Wednesday, November 29, 2017 -- Indiana University's and former Arizona youth player Grant Lillard was named one of 15 semifinalists for the 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy, which is awarded to the top male and female college soccer players.
Lillard was a member of the '96 Scottsdale Blackhawks team winning state championships in 2009, 2010, and 2011. He also played one year for Brophy, winning the state championship in 2011. Lillard then played for Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire Academy 16U and 18U teams.
Lillard, who was also named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List last year, was unanimously named the Big Ten Defensive Players of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten this year. He started all 22 matches this season and helped Indiana lead in the nation in shutouts and four goals allowed. He has also recorded two goals and two assists.
Indiana is currently in the NCAA DI College Cup Quarterfinals and they will be playing host to Michigan State on Friday at 5:00PM.
The last Arizona player to be up for the MAC Hermann Trophy was BYU and Gilbert Arsenal forward Ashley Hatch in 2016, who was just named the 2017 NWSL Rookie of the Year