SAU freshman forward tops Region VIII list.Nov. 15 | Spring Arbor University freshman forward Katie Sayer continued her run of "firsts" for the Cougars women's soccer team today when it was announced that she had been named as the NAIA region 8 Player of the Year.  It is the first ever such honor for a Spring Arbor University women's soccer player.

Earlier in the year Sayler made history for the Cougars by being named as the NAIA National Player of the Week, also a first for Lady Cougar soccer players.

Sayler led the Cougars in scoring (16 goals), assists (14) and points (46) as a true freshman in 2006.

"This is an amazing honor for Katie," commented SAU head coach Jason Crist.  "She is a great athlete and has worked very hard at becoming an excellent soccer player.  With her work ethic I am sure that she will continue to improve and will be causing problems for opposing defenses for the next three years."

"I am excited to receive such an honor," commented Sayler.  "I credit the hard work from my teammates for giving me this opportunity, because without such a great team, this couldn't have happened."

Sayler and the Cougars fell just one goal short of a second ever appearance at the NAIA national championships, as they fell 1-0 in the NAIA region 8 finals.  The team ended the year at 16-7-1, ranked 28th in the NAIA and 2nd nationally in the NCCAA.