Strongsville's Ashley Meier Named Best Girls Soccer Player in the Nation

Best of the best. National champion. Prodigy. Phenom.

Break it down any way you like: Ashley Meier is the 2011 National Soccer Coaches Association of America girls high school player of the year.

Lady Mustangs varsity soccer coach John Felton received the news via email from NSCAA chair John Mayer yesterday afternoon, and his first reaction was that of disbelief.

"I couldn't believe it," said Felton. "We are so fortunate to have such a humble, incredible athlete that has the grades to back it up. We're just very excited for her."

As player of the year, Meier will receive a plaque, a gift from Adidas, recognition in the "Soccer Journal," "Soccer America" and a national press release. She'll also be recognized individually at the All-American banquet in Kansas City on January 14. 

The good news comes just weeks after the Lady Mustangs defeated Dublin Jerome, 1-0, in Columbus for the

That's the team's third state championship in 13 years. They've finished in the top 10 ESPN Powerade poll in the last four years and are currently ranked fifth, nationally.