Feb. 4, 2009

BOCA RATON, FL - On `National Signing Day' the Florida Atlantic University women's soccer program announced ten prep standouts from six different states have committed to attend FAU and play for the Owls in the fall of 2009. The incoming signing class bolsters a program that has played eight winning seasons in nine years.

"I wish our season started today," said FAU head women's soccer coach Brian Dooley Thursday. "Our returning players have established a tremendous attitude this spring and with this class we add starting potential to every line on the field. This class is big, which applies to the physical size and the athletic ability of these student-athletes. All of these players will add to our competitive environment immediately."

The young players offer additional talent and depth to an FAU squad that enjoyed a late-season five-game winning streak a year ago and came to within one game of playing for the 2008 Sun Belt Conference Championship.

"This group will come in ready," added Dooley. "Our defense will be stronger, the midfield will be more dangerous and our forwards will be deadly in the final third."

Kelly Dent. (Palm City, Florida/South Fork HS)
5-foot-9 and extremely versatile... is able to play as a defender and forward... immediately makes the Owls faster and more athletic... played with the Schulz Academy Soccer Club and Jupiter Sting Soccer Club... four-year starter at South Fork High School and selected to the Super Y Olympic Development Program.

Jamie Greany (Bozeman, Montana/Belgrade HS)
5-foot-8 attacker... tremendous athletic ability with a talent for scoring goals... can play as an attacking midfielder or as a striker... multi-sport star... all-state soccer, all-state track and all-conference basketball player.

Emily Kelly (Pittsford, New York/Pittsford Sutherland HS)
5-foot-9 defender... member of the Western New York FC Pride of the W-League... physical defender with the ability to play both centrally as well as wide... possesses a strong work ethic and attitude that will have a positive effect on the team.
 

Brianna Kelts (King of Prussia, Pennsylvania/Upper Merion Area HS)
5-foot-5 forward... played with the FC Delco Club program - one of the top clubs in the nation... quick technical winger which will add to the three-forward attack... can beat the defender on the dribble or with speed... brings experience from playing in the top tournaments as well as the Red Bull National League.

Tamara Kesser (Poway, California/Poway HS)
5-foot-9 central defender... played with one of Southern California's top clubs, the San Diego Surf U-18... is an imposing presence on the defensive side... strong tackler with the technical ability to possess and start the attack... Brings a great attitude, will also lead by example.

Ashley Lantes. (Clermont, Florida/East Ridge HS)
5-foot-8 goalkeeper... plays for Central Florida United Real Red U18... solid work rate and will bring an aggressive mentality to the position.

Breanna Lewis. (Leesburg, Virginia/Heritage HS)
5-foot-7 defender... member of the Loudoun Soccer Club...wide with great speed and a strong physical presence... composed under pressure... is expected to contribute immediately.

Manon Transleau. (Delray Beach, Florida/Atlantic HS)
5-foot-7 goalkeeper... Attends nearby Atlantic High School in Delray Beach and plays for the Wellington Wave U18... a tireless worker... will do whatever is necessary for the success of the team.

Jessica Vickrey. (Gulf Breeze, Florida/Gulf Breeze HS)
5-foot-9 forward... dominating striker with the ability to score in multiple ways... terrific in the air and her physical play makes her a force in the final third... plays for Pensacola Futbol Club U18.

Courtney Zwetsch. (Lutz, Florida/HB Plant High School)
Member of the defending state champion RSL Florida U18 club team... brings a solid command of the field, allowing her to compete for immediate playing time.