One quick
look at the new names dotting the rosters of the programs mentioned in
this part of our series will create argument as to whether their
recruiting classes should be ranked higher than they are. These programs
deserve the recognition they are getting for the high school seniors and
other transfers they are bringing onto their campuses. It's also a true
testament to the growth and range of women's soccer. As recent as 2-3
years ago, schools not ranked consistently in the Top 10 wouldn't even
think of recruiting, much less signing, several high profile players.
But the list that follows is filled with national pool players, top
level ODP experience, state players of the year and high school
All-Americans.
Of the 15
schools here vying for the final 13 spots in our Top 25 Recruiting
Classes for 1999, as many as 10 could be making their first ever
appearance in our national recruiting rankings. Sure bets to repeat from
1998 are Connecticut (#5 in '98), Duke (#16), Nebraska
(#10) and Northwestern (#20). All most likely will earn a 1999
ranking similar to their '98 placement. Poised to make their first
appearance at either a national or regional level for recruiting are
Princeton, Rutgers, Miami FL, William &
Mary and Richmond. The other programs mentioned here have
all previously earned at least a ranking in their respective regions.
(Note:
The 1999 Recruiting Series is a five-part look at the best recruits and
annual college signings in 1999 for women's soccer. The series will
culminate with the official Soccer Buzz Recruiting Rankings
which will include the best classes Nationally as well as Regionally.
The following details are highlights of the signings to date and our
official "ranking" will be made once the entire series is
completed to allow for late player signings). Check
out all the 1999 recruits using our comprehensive database in
Rookie Attack.
MAKING
NATIONAL WAVES
Connecticut The
Huskies announced their entire class rather late in the season and could
cause a shakeup in our initial analysis of class rankings. Coach Len
Tsantiris may surprise his colleagues as he went overseas to grab
two Finnish future stars. Both Leena Kovanen (D) and Salla
Ranta (M) have seen significant playing time on Finland's U-20 squad
and arrive at just the right time for UConn which has significant holes
to fill from '98. Coach Tsantiris, even without the foreign talent, did
well in the States, especially with the signing of US U-18 pool player
Sarah Popper (M/D, NY). Popper and Megan Almanzo (F/M,
MN) are both high school All-Americans while Almanzo garnered Minnesota
Player of the Year honors. Three local Connecticut booters join the
Huskies including midfielders Naima Montacer and Kate Foley
as well as Regional All-American striker Lauren Naida. The final
stamp on this excellent class is the transfer of North Carolina goalie,
Shanna Caldwell. Caldwell excelled in goal as a High School
All-American, serving time on the US youth team, but would likely have
been the Heels' third string keeper behind Kristen DePlatchett
and newcomer Jen Branam, both national teamers themselves. With
this class, the Huskies are a lock to remain among the Top 10 in '99.
Rutgers The
Scarlet Knights brought in five talented players who should contribute
across the field. High School All-American, Tiffany Williams (M,
PA), is the big catch for Rutgers although the rest of the class would
be a steal for any other program. Jessica Bodholt (F, NJ), Angel
Hadaway (G, FL) and Jamie Jandasek (M, MI) all have regional
ODP team experience and will be joined by local product, Rebecca
Calvo (M/D, NJ). The high quality of talent consistent throughout
this class along with the even distribution of position players make
this group among the best in the nation. Coach Charlie Duccilli
has the Knights back on track and ready to compete with powers Notre
Dame and UConn for the Big East title.
Miami,
FL The
biggest surprise this recruiting season has to be the job Coach Jim
Blankenship has done at first year program, Miami, Florida. The
Hurricanes may have made little noise in their first season, but this
class is destined to bolt the 'Canes into the national polls before
their stint is up down in Miami. Arriving just in time for Miami's entry
into the Big East for soccer, the biggest catch for Blankenship is
national pool player, Lisa Gomez (D, FL). Gomez should
step right into the starting lineup as the Miami defense will surely be
strengthened with other new blood, including Samantha Hernandez
(D, FL) and Ashley West (D, TX). Joining her sister from the
Dallas Sting Soccer Club is Laura West (M, TX). The West sisters
are a great sign that the Miami program can bring in top talent despite
its fledgling status. The only recruit outside Texas or Florida is Allison
McWhinney (F, MA) who is the lone offensive player signed on a
loaded returning squad full of offensive power (including Soccer
Buzz 1998 National Player of the Year for First Year Programs, Nina
Wathne). The two players that push this recruiting class into the
Top 20 are transfers Liz Swinson (G, LSU) and Alexis
MacKenzie (M, Florida). Both are former high school All-Americans
and Swinson has spent time on the US U-18 roster.
Southern
California Coach
Jim Millinder appears to have the Women of Troy securely notched
among the nation's finest. After back-to-back Top 25 seasons, USC has
scored off the field as well with their first ever nationally ranked
recruiting class. The player to watch among this group is Lauren
Arase, a US U-18 pool goalkeeper. Arase and the entire class of
newcomers all hail from the state of California. Alison Fennell
is a midfielder who earned All-CIF honors and also played for the
Southern California Blues. Striker Jackie Fodor brings regional
ODP team experience and was Arase's teammate on the Santa Anita Sting.
The fourth member of Millinder's newest class is midfielder Laura
Foster, an all-stater in California. USC may be one of five PAC-10
teams in our Recruiting Top 25 once all the signings are compiled.
Duke A
program that was definitely in need of more talent is Duke. Duke's
record the past two years has slipped and an influx of top talent should
provide the Devils with much needed depth. The prize here for Coach Bill
Hempen is U-18 player and consensus All-American, Carly Fuller
(M, OR). The Blue Devils stayed West and collected two more freshmen in
Rebecca Smith (D) and Tara Walker (G), both of
California. Duke made it a full-house (one signee at each position) with
forward Brigid Bowdell of Michigan. Bowdell has spent time on
her regional ODP team and should help the offensive woes for Coach
Hempen.
Nebraska As
much as college soccer fans have come to expect UNC to be in the College
Cup each season, true fans have come to expect a bucket full of Canadian
talent to head to Nebraska each season for Coach John Walker.
Two talented Northerners head to Big 12 country and look to put the
Huskers back atop the conference standings and possibly shooting for a
national title in '99. Canadian U-20 players, Christine Latham
(F/M) and Breanna Boyd (M/D), headline Walker's new class and
are joined by countrywoman, Cindy Walsh, a junior transfer who
is part of the Canadian National Player Pool. Despite all this national
talent, the real prize for Nebraska might be Kori Saunders (F,
KS), an All-American and finalist for national player of the year who
will be looked upon to fill the shoes of departing All-American Kim
Engesser. The Cornhuskers also signed two state players of the year
in Michelle Culbertson (F/M, CO) and Paige Phillips
(F/M, NE) along with another Kansas all-stater, Brooke Jones.
Northwestern Following
a tremendously successful 1998 season, Coach Marcia McDermott
signed four of the best high schoolers in the nation. Most impressive
about this class is the signing of three standouts who have spent
significant time together on the region II ODP team which should help
when they hit the field together as Wildcats. These three are Aileen
Gurney (M, IL), Janell Harwood (F, MI) and Gina Napoli
(F, IL). The fourth recruit is Arkansas Player of the Year, Kelli
Wilson (M). Any of these four could step in immediately for Coach
McDermott and keep the Cats challenging in the ever improving Big 10.
"This is a very good class," said McDermott. "All of
them have had tremendous success at the youth level. They will fit into
this program well and be able to contribute a great deal."
William
& Mary Coach
John Daly added large numbers with seven new players mostly from
the Mid-Atlantic region. His two best finds may be Dani Scalzo
(NJ) and Lara Pawlow (VA). Pawlow has previously been a part of
the US youth national pool while Scalzo has been on the regional ODP
team. The Tribe went West to grab two more regional team players in Emily
Davis (WA) and Franny Swajkoski (ID), the Idaho State Player
of the Year. Regional All-American Kristen Wolfer (VA) rounds
out Coach Daly's list of top recruits which includes Chanda Sneed
(NY), Catherine Pacilio (MA), Joanne Elson (NJ) and NC
State transfer Jennifer Mosakewicz. Although William & Mary
may not have signed a national team caliber player, the quality of this
class is high enough to rank as the tops in the CAA.
George
Mason What
William & Mary lacks in its class, George Mason found when Jessica
Delucchi (M, WA) inked with the Patriots. Delucchi, a US U-18 pool
player, is joined by two highly sought goalkeepers, Naomi Hines
(KS) and Sarah Coughlin (NY), who look to step in for departed
All-American Jamie Pagliarulo. Both are regional ODP players and
Hines was the Kansas Player of the Year. Coach Jac Cicala brings
in several other players, including midfielders Cara Patton
(NY), Liz Sims (FL), Kerri Beck (PA) and Texas Tech
transfer Jamie Wolff. Rounding out the Patriots' new roster are
several local Virginia standouts-Erin Wilkinson, Erica
Langston, Carolina Kent, Pam Kent and Keri
Newberger-and Californian Angela Lombardi. George Mason's
class ranks as one of the largest in the nation.
Richmond Still
working its way into the elite of women's college soccer is the third
CAA team to make our list. Having signed at least one standout in each
of his first three classes, Coach Peter Albright holds true to
form as he brings in All-American Jenna Merriam (M, NJ), the MVP
of the Orange Classic and Natalie Stallings (M, VA), a national
youth team pool player. While the Spiders were explosive offensively in
'98, new recruits Taylor Hazleton (TX), Alesha Irvin
(FL) and Katie Krein (MA) should strengthen the defense. Andrea
Fuller (M, GA) and Anne Rieser (F/M, MD) complete Richmond's
class which could finally break the Spiders in the national rankings as
well as garner an NCAA bid.
Dartmouth The
Big Green keeps pace with Ivy League rival Harvard by signing one of the
best classes in the country. Mary Ward McVeigh, All-American and
Massachusetts Player of the Year, is the top story for Coach Kelly
Blasius-Knudsen. A quartet of regional ODP players joins McVeigh-Laura
Trouille (IL), Meaghan Kelly (MD), Annie Gibson (NC)
and Emily Odegard (WA). Dartmouth signed players from all
regions of the US. Among this group are all-staters, Laura Ashley
(MN), Devon Haskell (OH) and Johanna Putnam (NY). The
'99 recruiting class at Dartmouth is even deeper with Lois
Schonberger (G, MS), Kristen Sramek (CA) and Ashley
Butler (VA) adding to the impressive list Coach Blasius-Knudsen has
signed to keep Dartmouth among the nation's Top 25.
Ohio
State Another
Big 10 program soars into our national recruiting rankings as Ohio State
continues to climb into the national picture. All-American Elizabeth
Moore (D, OH) headlines a crop of recruits hailing almost
exclusively from the Buckeye state, including regional ODP players Lindsay
Eckles (F/M), Anna Mitchell (G) and Kiley Enmark (F,
MI). Defenders Jessica Sturgeon and Jen Miller with
forward Michelle Besson provide depth to Coach Lori Walker's
class.
"Losing only one starter to graduation this year gave us a unique
opportunity," said Coach Lori Walker. "We were able to focus
our recruiting on players who would make an immediate impact. Each
player has already succeeded at the highest levels, and have the
experience and talent to help the Buckeyes reach the NCAA Tournament."
Princeton The
Tigers continue the 1999 trend of Ivy schools having large recruiting
classes. Princeton loaded up on midfield talent with All-American Heather
Deerin (NJ) and Regional All-Americans Joan Cundey (OH),
Alexandra Fiore (NY) and Josie Francica (NJ). The best
new Tiger may arguably be Florida native Maren Jaffee who could
play on the wing or in back. Coach Julie Shackford went north of
the border to sign Canadians Lynn Ariss and Krista Ariss.
Defenders Jennice Balzer (PA), Jessica Krause (CA) and
Diana Chang (GA) join the lone forward recruit, Jenny
Skinner (WA) to complete the Tigers group of new players.
Indiana The
women's program at Indiana continues to reach for the status of the
men's team and this year's recruiting class will quickly get them
closer. All-American Lisa Tecklenberg (M/D, OH) is just one of
the many talented players Coach Joe Kelley found among the high
school ranks. The Hoosiers picked up local star strikers Jenny Mann
and Emily Markwell, both all-staters in Indiana and members of
the regional ODP team. Their regional teammate, Kate Kastl (MO),
along with Kristen Sprunger (MO) and Courtney Pollock (KY)
should keep Indiana within striking distance of the ever improving Big
10 soccer powers.
UCLA Coach
Todd Saldana made the most of his picks as he banked well with
three highly sought players. Jessica Winton (F, GA),
All-American and Georgia Player of the Year, may be the most recognized
of the Bruins' trio. Saldana scored another All-American signee at the
other end of the field when Emily Koch (CA) agreed to put her
goalie stripes in Bruin's blue. The final UCLA newcomer is Tracey
Winzen (M/D, CA) of the Southern California Blue soccer club. Winzen
has regional ODP team experience and was All-CIF. This class should go a
long way as the Bruins had little to replace from the 1998 team that was
ranked the entire season.
"We have such a strong returning class, that our recruiting this
year was very specific," stated Saldana. "Winzen will add
tenacity and speed in the middle of the midfield for us. Signing Winton
has secured our depth in goal scoring and created more competition for
our forwards. Koch adds a personality and leadership that will carry
this program to the next level."
Find
out the remainder of the Top 1999 Recruiting Classes in our next article
featuring classes ranked among the best in their regions... Check it out
on Thursday, June 10 in Part 4 of Soccer Buzz' 1999 Recruiting
Series.
The
Scarlet Knights brought in five talented players who should contribute
across the field. High School All-American, Tiffany Williams (M,
PA), is the big catch for Rutgers although the rest of the class would
be a steal for any other program. Jessica Bodholt (F, NJ), Angel
Hadaway (G, FL) and Jamie Jandasek (M, MI) all have regional
ODP team experience and will be joined by local product, Rebecca
Calvo (M/D, NJ). The high quality of talent consistent throughout
this class along with the even distribution of position players make
this group among the best in the nation. Coach Charlie Duccilli
has the Knights back on track and ready to compete with powers Notre
Dame and UConn for the Big East title.
As
much as college soccer fans have come to expect UNC to be in the College
Cup each season, true fans have come to expect a bucket full of Canadian
talent to head to Nebraska each season for Coach John Walker.
Two talented Northerners head to Big 12 country and look to put the
Huskers back atop the conference standings and possibly shooting for a
national title in '99. Canadian U-20 players, Christine Latham
(F/M) and Breanna Boyd (M/D), headline Walker's new class and
are joined by countrywoman, Cindy Walsh, a junior transfer who
is part of the Canadian National Player Pool. Despite all this national
talent, the real prize for Nebraska might be Kori Saunders (F,
KS), an All-American and finalist for national player of the year who
will be looked upon to fill the shoes of departing All-American Kim
Engesser. The Cornhuskers also signed two state players of the year
in Michelle Culbertson (F/M, CO) and Paige Phillips
(F/M, NE) along with another Kansas all-stater, Brooke Jones.
Coach
John Daly added large numbers with seven new players mostly from
the Mid-Atlantic region. His two best finds may be Dani Scalzo
(NJ) and Lara Pawlow (VA). Pawlow has previously been a part of
the US youth national pool while Scalzo has been on the regional ODP
team. The Tribe went West to grab two more regional team players in Emily
Davis (WA) and Franny Swajkoski (ID), the Idaho State Player
of the Year. Regional All-American Kristen Wolfer (VA) rounds
out Coach Daly's list of top recruits which includes Chanda Sneed
(NY), Catherine Pacilio (MA), Joanne Elson (NJ) and NC
State transfer Jennifer Mosakewicz. Although William & Mary
may not have signed a national team caliber player, the quality of this
class is high enough to rank as the tops in the CAA.
What
William & Mary lacks in its class, George Mason found when Jessica
Delucchi (M, WA) inked with the Patriots. Delucchi, a US U-18 pool
player, is joined by two highly sought goalkeepers, Naomi Hines
(KS) and Sarah Coughlin (NY), who look to step in for departed
All-American Jamie Pagliarulo. Both are regional ODP players and
Hines was the Kansas Player of the Year. Coach Jac Cicala brings
in several other players, including midfielders Cara Patton
(NY), Liz Sims (FL), Kerri Beck (PA) and Texas Tech
transfer Jamie Wolff. Rounding out the Patriots' new roster are
several local Virginia standouts-Erin Wilkinson, Erica
Langston, Carolina Kent, Pam Kent and Keri
Newberger-and Californian Angela Lombardi. George Mason's
class ranks as one of the largest in the nation.
Still
working its way into the elite of women's college soccer is the third
CAA team to make our list. Having signed at least one standout in each
of his first three classes, Coach Peter Albright holds true to
form as he brings in All-American Jenna Merriam (M, NJ), the MVP
of the Orange Classic and Natalie Stallings (M, VA), a national
youth team pool player. While the Spiders were explosive offensively in
'98, new recruits Taylor Hazleton (TX), Alesha Irvin
(FL) and Katie Krein (MA) should strengthen the defense. Andrea
Fuller (M, GA) and Anne Rieser (F/M, MD) complete Richmond's
class which could finally break the Spiders in the national rankings as
well as garner an NCAA bid.
The
Tigers continue the 1999 trend of Ivy schools having large recruiting
classes. Princeton loaded up on midfield talent with All-American Heather
Deerin (NJ) and Regional All-Americans Joan Cundey (OH),
Alexandra Fiore (NY) and Josie Francica (NJ). The best
new Tiger may arguably be Florida native Maren Jaffee who could
play on the wing or in back. Coach Julie Shackford went north of
the border to sign Canadians Lynn Ariss and Krista Ariss.
Defenders Jennice Balzer (PA), Jessica Krause (CA) and
Diana Chang (GA) join the lone forward recruit, Jenny
Skinner (WA) to complete the Tigers group of new players.
Coach
Todd Saldana made the most of his picks as he banked well with
three highly sought players. Jessica Winton (F, GA),
All-American and Georgia Player of the Year, may be the most recognized
of the Bruins' trio. Saldana scored another All-American signee at the
other end of the field when Emily Koch (CA) agreed to put her
goalie stripes in Bruin's blue. The final UCLA newcomer is Tracey
Winzen (M/D, CA) of the Southern California Blue soccer club. Winzen
has regional ODP team experience and was All-CIF. This class should go a
long way as the Bruins had little to replace from the 1998 team that was
ranked the entire season.
