CHARLESTON, S.C. ? The College of Charleston women’s soccer program had 11 high school seniors sign their National Letters of Intent to play soccer at the school on Wednesday.

“This was a great day for the program, as we’ve completed signing an outstanding group of young ladies,” said head coach Kevin Dempsey. “This is just a talented group from top to bottom who will represent the College of Charleston both on the field and off extremely well,”

“They are all winners and I can’t wait for them to arrive on campus in August.”

The 11 commitments come from all corners of the United States. Along with signing three of the top recruits in the state of South Carolina, the Cougars received N.L.I's from players from Ohio, Texas, North Carolina, Alabama and Pennsylvania.

“We certainly didn’t set out to have a class of 11 players, as we thought maybe six or seven player would have been enough,” said Dempsey. “But, after we received a fifth commitment, we thought, wow, we may be able to get all of the kids left on our list and sure enough we did. We just couldn’t turn away the players of that caliber.”

All 11 players will be playing for a program that made strides during the 2008 season after winning 12 games and starting the year off 7-0. The Cougars also had five players selected to the All-Southern Conference squad.

Dempsey promises that the new list of signees could have an impact immediately during the 2009 season.

“This group is amazing because they are all unique in what they bring to the team,” Dempsey said. “Some of its athleticism, some are great with the ball, some both. There not used to sitting on an aluminum bench and will compete immediately for playing time,”

“The competition and level of play will be fantastic this fall.”