Kansas Soccer Finishes With Highest RPI in Program History

Feb. 28, 2005

LAWRENCE, Kan. – After finishing its most successful season in school history and holding a top 10 ranking for much of the season, the University of Kansas soccer team received a final RPI ranking of 11th in the country, marking the highest finish in school history.

In 2004, head coach Mark Francis guided the Jayhawks to the program’s first Big 12 Championship after finishing with an 18-5-0 overall record and an 8-2 mark in Big 12 play. In addition to tying the 2003 team for the most wins in school history, the 2004 Jayhawks defeated their first top 10 opponent when they downed No. 7 Clemson on Sept. 11. The Jayhawks also climbed into the top 10 in the national polls where they were ranked nine of 11 weeks this season.

While the team enjoyed its most successful season, three members of the Jayhawks were selected as All-America performers for their outstanding efforts. Sophomore defender Holly Gault, who anchored a young Jayhawk defense which surrendered only 13 goals all season and finished ninth in the country with a team goals against average of 0.55, became Kansas’ first-ever player to be selected as a first team All-American. Gault earned the honor from both SoccerBuzz and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Senior goalkeeper Meghan Miller, who led the Big 12 in goals against average (0.57) and save percentage (.881) while finishing second in shutouts (12), was tabbed as second team All-American by SoccerBuzz and NSCAA. After leading the Jayhawks in goals (11), assists (10) and points (32), junior forward Caroline Smith was named third team All-American by NSCAA and honorable mention All-American by SoccerBuzz.

Freshman defender Afton Sauer also was impressive in her first season in Lawrence, drawing freshman All-American praise from NSCAA and Soccer America.