WVU women sign 11 recruits for 2012

Not to be overshadowed by the West Virginia football team's recent recruiting class, the other Big East Conference Champion in Morgantown also inked an impressive list of signees.

Head coach Nikki Izzo-Brown and the West Virginia women's soccer team recently announced the signing of 11 recruits for the 2012 class.

Izzo-Brown and her staff saw the departure of one of the most successful senior classes in school history. The group of six seniors compiled a record of 77-25-15.

The 2012 class attempting to continue the recent trend of success includes four defenders, five midfielders and two forwards.

"I am very eager to get this group of ladies on campus," Izzo-Brown said. "The class brings a variety of skill, toughness and leadership to our team; all attributes that will help our program continue to win championships."

Three of the 11 signees are in the ESPNHS Top 150.

Carly Black, a 5-foot-8 defender from Horsham, Pa., is listed as the No. 72 recruit in 2012. With the departure of three seniors on the backline, it is possible Black could compete for early playing time.

Halie Conroy, a 5-foot-7 defender from Highlands Ranch, Colo., is the 100th-ranked recruit in the class. Conroy was a four-year started at Mountain Vista high school and was twice named an all-state performer.

Kailey Utley, a 5-foot-4 midfielder from St. Louis, Mo., is No. 139 in ESPNHS' rankings. Utley is ranked No. 1 academically in her high school class with a GPA above 4.0.

The rest of the class includes: Maggie Bedillion, a 5-foot-8 defender from Washington, Pa. and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars member, Leah Emaus, a 5-foot-8 midfielder from Webster, N.Y. and a National Honor Society member; Mia Gunter, a 5-foot-1 midfielder from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Amanda Hill, a 5-foot-6 midfielder from Washington, Pa., ranked first academically in her class with a GPA above a 4.0; Noelle Honeycutt, a 5-foot-6 defender from Huntsville, Ala., who graduated with a GPA above a 4.0; Shelby Lyon, a 5-foot-6 forward from Tabernacle, N.J.; Kelsie Maloney, a 5-foot-2 forward from Harrisburg, Pa.; and Cari Price, a 5-foot-9 midfielder from Sykesville, Md.

"Each individual understands what it takes to be a Mountaineer, and we look forward to helping them maximize their potential as student-athletes at WVU," Izzo Brown said.

The group of 11 newcomers will look to help the Mountaineers earn a third consecutive conference championship.

 

WVU announces award winners

On Saturday evening, the West Virginia women's soccer team held its annual banquet to honor six seniors from last season. While at the banquet, the team announced its award winners for the 2011 season.

Junior Caroline Szwed was named the most valuable player. Szwed only recorded four points on the season, but her play at midfield proved to be a catalyst of the team.

Senior defender Drea Barklage earned honors for the team's most defensive player. Barklage and the backline helped record 11 shutouts.

Senior forward Blake Miller was named the team's most offensive player. It is the third straight season Miller earned the award.

Freshman forward Kate Schwindel earned the team's most improved player. Schwindel recorded six goals and seven assists last season.

Senior forward Erica Henderson, who was recently drafted by the Western New York Flash, was selected for the Mountaineer S.O.C.C.E.R. award.

The award represents a player who displays good sportsmanship, optimism, character, concern, effort and respect.

The S.O.C.C.E.R award is decided by the coaches, while all other awards are voted on by the players.