an inspiration to want to become a better player.  On and off the field she is a great person. She is 100 percent dedicated to the team as a captain and a friend.”

Randy Dedini, Sac State head coach: “I’m proud to get to know her and coach her. I think she could play at the next level if she went for it. She was always good for us, super consistent and one of the best defenders I’ve had. Probably going to be the hardest girl to replace. She has a fantastic attitude and she is super sweet. She is awesome.”