University of Houston Athletics
Cougar Soccer Announces Class of 2003
2/6/2003 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Feb. 6, 2003
University of Houston head women's soccer coach Bill Solberg today announced the Cougars have signed seven high school seniors and one transfer to National Letters of Intent with the group set to join the squad this fall. Among the list of soon-to-be Cougars are three midfielders, two defenders, two forwards and one goalkeeper, including one soon-to-be Cougar from Texas and two from nearby Oklahoma.
"We are thrilled with our class this year," began Solberg, who begins his fourth year at the head of the Houston program. "Every year we are getting better players to continue to take this program to the next level. Last year we had Top 50 recruiting class in the nation according to SoccerBuzz, and we feel we did better than that this year."
The main focus of this recruiting class was to bolster depth at every position, add speed and size, defenders and outside midfielders. In addition, hard-nosed and competitive defenders with a great work ethic was a necessity, especially to fill the void left by Ashley Fortenberry, a four-year starter and captain who graduated.
"We wanted to address several things in this year's class," said Solberg. "We feel like we definitely addressed all areas.
"We want impact players that only know what it's like to win. All of our newcomers have played on great club teams and are winners."
Headlining the Cougars' newcomers are midfielders Heather Williams from Durant High School in Valrico, Fla., Kelly McCartney from Jersey Village High School in Houston and Julie Dickman from Midlothian High in Midlothian, Virginia.
"We feel like we got one of the top three players out of the state of Florida in Heather," said Solberg, who enters his fourth season at the head of the Houston program. "Heather is the entire package and will fit in well in the midfield and may single-handedly win us games. She has incredible vision to set players up to succeed. Amazing poise and creativity!"
Hometown player McCartney was a four-year standout player for Jersey Village in the Greater Houston Area and among her many accolades, has been named to the All-Greater Houston Team, First Team All District and Offensive MVP for the Cy-Fair District.
"We feel Kelly is a top player in the area as well," said Solberg. "She has great speed and the ability to take people one-on-one on the outside midfield. With her speed and athleticism, she will step in and help us immediately."
Dickman, who's comes to Houston with strong Cougar ties as her father, Mark, was a college teammate of current Cougar head baseball coach Rayner Noble, will strengthen the Cougars' outside midfield and was the leading scorer for her high school team.
"Julie is an outside midfielder with great speed and potential. Her tireless work ethic will put her in a position to immediately compete for playing time."
The new defensive additions include Jennifer Dry from Norman High School in Norman, Okla., and Nicole Butler from Mustang High in Yukon, Okla.
"Smart! Both are very strong defenders, and we like their composure on defense," began Solberg. "But what really caught our eye is the physical side of their game and how both are fearless defenders that will help us greatly. "In addition, Jennifer and Nicole are each number one in their respective classes and are expected to be Valedictorians."
The two forwards added are Jennifer Fagalde from Sunnyvale, Ca. and Nicole Zygmontowicz from Bremerton, Wa. Fagalde is her high school team's leading scorer and has scored at least one goal in all but one match this season.
"Dano most recently saw her play in California when she came out and scored two goals to lead her team to a 2-0 victory," said Solberg. "Jenn is the type of player coaches call a 'buzzer' because she buzzes around the forward spot and creates nightmares for opposing defenses. She possesses an awesome work rate and is a natural goal scorer."
"Nicole is very versatile as an outstanding soccer and basketball player in Seattle. Zyggy is a multi-faceted player who can provide depth at many positions. In addition, her versatility distinguishes her from many players in that she has the ability to dominate air play and has the finesse to finish some of the prettiest goals. We look for Zyggy to impact the team at the stopper, sweeper or forward position."
The lone goalie is Katie Cook, an incoming junior goalie from Prior Lake, Minn. who transfers to Houston from fellow Conference USA school and nationally-ranked Marquette. Cook is already enrolled at Houston and will be eligible in the fall.
"Katie brings experience, quickness, flat-out athletic ability and is also fearless in the net," said Solberg. "She has already been an awesome addition and will immediately compete for a starting spot."
The Cougars open the 2003 season against North Texas on August 27 in the Baylor tournament in Waco, Texas.
2003 Soccer Signees
Player, Ht., Yr., Pos, Hometown/Previous School
Heather Williams, 5-7, Fr., MF, Valrico, Fla./Durant HS
Kelly McCartney, 5-8, Fr., F/MF, Houston, Texas/Jersey Village HS
Jennifer Dry, 5-4, Fr., D, Norman, Okla./Norman HS
Katie Cook, 5-7, Jr.-TR, GK, Prior Lake, Minn./Marquette Univ.
Jennifer Fagalde, 5-2, Fr., F, Sunnyvale, Ca./Homestead HS
Nicole Zygmontowicz, 5-10, Fr., F/D, Bremerton, Wa./Central Kitsap HS
Julie Dickman, 5-7, Fr., MF/F, Midlothian, Va./Midlothian HS
Nicole Butler, 5-6, Fr., D, Yukon, Okla./Mustang HS
