VALDOSTA —
Valdosta State and Head Coach Melissa Heinz announced the signing of Blazer Soccer’s second recruiting class.
After bringing in a large class of 31 in its initial signing day, the now established program that went to the Gulf South Conference Championship match welcomes seven new players with a few more expected.
“I am thrilled for this second recruiting class,” Heinz said. “These players understand the level of play required for this program and the high expectations on and off the field. The players from our first year paved the way a little by having a good season but they know as well as these newcomers that it wasn't enough. We have to work harder to achieve more next season.”
Heinz continues to bring in homegrown recruits with all seven players coming from Georgia, including Macon, Suwanee, Woodstock, Kennesaw, Fayetteville, Acworth and even Valdosta.
“Each of these newcomers will bring talent, hard work, effort, coachability and, most of all, a great spirit of love for the game and this program. Each of these players know they have to work now to break into the starting lineup and be able to contribute immediately. The best part is that these newcomers welcome that challenge and they hope they are able to come in, as many of our freshman in the 2011 team did, and make history,” Heinz said.
Heinz set the bar high in VSU Soccer’s inaugural season with an appearance in the GSC Championship with a number of first year players.
Now is time to build on the team’s initial success with new student-athletes to contribute.
“I am looking forward to having a strong spring with our returning players to prepare them for a better fall season and I look forward to watching our incoming players improve. To be great you have to do your best now, not later,” said Heinz.
The 2012 class includes:
Reanne Harris (5-5, M/F, Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes HS) — Played for South Georgia United Club Team... Named first team All-Region… Named Lowndes High captain… Named LHS Offensive Player f the Year twice… Led LHS in scoring... Led LHS in assists… Led team to participate in the State Cup… Led Three vs. Three to National Championship.
Kim Caitlin Alderman (5-3, M/D, Macon, Ga./First Presbyterian Day School)– Played for Macon United Club Team… led her team to the Final Four in the GISA AAA… Named to the All-Region Team… Named to the All Middle Georgia First and Second teams… Named to the All-Area Team… Was on the High Honor Roll entire high school career… Also ran cross country.
Shelby Jennings (5-8, D, Suwanee, Ga./Peachtree Ridge High School)– Played for Atlanta Fire United Club Team… Named Captain of Atlanta Fire United for three years… Played in Super Y League… Participated in ECNL tournaments… Named the most improved player her junior season.
Arista Hott (5-5, D, Woodstock, Ga./Woodstock HS)– Played for Coff FC Lady Chiefs 94 Premier Club Team… Named the MVP Midfielder in 2009 and 2010… Named First and Second Team All-County… Earned Wolverine Award… Lettered in soccer her entire high school career… Led team to the state playoffs… Earned academic award every season in high school.
Jennifer Griffin (5-2, D, Kennesaw, Ga./Harrison HS)– Played for Cobb Futbol Club Team for nine years… Led her team to the State Cup semifinals and the Region III playoffs in Tennessee… Was a starter for club team and for 5A State Champion Harrison High School that also earned a national ranking.
Rebecca Bonilla (5-2, M, Fayetteville, Ga./Starr’s Mill HS)– Played for Concorde Fire South Club Team… Named honorable mention in Region 5-A… Named All-County second team twice… Led team to 2010 State Championship.
Emily May (5-7, D, Acworth, Ga./North Cobb HS)– Played for Cobb FC Premier Club Team… Led her team to a third place finish in the state… Ranked 40th in the country for club play… Led team to the Georgia State semifinals last season… Led team to the 2011 Regional Tournament… Was team’s leading scorer in 2010… Led in assists in 2011… Was a three-year starter… Named Defensive Player of the Year.
Local Sports
VSU soccer announces 2012 signing class
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