02-03-2006, 10:07 AM
http://bgsufalcons.collegesports.com/spo...06aaa.html
BGSU WOMEN'S SOCCER NEWCOMERS
Name Pos. Hometown (High School)
Alexa Arsenault GK Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (St. Theresa of Lisieux)
Samantha Bland D Hilliard, Ohio (Darby)
Liz Cooper M/F Westerville, Ohio (North)
Jennifer Czapka M Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada (St. Mary Catholic Secondary)
Renae Dietrich D Cincinnati, Ohio (Oak Hills)
Faith Juillerat F Mason, Ohio (Mason)
Katie Kirkhoff M Indianapolis, Ind. (Lawrence Central)
Kaitlyn Kobe D Solon, Ohio (Solon)
Colleen Kordan D Strongsville, Ohio (Strongsville)
Stacey Lucas F Huber Heights, Ohio (Wayne)
Jackie Melendez M Vermilion, Ohio (Firelands)
Simone Toney D/M Northville, Mich. (Northville)
Kayleigh Zajaros M Bay Village, Ohio (Bay)
The class is the largest in the history of the program, with the exception of the first class in school history ... the last recruiting class that numbered in the double digits was the 10-member class signed in February, 2002 ... the bulk of that group capped their careers two-and-a-half months ago by winning the Mid-American Conference regular-season and tournament titles, and advancing to the NCAA Championships for the second-straight year.
This year's group includes a total of nine Ohio natives, as well as one student-athlete from the state of Michigan ... the class also includes the first-ever Falcon women's soccer student-athlete from the state of Indiana, as well as the first two natives of Canada in program history.
Some information on the individuals in the 2006 recruiting class ...
Arsenault, the lone goalkeeper in the class, was a three-year starter for St. Theresa of Lisieux High School. She helped her team to the York Region Championship this past season. An Honor Roll student in the classroom, Arsenault has played club soccer for the Vaughan Azzurri 88's and the Unionville Strikers 87's. She also has been a part of the 2003 Ontario Team, and was a National Team of Canada (NTC) Program invitee.
"Alexa lifted her team to the York Region Championship without conceding a goal all year," said Richards. "She has also played club soccer for two of the most respected programs in the Toronto area. The coaching staff looks forward to working with Alexa and is excited to add her excellent goalkeeping skills to the program. She is an enthusiastic and bubbly personality who will complement the character already present in the team."
Bland, a defender, was a four-year starter for Hilliard Darby H.S., the school that produced rising BGSU senior Lindsay Carter. A First-Team All-Ohio Capital Conference selection, she played her club soccer with Ohio Premier, captaining that team. During her sophomore and junior years, Bland played for the Ohio Premier Fall Team. She finished her career at Darby as the team's MVP, and led the club in assists from her defender position. An Honor Roll student all four years, she maintains a GPA above 4.0.
"Samantha was highly recruited by several college programs," said Richards. "Bowling Green is fortunate enough to add her soccer knowledge and ability to the program. Her overall attitude and outgoing personality will add much to the chemistry of the team, and the coaching staff is excited for her to join the BGSU soccer family."
Cooper, a midfielder/forward, played for Westerville North H.S. She was voted her team's Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Year in 2005, and was an All-OCC First-Team pick, after earning team Most Valuable Midfielder honors as a junior. She played club ball for Ohio Premier, helping that team to a state championship in 2005 and a berth in the regional tournament semifinals.
"Liz has the technical ability, and the physical prowess, to play both wide in midfield or as a forward, and she will add depth and flair to the program," said Richards. "The Falcons are delighted to have Liz in the program and look forward to watching her career develop over the next four years."
Czapka, a midfielder, attends St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Uxbridge, Ontario. She has played club soccer with the Unionville Strikers, helping that team to numerous honors. The team earned a Canadian Professional Soccer League championship in 2005, and the Strikers also have won the CGSL League and CGSL Cup titles.
"In addition to being an exciting soccer prospect, Jennifer has excelled in the classroom," said Richards. "She was voted onto the Honor Roll in grades nine through 12, and also was the recipient of the Top Academic Award in her junior year. Jennifer was a much sought-after recruit, and the coaching staff is delighted to have her join the program. She will add tremendous talent and competitive intensity to the center of midfield and defense."
Dietrich, a defender, was a three-year starter at Oak Hills H.S., the same school that produced former Falcon standout Janice Mentrup. Dietrich, an all-league selection on the pitch, also was a two-year starter on the basketball team. She currently plays her club soccer with the Cincinnati Futbol Alliance after spending time with the CUP program. The latter team won state and regional championships in 2003 and appeared in the national semifinals. Renae's sister, Danielle, played collegiate soccer at Ohio State, concluding her collegiate career in 2005.
"Renae's style of play will offer the team a great amount of flexibility, as she is fully capable of playing both defense and in the midfield," said Richards. "Her character and enthusiasm for the game are very highly regarded by the coaching staff, and we are extremely excited to watch Renae become a vital component of the Falcon team."
Juillerat, a forward, earned four letters at Mason H.S. That school produced a trio of Falcons in Leslie Hepfinger, Erika Flanders and Ashley Wentzel, all of whom captained the BGSU squad. Juillerat scored 41 career goals and added 22 assists, earning team MVP honors as both a junior and a senior. The league player of the year as a senior, she helped Mason to the FAVC title last fall. She played club ball for FOSC Mirage.
"Faith adds to a rich line of talent to come to Bowling Green from Mason," said Richards. "She had great success there, and her club team was state cup finalists in 2003 and semifinalists in 2004. The Falcons will greatly benefit from her offensive skills and direct approach in 1v1 situations. We are very much looking forward to adding her high energy to the forward line and to watching her play blossom in the collegiate environment."
Kirkhoff, a midfielder, was a four-year letterwinner and two-time captain at Lawrence Central H.S. A four-time all-conference and all-county first-team honoree, she was chosen to the all-state first team in both her junior and senior years. The all-time assist leader at Lawrence Central, she has played club ball for the Carmel United Cyclones since 2000, helping that team to state championships on six occasions. Kirkhoff has played for her ODP team as well.
"Katie brings a wealth of experience to the Falcons," said Richards. "She represented her state ODP team from 2000-04, and has helped contribute to her club team's incredible success both within the state of Indiana and across the region. We are extremely excited to bring a player of Katie's background to the program, and the coaching staff are fully confident that her physical strength, passing vision and composure on the ball will enable her to quickly make an impact."
Kobe, a defender, was a three-year letterwinner at Solon H.S. A two-time All-Western Reserve Conference First-Team selection, she was named both her team's Best Offensive Player and Best Defensive Player during her tenure. In the classroom, she was an Honor Roll student and a Scholar Athlete Award recipient on multiple occasions, and also was a member of the National Honor Society. She played her club ball for the Everest Soccer Club.
"Kaitlyn enjoyed a very successful high school career," said Richards. "She has enjoyed excellent academic success as well. The coaching staff recognizes the contribution Kaitlyn will make to the team and are looking forward to her watching her display outstanding defensive abilities, athleticism and reading of the game."
Kordan, a defender, is the latest in a long line of Strongsville H.S. products to come to BGSU. That list includes Michelle Lisy, Jenny Berlovan and Nikki Pucillo. Kordan, a four-year varsity starter, earned a veritable plethora of honors during her tenure with the Mustangs. She was named an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America as a senior, after helping the team to a second state championship in her four years. The team earned district titles in all four seasons. She has played club ball for the Cleveland United, and was on the Ohio North ODP team in both 2004 and '05. She also was on the regional team and attended the national ODP camp.
"Colleen was a very highly sought-after recruit, and we are delighted to have her in the program," said Richards. "BGSU looks forward to her collegiate career with tremendous anticipation and excitement. The coaching staff expects her to make a significant impact on the program through her high level of defensive play, her competitive spirit and desire to win."
Lucas, a forward, was a three-time all-area selection at Wayne H.S. She was also a three-time all-conference first-team pick, and earned Third-Team All-Ohio honors on two occasions. Lucas, who was the Greater Western Ohio Conference Player of the Year in 2005, scored 81 career goals and added 32 assists. She played club ball for Ohio Galaxies, leading that team in scoring over four seasons (2002-05). She attended ODP regional camp and was selected to the state poll in two years.
"A dynamic and exciting forward, Stacey finished a glittering high-school career with a massive 32 goals as a senior," said Richards. "We are extremely excited to add Stacey's tenacious style of play and ability to score goals to the program, and we are eager to watch her development from a standout high school player into an impact college player."
Melendez, a midfielder, set the school records for goals and points at Firelands H.S. A Second-Team All-Ohio pick as a senior, she also was the Lorain County MVP and was the Lorain Morning Journal Player of the Year. Away from the field, she earned Second-Team Academic All-Ohio honors. She captained her club team, Ohio Premier, to a 2004 state championship and a regional semifinal appearance. Melendez played for the Ohio North State ODP team, and was on the Ohio North national championship team in 2003.
"Jackie enjoyed a very successful high-school career, and collected a myriad of individual awards," said Richards. "Her composure on the ball, together with her disciplined defensive play and willingness to join the attack, will add a dynamic feature to the Falcon midfield. We are very excited to work with her throughout her collegiate career."
Zajaros, a midfielder, was a three-year letterwinner at Bay H.S., helping that team to back-to-back state championships in 2002 and 2003 and a semifinal appearance last fall. An All-Greater Cleveland First-Team selection as a senior, she played her club soccer with Cleveland Soccer Academy Impact. Zajaros also has been involved with the Ohio North ODP. Off the field, she received the Kiwanis Academic Achievement Award on several occasions.
"Kayleigh has experienced great success during her soccer career to date," said Richards. "The coaching staff is excited to have her in our program, and we look forward to seeing her vision of the game and touch on the ball provide a fresh element in the midfield for the Falcons."
Toney, a defender/midfielder, is a three-year starter at Northville H.S. She did not sign a National Letter of Intent, but rather is attending BGSU on an academic scholarship. She helped her school win a state championship in 2003 Last spring, she was voted to the All-Metro Dream Team (Michigan high-school girls soccer competition is held in the spring). She was a four-year letterwinner in basketball, earning one team MVP honor. Toney has played club soccer for the Michigan Hawks, helping that team to a pair of state cup runner-up finishes. She also has been included in Michigan's ODP State Pool.
"Simone has had a successful high-school career so far, and will captain her team this spring," said Richards. "The BGSU coaching staff eagerly anticipates her arrival, and we feel that her experience and athleticism will greatly benefit our program."
BGSU WOMEN'S SOCCER NEWCOMERS
Name Pos. Hometown (High School)
Alexa Arsenault GK Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (St. Theresa of Lisieux)
Samantha Bland D Hilliard, Ohio (Darby)
Liz Cooper M/F Westerville, Ohio (North)
Jennifer Czapka M Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada (St. Mary Catholic Secondary)
Renae Dietrich D Cincinnati, Ohio (Oak Hills)
Faith Juillerat F Mason, Ohio (Mason)
Katie Kirkhoff M Indianapolis, Ind. (Lawrence Central)
Kaitlyn Kobe D Solon, Ohio (Solon)
Colleen Kordan D Strongsville, Ohio (Strongsville)
Stacey Lucas F Huber Heights, Ohio (Wayne)
Jackie Melendez M Vermilion, Ohio (Firelands)
Simone Toney D/M Northville, Mich. (Northville)
Kayleigh Zajaros M Bay Village, Ohio (Bay)
The class is the largest in the history of the program, with the exception of the first class in school history ... the last recruiting class that numbered in the double digits was the 10-member class signed in February, 2002 ... the bulk of that group capped their careers two-and-a-half months ago by winning the Mid-American Conference regular-season and tournament titles, and advancing to the NCAA Championships for the second-straight year.
This year's group includes a total of nine Ohio natives, as well as one student-athlete from the state of Michigan ... the class also includes the first-ever Falcon women's soccer student-athlete from the state of Indiana, as well as the first two natives of Canada in program history.
Some information on the individuals in the 2006 recruiting class ...
Arsenault, the lone goalkeeper in the class, was a three-year starter for St. Theresa of Lisieux High School. She helped her team to the York Region Championship this past season. An Honor Roll student in the classroom, Arsenault has played club soccer for the Vaughan Azzurri 88's and the Unionville Strikers 87's. She also has been a part of the 2003 Ontario Team, and was a National Team of Canada (NTC) Program invitee.
"Alexa lifted her team to the York Region Championship without conceding a goal all year," said Richards. "She has also played club soccer for two of the most respected programs in the Toronto area. The coaching staff looks forward to working with Alexa and is excited to add her excellent goalkeeping skills to the program. She is an enthusiastic and bubbly personality who will complement the character already present in the team."
Bland, a defender, was a four-year starter for Hilliard Darby H.S., the school that produced rising BGSU senior Lindsay Carter. A First-Team All-Ohio Capital Conference selection, she played her club soccer with Ohio Premier, captaining that team. During her sophomore and junior years, Bland played for the Ohio Premier Fall Team. She finished her career at Darby as the team's MVP, and led the club in assists from her defender position. An Honor Roll student all four years, she maintains a GPA above 4.0.
"Samantha was highly recruited by several college programs," said Richards. "Bowling Green is fortunate enough to add her soccer knowledge and ability to the program. Her overall attitude and outgoing personality will add much to the chemistry of the team, and the coaching staff is excited for her to join the BGSU soccer family."
Cooper, a midfielder/forward, played for Westerville North H.S. She was voted her team's Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Year in 2005, and was an All-OCC First-Team pick, after earning team Most Valuable Midfielder honors as a junior. She played club ball for Ohio Premier, helping that team to a state championship in 2005 and a berth in the regional tournament semifinals.
"Liz has the technical ability, and the physical prowess, to play both wide in midfield or as a forward, and she will add depth and flair to the program," said Richards. "The Falcons are delighted to have Liz in the program and look forward to watching her career develop over the next four years."
Czapka, a midfielder, attends St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Uxbridge, Ontario. She has played club soccer with the Unionville Strikers, helping that team to numerous honors. The team earned a Canadian Professional Soccer League championship in 2005, and the Strikers also have won the CGSL League and CGSL Cup titles.
"In addition to being an exciting soccer prospect, Jennifer has excelled in the classroom," said Richards. "She was voted onto the Honor Roll in grades nine through 12, and also was the recipient of the Top Academic Award in her junior year. Jennifer was a much sought-after recruit, and the coaching staff is delighted to have her join the program. She will add tremendous talent and competitive intensity to the center of midfield and defense."
Dietrich, a defender, was a three-year starter at Oak Hills H.S., the same school that produced former Falcon standout Janice Mentrup. Dietrich, an all-league selection on the pitch, also was a two-year starter on the basketball team. She currently plays her club soccer with the Cincinnati Futbol Alliance after spending time with the CUP program. The latter team won state and regional championships in 2003 and appeared in the national semifinals. Renae's sister, Danielle, played collegiate soccer at Ohio State, concluding her collegiate career in 2005.
"Renae's style of play will offer the team a great amount of flexibility, as she is fully capable of playing both defense and in the midfield," said Richards. "Her character and enthusiasm for the game are very highly regarded by the coaching staff, and we are extremely excited to watch Renae become a vital component of the Falcon team."
Juillerat, a forward, earned four letters at Mason H.S. That school produced a trio of Falcons in Leslie Hepfinger, Erika Flanders and Ashley Wentzel, all of whom captained the BGSU squad. Juillerat scored 41 career goals and added 22 assists, earning team MVP honors as both a junior and a senior. The league player of the year as a senior, she helped Mason to the FAVC title last fall. She played club ball for FOSC Mirage.
"Faith adds to a rich line of talent to come to Bowling Green from Mason," said Richards. "She had great success there, and her club team was state cup finalists in 2003 and semifinalists in 2004. The Falcons will greatly benefit from her offensive skills and direct approach in 1v1 situations. We are very much looking forward to adding her high energy to the forward line and to watching her play blossom in the collegiate environment."
Kirkhoff, a midfielder, was a four-year letterwinner and two-time captain at Lawrence Central H.S. A four-time all-conference and all-county first-team honoree, she was chosen to the all-state first team in both her junior and senior years. The all-time assist leader at Lawrence Central, she has played club ball for the Carmel United Cyclones since 2000, helping that team to state championships on six occasions. Kirkhoff has played for her ODP team as well.
"Katie brings a wealth of experience to the Falcons," said Richards. "She represented her state ODP team from 2000-04, and has helped contribute to her club team's incredible success both within the state of Indiana and across the region. We are extremely excited to bring a player of Katie's background to the program, and the coaching staff are fully confident that her physical strength, passing vision and composure on the ball will enable her to quickly make an impact."
Kobe, a defender, was a three-year letterwinner at Solon H.S. A two-time All-Western Reserve Conference First-Team selection, she was named both her team's Best Offensive Player and Best Defensive Player during her tenure. In the classroom, she was an Honor Roll student and a Scholar Athlete Award recipient on multiple occasions, and also was a member of the National Honor Society. She played her club ball for the Everest Soccer Club.
"Kaitlyn enjoyed a very successful high school career," said Richards. "She has enjoyed excellent academic success as well. The coaching staff recognizes the contribution Kaitlyn will make to the team and are looking forward to her watching her display outstanding defensive abilities, athleticism and reading of the game."
Kordan, a defender, is the latest in a long line of Strongsville H.S. products to come to BGSU. That list includes Michelle Lisy, Jenny Berlovan and Nikki Pucillo. Kordan, a four-year varsity starter, earned a veritable plethora of honors during her tenure with the Mustangs. She was named an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America as a senior, after helping the team to a second state championship in her four years. The team earned district titles in all four seasons. She has played club ball for the Cleveland United, and was on the Ohio North ODP team in both 2004 and '05. She also was on the regional team and attended the national ODP camp.
"Colleen was a very highly sought-after recruit, and we are delighted to have her in the program," said Richards. "BGSU looks forward to her collegiate career with tremendous anticipation and excitement. The coaching staff expects her to make a significant impact on the program through her high level of defensive play, her competitive spirit and desire to win."
Lucas, a forward, was a three-time all-area selection at Wayne H.S. She was also a three-time all-conference first-team pick, and earned Third-Team All-Ohio honors on two occasions. Lucas, who was the Greater Western Ohio Conference Player of the Year in 2005, scored 81 career goals and added 32 assists. She played club ball for Ohio Galaxies, leading that team in scoring over four seasons (2002-05). She attended ODP regional camp and was selected to the state poll in two years.
"A dynamic and exciting forward, Stacey finished a glittering high-school career with a massive 32 goals as a senior," said Richards. "We are extremely excited to add Stacey's tenacious style of play and ability to score goals to the program, and we are eager to watch her development from a standout high school player into an impact college player."
Melendez, a midfielder, set the school records for goals and points at Firelands H.S. A Second-Team All-Ohio pick as a senior, she also was the Lorain County MVP and was the Lorain Morning Journal Player of the Year. Away from the field, she earned Second-Team Academic All-Ohio honors. She captained her club team, Ohio Premier, to a 2004 state championship and a regional semifinal appearance. Melendez played for the Ohio North State ODP team, and was on the Ohio North national championship team in 2003.
"Jackie enjoyed a very successful high-school career, and collected a myriad of individual awards," said Richards. "Her composure on the ball, together with her disciplined defensive play and willingness to join the attack, will add a dynamic feature to the Falcon midfield. We are very excited to work with her throughout her collegiate career."
Zajaros, a midfielder, was a three-year letterwinner at Bay H.S., helping that team to back-to-back state championships in 2002 and 2003 and a semifinal appearance last fall. An All-Greater Cleveland First-Team selection as a senior, she played her club soccer with Cleveland Soccer Academy Impact. Zajaros also has been involved with the Ohio North ODP. Off the field, she received the Kiwanis Academic Achievement Award on several occasions.
"Kayleigh has experienced great success during her soccer career to date," said Richards. "The coaching staff is excited to have her in our program, and we look forward to seeing her vision of the game and touch on the ball provide a fresh element in the midfield for the Falcons."
Toney, a defender/midfielder, is a three-year starter at Northville H.S. She did not sign a National Letter of Intent, but rather is attending BGSU on an academic scholarship. She helped her school win a state championship in 2003 Last spring, she was voted to the All-Metro Dream Team (Michigan high-school girls soccer competition is held in the spring). She was a four-year letterwinner in basketball, earning one team MVP honor. Toney has played club soccer for the Michigan Hawks, helping that team to a pair of state cup runner-up finishes. She also has been included in Michigan's ODP State Pool.
"Simone has had a successful high-school career so far, and will captain her team this spring," said Richards. "The BGSU coaching staff eagerly anticipates her arrival, and we feel that her experience and athleticism will greatly benefit our program."