Timbers U-23s' Hobbs named a finalist for Senior CLASS award

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Timbers U-23s defender Anthony Hobbs, currently playing his senior season at Florida International University, was named one of 10 finalists for the Senior CLASS Award for NCAA Division I men’s soccer, it was announced today.

The finalists were chosen by a media committee from a group of 30 candidates, which were announced in September. The Senior CLASS Award winner, for both men’s and women’s Division I soccer, will be announced 2012 NCAA Men’s and Women’s College Cup championships in early December.

A fan vote counts for one third of the total votes to determine the winner. Voting is currently available at www.seniorclassaward.com and will run through Friday, Nov. 19 at 10 p.m. (Pacific). Votes will also be submitted by Division I coaches and national media members.

An acronym for “Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School,” the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. To be eligible, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition.

In his senior season at FIU, Hobbs, a Preseason All-Conference USA selection, has helped the Panthers to a 7-3-2 record to start the season. He has earned All-C-USA honors in each of his first three college seasons and is a three-time recipient of FIU’s Defensive MVP award. Hobbs ranks among FIU’s all-time leaders in minutes played, having surpassed 5,000 minutes in his collegiate career.

During the 2012 Premier Development League season, Hobbs helped anchor the Timbers U-23s’ backline, which led the Northwest Division in fewest goals allowed (16) during the 16-game regular season. He played in 18 games as the Timbers U-23s compiled a 10-4-2 record during the regular season and reached the Western Conference semifinals.

Entering his senior season at FIU, Hobbs has maintained a 3.77 GPA, while making the Dean’s List every semester. He is a three-time member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll and was honored as a part of the 2011 C-USA All-Academic Team. 

Additionally, Hobbs is active in the Miami, Fla., community, assisting with free soccer clinics for kids with Down syndrome, participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to help raise money for cancer research and lending his time to the annual Big Brother, Big Sister Holiday Celebration, which helps raise money to collect gifts and school supplies for kids waiting to be matched with a mentor.