Watts, Merten make first team while Van Keulen is named Freshman
of the Year
MORGAN HILL — Because of her relentless defensive play, Sobrato’s Dawn Watts was affectionately referred to as a wall by her peers.
West Valley Division foes felt the same way about her this fall. Watts, a junior defender, has been named to the all-league lists, joining teammates Katie Merten, Kristin Wallash, Andi Lora and Kate Van Keulen.
It marks the largest all-league contingent for the Lady Bulldogs, who finished a program-best 6-6 in the West Valley.
“I was definitely pleased to see that,” Sobrato coach Niki Donaldson said Monday.
Watts earned first-team acclaim along with Merten, a much-improved junior forward.
“Katie’s ball control was so much better this year. She’s worked really well on it,” said Donaldson, who wrapped up her sixth year with the Bulldogs. “At the all-league meeting, the other coaches commented on how well Dawn played this year. She was always solid.”
When opponents did get by Watts, they had Lora, a second-team senior sweeper, to deal with. From there, Sobrato had a dependable last line of defense in senior goalkeeper Kristin Wallash, who also received second-team honors.
A veteran starter, Wallash came out of her shell this fall.
“She found her voice finally after four years of people complaining,” Donaldson said. “She’s going to be missed next year.”
The Bulldogs can rest easy knowing they may return nine veterans, including center midfielder Kate Van Keulen, the 2009 Freshman of the Year.
Van Keulen is following in the footsteps of her sister Lindsay, a Sobrato alumna who earned all-league honors and special recognition in field hockey.
“Kate had a great year,” Donaldson said. “It’s being a freshman surrounded by juniors and seniors. She stepped up to the challenge. Her personality really stood out.”
