Rossview Lady Hawks Duo to Continue Soccer at Lambuth

3/4/05

There will be two more Lady Hawks soccer players to continue their careers at the next level. Cassie Messina and Connie Hanson signed letters of intent to play at Lambuth University. The two will continue their friendship and athletic careers rooming together this fall at Lambuth.

Both players were big parts for the the Lady Hawks 2005 successful season. Cassie has been a steady anchor for the Lady Hawks since her freshman year in 2002. Cassie started all four years for the Lady Hawks. Cassie was a team captain her senior year. Cassie has been a big part of the Lady Hawks success, earning three District 10-AAA Championships back-to-back and a District 10-AAA runner-up her freshman year. The Lady Hawks made two regional Final appearances as well as a sectional appearance. Cassie was named to the All-Star Team at the Lars Andersson's Swedish Soccer Camp her freshman year. She has received many awards, including the Coach's Award and Most Dedicated for team awards. She was named to the District All-Tournament Team her sophomore and senior year. She was also named to the All-Star Team at camp this past summer at the University of Massachussetts. She was also named to the District 10-AAA All-District Team her senior year. Cassie helped in the attack her first three years at center midfield and forward before being assigned defensive duties her senior year. Cassie's experience was very valuable and her leadership showed for the Lady Hawks each season.

Connie Hanson moved in her sophomore year to begin playing with the Lady Hawks her junior year. Connie fit right in with the program and was a very stable force in the net for the Lady Hawks. She is one of the most agile keepers in the state. While at Greenwood High School in Bowling Green, her freshman and sophomore year, Connie helped Greenwood to consecutive state appearances. She was the team's most valuable player both years. She was named to the CAL All-Tournament Team and named to first team All-State her sophomore year. Connie was team captain her sophomore year for Greenwood. Connie took over keeper duties her junior year at Rossview. She had a successful club season, winning the Division 2 State tournament. She received the Coach's Award and Team Most Valuable Defensive Player while at Rossview. Connie was two-time District 10-AAA Most Valuable Goalkeeper. She was named to the District 10-AAA All-Tournament team and the Leaf-Chronicle All-Area team. She was named as the Leaf-Chronicle All-Area Player of the Year as voted on by the local coaches and the Leaf-Chronicle sports writers. Connie was team captain for Rossview in her final season. She also received the Most Valuable Goalkeeper while attending team camp at the University of Massachussetts. She was also named to the Region 5 Team and an All-State nominee.

Both players were friends on and off the field, and their strong bond showed on the field. They will be an asset for Lambuth and will definitely be a strong force for the University. Rossview looks forward to following their careers as they continue.