Rejiba, Moriah's Gaddor named All-Americans

SARANAC LAKE | North Country Community College never had a women's soccer player selected as an All-American. This year it has two. Ella Rejiba, a first-year midfielder from Halifax, England, has been named a first team All-American after a standout season that saw her lead NJCAA Region III in scoring (18 goals, 12 assists) and earn Region III Player of the Year honors. Saints goalkeeper Hannah Gaddor, a first-year student-athlete from Moriah, has been selected as a second team All-American. Gaddor recorded an 0.883 save percentage, a 1.00 goals-against average and posted seven shutouts this fall. "We are so excited for both of them," said Saints head coach Kent Egglefield. "The minute I saw (the announcement), I was in tears. I'm just so happy for these two. And it shows how far our program has come to not only have the Player of the Year but to have two All-Americans in one year. "That just speaks to how good these two are and what they have brought to our program." Rejiba, who is in the college's criminal justice program, said she was honored and excited to receive this recognition. "It means a lot to me," she said. "I didn't expect any of it. I just played every game as well as I could, and having this kind of outcome is just amazing. It's overwhelming. It made me reflect on how the whole season has gone and makes me look forward to next year." Gaddor, who is studying health sciences, played soccer in high school but came to North Country to play basketball. "I'm obviously glad I played (soccer)," Gaddor said before adding, "and now, I like soccer more than basketball." Gaddor said being named an All-American wouldn't have been possible without the support of her teammates and coaches. "When Kent told me (about the selection) at first, I didn't really know what to say. I didn't realize how big a deal it was until he explained it to me. Then I was just like, 'Wow.' To me, it's more about what we did as a team. "Both Ella and I wouldn't be where we are without everyone else on the team." The All-American selections, announced last week, cap off an outstanding season that saw the Saints (8-4-2) reach the Region III championship game. In his 15 years of leading the program, Egglefield said this was the best team he's ever had in terms of chemistry and cohesiveness. "They all care about each other – from top to bottom they were just unbelievable," he said. "And I couldn't think of two better players on my roster to have gotten this award for the first time. These are two of the most humble, unassuming players I've ever had. They play for their teammates. It's amazing to watch." The best part about it all, Egglefield added, is both Rejiba and Gaddor are only freshmen. "I get to have them next year," he said.

Signup for our newsletter

Rejiba, Moriah's Gaddor named All-Americans

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS