WOMEN'S SOCCER ANNOUNCES RECRUITING CLASS
PHILADELPHIA (4/14/04) – Head coach Jess Reynolds is proud to announce the signing of four incoming freshman to National Letters of Intent to play women's soccer at Saint Joseph's next season. Goalkeeper Jen Kuhn (Wernersville, Pa. / Conrad Weiser), defender Erin Bailey (Milton, Mass. / Notre Dame Academy), midfielder Lauren Shapiro (Castle Rock, Colo. / Douglas County) and forward Jenna Martin (Fairfax, Va. / Potomac Falls) comprise the Hawk Class of 2008. Additionally, freshman Ali Wean (Wallingford, Pa. / Strath Haven HS / Florida State) and senior Ginette Buffone (Enfield, Conn. / Loomis Chaffee / Delaware) have transferred to Saint Joseph's and will provide immediate help in 2004.
Kuhn is a three-year starter and 2003 All-State honoree. A two-time team MVP at Conrad Weiser, Kuhn is member of the Region 1 and EPYSA ODP teams.
“Jen's high level experience will have an immediate impact on our team. She is very vocal, athletic and an all-around great keeper,” Reynolds said. “She will fight for the starting spot with Nicole DiEnna and Stef Luicci.”
Bailey is a Massachusetts ODP member and as a league all-star, helped her team reach the state finals. The honor roll student was also honored in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd.
“Erin is a smart, tough defender. Her speed and defensive knowledge will make our defense stronger,” Reynolds said.
Shaprio is a honorable mention all-conference pick at Douglas County and helped her club team, the Colorado Storm, reach the State Cup quarterfinals twice.
“Lauren will make us more competitive and add depth to our team,” Reynolds said.
Martin is a three-year starter and All-District, All-Region, and All-Met selection at Potomac Falls. She helped her team to two straight state finals in 2001 and 2001.
“Jenna is a very athletic forward. She takes people on and will see time at forward and midfield,” Reynolds said.
Wean arrives on Hawk Hill from Florida State University and was a member of the State ODP team. She scored over 100 goals at Strath Haven High School and was an All-State, All-Region and All-America honoree. Wean appeared in eight games for the Seminoles, who reached the NCAA Semifinals before losing to eventual national champion North Carolina.
“Ali is a tenacious, creative goal scorer. She will make our attack more dangerous and will team with Megan (Schutt) and Nancy (Cook) on the front line,” Reynolds said.
Buffone transfers from the University of Delaware where she was a three-year starter. The Connecticut native ranks in the top five all-time in assists at UDel and was a 2001 All-America East honorable mention selection.
“Ginette is a highly skilled technical player with amazing vision. She will contribute in the midfield,” Reynolds said.
Saint Joseph's is coming off its best season in school history, going 9-8-1 and advancing to the Atlantic 10 Tournament for the first time ever. “This year's recruiting class will make an immediate impact in 2004. We believe they will help us reach our goal of winning the Atlantic 10,” Reynolds said.
|
