Laurentian University women's soccer head coach Roberto Gallo revealed his 2008 recruiting class today, announcing the signing of five student-athletes.
The five student-athletes, Lisa Watson, Dayna Corelli, Leanne Adams, Michelle Philp and Rose Fata, will attend Laurentian University in the fall.
The Lady Vees open their 2008-09 OUA regular season at home against their northern Ontario rivals the Nipissing Lakers on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Laurentian soccer fields.
The Lady Vees soccer program had a big class to replace with the departing seniors being the last group of the 2004 OUA final four team, which was the most successful class in the programs history.
Gallo is extremely excited about the 2008 incoming class.
"These new players along with those selected from our tryout camp, have some big shoes to fill, and that is a challenge that they know is ahead of them" said Gallo, in a release.
"They all have the ability to make an immediate impact and are excited to come in and get things going. We can't wait for them to come in and get to work."
Watson, a native of Newmarket, is a striker or right wing for her Markham OYSL team.
"Lisa is one of the toughest competitors I've ever come across. Additionally, she has a very rare combination of speed and endurance which is invaluable in our sport" said Gallo. "She is the kind of player as a coach that you love to have because you know she is going to give everything she has. I look forward to seeing her at the striker and right wing positions."
Corelli, a native of Sudbury, is a centre midfielder from St. Benedict's Catholic Secondary School. She plays her club soccer for Sudbury OWSL where she has become known for her hard work, determination and winning attitude.
"We are thrilled to add a player with the type of talent and athleticism that Dayna will bring to the center midfield for us this fall," said Gallo.
"Dayna brings a hard-nosed competitive attitude to this team that we undoubtedly need. I think with her experience with the provincial team and her athletic talent that she will be pushing to make an immediate impact in our line up from day one. She has a great personality and will fit in well with this team and I think has the potential to be a leader for us in this rebuilding year."
Adams, a native of Mississauga, Ontario is a left wing for her Erin Mills OYSL team.
"When you can add a tough, fast, left-footed player to your outside midfield, you are definitely excited, and our coaching staff is ecstatic about bringing Leanne to Laurentian," said Gallo. "She has tremendous potential and we are excited to help Leanne maximize it as a member of the Lady Vees."
Philp, a native of Toronto is a goalkeeper from Ursula Franklin Academy where she won an OFSAA bronze medal in 2006. She plays her club soccer for the Vaughn Azzurri OWSL team.
"Michelle adds excellent depth and a great presence to our group of goalkeepers," said Gallo. "She is aggressive and technically sound so her development is just a matter of time. We feel she will be an excellent goalkeeper in the OUA."
Fata, a native of Newmarket, Ontario is a defender for her Aurora OYSL team.
"Rose is the kind of all-around player who will contribute in many ways," said Gallo. "She can defend very well in the big spaces of midfield, constantly getting her feet on the ball and disrupting the opponents' attack. She is fearless when going for the ball and will add solid depth to our defence this season."
These players will give the Lady Vees soccer program a tremendous base for the future. They come from a variety of locations and backgrounds but have the same basic desire to establish a new standard of excellence in women's soccer at Laurentian.
"I am very impressed with their no-nonsense, blue-collar work ethics and tough physical play," said Gallo.
