WILMINGTON, N.C. - UNC Wilmington women's soccer freshman Stephanie Rose is no ordinary face in the crowd. In fact, Rose is front and center this week as she appears in Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' section.  

"I was definitely surprised at first because I didn't believe that I was worthy of being recognized for my achievements by a publication such as Sports Illustrated," said Rose. "Now that the initial surprise has worn off, I am both excited and honored to be recognized for my achievements by the Faces in the Crowd selection committee."

Rose appears in the Aug. 24 issue of the national publication after earning MVP honors in the Clash of the Carolinas all-star game in July as she scored both goals in North Carolina's victory over South Carolina. The North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association's Player-of-the-Year, Rose scored 50 goals and added 21 in helping White Oak win its fourth straight state 3-A title.

The Seahawks open the 2009 season Aug. 26 with a 5 p.m. contest at Wake Forest.