GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Twelve student-athletes have committed to attend Tusculum College and play soccer announced TC women's soccer coach Mike Joy on Wednesday. This year's recruiting class features three first team All-District performers, one All-Region selection, as well as the third-ranked goalkeeper in the nation according to the National Junior College Athletics Association.
"I am very excited about this group of 2010 signees," said Coach Joy. "We have strengthened our team considerably across the field from the back line to the attacking third."
Monica Perez, a defender from Austin, Texas, starred at James Bowie High School in Austin where she was a First Team All-District performer this past season. Perez was an integral part of James Bowie's advance to the regional championship match this past season, and is an accomplished student, ranking in the top 17 percent of the National Honor Society.
Lindsey Ogle, a midfielder from Morristown, Tenn., was a member of the District Two state championship Lakeway Gremia club team last spring. The 2009 All-Conference selection at Morristown Hamblen West High School was also a member of Morristown West's three-time District runner-up teams from 2006-2008, while being named her team's offensive player of the year this past season.
Shanice Campbell, a defender/midfielder from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was a member of Ontario's top-ranked Ajax U21 Women's Provincial team in 2008, and helped lead the Strikers to the Ontario Cup Championship in 2009. The Strikers also won the Ontario Youth Soccer League title in 2007 and 2009.
Colleen Moloney, a defender from Houston, Texas, is a First Team All-District performer who starred at Clear Lake High School in Houston. Moloney helped her Clear Lake team capture the Region Three Championship this past season while playing an instrumental role in Clear Lake's back-to-back state semifinal appearances. She also played club soccer with the Texas Challenge club, one of the elite and most respected club teams in the nation.
Katie Chadwick, a defender/midfielder from New Ringgold, Pa., garnered All-Berks Girl's Soccer All-Division II honors during the 2008-09 season, scoring three goals and adding an assist for Blue Mountain High School. Chadwick was also named Blue Mountain's Female Soccer Scholar Athlete this past season.
Katie Dargavell, a native of Berea, Ky., is the second leading scorer at Berea Community High School and a two-time Offensive Player of the Year at the Berea, Ky. school. The forward/midfielder has also spent time on the back line for the Pirates, earning selections to the All-Bluegrass Conference Team, Central Kentucky All-Conference Team and the District All-Tournament Team. Dargavell is also a two-time All-District selection.
Amy Neltner, a midfielder/forward from Campbell County, Ky., was a 2009 Northern Kentucky Senior All-Star at Campbell County High School in Alexandria, Ky. The 2008 All-Northern Kentucky Second Team selection was twice honored as her team's Most Versatile Player while leading her squad to the 2007 Louisville Cup Championship.
Jenique Thombs, a midfielder from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, played with fellow signee Campbell for the Ajax U21 Women's Provincial team that won the 2009 Ontario Cup. Thombs was also a member of the 2007-08 Toronto District Colleges Athletic Association championship team at Pope John Paul Secondary Catholic High School in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.
Amy Morford, a midfielder/defender from Versailles, Ky., is a four-time All-State Academic Honorable Mention recipient from Woodford County High School in Versailles, Ky. where she was an integral part of two regional championship teams. Morford also garnered All-Conference First Team and All-Region Second Team honors while helping Woodford County to a pair of Sectional Championships and two State Final Four appearances.
Kelsey Cunningham, a junior goalkeeper from Cumming, Ga., joins the Pioneers from Young Harris College in Young Harris, Ga. Cunningham was named to the NSCAA/adidas Junior College All-South Team as a freshman and was ranked third in the nation among goalkeepers by the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Paige Thompson, a defender/midfielder from Jonesborough, Tenn., was a three-time All-District performer at Davy Crockett High School in Jonesborough, including a first team selection this past season. Thompson was also a two-time All-District Honorable Mention performer on the backline for the Pioneers.
Katie Capel, a forward from Waverly, Tenn., was a member of the Tennessee State Championship HFC Hurricanes club team this past season. Capel also played for Central High School in Waverly, Tenn. where she was the Tigers' leading scorer.
"We have a strong, diverse group of student-athletes from five states, as well as two international players," said Joy. "I truly believe that this group of signees in addition to our returning student athletes can help the Tusculum Women's Soccer Team challenge for a national championship next season."
Tusculum finished the 2009 season with a 15-5-3 record while advancing into the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in program history. The Pioneers also posted a 6-2 record in South Atlantic Conference play, earning the second seed in the conference tournament and advancing to the semifinal round.
Tusculum College, located in Greeneville, Tenn., is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA and is a NCAA Division II member of the South Atlantic Conference which is comprised of nine colleges and universities in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.
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