Roberts, Perry and Turkoglu Earn VaSID Honors

NORFOLK, Va.- Captain Emily Roberts of the Old Dominion women's soccer team was named Defensive Player of the Year and to the All-State First Team by the Virginia Sports Information Directors. She is joined by goalkeeper Kasey Perry on the All-State First Team, while midfielder Ece Turkoglu received Second Team honors as announced on Tuesday.  

Roberts earned Defensive Player of the Year honors for her performance as ODU's starting center back, playing every minute this season. The third-year captain made critical decisions and defensive plays that helped ODU achieve nine shutouts this season and concede only one goal during conference play. Roberts was recognized this season through Conference USA as the Defensive Player of the Week twice, All-Conference First Team, Conference USA All-Academic First Team, C-USA Defensive Player of the Year, Conference USA Tournament Defensive MVP and most recently was recognized by the United Soccer Coaches to the All-South Region First Team. 

Perry was named Conference USA Goalkeeper of the Year and received All-Conference First Team honors. She was also recognized for her efforts during the Conference USA Tournament when she kept a clean sheet throughout the tournament. During the 2021 season, Perry was named C-USA Goalkeeper of the Week twice. Perry appeared in 16 matches, making 15 starts, recording career-high 35 saves and allowing only seven goals against. Perry set a new ODU women's soccer record with nine shutouts on the season. 

Turkoglu was also named to the All-Conference First Team and received All-Tournament honors. The junior midfielder had 16 starts out of 17 match appearances this season, missing two games to compete with the Turkish National Team in World Cup Qualifying matches. Turkoglu recorded two assists for the season and scored her lone goal of the season against Middle Tennessee during the Conference USA Tournament Semifinals.  

VaSID names 44 all-state teams in 23 sports each year, as well as an Academic All-State squad and an all-sports champion in both the University and College Divisions. Membership in VaSID is open to all media relations professionals working at a university or conference in the state of Virginia.