FLORENCE
-- University of North Alabama women's
soccer coach Graham Winkworth has signed six
student-athletes to National Letters of
Intent, including a trio of players from
Sarasota, Fla.
Among UNA's signees are forward Tassia
Augusto of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Callie
Pederson of Sarasota High School in
Sarasota, Fla., Natalie Sherk and Sarah
Robbins of Riverview High School in
Sarasota, Carly Rhodes of Independence High
School in Franklin, Tenn., and Stacey Lewis
of Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham.
"I am excited about the first additions to
our 2007 class," said Winkworth. "I'm happy
that these young ladies have decided to join
us here at UNA and become Lions. They all
have very impressive athletic backgrounds
but equally important, they have all been
successful in their studies. I believe that
not only will all these girls help UNA
soccer on the field and in the class but all
have the type of personalities that will
contribute positively to the city of
Florence."
"Tassia is already on campus and practicing
and has had an instant impact on her
teammates. I hope that Tas will provide us
with some of the firepower to reach the post
season next season." Augusto transferred to
UNA from Martin Methodist in January where
she was part of a team that went to the 2006
national semifinals in the NAIA. She scored
13 goals in
18 games.
"The three Sarasota girls all bring
different elements of the game to UNA that I
believe can contribute greatly to our
success," Winkworth said. "Natalie's sheer
hard work up top with her ability to get
past defenders and finish is something that
will help us. Callie is a very talented
midfielder with good touch and passing
range. I also hope she will pop up with a
few goals for us. Sarah is a taller center
back which is something we have been missing
in recent years. She has a good passing
range which will enable us to play out of
the back more."
"Carly is a very good keeper," said
Winkworth. "I am most impressed with her
ability to come out for crosses and command
her penalty area. It will be exciting to
watch the competition for this position in
the fall."
"Stacey is a solid defender that will most
likely compete for playing time at the
outside back position. She is athletic and a
great addition to this squad."
UNA 2007 SOCCER SIGNEES
Tassia Augusto
Forward Sao Paulo, Brazil
Stacey Lewis Defender Birmingham, Ala./Oak
Mountain High School
Callie Pederson Midfield Sarasota,
Fla./Sarasota High School
Carly Rhodes Goalkeeper Franklin,
Tenn./Independence High School
Sarah Robbins Defender Sarasota,
Fla./Riverview High School
Natalie Sherk Forward Sarasota,
Fla./Riverview High School
