Tusculum College women's soccer coach Mike Joy has announced the commitments of six additional student athletes to the 2012 recruiting class.

Goalkeeper Emily Pannocchia, central defender Carly Whitman, marking back Abbie Hewitt, defender Kelaiah King, forward Jodee Giarratana, and forward Brittany Bowers will join a Pioneer squad that finished 10-7-2 overall in 2011 and shared third place in the final South Atlantic Conference standings with a 5-4 league record.

Pannocchia, a native of New Tazewell, Tennessee, has been the starting for Middlesboro High School where she earned All-District honors her junior and senior year and earned All-Region honors her junior year. Pannocchia is also a member of FC Alliance club program.

"Emily is an aggressive goalkeeper and will be a great addition to our current pair of keepers," said Joy.

Whitman, a native of Rochelle, Illinois, spent the past two years competing for Heartland Community College and helped her team win the Wabaunsee tournament her freshman year. Prior to playing for the Heartland Hawks, Whitman competed for Rochelle Township High School where she earned All-Conference honors her senior year.

"Carly is a talented defender who will add depth to our defense," commented Joy. "She has had experience playing at the collegiate level so we look for her to compete right away for a spot on the field."

Hewitt, a native of Maineville, Ohio, earned numerous awards including All-Conference while playing for Little Miami High School. She also competes for the Ohio Elite Soccer Academy and with the Olympic Development Program where she has reached state and regional levels.

"Abbie will be a great asset to our team's defense. We will look for Abbie to come in and compete right away for playing time," Joy stated.

King, a native of Athens, Tennessee, is a four year letter winner at McMinn County High School where she earned All-District and All-Region honors her senior year. She also competes for McMinn United club program.

"Kelaiah is a very positive up-beat person who competes for every ball," noted Joy.

Giarratana, a native of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, had 40 goals and 50 assists in her career at Hasbrouck Heights High School. She also earned numerous awards during her high school career including a Top 20 player in North New Jersey her senior year.

"Jodee is a dynamic player who we will look to come in and make an impact," Joy said.

Bowers, a native of Taylor Mill, Kentucky, is a four year varsity starter for Calvary Christian School. During her time at Calvary Christian School, she led her team in scoring each year and finished tenth all-time in state history with 57 career assists.

"Brittany is a very solid player who will compete right away for playing time," Joy remarked.

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 10 colleges and universities in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.