FLORENCE
-- University of North Alabama women's
soccer coach Graham Winkworth has announced
the signing of 13 student-athletes to
National Letters of Intent with UNA.
The group
includes a goalkeeper, seven defenders, two
midfielders and three forwards.
Winkworth says
he has signed a diverse group of players
representing seven different states in the
USA and three players from the United
Kingdom.
“I am very
excited about this group of young ladies,"
said Winkworth. "This is without doubt the
deepest recruiting class I have had the
opportunity to bring in since my arrival
five years ago. I have been able to add a
lot of talent but also depth to our
defensive end of the field, which is an area
that needed attention.
"The midfield
has been strengthened by players that are
not only very good with the ball but are
also not afraid to put tackles in. This
should help us tremendously as last year we
were good with the ball but never gained
enough possession.
"Up top I have
been able to add a lot of speed. These
players have the ability to play through the
middle or out wide.
"I cannot wait
to get to work with these girls," Winkworth
added. "They are all not only talented
soccer players but possess the right
attitudes where I am sure they will be a
success in the classroom. Although it will
be hard to gel so many new faces in a short
period, these young ladies all have
excellent personalities and I feel will bond
as a team very quickly. It is a very
exciting time for me personally and for UNA
Soccer”
UNA SOCCER
SIGNING CLASS 2008 - with comments from
Coach Graham Winkworth
Goalkeeper
Alexandra McLay
(Naples, Florida). Alex is a fantastic
goalkeeper who I expect to come in and
compete immediately. She is a hard worker
and fearless. She has a very outgoing
personality at the back and oozes
confidence. It will be a very interesting
battle between my goalies this fall.
Defence
Stephanie
Bradshaw (Lincoln, England). Steph possesses
excellent pace and loves to get forward from
the fullback position. She is a natural
lefty which will provide more balance within
this team. Stephanie’s engaging personality
will help her adapt to American life very
easily. She is excellent with her delivery
on set pieces.
Rebecca Tweed
(Bristol, England). Tweedy comes from a top
academy in the United Kingdom. She is a
typical British Center Half who reads the
game very well. In 2005/06 she was selected
player’s player and manager’s player of the
year for her club.
Elizabeth Spurr
(Lousiville, KY). Beth is without doubt one
of the most versatile player’s I have been
recruiting this year. She has the ability to
play anywhere on the field but maybe excels
the most defensively. She is extremely smart
and is very comfortable playing out of the
back. She will be a key addition to the
program for the upcoming season.
Rebecca Zeller
(Plantation, FL). Rebecca is the first of
two defenders that have been added from the
Plantation Eagles club team. She plays most
naturally on the right side and will add
immediate depth to that position. I am
looking forward to working with her.
Chelsea Ross
(Parkland, FL). Like Rebecca, Chelsea also
comes from the Plantation Eagles club team
where she has played center back for them.
Chelsea will compete with the other new
signings immediately for playing time and I
hope will help in strengthening our back
four for 2008.
Lauren Stevens
(Memphis, TN). Lauren is a tough tackling
hard nosed defender. She is not afraid to
put a challenge in. Lauren comes from the
same club team as former lion favorite
Rhiannon Harrison. She is extremely
committed to winning and working hard on the
field.
Chelsea Sall
(Springdale, AR). Chelsea is a very
hardworking defensive minded player. She has
the ability to help out the midfield when
needed. Chelsea will add extra depth to the
defensive end of the field where we
struggled in 2007.
Midfield
Hollie Loud
(Bristol, England). Hollie is the third
addition to the squad from the United
Kingdom and second from Bristol. She comes
from a top academy there where she has
captained her team the last year. Hollie has
been called up for England training camps
and I hope she will make an immediate impact
in the GSC.
Danielle
Vaughan (Centerville, OH). Danielle plays a
much bigger game than her size suggests. She
is a hard tackling central midfielder who
never shy’s away from a challenge. She will
make an instant impression on her teammates
with her shear desire to win and passion for
the game.
Forward
Mellisa Bown
(Miami, FL). Mel is a very dynamic forward.
Capable of playing anywhere across the top
she brings exceptional pace to the team. She
is extremely athletic and capable of
finishing with either foot. Mel is also a
very hard worker defensively which is a rare
trait in forwards of today
Meghan Brown
(Tupelo, MS). Meghan is another hard working
forward who I hope will have an impact right
away on the program. She also has great
speed and a deadly finish. Meghan is going
to cause defenses across the south major
head aches this fall.
Adrienne Aragon
(Lakeland, CO). Adrienne is another forward
with excellent speed. She is a player that
despite her size is not afraid to work hard
defensively and challenge hard. I am hopeful
that she will also be adding to the goal
tally this coming fall in a lion shirt.
