Feb. 1, 2012
Boca Raton, FL -
Florida Atlantic University Women's Soccer Coach Brian Dooley has announced six talented high-school players have signed National Letter of Intents on Wednesday, February 1, to join the program for the upcoming fall season.
"Our recruiting focus was to bring in attack-minded players for the midfield, while adding competition and depth to the forwards," said Dooley. "I wanted to find versatile players with skill and creativity."
The 2012 class features players who have been standouts on the international and national stage. Three players are from Texas, while a local signee, Haleigh Stremanos was the leading scorer on American Heritage Plantation High School's two-time state champions. She scored 123 goals and added 111 assists in a dazzling four-year prep career. Stremanos scored three goals in a regional final of the state tournament on Jan. 31.
"Haleigh is a local player that I have seen play for many years," said Dooley. "She scored at least one goal in every game I watched. That's the kind of scoring mentality that we need to be competitive in the tough Sun Belt Conference."
Bringing international experience to FAU is Claire Emslie, captain of the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 Scottish national teams. The 5-foot-7 midfielder has represented her country in the UEFA European Championships in the U17 and U19 competitions.
"Claire will have an immediate impact for our team," Dooley predicted. "She has played and had success at the highest level in Europe. She is composed and dangerous with both feet."
Three members of the class are coming from Texas, including Taylor Sorrels, midfielder for the D'Feeters 94 ECNL team. She played at Highland Park High School in Dallas, will have an immediate impact to the midfield, standing at 5-foot-9.
"Taylor will bring a fast, powerful game to our central midfield," said Dooley. "Growing up playing in the highly competitive Dallas area will certainly make both players ready for college play from day one."
Two more Texas natives are forward/midfielder Kalli Krivdo of College Station and defender Tessa Maffett of Kingwood. Krivdo is a versatile player who can be effective in various formations, while Maffett is the lone defender in the recruiting class.
Rounding out the signees is striker/midfielder Danielle Dangremond from Ashburn, Va. She helped lead her club team, FC Virginia Hotspur, to a third-place finish in the Elite Club National League in 2011.
"Dani brings needed speed to our outside midfield," said Dooley. "Our strikers will be better because of her ability to serve dangerous crosses."
Here is a brief description on each signee:
Danielle Dangremond (Striker/Outside Midfielder, Ashburn, Va.): Quick and technical player with versatility to play as a striker or a wide midfielder...played for Broad Run High School...helped FC Virginia Hotspur club team to third-place finish in the Elite Club National League.
Claire Emslie (Midfielder Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland): Captain of the Under-15, 17 and 19 Scottish National Team...played for Scotland in the UEFA European Championships at the U17 and U19 competition...played club soccer for Hibernian FC...considered a goal-scoring midfielder able to play on the right or left side of the field...equally dangerous as an attacking player who is able to serve a cross or cut-in and get off a shot.
Kalli Krivdo (Forward/Midfield, College Station, Texas): Quick and strong player with the ability to create scoring opportunities...has a technical command of the ball and able to make dangerous attacking runs...she will bring a great work ethic and attitude to the team...plays for the Challenge Soccer Club and at A&M Consolidated High School.
Tessa Maffett (Central Defender/Kingwood Texas): An athletic and physical defender with the ability to distribute the ball effectively...gets forward on free-kick situations...brings a great attitude and a team-first mentality...member of the Challenge Soccer Club and Kingwood High School.
Taylor Sorrels (Midfielder/Dallas, Texas): An attacking midfielder with the size, speed and technical skill to control her area of the field...a tireless worker with the ability to run through tackles and get into the attacking zone...a team player with the ability to score or set up a teammate...joined fellow signee Blake Pruitt on D'Feeters 94 ECNL club team...attends Highland Park High School.
Haleigh Stremanos (Striker/Plantation, Fla.): Scored 123 goals and 111 assists in her career at American Heritage Plantation High School, being leading scorer on state championship teams in 2010 and 2009...scored 29 goals in the United States Youth Soccer Region III Premier League...brings the proven ability to score goals at the highest level...a free-kick specialist with the technical ability to use both feet...brings a confidence to the attack...member of the Coral Springs United Lady Renegades National League team.
Roster ·
Schedule ·
