Utley Nets Soccer Honor

Kailey Utley won't step onto a soccer field for her senior season at until the spring, but she is already racking up the off-field honors. Already named as a , Utley, who has committed to play soccer at West Virginia, recently earned "All-Region" status from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

The Forward follows in the footsteps of others in Pirate soccer lore. Tiffany Laughlin was named NSCAA All-Region in 2010 and Jan Gettemeyer was an NSCAA All-American in 1980.

"I'm excited to get it for myself, but also for the team because it kind of brings attention to Pattonville and Pattonville's soccer team as a whole, so it's pretty cool," Utley told Patch.

Coach Tom Iffrig knows the honor will only put a brighter spotlight on the reigning Suburban North Conference Player of the Year and her teammates, who have won three straight district titles. He and his squad are also not afraid to admit they have high hopes for 2012.

"This is the year for them to make a statement and potentially go all the way," Iffrig said.