John Ross Brings 11 to NIU for 2014 Women s Soccer Season

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Hilary Washington
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1 John Ross Brings 11 to NIU for 2014 Women s Soccer Season For Immediate Release - February 5, 2014 DeKALB, Ill. - On Signing Day 2014, Head Coach John Ross announced the addition of 11 players to the Huskies for the 2014 women s soccer season. With nine seniors on 2013 s team, the Huskies are saying good-bye and thank you to a sizable part of the roster. Ross led back-to-back MAC Tournament berths in 2012 and 2013, his first two seasons with the team. NIU is set to bring in one goalkeeper, two defenders, two forwards, and six midfielders. Of the eleven, nine are from Illinois, one is from Minnesota, and the other is from Wisconsin. Ross will be coaching the team in his third season this coming fall. After going in 2012, his first season with NIU, he led the Huskies to a record in the 2013 fall season. The Huskies produced the best home record in the MAC in 2013, going at the NIU Soccer Complex. NIU is graduating some key components of the team from this last year, including former All-MAC goalkeeper Amy Carr. Even with the nine graduating seniors, 18 Huskies remain. Those returning include one goalkeeper, five defenders, seven midfielders, and five forwards. Among these players are the team s leading scorer in 2013, Nicole Gobbo, corner kick specialist, Allie McBride, and 2013 MAC All-Freshman Alex Elias. Those players combined with the signees set up a 29-player roster for the Huskies in When asked about the Illinois-rich signing class, Ross added the Chicago area has some of the best talent in the nation. I feel it s at least top three. We wanted to take advantage of our location and bring in that top talent. Complete bios and quotes from John Ross on each player can be found on pages 2-7 of the packet. Follow the women s soccer program on NIUHuskies.com, Facebook (Northern Illinois University Women s Soccer) and on Twitter (@NIUWomensSoccer) for updates throughout the season. SIGNING DAY NOTES: 2014 Signing Day Breakdown By Position Goalkeepers...1 Defenders...2 Midfielders...6 Forwards...2 Total...11 By State Illinois...9 Minnesota...1 Wisconsin...1 Letterwinners Returning Goalkeepers...1 Defenders...5 Midfielders...7 Forwards...5 Signees Name Pos. Hometown Mallory Richardson M Bartlett, Ill. Sammy O Brien F Aurora, Ill. Delaney Loprieno M/F Algonquin, Ill. Marisa Knott M/F Rosemount, Minn. Cassidy Page D/M Germantown, Wis. Taylor Fuderer D Glenview, Ill. Lauren Gierman M/F Prospect Heights, Ill. Natalia Peña M/F Hoffman Estates, Ill. Allie Ingham F Arlington Heights, Ill. Marisol Galvan M Minooka, Ill. Amy Annala GK Oswego, Ill. 9 of the 11 signees hail from the state of Illinois Five players have played for Chicago Sockers FC Mallory Richardson s father David played soccer at NIU in 1985 and 1986 Cassidy Page is the sister to Dusty Page, who plays for NIU s men s soccer team Taylor Fuderer helped set soccer records at Glenbrook South High School, as the team recorded 10 consecutive shutouts, 19 overall shutouts, and 15 wins in a row in 2012 Allie Ingham is a former NIKE/Manchester United Premier Tournament participant (2010) and she led her team in scoring...sammy O Brien was a multi-sport athlete in high school, being a member of the golf, volleyball, gymnastics, track, and cross country teams...delaney Loprieno was a Midwest Regional League Champion playing for her club team, the Heat United, in In addition to playing the sport, Amy Annala has volunteered her time in the past to coach youth soccer...marisol Galvin was also an athletic training aide throughout high school, being a four-time letter winner in athletic training...marisa Knot has been in high profile soccer showcases over the last few year, including Disney (2012 & 2013), San Diego (2013) and Dallas (2013)...Lauren Gierman was named team MVP of her 2013 high school team after scoring 17 goals and adding 15 assists...natalia Peña is a terrific student (honor roll every year in high school) and also racked up some soccer accolades in 2013, being named team MVP and honored as all-conference.

Born February 27, 1996 Daughter to Rhonda and Jerry Intends to major in accounting sister is a former Academic All-American gymnastics athlete who competed from 2005-10.

2 Amy Annala 5-8, GK Oswego, Ill. (Oswego) OSWEGO HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letter winner and two-time captain Team MVP in 2012.All-Conference in 2012 and 2013 All-Sectional in 2012 Produced 10 shutouts in Born February 27, 1996 Daughter to Rhonda and Jerry Intends to major in accounting sister is a former Academic All-American gymnastics athlete who competed from Member of National Honor Society in 2013 National Math Society Vice President in 2012 Member of high school math team Volunteer tutor, soccer coach, and with Church Youth Group Enjoys music and boating Most admires her sister because she came back from two ACL replacements to compete in collegiate gymnastics. COACH ROSS ON ANNALA: Amy is a fearless goalkeeper who puts her body on the line for her team. She organizes her team with efficient communication skills. She is a quality shot stopper, which is strongly attributed to her technical abilities. Cassidy Page 5-8, D/M Germantown, Wis. (Kettle Moraine Lutheran) KETTLE MORAINE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letter winner and two-time captain Team MVP in 2013 Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 Rookie of the Year in 2011 First Team All-Conference from Conference Player of the Year in 2013 Regional Champion from State Champion in Played for North Shore United and FC Milwaukee ECNL. Born October 14, 1995 Daughter to Cheryl and Bradley Sister to Dusty Page, who currently plays for NIU s men s soccer team Intends to major in business Made high honor roll from Member of National Honor Society Member of Student Council all four years of high school, and currently student body president Volunteer with New Friends, Milwaukee Soccer Camp, and school soccer camp Enjoys fishing, traveling, and baking Most admires Sinisa Angelovski (club soccer coach) because he genuinely cares about players on and off the field. He also shows that hard work and dedication actually pays off. COACH ROSS ON PAGE: Cassidy is a central defender that is a very composed player. Cassidy has the ability to organize her team in front of her so they are in sound positions defensively. She sees the field well and possesses all the qualities you look for in a central defender.

2013...All-Area in 2012 and 2013 four-time athletic training letter winner. Played for Windy City Pride 45 Regional Champion in 2013.

3 Marisol Galvan 5-4, M Minooka, Ill. (Minooka Community) MINOOKA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letter winner and captain her senior year Regional Champion in 2013, first time school had won in 14 years All-Conference and All-State in All-Area in 2012 and 2013 four-time athletic training letter winner. Played for Windy City Pride 45 Regional Champion in Born February 21, 1996 Daughter to Maria and Pedro Intends to major in nursing Scholar Athlete in fall 2012, winter 2012, and spring 2013 Acts as athletic training student aide Enjoys singing Admires Hope Solo because of the story behind how she became who she is today. Also admires Michael Jordan because of his drive to keep trying. COACH ROSS ON GALVAN: Marisol is a very well-rounded player. She has played many different positions for her club team, having success at all of them. She s an attacking player at heart and is always looking for opportunities to get to the goal. Natalia Peña 5-2, M/F Hoffman Estates, Ill. (Hoffman Estates) HOFFMAN ESTATES HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letter winner and two-time captain Team MVP in 2013 All-Conference and All-Area Honorable Mentions in 2013 Started every game since Born October 10, 1995 Daughter to Esperanza and Waldo Intends to major in biology (pre-med)...made honor roll every year in high school Won AP Scholar Award after 2013 spring semester Won Spirit of the Hawk Award after 2012 fall semester Volunteer at Community Crisis Center for Battered Women, Special Olympics, and Cupcakes for a Cause (Autism) Admires Andrea Pirlo because he is a leader and plays so beautifully. COACH ROSS ON PEÑA: Natalia has a very high soccer IQ, great vision and is very technical. She has a unique ability to read defensive angles which allows her to time her tackles very well - all traits that will lead to a successful career at NIU.

middle and high school Three-time golf letter winner.

4 Sammy O Brien 5-5, F Aurora, Ill. (West Aurora) WEST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letter winner and two-time captain All-Sectional player in 2013 Also member of gymnastics, golf, track, volleyball, and cross country teams throughout middle and high school Three-time golf letter winner. Born August 17, 1996 Daughter of Rose and Michael Intends to major in chiropractics Member of school band for six years Daycare volunteer Actively cleans up litter in local park Enjoys watching movies, singing in the car, and hanging out with friends Most admires Alex Morgan because she is the type of player I strive to be. COACH ROSS ON O BRIEN: She is a very aggressive forward who can create opportunities for herself and others. Sammy has good speed and a very long throw which we will take advantage of in the attacking third. She is a true competitor who will fit in well with our team. Taylor Fuderer 5-6, D Glenview, Ill. (Glenbrook South) GLENBROOK SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL: Three-time letter winner and team captain her senior year Helped produce 10 shutouts in a row, 19 shutouts overall, and 15 wins in a row on the 2012 season (all school records) Team came in fourth in state tournament in 2012 made Central Suburban League All-Conference Team in Played for Sockers FC Chicago State Cup Champion in 2008, 2010, and 2011 Region 2 finalist in 2010, semifinalist in 2011 Has been part of the Elite Clubs National League since 2011 Top Talent in 2011 Midwest Regional League Champion in Born October 3, 1995 Daughter of Rick and Michele Coached soccer clinic for kids...made honor roll in fall 2013 Volunteer for SAFE Foundation Intends to major in speech pathology Member of pep club at school Enjoys spending time with family and friends and working with children and animals Most admires Andrew Shaw because he works hard, isn t afraid, and is always involved in the play. COACH ROSS ON FUDERER: Taylor is an athletic player who has the ability to strike the ball very well. We have seen a tremendous growth in her game over the past couple of years. Her aggressive nature on the field will help to reach her full potential at NIU.

Marisa Knott 5-2, M/F Rosemount, Minn. (Rosemount) ROSEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letter winner and two-time captain Team MVP in 2012 and 2013 All-Conference in 2012 and 2013 All-Area in 2012.

Croix Academy Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Champion in 2011 and 2012 Midwest Regional League Champion in 2011 and 2012 Regional II Champion in 2012 Part of Disney Showcase in 2012 and 2013 Part

Her skill set as a wide player will help our team stretch defenses and find gaps in the middle, while also having success on the flanks. Delaney Loprieno 5-6, M/F Algonquin, Ill.

5 Marisa Knott 5-2, M/F Rosemount, Minn. (Rosemount) ROSEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letter winner and two-time captain Team MVP in 2012 and 2013 All-Conference in 2012 and 2013 All-Area in Named Metro Player of the Week by the Star Tribune on September 3, Played for Minnesota Thunder Academy and St. Croix Academy Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Champion in 2011 and 2012 Midwest Regional League Champion in 2011 and 2012 Regional II Champion in 2012 Part of Disney Showcase in 2012 and 2013 Part of Dallas and San Diego showcases in COACH ROSS ON KNOT: Marisa is a left-footed player who possesses a great deal of speed and quickness. Her skill set as a wide player will help our team stretch defenses and find gaps in the middle, while also having success on the flanks. Delaney Loprieno 5-6, M/F Algonquin, Ill. (Huntley) Born September 29, 1995 Daughter to Sandra and Jon Jon Knot is a former football and track athlete who attended the Hamline University Intends to major in Forensic Science Made honor roll each year from 2010 to 2013 Volunteer with Feed My Starving Children, Dakota United Adaptive Sports, and Rosemount Area Athletics Soccer Clinics Enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping, watching movies, and doing anything adventurous Most admires Mia Hamm because of what she has accomplished in athletics, and also because she stresses the importance of teamwork. HUNTLEY HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letter winner and offensive captain in 2012 Offensive MVP in 2012 Regional Champion from Conference Champion in 2011 All-Conference and All-Area in 2011 and All- Sectional in Played for Heat United since 2004 Midwest Regional League Champion in 2012, Quarter-Finalist in Born September 10, 1995 Daughter of Heidi and Dan Made Principal s List in scholastic year Volunteer at Chicago Soup Kitchen Also volunteer for tournaments and fundraisers Enjoys fitness activities including swimming, running, biking, and weight-lifting Admires Shannon Boxx because although she is not the most famous player, she is noted for overcoming lupus and continued to play on the national level. Also admires Alex Morgan because she changed women s soccer. COACH ROSS ON LOPRIENO: Delaney possesses all the qualities of a top level attacking midfielder. She will put her teammates in good positions with her passing ability and has the capacity to go off the dribble. Delaney s stamina in the midfield will benefit our team offensively and defensively.

game-winner in four other games in 2012 Honored as All-Conference and All-Area player in 2012 and 2013 Made All-State in 2013.

6 Lauren Gierman 5-4, M/F Prospect Heights, Ill. (John Hersey) JOHN HERSEY HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letter winner and two-time captain Named team MVP in 2013 after scoring 17 goals and dishing 15 assists Had four game-winning goals and assisted the game-winner in four other games in 2012 Honored as All-Conference and All-Area player in 2012 and 2013 Made All-State in Played for Chicago Sockers FC Scored game-winners in 2008 and 2010 to take State Cup...Primarily played at midfield and forward Regional Champion in 2008 and 2009 Nationals Runner-up in 2010 Co-Captain since Born September 20, 1995 Daughter to Jean and Harold Involved in Service Over Self, Kiwanis, Senior Olympics, Funner Olympics, food drives, and co-chaired the Gina Giancola Safe Foundation for in 2012 and 2013 Enjoys traveling, boating, spending time with friends, going to the beach, and being with her family Fan of the Chicago Blackhawks Most admires Sydney Leroux because she works hard in every game and and for everything she accomplishes during her career. COACH ROSS ON GIERMAN: Lauren is a very technical player, which allows her to dictate the flow of the game from an attacking midfield position. She is a true playmaker that will score goals and compile assists as well. Her ability to serve set pieces will be a big asset to the program. Mallory Richardson 5-6, M Bartlett, Ill. (Westminster Christian) Played for Sockers FC Chicago Won State Cup against Eclipse in 2010 Scored game-winning goal in 2010 championship game Coached under David Richardson and Trey Bradberry. Born August 27, 1995 Daughter of Mary and David Father played at NIU in 1985 and 1986 Received academic honors in 2011, 2012, and 2013 Interests in scrapbooking, photography, drawing, and painting Volunteer at William Creek Community Church and Sockers FC Chicago tournaments and events Has been named Artist of the Month by her school for displayed pieces, including some at state shows Most admires Abby Wambach because she puts her absolute everything into every game and builds the team up with her. COACH ROSS ON RICHARDSON: Mallory is an extremely talented all-around player. She continues to get better each day due to the effort she puts forth on and off the field. She is a versatile athlete which we can see being very success anywhere on the field.

COACH ROSS ON INGHAM: Allie is a great target forward but also has the ability to play in the center of the field; she has a knack for finding the back of the net in either position.

7 COACH ROSS ON INGHAM: Allie is a great target forward but also has the ability to play in the center of the field; she has a knack for finding the back of the net in either position. She has developed the ability of knowing when to posses the ball and when to attack, which brings another dimension to the game. Allie Ingham 5-4, F Arlington Heights, Ill. (Buffalo Grove) BUFFALO GROVE HIGH SCHOOL: Three-time letter winner Pepsi Showdown Champion in 2013 Mid-Suburban League Champion in 2013 Fourth at state in 2013 Regional runner-up in 2011 Took 2012 off to play club soccer exclusively. Played for Chicago Sockers FC Illinois State Cup Champion in 2008, 2010, and 2011, Finalist in 2009 US Regional Champion in 2008 and 2009, Semi-Finalist in 2011 NIKE/Manchester United Premier Tournament participant in 2010 and led team in scoring Awarded Nike Goal of the Day for opening day of NIKE/ Manchester United Premier Tournament Midwest Regional Champion in fall 2009, second-place finish in 2010 Elite Clubs National League every year since Chicago Sockers FC Top Talent in spring Born May 30, 1996 Daughter to Angela and Stephen Intends to major in biology (pre-med) Made honor roll each year from at Buffalo Grove High School Member of Buffalo Grove Blue Crew and Erica s Lighthouse Depression Awareness Volunteer with Feed My Starving Children Interests in volleyball, music, and various sporting events Most admires Heather O Reilly because she has an incredible work ethic and makes an impact whenever she s on the field.

2015 georgia signing class

2015 georgia signing class lesesne signs five in first recruiting class ATHENS, Ga. --- Just one day after national signing day, University of Georgia soccer head coach Billy Lesesne announced on Thursday the addition of five new