Houston Soccer Announces Talented Signing Class

Feb. 3, 2012

Houston, Texas - University of Houston Soccer Head Coach Susan Bush announced the signing of four new student-athletes to her program on Friday as Lauren Blakes (San Antonio/Louis D. Brandeis H.S.), Brittany Robinett (Houston/Jersey Village H.S.), Gabrielle Rodriguez (Spring/Klein Oak H.S.) and Eileen Saa (Sugar Land/ Austin) signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Cougars next fall.

"We are so excited to have Lauren, Brittany, Gabrielle and Eileen join our program," Head Coach Susan Bush said. "These student-athletes fit our style of play and fit the culture we are creating here at the University of Houston. They are four players we targeted very early in the recruiting process and we are excited to have them come in and compete as we finish up in Conference USA and head into the BIG EAST Conference."

Blakes gives Houston its goalkeeper of the future. The athletic 5-foot-8 defensive standout is a three-time All-District award winner and was an All-Area and All-Region pick for Brandeis High School in 2011. Named team captain before the start of her senior season (2012), Blakes posted a career low 0.40 goals-against average last year and recorded 17 shutouts, a new school record. A member of Brandeis' National Honor Society, Blakes has helped turn her high school program into a winner the last two years, going a combined 35-8-5 en route to back-to-back area finalists and Bi-District championships. Blakes will finish her prep career as a four-time letterwinner and played club for the Dallas Texans and San Antonio West, where she enjoyed a 0.94 GAA. She is coached in high school by Heather Boss.

Lauren Blakes - San Antonio

"Lauren Blakes is a goalkeeper out of San Antonio that brings raw talent and promise to the future in the net for us," Bush said. "She is going to impress right away because of her ability to make game-changing saves and bring a strong kicking game to the goal. Lauren is humble, quiet, and yet fierce on the field. She is a great addition to our team for the fall of 2012."

Robinett gives the Cougars even more versatility and speed. The shifty newcomer poured in 16 goals during district play in 2010 and is poised for another strong season in 2012. The 5-foot-4 midfielder/forward began her career as a defender and has evolved into one of the city's top scorers at Jersey Village. She helped her high school become a Region 3-5A finalist last season and also starred on the track team running the 4x100m and 4x200m sprint relays. The Houston native is also an outstanding student and was a three-time Academic All-District selection heading into her senior year and was a First Team All-District pick on the field in 2010. She is coached in high school by Kristy Mestayer.

Brittany Robinett - Houston

"Brittany Robinett is a powerful and fast left-footed force who will surprise Conference USA," Bush said. "Her speed will threaten any defensive line. She has the ability to play-make from the left side and beat players one-versus-one with her strength and first step. Brittany is going to be a force in her freshman campaign as she is hungry to make an immediate impact."

One of the top defensive standouts in the class of 2012 is Rodriguez. A four-year letterwinner at Klein Oak, Rodriguez has helped the Panthers to 46 wins the last three years and was named a team captain prior to her senior season. Overall Klein Oak has won three consecutive District 13-5A titles and was Bi-District champions in 2010. The speedy 5-foot-3 defender is also an outstanding student with aspirations of studying Chemical Engineering at UH. She is a member of Klein Oak's National Honor Society and is a mentor in the Path To Success club. She is coached at Klein Oak by Becky Cobb.

Gabby Rodriguez - Spring

"Gabby Rodriguez is the player that every coach wants on their team," Bush said. "She is dedicated, positive, and will run through a wall for you. Gabby is a left-footed defender who will look to compete for the vacant spot left by four-year starter and left footed defender Stephanie Derieg. Gabby sees the field well and despite her stature, isn't afraid to bring physicality to the field. We are excited to welcome Gabby to the Houston family."

Saa is one of Houston's more explosive scorers and led the Lady Bulldogs to a fourth consecutive District crown in 2011. Her squad also claimed Bi-District and Area titles and advanced to the Regional Quarterfinals before finishing with a 20-3 overall mark. Saa was named a First Team All-District 23-5A selection as a junior and she is already off to a great senior season, scoring four goals, while adding two assists in just the season's first three contests.

Eileen Saa - Sugar Land

"Eileen Saa joins our program and she will play once again with her former high school teammate and current Cougar, Kelsey Zamora," Bush said. "Saa is blazing fast and can turn a corner on a dime. She is quick and will cause havoc for any defense with her focus to get to the goal and beat players. She is sure to contribute right away on the attack and has a pro mising future."

For more information on UH Soccer please visit our website, UHCougars.com.

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Lauren Blakes

Stephanie Derieg

Brittany Robinett

Gabrielle Rodriguez

Kelsey Zamora

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