Two Blue Devils Named to NEC Women's Soccer Mount Rushmore

The NEC is celebrating its 40th anniversary since becoming a conference in 1981. To honor its historic members, the NEC is launching a Mount Rushmore feature for each sport, both men's and women's. 
As the Conference pays tribute to its heritage, the yearlong celebration includes the seasonal announcements of its Mount Rushmore award winners. Each Mount Rushmore will honor four student-athletes from a sport on one hypothetical mountain. These student-athletes were selected by a conference panel based on their individual accomplishments both on the conference and national levels while they participated in NEC sports. 

Central Connecticut's Kelly Shimmin and Jennifer Cafferky were selected to the women's soccer Mount Rushmore on Monday. Both players had illustrious careers with the Blue Devils and were recognized for their achievements. 

Kelly Shimmin played with the Blue Devils from 2001-2004. In her sophomore and junior seasons, she took the title as NEC Player of the Year (2002-03). She was also able to make First Team All-NEC her final three years (2002-04). Shimmin was an integral part of a three-peat for the Blue Devils, when they won the NEC Championship in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Head coach Mick D'Arcy regarded Shimmin as "an incredible player. She had a wonderful first touch and could control the ball in the tightest areas. She was so competitive, absolutely driven to win while always playing the game with a smile." Shimmin is second in career points (108), goals (40), and assists (28) with Central Connecticut. 

Jennifer Cafferky was a Blue Devil from 2014-2017. Out of the gate she made a huge impact, winning the 2014 NEC Rookie of the Year. The following years had no setbacks. Cafferky became the only four-time NEC Defensive Player of the Year in league history. She also made the NEC First-Team all four years of her career. Coach D'Arcy recognized Cafferky as "the ultimate defender. Physically she was dominant and could match up with any forward for strength or speed." He also mentioned her "uncanny knack for sensing and eliminating danger before it could happen. Her mere presence in the back line gave the team confidence."