Elite Soccer- Vickie Rich Named All-American

Vicki Rich Named Third Team All-American

Arlington Heights native Vickie Rich named All-American

Former Aces Academy Player Vickie Rich has been named to the 2009 Daktronics Division II All American Team at Lees McRae College in North Carolina. The sophomore forward, led the team with 15 goals and 7 assists for 37 total points. Rich was the first player from Lees McRae to earn All American honors. Vickie also earned First Team All-Southwest Region Daktronics and Thrid Team All-Southeast Region from the NSCAA.

“I was shocked and excited when I heard I was name to the All American Team.“ Vickie was nominated by the coaches in the Carolina Conference to receive this award.

“I am honored to receive such a prestigious award and it truly makes me feel that all my hard work has paid off. There were days where I was tired, days where I did not feel like working out, but I pushed myself through those challenges and have now been reward” Vickie Rich.

Vickie says she understands soccer is a team sport and she owes a great deal of her success to her teammates and Lees McRae coach, Renee Lopez.

Vickie’s former Aces Academy Coach Stein Garcia said, “I am so proud of Vickie! She deserves all the great things that are coming to her. When Vickie first told me she wanted to play soccer in college I told her I would do everything possible to help get her there. But at the end of the day it’s going to take a lot of hard work and you must take full responsibility and follow through.” Vickie put her head down, gave it her all and made it happen.

“Soccer has given me so much and it has been a great ride so far” Vickie says.

Vickie started playing soccer when she was 6 years old in the AHPD house league and the eventually in the Aces Travel Program. In her 2008 senior year, after an outstanding season in the Aces Academy and at Buffalo Grove High School, she landed an athletic and academic scholarship to Lees McRae College.
Although Vickie has set the bar high for herself, she is already thinking about next season at Lees McRae and is excited to take on her new challenges.

Vickie has one message to all younger Aces players who dream of playing in college: “Keep pushing yourself and work hard. If you want reach your potential it takes commitment and dedication.”