Oct. 27, 2009

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - For the second week in a row a Florida State student-athlete was honored by the Atlantic Coast Conference for her outstanding contribution on the field. Ella Stephan was named the league's Co-Player of the Week sharing the weekly award with Duke's KayAnne Gummersall.

Stephan scored the decisive goal in last Thursday night's overtime win over second-ranked North Carolina and played a key role in Sunday's shut out of NC State.

The sophomore defender recorded the game-winner against North Carolina scoring on a header off a corner with just 12 seconds remaining in double overtime as the Seminoles defeated the Tar Heels, 3-2, for just the second time in school history and first since 2000. Stephan out jumped the competition on the far post and found the back of the net from short distance for her second goal of the season and first career game-winner.

Stephan was also part of the Seminole backline that held the Tar Heels without a shot in both overtime periods. On Sunday against NC State, Stephan and the Seminole defense held the Wolfpack to just three shots while not allowing a shot in the second half. The two victories put FSU in sole possession of first place in the ACC with 19 points.

The Indian Harbour, Fla., native also received National Team of the Week accolades from Soccer America, TopDrawerSoccer.com and CollegeSoccer360.com.

Stephan becomes the fourth Seminole this year to be recognized as a Player of the Week by the ACC office joining fellow teammates Tiffany McCarty (September 29 & October 20), Toni Pressley (September 22) and Jessica Price (September 8).

Stephan and the third-ranked Seminoles hit the road for the final two games