Women's Soccer Adds 21 Players For 2012 Season

The Belmont Abbey women's soccer team has added 21 players from the prep ranks that will begin their college careers in August. The group consists of 21 players from across the country. The largest number of players are from the Carolinas (15). The rest of the class hails from New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, California, Virginia and Louisiana.

All the players come from a variety of soccer experiences. They all come from very competitive squads that include teams in the Elite Club National league, State Finalist HS teams as well as private club teams that compete at the national level.

As well as receiving athletic accolades, the class also achieved top academic awards. Eight players received the college’s most competitive scholarships.

“We are looking forward to what these recruits will bring to the program. They will be a great addition to what is already a quality squad. They are all people of good character, good students as well as good ball players,” said Head Coach Mike Lynch.

Kaylee Akers Club: CSA Awards: 2009-11 All Conference, 2010-11 All-Region, 2007-11 NC ODP
Hometown: Charlotte, NC HS: Cox Mill HS 

Stephanie Begley Club: MSF Liberty Awards: 2011 Brittany showcase Sportsmanship Award, 2010&11 State runner-up
Hometown: Raleigh, NC HS: Cardinal Gibbons HS 

Larissa Bonilla Club: CGYSA Awards: 2009-2011 Conference Player of the Year, 2010 All-Region Team
Hometown: Lincolnton, NC HS: Lincolnton HS 

Katelyn Bowser Club: CSA   Awards: 2010 Team Bulldog Award Winner
Hometown: Concord, NC HS: Jay M. Robinson HS 

Nicole Brand Club: NASA Awards: 2011-12 National Merit Scholar 2009-12 Varsity Starter
Hometown: Marietta, GA HS: Homeschool 

Kelsey Christian Club: MSF Liberty Awards: 3 Year Letter in Soccer and Track and Field
Hometown: Cary, NC HS: Cardinal Gibbons HS 

Mindy Coffman Club: CESA Awards: 2 Time state Champion, 2012 SC All-State Nominee
Hometown: Greer, SC HS: Riverside HS 

Cassidy Coutinho Club: CSA (ECNL) Awards: Team Captain, 2nd on ECNL in Goals and Assists, 2009-11 All Conference
Hometown: Cornelius, NC HS: Woodlawn School of Davidson 

Robyn Hatcher Club: Vista Fury Awards: 2010 Team MVP, 2009 Most Versatile Player, 2008 Def. MVP
Hometown: Springfield, VA HS: Homeschool 

Jillian Lang Club: CSA (ECNL) Awards: 2010 All-Conference 2010 Warrior Award 2010-11 Honor Roll
Hometown: Matthews, NC HS: Weddington HS 

Leah Lathrop Club: CESA Awards: 2009 Freshman Player of the Year, Honor Roll
Hometown: Simpsonville, SC HS: Woodmont HS 

Theresa Mateo Club: Sonoma Co.Alliance Awards: 2009-12 Scholar Athlete, 2010-11 Team Captain
Hometown: Cotati, CA HS: Cardinal Newman HS 

Erin McCarthy Club:   Awards: Team Capt. 2010-12, Honor Roll, 2011 All Region
Hometown: Greenville, SC HS: Greenville Tech HS 

Ashley Mendez Club: RYSA Wildcats Awards: National Honors Society, Student Gov. Athletic Committee Chair
Hometown: Fairlawn, NJ HS: Fair Lawn HS 

Megan Nanney Club: Mecklenburg Union Awards: 2009 Most Improved , 2010-2011 All-Conf. 2011 All-Region
Hometown: Shelby, NC HS: Shelby HS 

Megan Philp Club:   Awards: 2012 DII Louisiana Player of the Year, 2010-12 All-State
Hometown: Houma, LA HS: Vanderbilt Catholic HS 

Laura Shelton Club: Triad Elite SC Awards: Honor roll, All Conference 2010,2011 All region 4A 2011
Hometown: Advance, NC HS: Davie County HS 

Amanda Steiner Club: Charlotte United Awards: 2010 and 2011 State Championship Team Member
Hometown: Fort Mill, SC HS: Charlotte Catholic 

Abby Walton Club: Fusion Awards: 2010-11Academic All Conf. 2011 Def. player of the Year
Hometown: Greensboro, NC HS: North Guliford HS 

Casey West Club:   Awards: Varsity team captain, Honor Roll, Cross Country Coaches Award
Hometown: Asheville HS: Enka HS