MCLA's Tietgens named MASCAC Scholar Athlete of the Year

North Adams, MA- MCLA's Jess Tietgens, a four year member of the Soccer Program, was selected as the MASCAC Scholar Female Athlete of the Year following the 2010-2011 academic year.  The honor is the latest in a storied career for Tietgens, who was instrumental in the Soccer program's resurgence, culminating in a regular season championship as a senior.  Tietgens is the program's all time leading scorer.

The MASCAC scholar athlete awards are given annually to the Male and Female who excel on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.  The awards are voted on by the MASCAC Athletic Directors at their annual meeting.

Tietgens, who hails from Stamford, VT, graduated this past weekend with a degree in Business Administration along with concentrations in Sport and Event Management and Marketing.  She was a member of the Dean's List on five occasions as well as being inducted into Delta Mu Delta following the spring 2009 semester.  She was also a four year member of the MASCAC All Academic Team.  She was an active member within the community, both on the MCLA campus and in the surrounding area.

On the field, Tietgens presence was felt immediately.  The speedy forward burst onto the scene during her freshman season by tallying 15 goals en route to being named the MASCAC Rookie of the Year.  She followed that up by setting a school record, notching 25 goals as a sophomore.  During her junior season, Tietgens broke her own marks by collecting 30 goals and 64 points, breaking her own previously set records.  She led MCLA to the conference championship game as well as a berth in the ECAC Semifinals.  The program set a school record for wins in a season as well with 15.

All of the individual honors and records aside, Tietgens saved her best for last.  While her numbers were not as eye popping as a senior (18 goals, 41 points), her leadership was instrumental in MCLA capturing the regular season MASCAC championship.  It was the program's first title since 1994.  For her efforts, Tietgens was recognized by the league's coaches as the 2010 MASCAC Player of the Year.  The Trailblazers once again earned an ECAC postseason berth reaching the semifinal round.

For her career, Tietgens finished with 199 points, including 88 goals which are both program records.  She was a member of the All Conference team all four seasons in a Trailblazer uniform.  She led MCLA to a mark of 47-21-10 over the span of her four years.  She was also recognized throughout her career by the ECAC and NSCAA, earning honors her last three seasons on campus.