High School All-American Among Marshall Women's Soccer's Seven Signees

2/4/2000

Huntington, W.Va. - Marshall University's women's soccer program received National Letters of Intent from seven athletes this week, including a high school all-American from Minnesota.

"This is a very good class," said head coach Teresa Patterson. "This group will be a great compliment to our returning players and they should give us the added boost we need to make a run at the Mid-American Conference title."

Amanda McMahon, a midfielder from Stillwater, Minnesota, highlights the class. McMahon is a National Soccer Coaches Association of America High School All-American, who earned the title of "Ms. Soccer" in Minnesota, while playing at Stillwater Area High School.

"Amanda is a skillful and creative player that excels in the attacking third of the field," said Patterson. 'She will be a great addition to our team."

Karla Ledford, a transfer from the University of Nebraska, also signed with the Herd this week. Ledford is a central defender from Aurora, Colorado's Eaglecrest High School. Eaglecrest is the same school that produced current Marshall women's soccer players Andrea Grell and Jonelle Yansky.

"Karla is an athletic defender with a tremendous work ethic," said Patterson. "She is the type of player who earns the respect of everyone around her."

Stacy Wells is another Marshall signee who could have an immediate impact on the team. Wells, a midfielder from the talent-rich Cincinnati area, led Monroe High School in scoring for four years and was a four-time all-league selection.

"Stacy is a tremendous athlete that will be one of our fastest players," said Patterson. "She has the ability to play a number of positions and that versatility makes her special."

Rebekah Tenbroek comes to Marshall all the way from Lynden, Washington. Tenbroek led Lynden High in scoring and was named her team's Most Valuable Player. The forward also earned all-state honors and competed on the Washington South Youth Soccer Association Olympic Development Program team.

"Rebekah can score," said Patterson. "She is skilled and very intelligent. She has the ability to create her own shots and she knows how to finish."

Allison Jayjack, from Dublin Coffman High School in Columbus, Ohio, will be joining her sister, Lindsey Jayjack, who earned second-team All-MAC honors last season, at Marshall. Allison is a talented defender that should fit in well at MU.

"Allison is a good athlete," said Patterson. "She has a lot of natural talent and she is a tremendous competitor."

Grand Haven, Michigan's Danielle Lowther and Dayton, Ohio's Lindsay Stelter also signed with Marshall.

Lowther was an all-state selection, her team's leading scorer, and MVP at Grand Haven High.

"Danielle is an exciting forward," said Patterson. "She has a knack for beating people on the dribble."

Stelter, a midfielder from Beavercreek High School, played on the Ohio South Youth Soccer Association State Olympic Development Program Team.

"Lindsay is another versatile player that can make things happen," said Patterson.

The Thundering Herd women's soccer program will enter its third season of play in the fall of 2000. Marshall's inaugural team recorded a record of 4-13-1 in 1998 and last season, the Herd improved to 6-10-3. In addition to this year's class, Marshall will welcome back 15 letter-winners and all eleven starters from last year's squad.


THUNDERING HERD NEWCOMERS

Allison Jayjack ... Defender ... Columbus,Ohio/Dublin Coffman H.S. ... Blast Soccer Club
Karla Ledford ... Central Defender ... Aurora, Co./Nebraska transfer
Danielle Lowther ... Forward ... Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven H.S. ... Great Lakes Soccer
Amanda McMahon ... Midfielder ... Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area H.S. ... St. Croix Sadhaka
Lindsay Stelter ... Midfielder ... Dayton, Ohio/Beavercreek H.S. ... Dayton F.C.
Rebekah Tenbroek ... Forward ... Lynden, WA/Lynden H.S. ... Emerald City Elite
Stacy Wells ... Midfielder ... Monroe, OH/Monroe H.S. ... Club Ohio