Wisconsin Soccer Central

Much of Maureen Burke's prep soccer career was about creating opportunities for her teammates to shine – the recent Waukesha Catholic Memorial High School graduate set single-season and career state records for assists in helping the Crusaders win WIAA state championships in each of her four seasons.

But when it came time to pick the Player of the Year on the inaugural Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association/Stefans Soccer Academic All-State team, the selection committee decided that Burke's accomplishments shone the brightest.

Burke, who posted a 4.84 grade-point average, earned valedictorian honors and was a National Merit Scholarship recipient, was a unanimous choice as the first Academic All-State Player of the Year. She had 40 assists for the Division 3 state champion Crusaders as a senior this spring and finished her career with 90.

To be eligible for consideration for the Academic All-State team, seniors needed to maintain a GPA of 3.85 or better, score 29 or better on the ACT and receive certification of exemplary and consistent fair play from her coach and school athletic director, in addition to displaying excellence on the field.

Division 1 state runner-up Madison West was the only team with two players on the 11-member Academic All-State first team, midfielders Kristen Brown and Gabriella Johansson. Also, Regents defender Laura Kiernan earned honorable mention.

Waukesha West forward Natalie Yass, a Northern Illinois recruit, made the Academic first team after being named to the WSCA All-State second team. Winnebago Lutheran midfielder Cassie Gliszinski, meanwhile, was an Academic first-team selection and earned honorable mention All-State honors.

Midfielder Emily Crevoiserat, who helped lead Milwaukee DSHA to the Division 1 state championship, was honorable mention Academic All-State choice following her selection to the All-State second team.

Academic All-State Player of the Year: Maureen Burke, Waukesha Catholic Memorial (unanimous)

Honorable mention: Emily Crevoiserat, M, Milwaukee DSHA; Emma Ellis, M, Seymour; Sydney Faschingbauer, M, Chippewa Falls; Charlene Gelhaus, D, Racine Prairie School; Eileen Healy, F, Madison Edgewood; Jess Jacobs, D, Oregon; Laura Kiernan, D, Madison West; Courtney Stephens, M, New Berlin West; Josie Zindler, M, Waukesha West.