Cape Fear women's soccer put together another strong season, finishing 17-1, and a perfect 12-0 in Region 10 conference play in 2017. Winning their second consecutive conference title, the Sea Devils made it to the District L Championship game for the second time in a row before falling to Harford Community College.

While their success is largely thanks to the efforts of the entire team, a few players stood out, and their efforts were recently honored by the NJCAA and others.

Freshman Carly Higgins was an honorable mention for the NJCAA Division I All-American Team. Higgins finished third in the country in goals scored, totaling 34 for the season. She finished second in points with 82, and first in shots on goal with 83.

"Earning NJCAA All American Honors is a huge accomplishment and I am beyond thankful for the accolade and opportunity to be able to play soccer at Cape Fear," said Higgins. "I could not have done this without my amazing team, coach, and family who supported me throughout the season. I can't wait to see what next year brings."

Head coach Ryan Deppa is proud of Higgins's performance this season, and is excited about what she can bring heading into next season.

"For Carly, it is a quality honor as a freshman to be recognized as an All American by the NJCAA," said Deppa. "The great thing about Carly is that she will embrace the target on her back going into 2018 and this will fuel her even more to push the game and the team experience even further."

Meanwhile, sophomore Janessa Annis was named to the first team of the United Soccer Coaches Junior College Scholar All-American Team, while sophomore Alaina Capps was named to the second team. Annis finished third on the team in goals with 12, and tied for first in assists with 14. Capps finished with 20 goals (second most on the team) and 9 assists. Both players started in 16 games this season.

"It's such an honor to be selected as one of the best student athletes in the Nation," said Annis. "It's a tremendous feeling of accomplishment being recognized for my hours of hard work. I hope to transcend my expectations and achievements as I transfer on."

Capps echoed her teammate's thoughts.

"It was an honor to be named a Scholar All American. The banquet in Philadelphia was great and an experience I will never forget."

Deppa is happy that both players can take these awards with them as they move on. "For the sophomores, it is a great 'extra' for them to take with them as they move forward in life. Both girls are great examples of what it is to be a student athlete."

As a whole, the Sea Devils were awarded with the Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Silver award from United Soccer Coaches.

Coach Deppa was proud of his team for their hard work and dedication this season, and for those that came before them that helped build a winning culture.

"[These are] all great accomplishments for our players and program at Cape Fear," said Deppa. "I am always proud when any of our players get recognized. I am also very proud of the players and teams currently here, but also those before us, for all working to create a culture and environment where great things like this are realistic and truly possible."

Courtesy Nick Denning