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 Soileau Announces First Tech Signing Class
Updated Feb 4, 2005 09:04:26
If talent, commitment and work ethic are the necessary tools to build a winning soccer program, Tech womens soccer head coach Jen Soileau's 2005 recruiting class will build a solid foundation of success. Thirteen high school soccer athletes signed with Tech on Wednesday, and Soileau could not have been happier with her incoming class. Were real excited about this class, Soileau said. All of these girls are hard workers, and most of them asked for the summer workout schedule when they verbally committed. Hopefully, theyll be fit coming in this fall and ready to go to work. These girls are used to playing at a high level. Theyre very confident, and we should have a lot of depth this year because some of them can play multiple positions. After Techs 2004 inaugural season, the 2005 field is the first recruiting class for Lady Techster soccer, and Soileau expects this season to be the beginning of a winning tradition at Tech. I look for this incoming class to build a foundation for our program, Soileau said. Most of the kids are familiar with being on new teams and working with new teammates. This fall well set goals as a team, but the most important thing is for us to do is score goals and win. We have to focus on getting better everyday by playing the best we can and always developing into better players. While Tech only returns five players from last years squad and all 13 recruits will be freshmen, Soileau said everyone will begin the season with an equal chance to earn a starting position. All of these girls have the potential to come in and start, Soileau said. They all know theyre competing with other freshmen for starting jobs, and the preseason workouts will determine who plays. None of these girls will settle for the bench. Theyre all used to playing, and they all want to compete on this level. They all work hard because they want to prove they can play. This fall everyone will get the chance to prove themselves, and the best players will play. As each individual player has something to prove to Soileau and Tech's soccer program, the Lady Techsters look to prove their ability to win in the Western Athletic Conference. Louisiana Tech 2005 Soccer Signing Class: Kodi Bethay 5-8 Forward Geismar, La. (Dutchtown HS) Leslie Buck 5-6 Defender Austin, Texas (McNeil HS) Sarah Chovanec 5-5 Midfielder Arlington, Texas (Arlington Martin HS) Emily Cleaveland 5-7 Forward The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands HS) Caitlin Crawford 5-4 Center Midfielder San Diego, Calif. (Torrey Pines HS) Brittany Davis 5-7 Defender Scottsdale, Ariz. (Chaparral HS) Christina Haisler 5-9 Goal Keeper Waco, Texas (Midway HS) Brook Kelly 5-3 Forward/Midfielder Austin, Texas (Lake Travis HS) Kathleen McCullough 5-4 Center Midfielder Coppell, Texas (Coppell High School) Katherine Peters 5-6 Midfielder Alexandria, La. (Holy Savior Menard HS) Alex Reinhart 5-4 Forward Albuquerque, N.M. (La Cueva HS) Savanna Russo 5-5 Center Midfielder Albuquerque, N.M. (Eldorado HS) Hayley Smith 5-9 Forward Dallas, Texas (J.J. Pearce HS) Player Bios: Kodi Bethay 5-8, Forward/Midfielder Geismar, La. (Dutchtown HS) High School: Lettered the past two years for coach Anat Vyas at Dutchtown High School in Louisiana Helped lead the Griffin to the District 7-4A title in 2004 and the state quarterfinals Named first team all-district as a junior Named the District 7- 4A Offensive MVP in 2004 Named first team all-metro and the all-metro team Offensive MVP in 2004 Named first team all-state in 2004 Named team MVP in 2004 Scored 30 goals as a junior Lettered for coach Bobby Nichols as a freshman and sophomore at Milton High School in Milton, Wisconsin Helped lead Milton to the conference title and state playoffs both years Named all-conference honorable mention as a freshman and first team all-conference as a sophomore Also played softball for Dutchtown for one year Lettered two years on the volleyball team at Dutchtown ... Lettered one year on the track team at Dutchtown, participating in the 100-meters and 200-meters Lettered two years on the Milton High School gymnastics team, competing in the floor exercise, beam, vault and bars Club: Played for the Baton Rouge Soccer Club the past two years for coach Willie Davis Helped lead the team to the 2004 state championship and the quarterfinals of the regional tournament Played for the Yahara Soccer Club the previous three years for coach Bobby Nichols Also invited to play in England in 2001 as a sports ambassador Selected to participate on the 87 Louisiana State Olympic Developmental Program team in 2004 and 2005 Personal: Daughter of Arlen and Glenna Bethay Has one brother, Katon Her brother plays football at Wofford College and her father played football at Idaho State Born May 13, 1987, in Phoenix, Arizona Age 17. Leslie Ann Buck 5-6, Defender Austin, Texas (McNeil HS) High School: Lettered as a freshman, sophomore and senior for coach Allie Hampton at McNeil High School in Austin, Texas Helped lead McNeil to the 5A Round Rock Independent School district title as a freshman Earned first team All-Round Rock Independent School district honors as a freshman Named first team academic all-district as a freshman Member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club: Plays for the Austin Warriors and coach Hue Menzies Helped lead the team to the Southern Regional Championship in 2004 Also won the South Texas State Cup Championship in 2004 Member of the South Texas Olympic Developmental team from 2000 through 2003 Personal: Daughter of Ann and Lon Buck Has two brothers, Nathan and Matthew Born April 22, 1987, in Heildelberg, Germany Age 17. Sarah Lynn Chovanec 5-5, Midfielder Arlington, Texas (Arlington Martin HS) High School: Lettered four years for Coach Ruth Knight at Arlington Martin High School in Texas Helped lead the Warriors to the playoffs the past three years, including the regional quarterfinals in 2002 and the area semifinals in 2003 and 2004 Named first team All-District 7-5A as a sophomore and junior Named second team all-district as a freshman Named first team all-area as a sophomore Nominated for all-region as a freshman Received the Most Spirited Award on team as a sophomore Member of the Key Club, Spanish Club, Chemistry Club, National Honor Society and Who's Who Among American High School Students Also participated on the Texas Olympic Developmental Program as an eighth and ninth grader Club: Played four years for the Texas Lightning and coach Craig Allen Played the past four years for the Solar Soccer Club and coach Fleur Benatar Solar is a member of the prestigious Lake Highlands Girls Classic League in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area Won the North American Memorial Day Cup in 2004 and the Orange Classic in 2003 Participated in the Disney Showcase Tournament in 2004 as well as the North Carolina Showcase Tournament and the Ohio Blue Chip Showcase Tournament Personal: Daughter of Phil and Tracye Chovanec Has one brother, Michael Born Nov. 22, 1986, in Ft. Worth, Texas Age 18. Emily Elizabeth Cleaveland 5-7, Forward The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands HS) High School: Lettered three years for Coach Dina Graves at The Woodlands High School in Texas Helped lead the Highlanders to the 2003 and 2004 District 15-5A titles Led The Woodlands to an undefeated season in 2003 and the state regional quarterfinals Named first team all-region as a junior Named first team all-district as a sophomore and junior Named team Offensive MVP as a junior Named the tournament MVP at The Woodlands High School Lady Highlander Invitational in 2003 and 2004 Selected to participate in the Texas Olympic Development Program in 2002 and 2004 Club Sports: Played club soccer for Challenge for the past four years Helped lead Challenge to the 2003 Snickers State Cup championship, the 2003 Capital Area Soccer League championship and the 2002 South Texas Youth Soccer Association championship Personal: Daughter of Derryl and Amy Cleaveland Has one brother, Eric Born Jan. 26, 1987, in Houston, Texas Age 18. Caitlin Anne Crawford 5-4, Center Midfielder San Diego, Calif. (Torrey Pines HS) High School: Lettered two years for Coach Dennis Costello at Torrey Pines High School in California Played defensive center mid for the Falcons who compete in the San Dieguito Union High School District Club: Played nine years for the Rancho Santa Fe Attack and Coach Jimmy Murphy Helped lead the Attack to the Cal South State Cup in the late 1990s, the Nomads Memorial Tournament title in 2003, the Rael Vodicka Memorial WAGS Tournament title in 2004 and the Pegasus Cup in 2004 Also helped the Attack to the finals of the San Diego Surf Cup in 1999 Was the Attack's recipient of the Presidents Award in 2000 for leadership skills Personal: Daughter of Nancy and Michael Crawford Has one brother, Cody Cody plays football at the University of Colorado Born Oct. 5, 1987, in LaJolla, Calif. Age 17. Brittany Anne Davis 5-7, Defender Scottsdale, Ariz. (Chaparral HS) High School: Lettered four years for head coach Robyn Carlson at Chaparral High School Played defense for the Firebirds who compete in the Scottsdale School District Helped the Firebirds to become four-time regional champions from 2002 to 2005 and the Arizona 4A state champions in 2004 Named to the first team All-East Sky Region team her senior season Earned first team All-Scottsdale Tribune, second team all-state and first team All-East Sky Region honors her junior season Selected to second team all-state and first team All-East Sky Region as a sophomore and named to the honorable mention All-East Sky Region squad as a freshman Club: Played for the 87 Blackhawks in the Arcadia Scottsdale United Soccer Club for eight years Named team captain of the Blackhawks Member of Who's Who Among America's High School Students and was the secretary of the Art Club Personal: Daughter of Megan and Mark Davis Has three brothers, Jerome, Mark, and Ryan Jerome played baseball at Minot State University for two years, and Ryan played baseball at Vanderbilt in 2004 Born on Aug. 26, 1987, in Spokane, Wash. Age 17. Christina Ann Haisler 5-9, Goal Keeper Waco, Texas (Midway HS) High School: Lettered four years for Coach Bill Sharp at Midway High School in Texas Helped lead Panthers to the 2003 and 2004 District 9-4A titles and the area championship Team finished as the state runner up in 2004 Named the Super Centex Player of the Year by the Waco Tribune in 2003 and 2004 Named first team all-district in 2003 and 2004 Named first team all-state in 2004 Voted team MVP by her teammates as a sophomore and junior Allowed only 18 goals in approximately 25 games as a sophomore Allowed only 12 goals and registered 18 shutouts as a junior Nominated for the National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association All-American team Club: Played the last two years for the Dallas Inter-West Prior to that played for five years for the Heart of Texas Flame and coaches Bill Long and Gary Harrison Helped lead the Flame to the 2001 CAYSA Classic Invitational title and the 2001 Bill Sherman Invitational title Personal: Daughter of Lori and Charles Haisler Played for three Little League Softball World Series teams including the 1999 and 2002 champions Born Nov. 25, 1986, in Waco, Texas Age 18. Brook Elaine Kelly 5-3, Forward/Midfielder Austin, Texas (Lake Travis HS) High School: Lettered three years for Coach Jeff Gamble at Lake Travis High School in Texas Helped lead the Cavaliers to the 2003 area championships and state runnerup title Also helped lead Lake Travis to the 2004 District 27-4A title, the area championship and a third place finish at state Named second team all-district as a junior and honorable mention all-district as a sophomore Named team captain for 2005 Named to the all-tournament team at the Texas Independent Tournament in 2005 Named a semifinalist for the Who's Who Among American High School Students Sports Edition Club Soccer: Played for the 87 Austin Lonestars and coaches Clint Osbon and Hue Menzie last year Was the team captain for the 87 Austin Lonestars Played for Coach Ben Crawley and the Capital Soccer Club for six years Was the team captain her final two years on the team Helped lead Capital to the 2002 State Cup title Personal: Daughter of Kelli and David Kelly Has one sister, Meagan Born Dec. 26, 1986, in Austin, Texas Age 18. Kathleen Mary McCullough 5-4, Center Midfielder Coppell, Texas (Coppell High School) High School: Lettered four years for Coach Chris Stricker at Coppell High School in Texas Helped lead the Cowgirls to the Texas 5A state playoffs the past three years, including the state semifinals in 2002 and the state quarterfinals in 2004 Named first team All-District 7-5A in 2003 and 2004 Named Northwest Morning News Player of the Week honorable mention one week in 2004 Finished as the second leading scorer for Coppell in 2004 Club: Played for coach Fleur Benatar and the Solar Soccer Club the past two years Solar is a member of the prestigious Lake Highlands Girls Classic League in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area Won the North American Memorial Day Cup in 2004 and the Orange Classic in 2003 Participated in the Disney Showcase Tournament in 2004 as well as the North Carolina Showcase Tournament and the Ohio Blue Chip Showcase Tournament Personal: Daughter of Nora Faulkner and Jim McCullough Has one brother, Robert, and one sister, Melissa Born Nov. 12, 1986, in Lewisville, Texas Age 18. Katherine Rebekah Peters 5-6, Midfielder Alexandria, La. (Holy Savior Menard HS) High School: Lettered five years for Coach Melanie Baker at Holy Savior Menard High School in Alexandria, La. Helped lead the Eagles to the 2004 Division III District II title Named first team all-district and first team All-Central Louisiana in 2004 Named the 2004 District Offensive Most Valuable Player Named to the all-tournament team at the ESA Tournament in 2004 Scored 27 goals in 2003-04 Has scored 43 goals thus far this season Also member of the track and field team for four years Was the district champ in the 400-meters in 2004 Also a member of the district championship 1,600-meter relay team in 2004 Member of the National Honor Society, National Honor Roll, Who's Who Among American High School Students and National Society of High School Scholars Club: Played for the Red Star and coaches Troy Duhon and Jake Vezinat from 1997 through 2004 Helped lead the Red Star to the 2002 Texas Cup title and the 2003 FCSR Revolution Labor Day Classic title Played for Coach Danny Owens and the Gulf Coast United in 2005 Personal: Daughter of Ray and Diane Peters Has one brother, Ryan Born Dec. 13, 1986, in Baton Rouge, La. Age 18. Alex Reinhart 5-4, Forward Albuquerque, N.M. (La Cueva HS) High School: Lettered one year for head coach Amber Ashcraft at La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, N.M. Helped lead the Bears to a District 7-5A championship in 2004 Also led the team to the New Mexico Class 5A state championship during her senior season Also ran track as a freshman and sophomore at La Cueva High School Member of the New Mexico Olympic Developmental Program team since 2002 Club: Played in the Rio Vista League for the Elite 88 girls for six years and the Elite 87 girls the past two years Led the Elite 88 squad with 23 assists and 37 goals during her tenure Also helped lead them to a pair of state championships Scored the game winning goals in both of the state championship games Personal: Daughter of Bill and Cynthia Reinhart Has one brother, Bobby, and one sister, Kate Born on Aug. 26, 1987, in Albuquerque, N.M. Age 17. Savanna Marie Russo 5-5, Center/Midfielder Albuquerque, N.M. (Eldorado HS) High School: Lettered three years for head coach Tom Hurshman at Eldorado High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico Helped lead the Eagles to a 2002 state runner-up bid, regional championship and District 5-5A championship In 2003, Russo led the Eagles to a 2003 regional championship, Albuquerque Public Schools Tournament Championship and another District 5-5A championship In 2004, Russo helped lead the Eagles to another APS, district and regional championship Named to the first team all-district and honorable mention all-state squads her sophomore season Selected to the Albuquerque Tribune's All-Metro Team, first team all-state and first team all-district as a junior and senior Member of the New Mexico Olympic Developmental Program team in 2001, 2002 and 2003 Club: Played for head coach Dan Highstead on the Elite team in the Rio Vista League for seven years Won the state championship in Rio Vista League in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and the Far West Region IV champs in 2001 Finished third at the USYSA National Championship in 2001 Was a member of the state runnerup team in 1999 and 2003 Personal: Daughter of Chris and Frances Russo Has one brother, John, and one sister, Elizabeth Born on March, 15, 1987, in Albuquerque, New Mexico Age 17. Hayley Nicole Smith 5-9, Forward Dallas, Texas (J.J. Pearce HS) High School: Lettered four years for coach Oscar Borgarello at J.J. Pearce High School in Texas Helped the Mustangs win a 2004 district title Named newcomer of the year for the Mustangs her freshman year Earned honorable mention all-district honors as a sophomore J.J. Pearce Athlete of the Week recipient in 2004 Earned regional player of the year in 2004 and led her team in goals and assists as a senior with 26 and 20, respectively Named to first team all-district squads as a sophomore, junior and senior Club: Played for coach Fleur Benatar and the Solar Soccer Club for eight years Solar is a member of the prestigious Lake Highlands Girls Classic League in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area Won the North American Memorial Day Cup in 2004 and the Orange Bowl Classic in 2003 Earned the Most Valuable Player award of the Orange Bowl Classic in 2003 Participated in the Disney Showcase Tournament in 2004 as well as the North Carolina Showcase Tournament and the Ohio Blue Chip Showcase Tournament Personal: Daughter of Kevin and Sally Smith Has one brother, Keegan Father played professional soccer for 20 years in England and the United States Born Feb. 8, 1987, in Dallas, Texas Age 17.
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