Sept. 24, 2007
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Senior midfielder Stephen King was named one of 20 candidates for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, presented annually in eight NCAA sports to a senior student-athlete who excels both on and off the field. This is the first time that this award will be given in soccer.
King is one of four student-athletes from the ACC who are up for the honor, the most of any other conference in the nation. The other candidates from the conference include Duke's Tim Jepson, North Carolina's Andre Sherard, and Wake Forest's Julian Valentine.
From the list of 20 candidates, a national media committee will select 10 finalists in October. Those names will then be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote spanning from October 16 to November 21. Fan balloting will be coupled with votes from coaches, media and sponsors to determine the recipient of the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. Winners will be announced during the NCAA Soccer Championship scheduled for December 14-16 in Cary, N.C.
King has become the quintessential Terrapin for head coach Sasho Cirovski, being named captain for the second-straight year as a senior. His 23 career assists rank sixth all-time at Maryland while his 81 points is also sixth. His sophomore season, King scored 15 times and assisted others eight times. That goal number is tied for 10th all-time in a single season while his 38 points is tied for eighth.
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the award was launched during the 2001-02 season in response to the trend of college basketball players leaving school early to turn professional. The award was conceived by sportscaster Dick Enberg, who continues to serve as Honorary Chairman, and has recognized winners in men's and women's basketball for six years.
The award honors the attributes of senior student-athletes in four areas: classroom, community, character and competition. The award program is designed exclusively for college seniors who are utilizing their complete athletic eligibility, remaining committed to their university and pursuing the many rewards that a senior season can bring.
