UTICA, NY – Head women's soccer coach Tyler Renaud is excited to announce his incoming recruiting class for the 2010 season.
"We have 16 solid recruits coming in, nine freshmen, three transfers and four players who are already enrolled at SUNYIT," Renaud said. "There are also one or two other young women we are continuing to track in the hopes they choose SUNYIT as they begin their higher education and intercollegiate soccer careers."
The Lady Wildcats will open the 2010 season on Friday, September 4 when they travel to participate in the D'Youville Tournament.
Below is a synopsis of each recruit, as told by Renaud.
Existing Students at SUNYIT:
Katie Wilday, Central Midfielder, Galway High School: "Plays calm when the ball is at her feet. Great individual moves and strong defensive presence. Also a member of our women's basketball team."
Jennifer Edwards, Forward, Herkimer High School: "Quick up front, plays well into space and will provide us with creating scoring chances."
Brittany Piccione, Defender/Midfielder: "Joined us for spring soccer and played defense for us, which was a new position for her. Very aggressive and will see time as a midfielder as well."
Amanda Myers, Forward, Adirondack High School: "Played two seasons with our soccer program before taking last fall off. Very athletic and a hard worker who will be a catalyst off the bench for us at the forward positions. Also a member of our softball team.
Freshmen:
Kristina Strang, Forward, Schalmont High School: "Prolific scorer who has speed and great ball control. Also has the ability to play solid in the midfield position."
Jamie Elderbroom, Midfielder, Chittenango High School: "Great presence in the middle of the field. Defensive minded, but can push forward offensively."
Amanda Zarek, Midfield, Farmingdale High School: "Excellent in the air. Great distributor of the ball. May be relied on to take on a defensive role for us as well."
Aubrey Campbell, Goalie, Auburn High School: "149 career saves with a save percentage of .860. She covers the entire 18, fast off her line, tall but has quickness to the ground. Great hands and distribution of the ball in live play and from restarts."
Amanda Bohne, Midfielder, Cicero-North Syracuse High School: "Works great off the ball from her outside midfield position. Excellent field awareness and ability to create scoring chances. Will be used as a forward as well."
Abbey Hanehan, Midfielder, Stillwater High School: "Very athletic, this young lady can play any position on the field. Has speed and solid ball skills. Also coming in as a contributor to our women's basketball program."
Stephanie Wurz, Midfielder/Forward, Notre Dame High School: "Goal scorer, quick off the ball and makes excellent decisions on both ends of the field."
Maggie Werenczek, Goalie, Mohawk High School: "Athletic goalie, 85 percent save ratio, quick off her line and quick recovering to the line when necessary."
Shelby Parker, Defender/Midfielder, Guilderland High School: "Fundamental player, very skilled over the ball. Will likely be a medical redshirt this season due to recent knee surgery."
Transfers:
Kristen Fitzgerald, Stopper, Mohawk Valley Community College: "Strong central defender who can be physical with finesse at the same time. Carries the ball well forward from the defensive third."
Dana Reina, Forward, LeMoyne College: "NCAA Division II transfer. Prolific scorer with the speed we need up front to assist us in finishing off our scoring chances. Will likely be redshirting this season due to transfer eligibility reasons."
Nicole DiNitto, Forward, Mohawk Valley Community College: "NJCAA All-Region III player who will also provide the scoring punch needed for us to be successful through 19 games."
Renee Smith, Midfielder, Finger Lakes Community College: "All-time leading scorer at FLCC, MSAC Player of the Year and NJCAA All-American in 2008. Will be relied on heavily to maintain the middle of the field and provide additional scoring punch."