Golden Gopher soccer freshman Katie Bethke was recently named to TopDrawerSoccer.com’s Women’s College All-Rookie Squad, one of only three Big Ten freshman to be honored with the award. Top Drawer Soccer chose 37 first-year players from around the nation to compile the 2007 team. Ohio State freshman Alex Burzynski and Danielle Kot of Illinois were also named to the team for their performances during the 2007 season.

Bethke, the Big Ten’s regular season leader with nine assists (finishing with 10 on the year), was also named to the Big Ten’s All-Freshman Team along with teammate Molly Rouse.

Bethke enjoyed one of the most successful freshman seasons in Golden Gopher history in 2007. Her 10 assists were the second-most ever by a Gopher freshman and the fifth-highest single-season total in Minnesota history. Bethke also led Big Ten freshmen with 20 points, joining teammate Lindsey Schwartz as the only Minnesota players to garner at least 20 points in a season since 1999. Bethke’s five goals also tied for the lead amongst Big Ten freshmen in the regular season.

The 2007 Minnesota soccer team finished with a 9-8-2 overall record, qualifying for the Big Ten Tournament for the second time since 2000. The Gophers’ 31 goals in 2007 was also their highest team total since 1999.