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University of Houston Athletics
Soccer Inks 10 new athletes
2/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Feb. 9, 2005
Head Coach Bill Solberg of the women's soccer team announced today the signing ten players for next year's Cougar squad. Solberg and his staff signed nine high school players and two transfers to join the team in the fall of 2005.
Head coach Bill Solberg commented," This year's recruiting class should be one of the best in Cougar soccer history. We have added depth, athleticism, and students of the game. We have added natural goalscorers, aggressive goalkeeping, ruthless defenders, and great vision in the midfielders. Without a doubt these kids will help elevate the program."
Lynn Baker leads the charge in Goal Keeping. Baker hails from Orland Park, Illinois. Baker's accolades include being All-Conference, All-Sectional, All-Area Team, and Honorable Mention All-State. Baker played in 28 games her sophomore year in high school. She had 18 goals against, .64 GAA and 17 shutouts. Lynn was also recruited by Northern Illinois University and the University of Toledo. She chose the University of Houston not only for the soccer program, but also the academics. She plans to study Primary Education.
"Lynn brings a fearless attitude tending the goal for us. She is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the ball out of the net. She will step in and impact this team immediately as a freshmen. She brings a high level of play and great attitude."
Goalie Shelby Scott joins the team from Mesquite, Texas, was voted 2004-05 Athlete of the Year for North Mesquite High School. She was also three-time District 12-5A Goalie of the Year( 2002, 2003, 2004). Shelby posted 45 shutouts in 76 games in high school, 83 shutouts in 134 games for her club league. While recruited by Southwestern, Tulane, UAB, University of Iowa and South Dakota, Scott chose the University of Houston for the opportunity to play her freshman year and make an immediate contribution to the team.
"Shelby comes to us as a seasoned goalkeeper. She has spunk, fight, and an incredible work rate. She has great reactions, a great shot stopper and will compete on a weekly basis for the starting spot."
Courtney Gaines, from Sugar Land, Texas, is a 5-8 Forward/Midfielder who was 2004 Newcomer of the Year. Gaines played with South Texas ODP State Team 1999-03. She also was with TSSA South Select 2004 and First Team All-District.
"Gainsie is just a brilliant all around soccer player. She has a fabulous mind for the game and prides herself in being a great student of the game. As a freshman she will be asked to take several set plays and take on a great role in the midfield for us."
Stepping into another Forward/Midfield position is Amie Brady. Brady is from Houston Texas, and Katy High School. She was second team All-District 03-04. Brady posted 3 goals in 4 assists in 2005 and 9 goals and 4 assists 2004. Brady was also recruited by University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Jacksonville State, Campbell University and the US Naval Academy.
"Amie is a great one on one player. She has confidence taking on a defender, beating the defender and getting in a great shot or serve. We are looking for Amie to immediately help our scoring efforts in every game.
Tiare Austin, a 5-8 defender from Sugar Land, Texas was also added to the roster. Austin was 2001-2002 First Team All District Defense, and 2001-2002 Second team All-State. While being recruited by the University of Tampa , UTEP, and McNeese State, she chose to come to the Lady Cougars for the coaching staff and the first-rate facilities.
"Tiare is a great addition to our back line. Tiare has the ability not only to defend, but also to start the attack with the way she can strike the ball out of the back and put it on someone's foot. We look for Tiare to step in and intimidate opposing forwards as well as get down the field and contribute in the offensive third with her serves into the box."
Christie Stephens a 5-4 Forward from Brenham, Texas is joining the Lady Cougar squad. Stephens lead her Brenham high school team to a victory at the 2003 state championship, and 2004 runners-up. She is 2001 First-Team All-District, and won the 2001 MVP Defense Gatorade Award.
"Christie brings much needed athleticism and depth at several position. Christie brings speed and an awesome competitive nature to the team. She will step in at several different positions. She has the knowledge and ability to step in as a defender with pace and speed as well as a forward that can break through the back line and score."
Also adding to the roster is Maegan Kiphart, a 5-8 Defender from Parker, Colorado. Kiphart is a member of the Who's Who In America High School Sports. She was team MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. Maegan was also recruited by St. Joseph's, Wyoming, the Air Force Academy and SDSU.
"Maegan brings a size, a defensive presence, ability to win 50/50 balls, tackle and most importantly organize the back line. We look for her to step into the back line or a defensive midfield role immediately. She is a very composed distributor of the ball and brings a more possession style to our defensive third."
Adding to the Striker/Midfield position, from Ankeny, Iowa is 5-2 Abbey Betlach. Betlach was a member of the Ankeny Soccer Blue. She played for the 2003-2004 U-17 Ankeny Premier club league. They were 37-14-2 games at Blue Chip and CASl Tournament. While Abbey was recruited by Ohio University, University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin, and Southwest Missouri State, she chose UH because of the coaching staff and team as well as the campus.
"Abbey is a buzzer, a bruiser, a worker and the other teams worst enemy. Abbey is not the tallest, but she is the feisty player on the field. She plays with attitude! She will step into the front line or the midfield and be able to create, defend, and tackle. She is the type of player you are glad is on your team and hope you never have to compete against."
Transferring to University of Houston and signing statements of financial aid are Jessica Green and Holly Hoffman.
"Jess comes to us as a transfer. She brings speed, athleticism, a great left foot and the ability to play several positions. We look for Jess to impact the left side of the field, whether a left winger, or a left defender. She has an amazing serve and a great work rate. She will really help this team in all aspects."
"The first thing that Holly brings is experience. Holly played two years at Navarro Junior College where she helped the team to the tournament. She knows what it takes to win and brings that mentality to the team! We look for her to step into the midfield."
