GNAC Women's Soccer

2010 Soccer Recruits

Montana State Billings

Yellowjackets Sign Seven For 2010 Team (2/5/10)

Seven soccer players have signed to play for Montana State Billings this fall. Among the seven are Sabrina Grandke-Bawab, Heidi Greenback, Agen Heffernan, Jaclyn Hill, Danica Johnson, Aspen, Riley and Whitney Siler.

“I am excited about the seven new additions to the Yellowjacket soccer family,” MSUB coach Don Trentham said. “There is a little bit of everything with this class and I look forward to watching what they will accomplish over the next four years in our program.”

Grandke-Bawab, is a 5-7 goalkeeper from Kirkland, Wash., where she prepped at Juanita High School.Grandke-Bawab lettered in soccer for three years and track & field for two and was named to the King County 3A first team in 2009.

She helped lead her team to the King County Tournament championship in 2009 and her team was the King County Team of the Year. “Sabrina is a talented and gifted goalkeeper,” Trentham said. “She is a solid athlete and has a commanding presence in the box."

Greenback prepped at Woodinville High School in Woodinville, Wash. The 5-8 forward/center midfielder lettered for three years in soccer and earned numerous awards. She earned first team All-King County honors in 2009 and honorable mention honors in 2007. She was a second team selection in 2008.

As a senior, she scored three goals and four assists and helped her team to a third place finish at state in 2007 and a second place finish in 2008.

“I see Heidi as a versatile player, which will give me the option of using her in several different positions during her career,” Trentham said. “She could play as a target up top and be dangerous around the box or be a holding midfielder and lock down our midfield defensively.”

The third recruit from Washington for Trentham hails from Shoreline, where she attended Shorecrest High School. Heffernan is a 5-0 defender who lettered all four years in soccer and three in track. She earned WESCO South honorable mention honors in 2008 and 2009, and was named the Hardest Worker in 2008 and 2009. She also was a team captain in 2009.

In her high school career, Heffernan scored 14 goals with 16 assists and helped lead her team to the state district finals in 2006 and a fourth place at state in 2009.

“Agen is the player every coach loves to work with,” Trentham said. “She consistently works hard, whether in training or a game, is determined to succeed and has a great passion for the game."

Hill, a Boise, Idaho, native, prepped at Borah High School where lettered three years in soccer and one in track. She was named to the 5A SIC All-Star Team in 2009 and was named Most Dependable Player her senior year. In addition, as a senior she was a team captain.

As a senior, Hill scored six goals with five assists in helping her team to the district playoffs all three years. “Jackie does a great job of always being involved in every play on the field,” Trentham said. “She will put in a tackle in the center of the park, set up a pass for a goal, and despite her size she finds a way to win a lot of headers."

Bozeman, native, Johnson attended Bozeman High School where she lettered for two years in soccer and helped lead her team to the state championship in 2008 and a runner-up finish in 2009.

“Danica will bring a lot to our midfield next fall,” Trentham said. “She is a very technical player, has great vision when on the ball and can be dangerous on set pieces."

The second goalkeeper recruit, Riley, hails from Olympia, Wash., where she attended Olympia High School. “Aspen is an outstanding goalkeeper, and in my opinion still has a lot of upside to her game,” Trentham said. “At 5-10, she brings good height to the position which allows her to make a lot of saves others can't. "

Whitney Siler, a 5-9 central defender/defensive midfielder, hails from Monroe, Wash. She lettered in soccer for three years and was a first team all-WESCO Conference selection, in addition to being named to the second team all-area.

As a senior, Siler scored two goals with four assists helping her team to the quarterfinals of state. “Whitney is a true competitor in every sense of the word,” Trentham added. “She is a solid defender who reads the game well and is not afraid to put in a good strong tackle. In addition, she is good in the air and also a threat on set pieces.”

Northwest Nazarene

Crusaders Sign Nine To National Letters (2/5/10)

Nine high school seniors have signed National Letters-of-Intent to attend Northwest Nazarene University and play soccer for the Crusaders this fall.

Leading out the 2010 class is a trio of local athletes from the Treasure Valley. Jenny Field comes to NNU from Nampa, Idaho, where she is currently a senior at Skyview High School.

A four-year varsity standout, Jenny has helped lead her team to the 4A Idaho State Soccer Tournament Final Four in each of her four years, finishing as state runner up in both 2008 and 2009. In her final two years at Skyview Jenny tallied a total of 46 goals and 27 assists, serving as a captain both years.

Her senior season she earned first team all-conference honors and was named the Most Valuable Player of the Skyview High School team. In addition to her high school pursuits, Jenny currently plays club soccer for the Boise Capitals Soccer Club U18 Premier team, having also played for the Boise Nationals Soccer Club and Kaos FC over the past 4 years.

Bringing more local talent to the class is Rachel Hendershott, a senior attending Meridian Medical Arts Charter High School and playing her high school soccer for Meridian High School.

Playing as a midfielder and a forward her junior year, Rachel led her team in assists and was third in goals scored for her team. As a senior this past season she took on a key defensive role as a captain and was named the Defensive Player-of-the-Year for Meridian High School.

Rachel's club soccer experience also includes the Boise Nationals Soccer Club and her current team the Boise Capitals Soccer Club. With the Nationals, Rachel was a 2008 State Cup Finalist and finished third in the 2009 State Cup.

The third signee from Idaho is Monique Ray, who comes to NNU from Middleton High School in the Treasure Valley. A four-year varsity member of the Middleton team, Monique has been the starting goalkeeper for the Vikings for the previous three seasons.

Named the Freshman-of-the-Year in 2006, Monique went on to captain her team in 2008 and 2009, also being named to the 4A Idaho All-State team both of those years. Monique's club experience includes a year with the Boise Capitals Soccer Club, as well as playing this past season at the premier level with the Boise Nationals Soccer Club.

Coming to NNU from Tacoma, Wash., Celina Mortensen will be graduating from Franklin Pierce High School this June. A four-sport athlete at Franklin Pierce, Celina has competed in soccer, basketball, and track in addition to being the starting kicker for her high school's football team in 2008.

A four-year starter at Franklin Pierce, Celina has also been a four-year Washington 3A South Puget Sound League all-league selection as both a midfielder and a forward. Named Best Offensive Player for Franklin Pierce as a freshman, Celina capped off her high school career by being named the Most Valuable Player in 2009.

Celina plays club soccer for Federal Way United Reign in the Washington State Premier League where she plays predominantly as a midfielder and a forward.

Janelle Davis comes to NNU from Snohomish, Wash., where she attends Monroe High School and has been a four-year member of their varsity soccer program as both a center and outside back. Her senior season Janelle helped lead her team to a first-place finish in division as Monroe placed first in the WESCO North for 4A and ultimately finished eighth in the Washington state quarterfinals.

She was honored as a first team selection all-WESCO North for her efforts. Janelle plays club soccer for Northwest Nationals Soccer Club in the Washington State Premier League, where she plays as both a back and a midfielder.

Janelle and her teammates were Surf Cup semifinalists, Pleasanton Rage finalists, and Washington State Cup finalists in 2007, en route to winning the Washington State Championship in 2008 at the Premier 1 level and going on to the Region IV regional championships the same year.

Also from the greater Seattle area, Courtney Lewandowski will be coming to NNU from the town of Seabeck where she graduates from Klahowya Secondary School this June. A four-year varsity athlete and team captain for Klahowya this past season, Courtney currently plays predominantly as a forward, but also brings experience as both a center back and a midfielder with her to NNU, having earned All-Kitsap County honors following her junior season as a defender for Klahowya.

Courtney plays club soccer for Harbor FC 92, a Premier 1 team competing in the Washington State Premier League. Accomplishments with her team include being Tyee Cup champions, Starfire Labor Day Cup champions, San Diego Open Cup champions in 2008 and advancing to the Albion Cup semifinals in 2009.

Julianne Steele is from Brush Prairie, Wash., where she attends Hockinson High School. A four-year varsity soccer player at Hockinson, Julianne has helped lead her team to four GSHL League Championships, three District 4 Championships, and four back to back state tournament appearances.

A three-time all-league selection, she was named first team all-league and honorable mention all-state her senior season. Active as an attacking player in both the midfield and as a forward, Julianne plays club soccer for FC Vancouver Liberty in the Washington State Premier League.

Finishing second in Washington's P-1 Division in 2007, her team went on to the semifinal round of the 2008 US Club Soccer Regionals, and in 2009 were semifinalists in the Washington State Youth Soccer Association Championships.

A four-year varsity standout at Selah High School (Wash.), Monik Martinez will be joining former high school teammate Kendra Courcy, who is currently in her junior year playing for the Crusaders. Monik made a clear impact playing at Selah, earning second team all-league honors her sophomore year, first-team honors following her junior year, and capping her career off as 2009 League MVP for the Central Washington Athletic Conference and selection to the Washington All-State team her senior season.

A very active presence in the midfield, she led her team in assists for the past three seasons. Monik's club experience includes playing for Three Rivers United Soccer Club, the Yakima Reds, and most recently the Sun City Strikers. In addition to her club and high school experience Monik has also been a two-time National ODP Camp selection.

Rounding out the 2010 class is Michelle Huttema, a senior from Everson, Wash. Michelle will be graduating from Cornerstone Christian High School in Lynden this June. Due to the fact that Cornerstone does not have a soccer program, Michelle has played her prep soccer for Nooksack Valley High School in Everson where she competes in the Northwest Conference of WIAA District 1.

Predominantly a midfielder, Michelle earned Northwest Conference honors both her junior and senior seasons, being named named Offensive MVP for Nooksack her junior year. Her senior season she was selected as a captain and also earned the distinction of being named Most Valuable Player for her team.

“Our 2010 class brings both a great level of talent and a significant amount of much needed depth to our program,” NNU coach Jamie Lindvall said. “This is one of the largest recruiting classes we've had in some time and I'm really excited about what each of these girls add to our program and our team dynamic.

"They come in with great club and high school experience and bring a level of technical ability and tactical understanding that I think will be key to our success as a program over the next several years. As we continue to build our program this group joins an outstanding collection of returning players here at NNU."

Western Washington

Seven Including Three All-State Forwards Sign NLIs With Vikings (2/8/10)

Seven players, including three forwards who were first-team all-state selections, have signed National Letters of Intent to play women's soccer at Western Washington University.

"These players will help us in every position as we have goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards coming in that will provide a spark to our stellar returning players,” said WWU coach Travis Connell. “The current players and coaches are excited about the future when we see a recruiting class of this caliber commit to attend our school and play for our program."

The three all-state picks are Brina Sych of Union High School in Vancouver, Kristin Maris of Issaquah, and Anna Geldenhuys of Sammamish High School in Bellevue.

Maris was the Class 4A Washington State Player of the Year, notching 21 goals and 10 assists as Issaquah reached the state championship game. Sych and Geldenhuys were both Class 3A first-team all-state picks. Sych had 15 goals, and Geldenhuys had 17 goals and seven assists.

Also signing NLIs were defender Kristen Brown from White River High School in Buckley, midfielder Cheyenne Smith from Edmonds-Woodway High School in Edmonds, and defenders Melissa Hunsacker and Kiva Stevens, both of Columbia River High School in Vancouver, which won the Class 3A state championship last fall.

Brown has missed the last two high school seasons with injuries, but has spent four years in the state Olympic Development Program. Smith was a four-year starter at Edmonds-Woodway, earning second-team all-league honors as a senior. Hunsacker was a second-team all-league pick on Columbia River's state championship squad. Stevens missed the season with a toe injury, but was a two-year starter, and like Brown, spent four years in the state ODP.

Completing the recruiting class are two goalkeepers who have signed official offers of admission – Kayla Beer of Jackson High School in Mill Creek, and Ashley Haden from Hockinson High School in Brush Prairie. Haden's older sister, Keller, is a defender for Western.

"We are always looking for special players that have the character to overcome adversity, the unselfishness to put the team first and the competitiveness to drive them to be their best,” said Connell. “This class is overflowing with these characteristics. They are going to make an immediate impact on our program."

Kayla Beer, Goalkeeper, Freshman, 5-4, 17, 8/12/92, Mill Creek, Wash.

Honorable mention all-Western Conference South Division choice as senior at Jackson High School … Most Improved award winner for Timberwolves, helping them to quarterfinals of Class 4A state playoffs … Played on teams that won three division championships and reached state semifinals as junior … Started two years and lettered three.

Kristen Brown, Defender, Freshman, 5-10, 17, 5/25/92, Buckley, Wash.

Sat out junior and senior years at White River High School because of ACL tears … First-team all-South Puget Sound League 3A selection as sophomore … Helped Hornets register nine shutouts that season … Started and lettered one year … Participated in state level of Olympic Development Program state for four years and regional level one.

Anna Geldenhuys (pronounced Gelden-hays), Forward, Freshman, 5-7, 17, 3/27/92, Bellevue , Wash.

First-team Class 3A all-State choice and Kingco Conference 3A Player of the Year as senior at Sammamish High School … Helped Totems to first round of state playoffs, placing second among league leaders in scoring with 17 goals and seven assists … First-team all-league and all-state as junior, helping squad to league title and state quarterfinals … Led league in scoring with 22 goals and eight assists … Second-team all-league as sophomore and honorable mention as freshman … Started and lettered four years … Also earned one letter in badminton.

Ashley Haden (pronounced HAY-den), Goalkeeper, Freshman, 5-8, 17, 8/25/92, Brush Prairie, Wash.

Second-team Class 2A all-State selection and Greater St. Helens League Defensive MVP as senior at Hockinson High School … Team co-captain on 12-1-0 team that won league and district titles and reached first round of state playoffs for fourth straight year … Received all-state honorable mention as sophomore and junior, playing on squads that won league and district titles and reached first round at state … Four-time, first-team all-league choice … Started and lettered four years on teams that posted overall record of 57-13-4 with goals against average of 0.46 … Also earned two letters in basketball, winning league championship and going to state as junior, and one in softball … Played club soccer for FC Vancouver Justice for seven years, being state champion and reaching West Regional quarterfinals in 2005, with goals against average of 0.50 and overall record of 232-40-36…Her grandfather, Russell, played soccer at MIT; her father, Kinard, played soccer at Northwestern University; her mother, Charmaine, competed in water polo at Stanford; and her sister, Keller, plays soccer for Western.

Melinda Hunsaker, Defender, Freshman, 5-5, 18, 1/15/92, Vancouver , Wash.

Second-team Greater St. Helens League selection as senior at Columbia River High School … Helped team to 14-3-1 record and Class 3A state championship, the Chiefs going unbeaten in last 15 games … Honorable mention all-league and team's most improved award winner as junior on squad that reached first round of state playoffs … Started two years and lettered three.

Kristin Maris, Forward, Freshman, 5-9, 18, 11/6/91, Issaquah , Wash.

HIGH SCHOOL: Class 4A state Player of the Year, Seattle Times all-Area and first-team Kingco Conference choice as senior at Issaquah High School … Helped Eagles win league championship and reach title game at state playoffs, losing 2-1 in a penalty kick shootout … Team captain and Offensive MVP … Scored 21 goals, one shy of school record, and had 10 assists … Had four goals in 4-0 win over Eastlake … First-team all-league as junior, scoring 15 goals, on squad that reached state quarterfinals … As sophomore, helped team to league and state championships … Started and lettered three years … Also earned one letter in basketball … Played club soccer for Eastside Red, winning U14 state title… Her sister, Lauren, played soccer at University of San Francisco .

Cheyenne Smith, Midfielder, Freshman, 5-5, 18, 9/9/91, Edmonds , Wash.

HIGH SCHOOL: Second-team all-Western Conference South Division pick as senior at Edmonds-Woodway High School, being hampered by knee injury … Team co-captain and most inspirational award winner as junior and senior, and coaches award winner as sophomore … First-team all-league as sophomore and junior, and second-team as freshman … Started and lettered four years … Played club soccer for Northwest Nationals Nemesis, which won state title in 2008. . . Her sister, Jessica, plays soccer at University of Wyoming.

Kiva Stevens (pronounced Keeva), Defender, Freshman, 5-11, 17, 5/29/92, Vancouver , Wash.

Missed senior season at Columbia River High School because of broken toe, the Chiefs winning the Class 3A state title … As junior, played on team that reached first round of state playoffs … Started and lettered two years … Participated in state level of Olympic Development Program for four years … Her father, Baz, was and All-American swimmer Bowdoin College .

Brina Sych (pronounced BREE-nah Sitch), Midfielder, Freshman, 5-6, 17, 7/28/92, Vancouver , Wash.

First-team Class 3A all-State and Vancouver Columbian all-Area selection, and Greater St. Helens League Offensive Player of the Year as senior at Union High School … Team captain and MVP … Scored 15 goals, helping Titans to league title and first round of state playoffs … Also all-league, all-area and all-state as junior on team that won league title and reached state quarterfinals … First-team all-league as sophomore … Started and lettered three years … Also started and lettered as freshman at Evergreen High School … Four-year letter winner in track, going to state as freshman and placing fifth in 300 hurdles as junior … Participated in state level of Olympic Development Program ODP for four years … Four-time WIAA Scholar-Athlete four years … Played on 2009 Oregon state champion Tualatin Hills United Soccer Club.

2009 Soccer Recruits

Central Washington

Wildcats Sign Four Players to National Letters (2/17/09)

Four high school seniors, including three who are current club soccer teammates, have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their soccer careers at Central Washington University.

Joining the Wildcats in 2009 will be Estelle Hage (Seattle, Wash./Mount Rainier HS), Carson McKole (Oak Harbor, Wash.), Kelsy Villegas (Graham, Wash./Graham-Kapowsin HS) and Alexandria Washburn (Bremerton, Wash./Central Kitsap HS). Hage, Villegas, and Washburn have all been club teammates with Dosveedanya FC (Dos) 90.

"After having one of our largest classes in our recruiting history last year and having a great impact by that class, this year's class is smaller with four signees," CWU coach Michael Farrand said.

Central Washington signed seven players in last year's early recruiting class, and those seven combined for 42 starts and 13 goals in their freshman seasons. Farrand expects a similar immediate impact from this year's incoming recruiting class as well.

"Overall, this group is a nice complement to the group we brought in last year," Farrand explained. "We continue to be faster than many of the teams we compete against. This group should have a good impact and help us build on what we had last year and hopefully compete in the regional."

Washburn is a 5-5 defender who prepped at Central Kitsap High in Bremerton and was an all-district second team selection as a senior. She was also a team captain and three-year letter winner in soccer for the Cougars.

"We played with just four true defenders last year, so adding Allie was very important to us," Farrand said. "She is a quality player who can play within our system and play right away. She is a solid 1 v. 1 defender and a very good passer. We are very fortunate to have her join our program."

Hage, 5-3, who has played mostly as a defensive midfielder, is expected to play a central midfield position with the Wildcats. She starred at Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines, Wash., earning first-team all-Seamount League honors in each of her final two seasons.

"We are hopeful that Estelle can come in and play right away," Farrand said. "She is a very strong player in the air with good speed, and she has a bit of a bite to her. She plays well in the middle and will complement (Ellie) Eckroth in the middle."

The third of the Dos 90 recruits is Villegas, who starred at Graham-Kapowsin, where she set the Eagles' school scoring record with 28 career goals. At 5-4, the midfielder was a three-time all-South Puget Sound League 4A first-team selection while also starring in track and field.

"Kelsy has been a center midfielder whom we are looking to move outside to play along with (2008 leading scorer Kaycie) Hutchins," Farrand said. "(Kelsy) is very fast, is a solid shooter, and has already been a proven goal scorer. She will definitely add to our program with the talents she possesses."

McKole, a 5-2 forward, was a four-year starter at Oak Harbor , where she was named to the all-WesCo team as a senior. Also a two-year star in track and field, McKole has also excelled off the field with a 3.7 grade-point average.

"We are fortunate that Carson has been to camp the past two summers," Farrand explained. "She has had the opportunity to train and play with at least two of our current players, and we feel we were fortunate to be able to sign Carson because she was recruited by out-of-state schools. She is a very fast player who should be able to play early as an outside midfielder. With her speed and 1 v. 1 skills, Carson should have an immediate impact in our offense."

Montana State Billings

Goalkeeper Signs Letter With MSUB (7/9/09)

Danielle Gordon, a nationally ranked junior college goalkeeper, has signed a letter of intent with Montana State University Billings.

“Our program is very fortunate to have signed a goalkeeper of Danielle's ability this late in the recruiting process,” MSUB coach Don Trentham said. “She will without a doubt be a very valuable player in our program over the next few years.”

Gordon, a native of Atkins, Iowa, attended Iowa Western Community College the past two years where she ranked first nationally in 2008 in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) with an impressive 0.203 goals against average. She only allowed two goals in 17 games and 885 minutes.

She also helped lead the team to the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference championship in 2008 with an 18-3-1 record and finished ninth nationally in the final NJCAA Top 15 poll. Gordon earned first team All-Region XI honors and was an Academic all-conference selection.

While in high school, Gordon lettered four years in soccer and was a first team all-conference selection as a senior and earned honorable mention all-state honors. She was named the team Most Valuable Player as a senior at Benton Community High School.

Yellowjackets Add Two Locals To Recruiting Class (2/24/09)

Billings natives Jaucelyn Richter and Courtney Harvey have signed national letters of intent to play soccer at Montana State Billings.

Richter, a 5-6 forward, comes to MSUB from Senior High School where she earned numerous accolades on and off the field. She helped lead the team to two state runner-up finishes her junior and senior years. As a senior, she scored 17 goals and two assists and had a total of 46 goals in her career. She was an all-state selection in 2007 and 2008, as well as being named Offensive Most Valuable Player in 2008.

In addition to competing at Billings Senior High, Richter also plays for the Magic City Soccer Club and for the Montana Select All-Stars. Academically, Richter was outstanding as she was an Academic All-State selection all four years and is a member of National Honor Society.

“I've watched Jaucey for the last five years score some amazing goals,” MSUB coach Don Trentham said. “She has a knack for finding the back of the net and I look forward to seeing her do it in a Yellowjacket uniform over the next four years.”

Harvey, a 5-4 defender, also played at Billings Senior High School and helped the team to two state runner-up finishes. Harvey was an all-state selection and the Defensive Most Valuable Player as a senior. She was an honorable mention all-state selection as a junior and all-conference as well. She also plays for Magic City Soccer and Montana Select All-Stars.

She, like Richter, not only excelled on the field, but in the classroom as an Academic All-State selection as well. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Advocates and carries a 3.9 grade point average.

“I am very excited Courtney chose to stay in Billings for college,” Trentham said. “Her speed and tackling ability, along with her passion for defense, will be a great asset to our team.”

MSUB Signs Two From Arizona, California (2/25/09)

Four players have signed National Letters of Intent to play soccer for Montana State University Billings this fall. They include Kristen Kastelic and Jennifer Larsen from Arizona along with Janae Remsberg and Jennifer Brookshire of California.

Kastelic is a 5-9 defender and attends Desert Vista High School in Phoenix where she helped lead the team to two runner-up finishes in the 5A-1 state championship. She also ran track and was a member of the 4x400 relay team that finished fourth and sixth in the state tournament.

She plays club soccer for the Mesa United '91 team that currently is ranked No. 1 in Arizona and 25th nationally by gotsport.com. She also excels in the classroom as she earned academic letters in 2006-2008. She is a member of National Honor Society and had a perfect score on her AIMS (Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards) Math portion.

“Kristen has played at a very high level with her club team and has experienced a lot of success,” MSUB coach Don Trentham said. “What I like about her is she is strong, has good speed and a great work ethic. Along with these traits, she is a proven winner.”

Joining Kastelic is Mesa United '91 teammate Jennifer Larsen. Larsen, a 5-4 midfielder, attends Mountain View High School in Mesa, Ariz., where she was a four year varsity player helping lead the team to the regional championship in 2009. At Mountain View, she tallied 53 goals and 53 assists in her career and was Co-Region Player of the Year as a senior. In addition, Larsen was an all-state selection in cross country.

“Jen is probably the most versatile player in this class,” Trentham said. “She is the type of player who I can put anywhere and she will get the job done. She is a true competitor in every sense of the word and can run up and down the field all day without getting tired.”

The Yellowjackets will have a sibling combination again in 2009 as Janae Remsberg, younger sister of current Yellowjacket, Amy Remsberg, will join the squad. The 5-5 midfielder/defender plays at Vista High School in Vista, Calif., where she was a team captain as a senior, lettered all four years and helped lead the team to the CIF playoffs from 2005-2008.

Remsberg played mostly defense until her senior year when she moved to forward. In her career she has 10 goals and 10 assists. Academically, she was the San Diego Union Tribune Scholar Athlete from 2006-2008 and is a member of the California Scholastic Federation since 2006.

“Janae is a left defender, possibly left midfielder who will add athleticism and technical ability on our left flank,” said Trentham. “It is exciting to have another Remsberg on the squad.”

Ventura, Calif., native, Jennifer Brookshire is a 5-1 midfielder/defender who was a captain for Buena High School as a senior. She was a four-year varsity player and was an honorable mention all-county selection in 2008.

Brookshire plays club soccer for the Camarillo Eagles and according to Trentham, will help in the outside back and outside midfield positions next season. “She has a good work rate and understanding of the game, which will help her develop into a solid player at the college level.”

MSUB returns 18 players and eight starters after finishing 10-10 last fall. Dani Ritter will return after missing 2008 with an injury. She was a starter and a second team all-conference selection in 2007.

Northwest Nazarene

NNU Signs Players From Nevada, Oregon (4/2/09)

Lauren Delameter and Erika Kristensen have signed national letters of intent to play soccer at Northwest Nazarene Unviersity.

Delameter comes to NNU from Reno, Nevada, where she is currently a senior at Damonte Ranch High School. A goalkeeper at Damonte, Lauren holds three all-time goalkeeping records for her high school accumulated in her four years as a part of the varsity program.

Lauren currently plays club soccer for the United Futbol Academy and has also been a part of the Nevada State ODP pool from 2004-2007. Additionally, she was a member of the 2007 Northern Nevada ODP Team and the 2007 Nevada State ODP team.

"Lauren brings a great set of skills as a keeper to our team this fall," says NNU coach Jamie Lindvall. "She's a great presence in the goal and I'm looking forward to seeing her make an impact in our program this fall!"

Kristensen, from Gresham High School, has been an active part of the midfield in a program that reached the Oregon 6A state tournament for each of the past four years. In addition to high school soccer, Erika has played club soccer with the Eastside United Football Club since 2003, where she is currently a member of the Eastside Aston Villa squad.

"I really like what I've seen of Erika's vision and composure as a center mid," commented Lindvall. "Her balance in the midfield and ability to distribute the ball under pressure make her a great addition to our 2009 class."

Crusaders Ink Four to National Letters (2/6/09)

Northwest Nazarene University has signed three high school seniors and one transfer student-athlete to National Letters of Intent. The four intend to play soccer for the Crusaders.

Autumn Yturbe comes to NNU from Buhl, Idaho. A forward for the Buhl High School girls soccer program, Autumn has distinguished herself as a clear offensive threat over the past four years. Having scored 166 goals in her high school career at Buhl, she has been a three-time SCIC All-Conference Selection, a two time All-State Selection, and has led her team to the Idaho State Tournament two out of her four years at Buhl. Autumn currently plays club soccer for the Twin Falls Rapids.

Also joining the Crusaders from Idaho this fall is Katie Butler, a defensive standout from Columbia High School in Nampa. At Columbia Katie was a 2007 and 2008 Southern Idaho All Conference selection. Her senior season at Columbia she helped lead her team to a first ever state tournament appearance and a third-place finish in the 4A Idaho State Tournament. In addition to high school soccer, Katie currently plays club soccer for the Boise Nationals Soccer Club.

Coming to NNU from Beaverton, Oregon, Sarah Staropoli will be graduating from Westside Christian High School in Lake Oswego. A first-team All-West Valley League selection her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, Sarah has helped lead her team to the state playoffs for three consecutive years.

In both of the previous seasons she led the West Valley League in goals scored as a forward. Sarah has played club soccer for both the Southside Strikerz and her current club, the Lake Oswego Soul Crew. She won a state title with the Strikerz and has competed at the Regional level with both clubs as a state finalist. In addition to club and high school experience Sarah is also a three-time Oregon Olympic Development Program selection.

Rounding out the 2009 class is Lacey Thompson, a transfer junior from Shoreline Community College in Washington. A captain at Shoreline, Lacey graduated from Monroe High School in 2007 and has tallied five goals and 11 assists playing as both a defender and a midfielder for Shoreline. This past season Lacey helped lead her team to a third place finish at the NWAACC Championships and a a 19-2-2 overall record.

“This is a great group of girls that we're adding to our program for 2009,” stated NNU coach Jamie Lindvall. “Both technically and tactically I'm excited about what each of them adds to our team. I think one of the greatest strengths of this recruiting class is the creativity and vision that each of them shows on the field. They're joining what is our largest group of returning players since I've been at NNU, and I'm excited to see each of them make an impact in our program and in the GNAC.”

Seattle Pacific

Falcons Sign Six To National Letters (2/5/09)

Six outstanding high school seniors signed letters of intent to attend Seattle Pacific and play for the defending NCAA Division II national champion women's soccer team.

Two of the signees are Washington natives; forward Megan Lindsay and defender Taylor Sawyer, who SPU coach Chuck Sekyra claims are arguably the best prep forward and defender in the state.

“It's an incredibly talented class. If you look at it, this class has been winners in every single program,” exclaimed Sekyra. “All of their club teams and high school teams are state champions or final four teams. All of these kids have played at an elite level and they are all very talented. We continue to move in the right direction as far as getting an extremely high-level quality player here.”

The class also features Brittany Langdon, Taylor Lundquist, Hannah Masson and Taylor Ochs.

Lindsay was a three-time All-Greater Spokane League player at Gonzaga Prep. She was one of just two players from the state of Washington invited to participate at the prestigious adidas ESP camp.

“Megan Lindsay is one of the best forwards to come out of the Northwest in the last few years,” Sekyra said. “She has it all -- strength, speed, great ability to score goals and beat defenders off the dribble and she is a tremendous passer. Megan is dynamic and creative and is going to be fun to watch in an SPU uniform.”

Sawyer is an All-Olympic League honoree from North Mason High School. She scored 15 goals to lead the Bulldogs into the 2008 district playoffs.

“She is one of the most competitive players that we have ever watched. Whether she is playing for her state championship Washington Premier club team or our state ODP team, Taylor makes it difficult for her opponents not only to score, but to even get chances,” Sekyra described.

Sekyra singled out Hannah Masson as Idaho's most talented senior. Masson netted 19 goals during her senior season at Centennial High School.

”We feel that Hannah is the most complete player in her class from the state of Idaho. She is an impact player in the midfield who has a history of winning everywhere she plays,” Sekyra remarked.

The SPU recruiting class features a trio of Taylors, including Taylor Sawyer.

Taylor Ochs hails from Omaha, Neb., but attends Shattuck-St. Mary's Academy in Minnesota. She is a standout defender and an exceptional student who topped her class with a 4.17 grade point average as a junior.

”Taylor is a left back who plays at an extremely high level,” explained Sekyra. “Her skill with the ball and ability to get forward and serve great balls really caught our eye.”

Taylor Lundquist plays at Willow Glen (Calif.) High School where she received the league's Junior of the Year award in 2008. She twice competed in the Super Y-League North American finals.

“Taylor Lundquist is a very athletic defender who reads the game well and is exceptional in playing a four back zonal system like we play,” Sekyra said. “Her attitude, work rate and determination have us really excited about how she can make a difference in our program.”

Completing the class is Langdon, a versatile player from Northwood (Calif.) High School. She garnered first-team all-league accolades.

”Brittany Langdon is a flat-out a difference maker who can run forever and plays at an incredibly high pace,” said Sekyra. “She has a heart and level of determination that is going to unquestionably make a difference for us. She is someone who has the talent to play multiple positions and play them all well.”

The six recruits commence their collegiate careers in August of 2009, joining an SPU team that registered a 22-1-2 record last season and beat previously undefeated West Florida 1-0 on Dec. 6 in the national championship game.

The incoming players have big shoes to fill as the departed five-player senior class participated in four NCAA Tournaments and qualified for three Final Fours.

Six starters and 14 letterwinners return from the Falcons squad that concluded the 2008 season with a 17-game unbeaten streak.

“This class will give us more depth. Without a doubt we're looking for anyone to come in and help us,” Sekyra concluded. “We like the group we have coming back. I think this group can compete for time and also complement those players. There is no doubt that this gives us an extremely high level of depth.”

2009 SPU Soccer Recruits: Brittany Langdon, D/M, 5-10, Fr. Irvine, Calif. (Northwood); Megan Lindsay, F, 5-7, Fr., Spokane, Wash. (Gonzaga Prep); Taylor Lundquist, D, 5-8, Fr., San Jose, Calif. (Willow Glen); Hannah Masson, M, 5-7, Fr., Meridian, Idaho (Centennial); Taylor Ochs, D, 5-6, Fr., Omaha, Neb. (Shattuck-St. Mary's, MN); Taylor Sawyer, D, 5-5, Fr., Gig Harbor, Wash. (North Mason).

Western Oregon

Wolves Sign Five To Letters (2/24/09)

Three freshmen and two transfers have signed National Letters of Intent to play soccer next fall with Western Oregon University. They include:

Chelsea Okuma (Honolulu, Hawaii - Kaiser HS) - Okuma plays midfield for the Kaiser High School Cougars. She is currently in the middle of her senior season of soccer. WOU Head Coach Rod Fretz: "Okuma is a very tough player all-around. She could probably play anywhere in the midfield or the defense. She is very competitive and physical but has a strong technical game. She plays with a kind of pace, mental and physical, you need to compete with teams at this level. The thing I like best about her is you can put her anywhere on the field and she will be affective."

Macy Bothman (Eugene, Ore. - Sheldon HS) - Bothman a 2008 Southwest Conference honorable mention and a three-year member of FC Willamette, one of the top club teams in the state. WOU Head Coach Rod Fretz: "Bothman is a rock solid defender. She is physical with good speed and is a smart player. She has played against the best forwards in the west and has held her own. I really like the physical part of her game and that she likes to attack out of the back. I think she will be an asset for our team defensively and offensively."

Abigail Chris (Anchorage, Alaska - Robert Service HS) - Chris layed for Robert Service High School and the Alaska Rush Soccer Club out of Anchorage . She also helped lead RSHS to the 2008 State championship. WOU Head Coach Rod Fretz: "Chris moves the ball very well and is a good technical player. She sees the game well and seems to find the open part of the field. I like the technical and tactical parts of her game. She has the skills and understanding for the game."

Rachelle Kliewer (Tualatin , Ore. - Tualatin HS/Clackamas CC) - Kliewer scored 18 goals and had seven assists to lead Clackamas CC in 2008 and was named the NWAACC South Region's Most Valuable Player. WOU Head Coach Rod Fretz: "She is going to add a lot to our offense. She is the type of player that we have been looking for to play up front and that is comfortable in the front. She is used to scoring goals and she handles the pressure well. We have been looking for a natural forward which can play this way."

Anna Edmonds (Salem , Ore. - South Salem HS/University of Idaho) - Edmonds started in 11 of 18 games as a freshman for the Vandals and finished second on the team with five goals and 11 assists. At South Salem High, she was a two-time first team all-state selection and two-time Valley League Offensive Player of the Year. WOU Head Coach Rod Fretz: "She brings two things to our team. The first is that she knows how to play forward. She is strong and physical with pressure on her. The other thing is that she attacks the ball well in front of the net with her head and has the ability to finish crosses. She also has a powerful shot from long range which we need more of. Beyond that, she brings great leadership qualities. She has a real competitive spirit in her."

Western Washington

Two High School Standouts Sign With Vikings (2/11/09)

Defenders Kayla Russ from Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma and Diana Pollock from Eastside High in Bellevue have signed national letters of intent to play soccer for Western Washington University.

“Both Russ and Pollock know how to win and we expect them to compete for starting spots on one of the best defenses in the country,” said WWU coach Travis Connell.

Russ was a first-team all-Narrows League pick as a senior at Bellarmine Prep, helping the Lions win the league title and advance to the Class 4A state quarterfinals. She was the team captain and coaches award winner.

As a junior, Russ also played on a Bellarmine Prep squad that won a league crown and reached the state quarterfinals. Russ also is in her third year as a member of the Washington Premier FC, helping that team to the state title and regional quarterfinals in 2008.

Pollock was a second-team all-KingCo League choice as a senior at Eastlake , being team captain of a squad that reached the Class 4A state quarterfinals. As a junior, she played on a Wolves' team that was undefeated (19-0) and won the state championship. Pollock also competed eight years for the Crossfire Premier club team. She helped that squad to five state titles and third-place at nationals in 2006.

Diana Pollock, Defender ( Freshman, 5-10, 17, 5/13/91, Bellevue , Wash.)

HIGH SCHOOL: Second-team all-KingCo League choice as senior at Eastlake High School … Helped Wolves reach quarterfinals of Class 4A state tournament … Team captain … As junior, played on undefeated (19-0) squad that won league and state titles … Helped team reach state quarterfinals as sophomore and first round of state tourney as freshman … Started three years and lettered four … Also competed on Crossfire Premier club team for eight seasons … Helped squad to five state titles, winning regional crown and placing third at nationals in 2006. PERSONAL: Plans to major in business.

Kayla Russ, Defender ( Freshman, 5-7, 17, 7/23/91, Puyallup , Wash.)

HIGH SCHOOL: First-team all-Narrows League pick as senior at Bellarmine Prep … Helped Lions win league championship and reach quarterfinals at Class 4A state tournament … Team captain and coaches award winner … First-team all-league as junior on league champion squad that got to state quarterfinals … Started and lettered two years … Played three seasons for Washington Premier FC … Helped team win state title in 2008 and advance to regional quarterfinals … Went to WAGS Tournament in Washington D.C., in 2008 and to Surf Cup tourney in 2007 and 2008. PERSONAL: Plans to major in psychology … Her father, Jeff, played men's soccer at University of Washington , being team captain as senior.

Previous Recruits