Sept. 18, 2008

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Two Mountain West Conference women's soccer players, BYU's Katie Larkin and Jessica Harmon, have been selected as candidates for the 2008 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. Thirty female senior student-athletes who have displayed both on-field and off-field excellence have been chosen. BYU is one of only five schools (Clemson, Notre Dame, Duke and USC) that boast two candidates each within the elite group of seniors.

The award, given annually to senior student-athletes across nine NCAA Division I sports, has become one of the most prestigious honors in college athletics. These individuals qualified based on their dedication and achievement in four areas: Classroom, Character, Community, and Competition. The Lowe's Senior CLASS Award is distinctive from many other honors in that on-the-field performance is only one factor in determining candidacy - a major emphasis is placed on off-the-field commitments and personal character.

BYU is 5-4 on the season, having already defeated two nationally-ranked teams in No. 18 Georgia and No. 19 Miami (Fla.). Larkin leads the Cougars in scoring with seven points (3 goals, 1 assist), while Carter anchors the BYU defense that has shut out three opponents this season.

From the list of 30 candidates, a national media committee will select 10finalists for the 2008 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in both divisions in October. Those 10 names from each division will then be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote beginning October 9 and concluding November 19. Fan balloting will be coupled with votes from coaches and media to determine the recipient of the award. Winners will be announced during the 2008 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championships in Cary, North Carolina, scheduled for December 5-7.

-mwc-