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IRVING, Texas – UTEP senior Aleah Davis has been named as a Conference USA Preseason Co-Defensive Player of the Year, as announced by the league office Tuesday. Davis shares the honor with Florida Atlantic’s Erica Burt and Rice’s Jasmine Isokpunwu while Charlotte’s Martha Thomas was recognized as the C-USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

The preseason players of the year, in addition to the 2016 Preseason All C-USA team were selected based upon a vote by the league’s 14 head coaches.

"We’re real proud of Aleah for representing UTEP on the preseason list,” head coach Kevin Cross said. “It’ is great recognition and we look forward to Aleah leading us on the field this year.”

The recognition is well deserved for Davis, who has reaped both All-Region (2013, 2014, 2015-third team) and All C-USA (2014, 2015-first team, 2013-third team) honors in her first three years with the Orange and Blue. Davis is a versatile player who plays either in the midfield or on defense.

She is coming off her most productive offensive campaign to date, having scoring five goals to go along with seven assists (tied fourth C-USA/72nd nation) for a total of 18 points. Davis also made an impact on defense with her play in the air, particularly on corner kicks.

Davis and the rest of the Miners open training camp Wednesday. UTEP will kick off its 2016 season at home in the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Battle of I-10 vs. NM State at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19. The contest, which is the first UTEP athletic department event for the 2016-17 year, will feature a pre-game UTEP Soccer Alumni Association tailgate with free food from Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q while supplies last.