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University of Houston Athletics
Soccer Announces 2009 Signing Class
2/5/2009 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Feb. 5, 2009
HOUSTON -- The University of Houston soccer team signed five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent, including a pair of defenders, a midfielder, a forward and a goalkeeper, head coach Susan Bush announced on Wednesday.
The 2009 signing class is made up of defender Avery Blasi, defender Kaci Bush, goalkeeper Cami Koski, forward Katelyn Rhodes and midfielder Ryane Woods.
Susan Bush, entering her third season as head coach, was excited about the addition of a talented recruiting class to a young but experienced core of returning players next season.
"The 2009 recruiting class really compliments our returning roster and brings a wealth of talent to our program," Susan Bush said. "Our coaching staff has added size, goal scorers and speed. This is a special class of newcomers that should help take the program to the next level.
"I am excited about the group of players that we have put together and think that this coming season will be the most competitive Houston has seen in a long time."
Recruiting coordinator Eric Quill echoed Bush's sentiments of the incoming signing class.
"This class has an exciting combination of size and speed," Quill said. "This group gives us talent on both sides of the ball. Up front, we will have unbelievable speed and depth to run at defenses, keeping our conference foes on their heels more than ever.
"On the flip side, we bring in defenders that will cut down our goals against average considerably. Every one of these girls possesses great leadership, and a great competitive desire that this University will proud of."
Below is a player-by-player breakdown of the 2009 signing class.
Avery Blasi • Austin, Texas • Lonestars Soccer Club
Blasi is a natural leader and instinctively competitive. Blasi comes to Houston after playing club soccer for the Lonestars Soccer Club. Standing at nearly 6 feet tall, her height will compliment a returning roster of smaller, speedy players.
"Blasi will likely be the target of most set pieces, using her height to elevate above opponents on both the defensive and attacking thirds," Bush said. "She provides the perfect missing piece to our lineup and will compete for time on the field on every line of the field. She's the kind of player every coach hopes to have on the roster."
Kaci Bush • Chappell City, Texas • TSC Challenge Soccer Club
Bush is a strong, athletic player with great speed who will bring a physical presence to the team. She played with the Challenge Soccer Club with three current Cougars, including Morgan Vela, Jessica Rathweg and Stephanie Beyelia.
"Kaci is a ball winner and a tireless worker in the middle of the field," Susan Bush said. "She is a tough, physical player who never gives less than everything. Her positive attitude and competitive spirit will elevate our team mentality. Look for her to challenge for playing time right away."
Cami Koski • Missouri City, Texas • Houston Express Soccer Club
Koski is a smart, eager and determined athlete who should challenge for playing time in net for the Cougars next season. She has the ability to control the game with her feet and has the size to dominate the goal on set pieces.
"Cami is a great addition to our roster and with intense training day in and day out, her match confidence will challenge any goalkeeper in Conference USA," Bush said. "She has the quickness and size to dominate in net. Her potential is endless."
Katelyn Rhodes • Lubbock, Texas • Amarillo Lightning Soccer Club
Rhodes is a tactical and technical player who possesses speed, soccer intelligence and creativity. A polished finisher, Rhodes will provide the Cougars with a dangerous, goal-scoring threat in the attacking third.
"Katelyn has an uncanny ability to finish and can score goals in bunches," Bush said. "She has blazing speed, athleticism and an incredible vertical. Watch for Katelyn to make an immediate impact and become a permanent fixture in the Cougar lineup. She is exciting and dynamic, exactly what our team needs next season."
Ryane Woods • Palmdale, Calif. • Real So Cal Soccer Club
Woods should make an immediate impact as an outside midfielder next season. Her speed allows her to get in behind defenses on the attack, while also allowing her to force dispossessions from opposing players when falling back on defense.
"Ryane is a speedster with endless passion and enthusiasm for the game," Bush said. "Woods adds pace and heart to a roster that is getting more competitive and faster every year. Look for Woods flashing down a sideline, delivering crosses into the box or making runs on goal.
