A star player on the Georgia women’s soccer team is facing University probation instead of a year-long suspension despite being charged with underage possession twice since January by University police.

Kelli Marie Corless, a sophomore defender from Acworth, was charged with underage possession and possession of a fake ID on July 19. In January she was charged with underage possession, providing false information and possession of a fake ID.

Under the University alcohol policy, Corless would have been suspended from the University for the fall and spring semesters – and for the entire soccer season – if found in violation a second time.

But Kim Ellis, associate dean of student affairs, said the University chose not to agree with the charges brought by a University police officer in January.

“In our investigation, there was not enough information to conclude [underage possession],” she said.

But the charges of underage possession, possession of a fake ID and giving false information were still brought before Athens-Clarke County Magistrate Court. On March 18, Corless agreed to a pretrial intervention program in state court, according to court records. A month earlier, she was given only a reprimand by the Office of Judicial Programs for giving false information.

She was the SEC Freshman of the Year and the only freshman to receive All-SEC honors, earning SEC All-Freshman Team and Second Team All-SEC awards. She was also named to the Freshman All-American Team by SoccerAmerica, the first Bulldog to garner the title.

Corless and women’s soccer head coach Patrick Baker were not available for comment Wednesday.

- Staff reports