Iowa State soccer coach Cathy Klein was named Big 12 Conference Co-Coach of the Year upon the completion of the 1997 season.

It was ISU’s second year for varsity soccer competition, and the team finished the season with a 12-8 record.

Klein led the Cyclones to the Big 12 Conference Championships for the first time ever, placing sixth.

Klein shared the honor with Texas A&M coach G. Guerrieri. Texas A&M won the Big 12 Conference Championships, and at one point during the 1997 season she held a ranking of third in the nation.

The award is voted on by the Big 12 head coaches.

“To be listed at the same level as G. Guerrieri, to receive the same honor, is genuinely exciting and even more surprising,” Klein said. “It is quite an honor.”

Klein said the success of the season is credited to the players on the team. “It was an outstanding year. I’m excited, it went very well.”

Senior Jo Hinks said Klein is hard-working and well-deserving of the honor. “She has done a lot with the team in the two years I’ve been here. She has brought the team far.

“She worked hard recruiting, and the team has gotten a lot better and we keep improving,” Hinks said.

Klein was not only pleased with her all-conference accolades, but also with the accomplishments of several ISU team members.

Six Cyclone soccer players joined Klein with honors in the Big 12 Conference.

Hinks and sophomores Barb Lavergne and Lindsey Rector were named to the Big 12 Conference second team, voted upon by the league’s coaches.

Lavergne tallied 16 points in 18 matches, including eight assists.

Hinks and Rector were the team’s top two scorers with 46 and 30 points, respectively.

At one point, Hinks was ranked 15th in the nation in scoring.

“I’m happy,” Hinks said about the season. “It was a good way to end my last year.”

Klein said Lavergne changed many playing positions through the season. She also said this season Rector increased her goal production, and played with higher intensity.

Sophomore Jun Shen was named to the Big 12’s academic all-conference first team. Sophomores Hayley Mercer and Alicia Rollison were placed on the honorable mention academic all-league list.

Klein also thanked more than just the hardworking team members — she looked to the heart of the athletic department.

“Our success comes from continued support from Gene Smith, Dr. Jischke and the administration,” Klein said. “Their support financially and otherwise is important.”