Girls soccer player of the year: Nock’s hard work pays  big dividends

Greeneview’s Anna Nock recorded 13 shutouts for the Rams this season.

Anna Nock recorded 13 shutouts this season for Greeneview High School, with a .50 goals-against average and 51 saves.

Staff photo by Barbara J. Perenic Anna Nock recorded 13 shutouts this season for Greeneview High School, with a .50 goals-against average and 51 saves.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer 12:10 AM Saturday, November 21, 2009

JAMESTOWN — Anna Nock takes pride in her work ethic.

The Greeneview High School junior goalkeeper knows if she works hard, her teammates will follow.

“I try to work hard as much as I can,” Nock said.

She proved she could lead on the field as well. Nock had 13 shutouts for the 17-2-1 Rams this fall, as well as a 0.50 goals-against average and 51 saves.

For her performance this season, Nock was named the 2009 News-Sun Girls Soccer All-Area Player of the Year.

The award is based on regular-season performance.

Nock began playing soccer as a forward for the Jamestown-based CJ United at the age of 7. She said she’s always played up with the senior class in front of her.

When the team’s goalkeeper was injured during a game, Nock was asked to play the position — and she’s never looked back.

“He just threw me in there, and I’ve been back there ever since,” Nock said.

She’s loved it every minute since that day.

“I like the intensity,” Nock said. “You have a lot of pressure, and you’re expected to excel. I like to see the whole field and help your teammates a lot and let them know what’s going on around you.”

She loves the pressure, but said when its time to react to the ball, all you can do is make a play.

“All you think about is getting the ball,” Nock said. “Everything else just kind of disappears.”

The Rams finished the year with the best record in school history. They won their sixth straight Ohio Heritage Conference title and advanced to the districts for the third time in four years.

“I was really proud of the girls,” Nock said. “They gave everything they had. We never backed down from any opponent.”

Nock said the team couldn’t have prospered without great coaching. She said head coach Dan Ludwick played a big part in their success, as well as assistant coach Shawn Brown, who serves as Nock’s goalkeeping coach.

“He trains me during practice,” Nock said. “He makes it a lot of fun. We do new stuff every day.”

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