Victoria DiMartino, Boston College: As a rule of thumb, when you play well enough to make first-team all-conference as a freshman, you’ve had a pretty good year. That was the case for Victoria DiMartino, a long-awaited talent who arrived from an equally long line of DiMartino talents.  In fact, when she garnered the Freshman of the Year award it marked the first time in ACC history that two sisters both took the honor (older sis Gina won it in 2006).

DiMartino led the Eagles in scoring and is now a valuable part of the U.S. U20 team currently preparing for the U20 World Cup.

Kristen Mewis, Boston College: Teammates with DiMartino collegiately as well as with the U20s, Mewis was just as lauded as a youth player. Named the NSCAA Player of the Year for 2008, Mewis wasted little time making her mark with Boston College. That she was so successful was no surprise, but that she was able to step in and become maybe the team’s most valuable asset was. Mewis played three different positions during the year to aid the team’s run to the NCAA quarterfinals and finished with five goals and six assists to boot.

Tara Campbell, Duke: This Ohio Elite Soccer Academy graduate thrived from the moment she arrived in the goalkeeper box. Great at positioning, she kept her team competitive throughout the season while finishing third in the ACC in save percentage. Her activity and leadership earned her a place on the all-conference third team. With another season like her last one, she just might help earn her team a trip beyond the first round of the NCAA tourney.  

Kelly Conheeney, Virginia Tech: This New Jersey native used her speed and play-making to her advantage. She’s a dangerous midfielder or striker around the goal and she showed as much with nine goals and 20 points, both good for second place on the team. She also showcased her ability to play in high pressure situations while guiding the team to the third round of the big dance.

Kara Blosser, NC State: With great size, and a good physical nature suited for the top level, Blosser had a spectacular entry. She finished with team-leading totals of nine goals and 20 points and gave Wolfpack fans a reason to be excited about the future. Unfortunately for Blosser, her team was a little behind her level this past season, and her sophomore challenge will be to further lift the play of those around her.