Chicago Cubs Surprise PepsiCo Showdown MVP
Evanston High School's Maia Cella learns of major award during on-the-field presentation
CHICAGO, June 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a moment in time Evanston (Ill.) High School's Maia Cella will remember forever.
The Wisconsin-bound junior was surprised by the Chicago Cubs and pitcher Justin Grimm when she was called from her seat down to the Cubs dugout before the game. It was there that Cella, who is one of the top female soccer players in the U.S., was named MVP of the 13th Annual PepsiCo Showdown, which is the largest high school soccer tournament in the U.S.
Instead of a normal trophy presentation, Cella learned of the major honor when she was surprised and presented the 2016 PepsiCo Showdown MVP belt by Grimm.
"I had no idea I was winning this," Cella said. "It was such a surprise to be called down to the Cubs dugout. There are thousands of players and to be picked out of everyone is such an honor."
The Cubs are the latest professional team to take part in the PepsiCo Showdown MVP surprise. In May 2015, the Chicago White Sox and outfielder Avi Garcia surprised the PepsiCo Showdown girls winner. In October 2015, U.S. Soccer and goalie Brad Guzan surprised the PepsiCo Showdown boys winner.
The 13th Annual PepsiCo Showdown featured more than 3,000 players in April and is high school's version of the NCAA Tournament. Cella scored two goals and had six assists in four tournament games, leading Evanston to a Final Four appearance.
The entire 2016 PepsiCo Showdown All-Tournament team may be found by visiting www.pepsicoshowdown.com/girls.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160601/374606
SOURCE PepsiCo Showdown
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