18 Sep Emma-Marie Etienne Named Best XI

Savannah United player, Ella-Marie Etienne of the 2008 Girls Premier team, was named to the USYS National Championship Best 11 in Orlando at the Disney ESPN Wide World of Sports. Etienne was also awarded the coveted Golden Ball award for most goals scored in her age group over the tournament.

The 2008 Girls Premier qualified to play in the USYS National Championships this summer, where thousands of teams started the process of playing to qualify; and only 16 teams out of each age group in the country went on to the national championship.

During that National Championship weekend, Etienne scored the most goals in their division which awarded her the Golden Ball. The USYS National Best 11 is determined by voting from the tournament committee and coaches from all other teams. Etienne was a unanimous decision for Best 11 and Golden Ball Award. 

“As a club we are tremendously proud of this achievement by Ella-Marie. It’s probably one of the most prestigious individual awards in the country to be named in the Nationals All Star starting XI,” said Gary Wright, Executive Director of Savannah United. “To also then add to the Golden Ball award (top score at National Finals) to this achievement is something I’m sure she will remember forever. I’d like to personally congratulate Ella-Marie on these two achievements.”

“I am ecstatic that I’ve achieved this very special recognition. Hard work really does pay off. But as always, the work is not done,” explained Ella-Marie Etienne, 2008 Girls Premier. “This shows me that I can achieve anything if I put my mind to it and work as hard as I can. I’m also very thankful to Savannah United and the 2008 Girls Premier team.”