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Sophomore Vanessa DiBernardo now owns 66 points with 28 goals and 10 assists after posting 17 goals and five assists in 2011 after leading the Big Ten in points (27) and tallies (11) as a freshman in 2010..
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Dec. 15, 2011
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois sophomore midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo earned recognition as one of Soccer America's 22 Most Valuable Players across Division-I women's college soccer nationally, securing a spot as a Second Team MVP on Thursday. DiBernardo led the Illinois offense throughout the 2011 season, registering 39 points on 17 goals and five assists.
DiBernardo was the highest scoring Illini since the 1999 season, when Emily Brown produced 40 points on 18 goals and four assists. The Naperville, Ill., native proved to be the most clutch Illinois attacking player in program history over the course of the season, totaling eight game-winning goals on the year - tied for the third-most nationally and the highest total ever secured by an Orange and Blue player during one campaign.
DiBernardo adds the most recent accolade to a growing collection of awards, previously earning 2011 NSCAA Second Team All-America, Big Ten Midfielder of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten and NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region one year removed from being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Illini Female Newcomer of the Year.
DiBernardo is also one of only two Big Ten student-athletes recognized by Soccer America, with Penn State's Maya Hayes earning a place on the first team MVP listing.
