Wofford College: Women's Soccer Adds Six to 2011-12 Roster
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Wofford College women's soccer coach, Amy Kiah, has added six student-athletes to the 2011-12 roster. The 2011 recruiting class includes five high school seniors ranging from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Bermuda. The women's soccer program is excited to welcome Kara Boggs, Shonte' Campbell, Caroline Fein, Emily Grace Kubal, Mary Kathryn MacKlen, and Chelsea Turner to the Terrier family.
Kara Boggs is a goalkeeper from New Bern, North Carolina. Boggs is a starter for the New Bern High School women's soccer team. She led her high school team to a conference championship in 2009 and a second place conference finish in 2010. During her junior year, Boggs recorded ten shutouts, 50 saves and was named New Bern High School's Most Outstanding Player. She was also selected to the All-Conference, All-Region, All-State, and Sun Journal All-Area first team in 2010. She has been selected as her high school's team captain for the upcoming 2011 spring soccer season. She played club soccer with OCSA Coastal Crew '93 and was also a member of the North Carolina ODP team. Boggs plans to major in biology.
"We are very excited to add Kara to our roster. She is a great shot stopper and has an incredible work ethic. Kara will certainly add to the competition among our goalkeepers and challenge for playing time."- Coach Kiah
Shonte Campbell is a midfielder from Pembroke, Bermuda. She currently attends The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. Campbell has been a starter for the Bermuda National team since 2004 and competed in various cup competitions during her time with the national team. While playing with The Hotchkiss School, Campbell led her team to fourth and fifth place finishes in the Founders League. She was selected to the All-State team in 2009 and the Founders League All-Star team in 2008. Also in 2009, Campbell received the Bermuda Youth and Sport Award for her achievements with Bermuda soccer. She also plays basketball and competes in track and field at The Hotchkiss School. Campbell plans to major in physical therapy or accounting.
"Shonte' is going to bring a ton of energy to our team. She has tremendous skill and playmaking ability. As an international player, Shonte' has competed at the highest level possible- we know this experience and her dedication to the game will improve our program."- Coach Kiah
Caroline Fein is a forward/midfielder from Cohasset, Massachusetts. She is a four year starter for Cohasset High School, where she led her team in goals and assists for the past two seasons, and has 39 career high school goals scored, along with 33 assists. She helped her team to the high school's first sectional championship in 2008. Fein currently plays club ball for the Stars of Massachusetts Rovers, and has previously played with the Massachusetts ODP team and the FC Greater Boston Bolts club team. In the 2011 spring season, Fein will play in the Region One League with the Massachusetts Rovers. She also plays varsity lacrosse with her high school. Fein plans to major in biology.
"Caroline is going to give us great depth up top. She is scrappy, fast, and has great goal-scoring ability. We're excited to see how Caroline can contribute at the next level."- Coach Kiah
Emily Grace Kubal is a defender from Dacula, Georgia. She is a starter for the Dacula High School soccer program and led her team to the Region 3 Premier League championship in 2010 after scoring 22 goals during the season. She was recognized as the school's MVP and was selected to the All-County team. Kubal plays club ball for the Gwinnett Soccer Association and helped her team to five state championships from 2005-10. She has also played with the Georgia ODP team for the past six years and most recently led her team to a regional championship and a finalist finish in nationals. Kubal also won the Atlanta Cup, GSA Super Cup, Raleigh CASL Shoot Out championships, and finished as a finalist in the Disney Showcase championship with the GSA club team. Kubal plans to major in English. Kubal joined the Terriers this spring after graduating a semester early from Dacula High School.
"Emily has an amazing understanding of the game and knows how to make her teammates better around her. She is not only a great 1 v1 defender, but also has the ability to be an offensive threat from the back. Emily has proven herself as captain of one of the best club teams in the country and will certainly make a positive contribution to our program."- Coach Kiah
Mary Kathryn MacKlen is a midfielder/defender from Irmo, South Carolina. She is a four year starter for Dutch Fork High School, where she led her team to the Lower State championships in 2010 and three different region championships. She was the team's MVP in 2010 and was selected to All-Region in 2008 and 2010. MacKlen played club ball for the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy for five years. She helped her team to South Carolina state championships in 2009 and 2010, and finalist finishes in 2006, 2007 and 2008. MacKlen played for the South Carolina ODP team from 2005-09. She will be a Wofford scholar and is uncertain on her major.
"MK is going to bring some grit to our back line. She's a very tough player and works extremely hard. She has great tackling ability, is great in the air, and sees angles offensively and defensively. MK will bring positive energy to our team." - Coach Kiah
Chelsea Turner is a midfielder from Lawrenceville, Georgia. She is a four year starter for Brookwood High School, where she led her team to the 5A playoffs in 2010 and the Sweet Sixteen Playoffs in 2008 and 2009. For the past three seasons Turner played club ball with the Norcross Fury '93. She helped her team to the Georgia state championship in 2010 and state semi-finalist finishes in 2008 and 2009. From 2004 to 2006 she led her team to three Georgia state championships with the GSA Phoenix club team. Turner played for the Georgia ODP team from 2005-10 and competed in the US Youth Soccer Southern Region championship in 2007 and 2010. She plans to be a pre-med major.
"Chelsea embodies the attacking midfielder role- great on the ball, likes to take people on, and her passing game is very good. She just has a knack for creating opportunities. Chelsea will definitely add a spark to our attack." - Coach Kiah
The eligibility of all student-athletes is contingent upon admission to Wofford College and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
ASU Women's Soccer Secures 13 for 2011-12 Season
BOONE, N.C.- Appalachian State University women's soccer head coach Sarah Strickland has announced the commitment of 13 student-athletes to the program for the 2011-12 season.
The student-athletes are slated to join the rest of the Mountaineers in the fall.
"We are so excited about our 2011 class," said Strickland. "They each bring something unique to the team both with their ability, as well as their personality. I am very proud to have these ladies represent the Mountaineer women's soccer team."
"We expect our 2011 class to complement our veterans and continue to build a foundation for success for Appalachian State women's soccer," added Strickland. "I sincerely appreciate the support of our administration and the entire Yosef Club in helping us put ASU back on the map."
Camille Arab · Berryhill School · Chapel Hill, N.C.
Arab joins Appalachian after playing for the Triangle United Soccer Club 92 Gold Girls. Arab was a semifinalist of the North Carolina State Cup team in 2006-10 under the direction of Cindy Parlow, who is a former USWNT player. The team was the CASL Shootout Champions in 2008 and went undefeated in the same campaign, while adding premier regular season champions to their tally in 2008 & 2009.
Audrey Boyle · Hopewell High School · Huntersville, N.C.
Boyle has been a four-year letterwinner at Hopewell for Robb Bolar, where she was tabbed all-conference during her sophomore and junior years, as well as all-region during her junior season. Boyle was awarded the distributor award during her sophomore year and named team co-captain last season. Boyle played club soccer for Lake Norman Eclipse with fellow signee Bri Wills. She has served as team captain for two seasons. Boyle also has international experience as she has competed in Germany and Denmark and placed in the top eight in the second largest youth tournament.
Courtney Craft · Wesleyan Christian Academy · Winston-Salem, N.C.
Craft joins the Mountaineers after lettering for Greg Giordano at Wesleyan Christian Academy the past four seasons. Craft was named all-region and all-conference as a freshman, sophomore and junior and all-state during her freshman and junior seasons. The defender garnered most valuable defensive player accolades during her freshman and junior years. Craft played her club soccer for North Carolina Soccer Fusion '92 Elite for Chad Lorentz, where she has served as a three-time captain of the two-time Premier Division winners and two-time North Carolina State Cup Final Four members.
Leah Drawdy · Cuthbertson High School · Waxhaw, N.C.
Drawdy is a letterwinner from Cuthbertson High School, where she played for Nelson Garner. She achieved all-conference, all-region and all-county accolades during her junior season and was the top goal scorer that same year with 37 goals, while tacking on 12 assists. Drawdy was named most valuable athlete her senior year and also served as team captain. Drawdy played club soccer for Charlotte United Futbol Club-RBL for Ian Dennis, where she helped them to being a North Carolina State Cup semifinalist in 2010, finalists in 2009 and state champions in 2008.
Morgan Fancher · The Colony High School · The Colony, Texas
Fancher notched honorable mention during her freshman and sophomore campaigns and was named first-team all-district as a junior at The Colony High School. The midfielder has also served as team captain during her senior year. She is also team captain for Sting Blue '93, her club soccer team that is coached by Ben Waldrum.
Kirstie Fleger · South Lakes High School · Reston, Va.
Fleger has been a four-year starter at South Lakes High School for Joann Murphy. She was named all-district in 2010 and is captain of the 2011 squad. Fleger played club soccer for RFC Arsenal under Kris Hazard. They were ranked in the top 10 in the state of Virginia and earned championships at the Betheda Thanksgiving tournament, Orange Classic, SC del Sol President's Day tournament, Adidas Blue Chip Showcase, WAGS Showcase and the Adidas Labor Day tournament.
Sarah Floyd · Leesville Road High School · Raleigh, N.C.
Floyd comes from Leesville Road where she is a four-year letterwinner for Paul Dinkenor. They were conference champions from 2008-10 and won the state title in 2008 and 2009. The defender played club soccer for CASL Spartan Elite for Sean Nahas and were state champions in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Callie Johnson · Riverwood International Charter School · Atlanta, Ga.
Johnson, a dual athlete from Riverwood International Charter School, has played four years of soccer for Donald Macoy. After being named rookie of the year and most valuable player, Johnson sat out her junior year due to injury. Her senior year she served as a captain. During her freshman campaign she netted 12 goals and recorded 11 assists, while adding 16 goals and seven assists during her sophomore season. Johnson played club soccer for Concorde Fire Elite for Greg Blassingame. Under Blassingame, Johnson's team has been to the state cup five times and was regional quarterfinalists in 2009. The club is currently third in Region III Premier league, where Johnson is one of the leaders in scoring and assists.
Amber Miller · Tampa Preparatory School · Tampa, Fla.
Miller is a four-year letterwinner for Cindy Schofield at Tampa Preparatory School. During her tenure, Miller has earned the outstanding defensive contributor award and second-team all-county. Miller played club soccer for George Fotopoulous where they were an elite eight finalist in 2009 and advanced to the state cup final four in 2010. They also placed runner-up in 2010 at the Disney qualifier.
Cailynn Moore · Strongsville High School · Strongsville, Ohio
Moore has been a two-year letterwinner at Strongsville High School where she has achieved academic all-conference for the past two seasons and all-city honorable mention. The goalkeeper has amassed an 18-2-1 record in goal and has 12 shutouts while only allowing 10 goals. Moore played club soccer for Pennine United for Wayne Jentas.
Taylor Russell · Kell High School · Marietta, Ga.
Russell plays for Samuel Hunt at Kell High School in Marietta, Ga. Russell played for ODP from 2006-10, while participating in ODP Nationals in 2010. They were named Region III Champions in 2010, as well. The defender was named most valuable player in 2009 & 2010. Russell played club soccer for GSA Phoenix '93 Red under Campbell Chapman and claimed Georgia State Cup titles from 2005-10.
Nicole Steyl · Kell High School · Charlotte, N.C.
Steyl comes to ASU from Kell High School, where she has played for Jeffrey Mercado the past four seasons. Steryl was tabbed all-state, all-region and all-conference as a junior, as well as earning conference player of the year and West 4A Region Player of the Year and team captain. Steryl played club soccer for the Charlotte Soccer Academy '92 Predators for Adam Dent and as team captain helped lead the Predators to being a two-time state finalist.
Bri Wills · Davidson Day School · Cornelus, N.C.
Wills was tabbed conference most valuable player and tournament most valuable player, as well as grabbing all-state distinction. Wills broke the Mecklenburg County record with her 58 goals scored. She played club soccer with the Lake Norman Eclipse with fellow signee Audrey Boyle. Wills also has international experience as she has competed in Germany and Denmark and placed in the top eight in the second largest youth tournament.
Local Stars Highlight 2011 Furman Women's Soccer Signing Class
Greenville, S.C. -- Two local high school standouts and three players who star at Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA) highlight Furman's 2011 women's soccer recruiting class, it was released on Friday by Paladin coach Andrew Burr.
Christ Church School defender Alyssa Althoff, a 2010 NSCAA High School Scholar All-American, and Mauldin High School defender Ali Simpson give the Paladins two Greenville County products in the nine-member signing class that will take the field for Furman in the fall of 2011. They are joined by fellow CESA standout and Camden High School senior India Robinson.
"This is a class of young women who will represent Furman well both on and off the field and that will build on the foundation established in previous years," said Burr. "We have an outstanding senior class returning next year that will work with this incoming freshman class to continue moving forward on the championship program we want here at Furman."
The 2011 Paladins return six starters, including the Southern Conference's leading scorers Martha Hall and Rachel Shelnutt, from a 2010 squad that posted a 9-8-3 mark and notched a 3-0 win over SEC foe Alabama.
Signee Pos. Ht. Hometown Previous School Club Team
Alyssa Althoff D 5-6 Greer, S.C. Christ Church School Carolina Elite Soccer Academy
Kristin Fennegan D 5-5 Harlingen, Texas Harlingen H.S. Challenge SC 93
Alexa Morse MF 5-6 Odessa, Fla. Hillsborough H.S. Hillsborough County United
Holly Reilly GK 5-10 Dallas, Texas Greenhill, H.S. FC Dallas Youth 93
India Robinson MF 5-6 Camden, S.C. Camden H.S. Carolina Elite Soccer Academy
Anna Shea F/M 5-1 Rome, Ga. Darlington H.S. Cobb Futball Club
Ali Simpson D 5-6 Greenville, S.C. Mauldin H.S. Carolina Elite Soccer Academy
Hannah Stanifer D/M 5-5 Woodlands, Texas The Woodlands H.S. Albion Hurricanes 93 Blue
Nnemdilim Ubezonu D/F 5-6 Tampa, Fla. Berkeley Prep Hillsborough County United
Alyssa Althoff
5-6, D
Greer, S.C.
Defender at Christ Church School... 2010 NSCAA/Adidas High School Scholar All-American selection... 2010 NSCAA/Adidas High School All-Region III pick... Three-time SCHSSCA All-State and two-time High School Sports Report All-State selection... Named 2010 1A/2A Region II Player of the Year while leading her team in goals scored... Played club soccer for Carolina Elite Soccer Academy... Seven-year CESA captain... Led her team to four SC Challenge Cup state titles... played on 2010 CESA All-Star squad against North Korea U-17 National Team.
Kristin Fennegan
5-5, D
Harlingen, Texas
Four-year starter at Harlingen High School... Elected team captain as a senior... Propelled her team to a pair of Region 4 semifinal appearances and three district titles... Named first team 31-5A All-District and first team All-Valley... A member of South Texas ODP team... Played club soccer for Challenge Soccer Club 93 ECNL Team.
Alexa Morse
5-6, MF
Odessa, Fla.
Morse played her prep soccer and served as team captain at Hillsborough High School... Earned All-Western Conference National Division honors and All-Hillsbourough County honorable mention after leading her team with 17 goals last season... Played club soccer for Hillsborough County FC and served as team captain... A member of the Florida ODP squad... Spent two years with Tampa Bay Hellenic W-League team.
Holly Reilly
5-10, GK
Dallas, Texas
Prep standout at Greenhill High School where she led her team to a combined 66-9-5 record over four years... Helped Greenhill to 2009 SPC state title with a 21-1-1 record and earned No. 36 ranking in ESPN RISE's FAB 50... SPC All-Zone player and team captain... Also served as team captain for club side FC Dallas Youth 93 Premier... Guided FC Dallas to three straight state cup semifinal appearances and 2008 regional semifinals... Participated with FC Dallas in Region III Premier League West and Elite Clubs National League.
India Robinson
5-6, MF
Camden, S.C.
Projected graduate of Camden High School... Played club soccer for Carolina Elite Soccer Academy... Guided CESA to six South Carolina state titles, Region III Premier League runner-up finishes in 2008 and 2009 and 2007 Disney Showcase title... Named to ECNL All-Star Final Four Showcase Team... Member of South Carolina State ODP team.
Anna Shea
5-1, MF/F
Rome, Ga.
Prepped at Darlington High School... Led her team to back-to-back region championships as a sophomore and junior... Scored 84 goals and added 44 assists in first three seasons at Darlington... Three-year starter at Cobb Futbol Club... Tallied three goals and eight assists as a junior before scoring five goals and adding four assists in five matches before season was cut short by injury... Member of the state and USYSA Region III ODP squad... Helped her team to Region III title as a junior... Also lettered in basketball and cross country... Helped Darlington cross country team to region championships as a junior and senior and a state title as a senior.
Ali Simpson
5-6, D
Greenville, S.C.
Starred at Mauldin High School where she guided the Mavericks to the 2009 4A state title scoring the winning goal in the finals... Led Mauldin to a 4A Upper State championship in 2010... Earned all-region and all-state honors in 2010 while being named Mavericks' offensive MVP... Played club soccer for Carolina Elite Soccer Academy. Helped CESA to 2009 and 2010 South Carolina State championship.
Hannah Stanifer
5-5, D/MF
The Woodlands, Texas
Two-year captain for The Woodlands High School helping her team to No. 1 ranking in ESPN RISE FAB 50 in 2009 and 2010... Led The Woodlands to 2010 Texas 5A state title while earning All-State Tournament Team honors... Captured 2009 and 2010 Region 2 titles and 2009 5A state runner-uo finish... Two-time all-district pick... Member of Texas ODP team... Six-year captain of Albion Hurricanes 93 Blue club team.
Nnemdilim Ubezonu
5-6, D/F
Tampa, Fla.
Attends Berkeley Prep in Tampa, Fla.... Played club soccer for Hillsborough County United... Led Hillsborough to 2010 ACDC Tournament title and Florida State Cup final four... Advanced to 2011 Disney Showcase finals... Named team captain.
Davidson W. Soccer Welcomes Ten to Class of 2015
DAVIDSON, N.C. - Head coach Greg Ashton has announced that 10 scholar-athletes will join the Davidson program in August 2011 to kickoff their first collegiate soccer season as members of the Davidson women's soccer team.
The 10 young women were part of Davidson's early decision admissions process and are Ashton's seventh recruiting class since taking the helm in 2004.
The Wildcats will welcome to the class of 2015: Carly Brahim(Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.), Annie Cleaver (Pittsboro, N.C.),Alexandra Clark (Hendersonville, N.C.), Becca Fisher(Fredericksburg, Va.), Rachel Locke (Carlsbad, Calif.), Lucia Stein-Montalvo (Raleigh, N.C.), Stephanie Piperno(Harwinton, Conn.), Becca Rinkevich (Tampa, Fla.), Julia Singley (Morganton, N.C.), and Rachel Stetler (The Woodlands, Texas).
"I am delighted to have this wonderful group of student athletes join our women's soccer program in the fall of 2011," said Ashton, who will be entering his eighth season and has gone 79-50-15 at Davidson. "These 10 young women come from six different states but all come from strong club soccer backgrounds. The biggest similarity among these girls is that they all wanted to be at wonderful academic environment like Davidson College. They are not afraid of the challenges that lay ahead of them; they are ready and willing to excel on and off the pitch.
"Each of them brings special talents that I believe can help bring our program further success in the Southern Conference. They will face some extremely tough non-conference opponents before embarking on the always challenging SoCon schedule."
"I also want to thank Erin Lycan, my assistant and recruiting coordinator, for all the hard work that went into the identification and evaluation of this group. We can't wait for August to get here and have them join us for our preseason preparations."
Announcing the incoming class of 2015:
Stephanie Piperno
Position: Midfielder / Forward
Hometown: Harwinton, Conn.
Club Team: CFC
High School: Westminster
Coach Ashton: Stephanie will add a new dimension to our attack. She has tremendous vision and the ability to unlock a defense with penetrating passes and runs with or without the ball. Steph has played at the highest level with her CFC team and has been a member of the Region I ODP program for many years. I excited with how she will help make our team better in the coming years.
Rachel Stetler
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas
Club Team: Challenge SC
High School: The John Cooper School
Coach Ashton: Rachel can play anywhere across the backline which gives her the opportunity to compete for a number of positions. She has a strong club pedigree coming from the Challenge Soccer Club in Houston where she has regularly been exposed to both regional and national competition.
Rachel Locke
Position: Goalkeeper
Hometown: Carlsbad, Calif.
Club Team: San Diego Surf
High School: La Jolla Country Day
Coach Ashton: Rachel is a smart, athletic goalkeeper with tremendous potential. She has a great frame and quick reactions, and has the ability to make game-changing saves. She has a strong work ethic and steady presence, and we look for her to not only thrive in our competitive goalkeeping training environment but to compete for game time as well.
Becca Fisher
Position: Midfielder / Forward
Hometown: Fredericksburg, Va.
Club Team: FASA Elite
High School: James Monroe
Coach Ashton: Becca possesses a wonderful positive energy with every activity she enters into. She leads by example and has a tremendous work ethic that will help make those around her better. She is an athletic, versatile player who can score goals upfront and in the midfield. She is also capable of creating opportunities for her team mates with her unselfish play.
Julia Singley
Position: Forward
Hometown: Morganton, N.C.
Club Team: NC Fusion
High School: Patton
Coach Ashton: Julia has a wonderful attitude towards the game. She has a great work ethic and has a shown a passion and desire to be at Davidson and make a difference. She will add to our attacking options upfront and in wide positions.
Alexandra Clark
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Hendersonville, N.C.
Club Team: HFC
High School: Hendersonville
Coach Ashton: Alexandra clearly demonstrated that Davidson is where she wanted to be. She is capable of playing anywhere in the midfield and has improved in all areas of her play in the last couple of years. She will compete for playing time with the other midfielders in the various formations that we play.
Lucia Stein - Montalvo
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Club Team: CASL Spartan Elite
High School: Broughton
Coach Ashton: Lucia comes from an extremely strong club and high school background at CASL and Broughton. She has the ability and versatility to play in the back and in the midfield. Lucia has demonstrated strong leadership skills which we can help further develop in the coming years.
Carly Brahim
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.
Club Team: Beach FC
High School: Palos Verdes
Coach Ashton: Carly is a play making central midfielder that distributes well in the attacking third as well as being a ball winner in the air and on the ground. She has a tireless work rate and will certainly add a different look to our midfield combinations.
Becca Rinkevich
Position: Defender
Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
Club Team: Clearwater Charges
High School: Plant
Coach Ashton: Becca is a sharp, savvy center back who knows how to both read and organize the game well. She understands how to keep the attack in front of her and makes great decisions about when to tackle. Her size and strength will also complement the defensive depth of our backline.
Annie Cleaver
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Hometown: Pittsboro, N.C.
Club Team: Triangle United
High School: Pittsboro
Coach Ashton: Annie is a hard-working back with a no-excuses work ethic. She's a team player and a real student of the game, and she has gained top level experience playing on former U.S. National team member Cindy Parlow's Triangle United team.
Elon Women's Soccer Inks Six for 2011 Season
ELON, N.C. - Elon head women's soccer coach Chris Neal has announced that six student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to join the Phoenix next season. The commitments include midfielder Krista Hagler (Greenville, S.C./Riverside), defender/midfielder Kimberly Gardner (Cary, N.C./Panther Creek), midfielder/forward Raychel Diver (Ronkonkoma, N.Y./Connetquot), goalkeeper Kate Murphy (Sterling, Va./Potomac Falls), defender/midfielder Bethany Houpt (Exton, Pa./Downingtown East) and midfielder Marissa Russo (Belmont, Mass./Belmont).
"We are very excited to add these six student-athletes to our roster," Neal said. "They are intelligent, hard-working, and mature. I feel they are excellent compliments to our returners and that they will compete for playing time in a number of positions."
Hagler, a 5-4 midfielder, was a two-time all-state selection at Riverside and earned all-region accolades in 2008, 2009 and 2010. In 2008, Hagler was named the Bearcat Invitational MVP and earned all-tournament honors. A year later, she was one of only two sophomores to earn all-state accolades. Hagler also helped Riverside to a pair state titles in 2009 and 2010 and three regional championships. A member of Carolina Elite Soccer Academy '92 Premier, Hagler helped her club team to four South Carolina Challenge titles. Hagler is also a member of the National Honor Society and the National Beta Club.
Gardner, a 5-6 defender/midfielder, helped Panther Creek to the state playoffs from 2007-10. A nominee for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award, Gardner was a two-time team MVP in 2009 and 2010 and was an all-conference selection all four years. Gardner earned all-region accolades in 2010 and was Panther Creek's co-captain as a senior. A member of the '92 TFC Navy club team, Gardner was the squad's co-captain from 2008-11. Gardner was also a varsity letterwinner in basketball, where she was named team MVP in 2007.
Murphy, a 5-9 goalkeeper, was a four-year letterwinner and starter at Potomac Falls, earning first-team all-district honors in 2010 after helping her team to the district semifinals. Murphy played for the Loudoun 91Red club team that earned a No. 22 national ranking. Murphy's club squad won titles at the Jefferson Cup, PWS Invitational, WAGS Tournament and the Bethesda Thanksgiving Tournament. A member of National Honors Society, Murphy was named an Elon Presidential Scholar.
Diver, a 5-3 midfielder/forward, was a four-year varsity letterwinner and starter at Connetquot where she earned all-league honors three times, all-county honors twice and all-state accolades once. Diver is also a member of the HBC Intense club team that plays in the Region I Premier league. Diver was also a standout basketball player at Connetquot, earning team MVP honors three times, all-league honors three times and all-county accolades twice.
Houpt, a 5-8 defender/midfielder, helped Downingtown to a league title in 2010 as the team captain, earning first-team all-league honors. Houpt also helped Downingtown to the district title in 2009 and the state quarterfinals the same season. A member of the Penn Fusion '92 Gaels club team, Houpt helped her squad to the USYS Region I finals and the EPYSA State Cup title three times. Houpt was also a standout on the Downingtown track and field team. Houpt volunteers with Special Olympics and YMCA summer camps and received the 2008 President's Volunteer Service Award. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and high honor roll.
Russo, a 5-3 midfielder, was a two-year captain and four-year letterwinner at Belmont and helped her team to a pair of league titles as a senior and sophomore. In 2010, Russo helped Belmont to the Eastern Massachusetts semifinals as well, earning all-league honors. Russo also picked up all-league accolades as a junior at Belmont. Russo was a member of the EC Scorpions club team that won the Jefferson Cup and Scorpions Cup in 2009.
All six players are eligible to compete at Elon this upcoming fall.
SAMFORD SOCCER ADDS SIX PLAYERS IN HIGHLY-TOUTED RECRUITING CLASS
--- The Bulldogs' 2011 class features athletes from Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Tennessee and Virginia ---
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Samford University soccer coach Todd Yelton officially announced the signing of six players to national letters-of-intent Thursday as the Bulldogs continued their string of stellar recruiting classes on both a regional and national level.
Samford's highly-touted 2011 recruiting class consists of Amanda Abbott, Allison Bond, Katie Danehy, Joy Grove, Lindsey Hansen and Maggi Panagiotis. All six of the talented prep stars have signed to play for the Bulldogs next season.
"I'm extremely excited about this group of players and I'm looking forward to working with them for the next four years," said Samford head coach Todd Yelton. "They are not only quality players but a great group of kids. I believe that several of these players have the potential to make an immediate impact on our team next season."
Amanda Abbott joins the Bulldogs as a native of Marietta, Ga., where she was a league-leading goal-scorer at Lassiter High School. During her first two seasons at LHS, Abbott compiled 30 goals and finished each year as the team's second leading scorer. While competing for the NASA 11 Elite, she led the team in scoring and piloted her squad to the championship title of the 2009 Georgia State Cup.
Abbott was a varsity starter as a freshman and helped lead her team to a 12-4-1 record. She also helped guide her high school to the second round of the Georgia State playoffs. A three-sport athlete at LHS, Abbott also lettered in both diving and gymnastics.
"Amanda is a tremendous competitor who has an eye for the goal," Yelton said. "Her athleticism and will to get to goal will be something that fans here at Samford will enjoy watching. She is a player who constantly will put opposing defenses under pressure with her relentless work rate. I have seen her score some tremendous goals and we look for her to continue that here at Samford."
Allison Bond comes to Samford from Atlanta, Ga., where she was a four-year varsity starter at The Lovell School. In 2008, she helped lead her squad to the Georgia High School Association's AA/A State championship title in both 2008 and 2009. Bond was a member of the Captain's Committee in 2010 and also earned the prestigious Captain's Award.
A team captain as a senior, Bond was also her class's vice president and a member of the National Honor Society. She received the Agnes Scott College Book Award in 2010 and was her yearbook's editor-in-chief.
Bond and Abbott were teammates with the Cobb Futbol Club for a season and Bond also competed with the Tophat 11 Gold and the Tophat 10 Gold for a pair of years under the tutelage of head coach Kerry Gregg. She was also a member of the Georgia 92 Olympic Developmental Program.
"Allison is very good on the ball," said Yelton. "She is a very skillful player who will look to combine with other players on the field. She has the ability to deliver quality service in behind the backline for our attacking players. Her smoothness on the ball and composure will be a great asset in the midfield."
Katie Danehy is a 5-foot-10 defender from Memphis, Tenn., who starred at Saint Mary's Episcopal High School. She was a four-time member of the all-state team and was invited to the ODP Region Camp in 2007-09. In 2010, Danehy was one of only three high school students to play against the U17 Korean national team.
While competing for the Birmingham United Club Team, Danehy was named a team captain and helped lead her squad to a pair of Alabama State championships in 2009 and 2010. At Saint Mary's Episcopal High School, she was named a Best of Preps in 2007 and 2008, and was a three-time member of the all-region team.
Danehy was a four-year soccer letterwinner at Saint Mary's and was also a state champion on the track team. She earned the state championship in the 800-meter event with a time of 2:17.63.
Academically, Danehy was a member of the National Beta Club, the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and was the Pep Club President.
"Simply put, Katie is a winner," Yelton said. "We love Katie's mentality and determination to be the best she can be. She is very comfortable on the ball and has a great presence on the field. Katie has the ability to put opposing teams under pressure with her range of passing from the back line. She is a natural leader who always leads by example.
"With Katie's work ethic and determination, we believe her best soccer is in front of her. She will be a great addition to our backline and we look for her to make an immediate impression on our team."
Joy Grove is a native of Midlothian, Va., where she was the team captain of the 2010 state finalist Cosby High School. She was a four-year letterwinner at CHS and a member of the Virginia State soccer team that won the bronze medal at the 2008 national states championship.
Groves also played soccer at the regional level in the ODP and her club team, the Richmond Strikers, earned the 2009 U16 Virginia State championship.
In 2010, Groves was named to the All-Metro Team of the Richmond Times Dispatch. As a junior, she tallied 10 goals and added 18 assists and earned all-region honors. Groves also led CHS to the regional title and to the final round of the state championships.
"Joy is a very gifted technical player who has a great understanding of the game," said Yelton. "Her vision and ability to bring players into the game will be a great asset within our squad. In addition to her passing range, she also has the ability to score goals.
"Joy has all of the tools to make an already strong midfielder even stronger. She is a player with a bit of everything nice touch, good finisher and loves the game. She has competed at a very high level with the regional team and we look for her to do great things here at Samford."
Lindsey Hansen comes to Samford from Zionsville, Ind., where she was a two-sport athlete at Zionsville Community High School. Hansen was an all-conference performer in both soccer and tennis, and was the 2010 recipient of the prestigious National Soccer Coaches Association of America Senior Excellence Award.
A natural leader, Hansen earned all-state honors in soccer in 2008, 2009 and 2010, while she was named her high school's Offensive Player of the Year in 2009. She was also a member of the ODP squad from 2006-09 and earned the 2010 Leadership Award.
"Lindsey is a strong physical player who possesses great athleticism," Yelton said. "She has a very competitive spirit and is committed to do whatever it takes to win. Lindsey became a defender late in her club career and will continue to improve at that position. The amount of improvement from her junior year to her senior year has been tremendous.
"Lindsey can play anywhere along the backline which will give her a great opportunity to make an impact as a freshman. Lindsey is another great player from Carmel in the mold of Amber Cress, Natalie Fleming, Cassie Applegate, and our two current players Sabbath McKiernan-Allen and Taylor Cornwell."
Maggi Panagiotis comes to Samford from Carencro, La., where she competed on the men's soccer team for three seasons at Westminster Christian High School. A three-sport athlete, Panagiotis played on the men's squad because WCHS does not have a women's program. She also lettered in track and field and cross country.
Panagiotis began playing organized soccer at the age of four and competed for the CSC Rage Premier/Elite Soccer Club for seven seasons. She started at defender for five seasons and as an outside midfielder for two years. Panagiotis was a four-time Louisiana State finalist and a Region III participant in 2010. She was also invited to try out for the Louisiana ODP team.
Academically, Panagiotis was a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Louisiana Girls State American Citizenship/Government Progam, the district winner of the VFW Voice of Democracy Competition and the 2010-11 Senior Class President.
"Maggi possess great athleticism," said Yelton. "She is a tough-tackling right back who will always be difficult for attackers to deal with. She has a great spirit about her. Her natural athletic ability along with her tremendous work rate will see her do well here at Samford."
The Samford University soccer team concluded its 2010 campaign with a 13-6-3 overall record and an 8-2-1 mark in Southern Conference play. The Bulldogs tallied a 7-2-2 record at home and advanced to the championship match of the 2010 SoCon Tournament.
"With the addition of these six talented players, I believe we have added size, speed and a tremendously competitive group to our roster," Yelton said. "I am certain that this group of players will immediately make us a better team in 2011."
2011 Samford Soccer Recruiting Class
Player, Ht., Pos., Hometown, High School, Club Team
Amanda Abbott, 5-6, F, Marietta, Ga., Lassiter HS, Cobb FC
Allison Bond, 5-4, MF, Atlanta, Ga., The Lovett School, Cobb FC
Katie Danehy, 5-10, D, Memphis, Tenn., Saint Mary's Episcopal HS, Birmingham United
Joy Grove, 5-4, MF, Midlothian, Va., Cosby HS, Richmond Strikers
Lindsey Hansen, 5-6, D, Zionsville, Ind., Zionsville Community HS, Carmel United Soccer Club
Maggi Panagiotis, 5-6, D/MF, Carencro, La., Westminster Christian HS, Cajun Soccer Club
The Citadel Soccer Adds Three to 2011 Roster
Charleston, S.C. - Head Soccer Coach Bob Winch announced Thursday the addition of three student-athletes to The Citadel 2011 roster after signing national letters of intent.
Nicholle Griffith/Center/Midfielder/5-6: A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Griffith currently attends Paxon School for Advance Studies where she will graduate from in June 2011. She earned four letters in soccer and finished her high school career with 26 goals and 58 assists. As a senior, Griffith served as a team captain and was selected to compete in the All Star Game. While a member of the soccer team, Griffith and Paxon were the Gateway Conference Champions in 2008, 2010 and 2011. Griffith also lettered in cross country (4), flag football (3) and track (1) and was a member of the JYSC Fury and Gainesville LEG-A-Z club soccer teams. She earned the Coaches Award in track in 2009 and the MVP award for cross country in 2010. Griffith will enroll at The Citadel in the fall of 2011 and plans to major in criminal justice.
Anastasia Mesa/Defender/Midfielder/5-0: Mesa joins The Citadel from Cooper City, Fla. where she will graduate from Cooper City High School in June 2011. Mesa lettered in basketball during her freshman and sophomore years, while during her junior and senior years she lettered in soccer. As a member of the track and field squad as a hurdler, she lettered all four years. Mesa was a part of the Sunrise Soccer Club, which was ranked seventh in the state of Florida and was crowned for the best defensive record for three consecutive years. Mesa chose The Citadel over Mercer University and Delta State University and plans to major in criminal justice in the fall.
Melanie Meyer/Forward/Midfielder/5-5: Meyer hails from Weston, Fla. and in May 2011 she will graduate from American Heritage Plantation High School. Meyer earned four letters in soccer and three in track and field. While on the soccer field, Meyer was tabbed to the All-County Second Team during her junior year as she tallied a career-best 21 goals and 12 assists. In her senior year she serves as a team captain and has 17 goals and 10 assists. While a member of American Heritage Plantation, they were crowned the FHSAA Division 3A State Champions for consecutive seasons from 2008-10. As a track athlete, Meyer competed in the 100m, 200m and the 400m. Her personal-best times in the 100m was 12.7, while in the 200m she ran a time of 27.1 and logged a 55.4 in the 400m. Meyer was a part of the travel squad Team Boca which earned a national ranking of No. 4, while being ranked No. 1 in the state and the region. She has also been a member of the Florida Youth Soccer Association and the United Soccer League Olympic Development Program. Meyer chose The Citadel over Dartmouth College, Brown University, University of Montana, University of West Virginia, Wesleyan, Florida State University, University of Florida and Northeastern University.
"We are looking forward to having Melanie, Anastasia and Nicholle join The Citadel and our soccer program," said Winch. "We feel they will be tremendous assets to The Citadel and help our program a great deal."