A Pellissippi State Community College women’s soccer player has earned honors from the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Forward Sade Lee, who was named Player of the Year by the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association in October, was named an NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American last week.
Lee, who played high school soccer for the Oak Ridge Wildcats, accumulated 11 goals this season at Pellissippi State, four of which won the game for the Panthers, including one in the last 15 seconds against Columbia State Community College.
Lee also contributed four assists and 26 points during Pellissippi State’s inaugural season, a crucial part of the success of the college’s first women’s soccer team, said Head Coach Mariana Diaz Lopez.
“It means the absolute world for Sade to win this award,” she said. “We are extremely proud of her work ethic and the buy-in she has shown. Sade has been incredible for us, and this is just the beginning for her. Her work is a testament to what the (junior college athletic) experience offers. It gives you time to develop and to showcase yourself.”
“The countless hours of hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and I am incredibly thankful for this recognition,” Lee said, thanking the Pellissippi State Athletics staff, community and her teammates for their support and encouragement. “I can’t wait to see what exciting opportunities the future holds. This achievement marks a milestone, but it is just the beginning.”
Lee has applied to graduate from Pellissippi State in spring 2024 and is looking for a four-year institution to continue her soccer career. Coaches and programs interested in recruiting her can contact Lee at sadeleetn@gmail.com.
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