TAMPA, Fla. - The University of South Florida has added 18 recruits to the 2008-09 women's soccer team, head coach Denise Schilte-Brown announced Friday afternoon.
"We established a good foundation with last year's team and we hope to build upon that with this talented incoming group of recruits," said Schilte-Brown. "The newcomers will definitely complement our experienced returners."
The 2008 class includes the Florida 2A State Championship MVP, players from the Canadian national and provincial teams, senior all-star game participants and a player from the NSCAA / adidas High School National Championship team.
"With these recruits, we are continuing to build a team that will compete in the BIG EAST Conference, which is arguably the best women's soccer conference in the country, as three league teams reached the Elite Eight of last year's College Cup," added Schilte-Brown.
Three of USF's recruits will receive the Presidential Award, a full-ride scholarship for their academic achievements, and a majority of the incoming players are receiving the Florida Bright Futures scholarship for their academic success heading into college.
"We feel that excellence in the classroom translates to excellence on the field and the success of our overall program," said Schilte-Brown. "We were extremely proud of our ladies' efforts in the classroom last season, as was evident with an overall team GPA of 3.28."
USF's 2008 women's soccer recruiting class includes: Brittany Burt, MF/F, Northeast High (St. Petersburg, Fla.); Kristin Chenault, D/M, St. Thomas Aquinas High, (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.); Courtney Flanagan, MF, Pope John XXIII(Hackettstown, N.J.); Gaby Garton, GK, Sarasota Christian School, (Sarasota, Fla.); Alyssa Gazarek, MF, Freedom High, (South Riding, Va.); Chantelle Goodson, F/MF, Lake Howell High, (Winter Park, Fla.); Malaney Hupp, MF, Winter Park High, (Winter Park, Fla.); Chelsea Klotz, F, Tampa Prep, (Lakeland, Fla.); Brandi Locoe, D/M/F, Bishop D.J. O'Connell High, (Arlington, Va.); Kelly Mastellar, DF, Eastside HS( Gainesville, Fla.); Rehana Murani. MF, Salisbury Composite HS (Edmonton, Alb.); Valorie O'Brien, D/MF, Lake Highland Prep, (Winter Park, Fla.); Gina Pacheco, MF, St. Pius X (Ottawa, Ont.); Noelle Pineiro, MF/F, Cardinal Mooney HS (Bradenton, Fla.); Thara Salam, MF, Palm Harbor HS (Palm Harbor, Fla.); Bahar Sansar, DF/MF, College Francais de Longueuil (Montreal, Que.); Tabitha Schofield, MF, St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg, Fla.); Molly Stack, MF, Palm Harbor Univ. High (Palm Harbor, Fla.).
The following is a list of the 2008-09 USF women's soccer signees:
Brittany Burt, MF/F, Northeast HS (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
Brittany Burt played 11 years of club ball for Strictly Soccer, winning the US Club National Championship and the Sun Bowl Championship. She has played for the Florida State ODP team for four years and has been on the Region III pool team twice. She was on the honor roll all four years of high school, was a member of the National Honors Society and Spanish Club, and was active in student government. She was coached at the club level by Hans Burt who is the director of coaching for Strictly Soccer. Brittany is the daughter of Hans and Lynda Burt and the sister to Chad.
“Brittany will bring a high level of intelligence to the game and a superior ability to hit free kicks," said Schilte-Brown. "She is technically sound and one of the most creative players that we have seen in the state."
Kristin Chenault, D/M, St. Thomas Aquinas HS (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)
Kristin Chenault, a team captain both her junior and senior year, was a four-time all-county player, earning first team her senior year, second team her junior and sophomore seasons and honorable mention her freshman season. She contributed 10 goals along with eight assists her junior year alone, added to her two goals and five assists the previous two seasons. Her high school teams have earned two district championships (2007, 2008), one regional title (2006), and one state championship (2005). Her club team, the Weston Fury, was the state runner-up in 2007 as well. In the summer of 2006, Chenault's high school team earned a tournament championship in Spain and in 2007 the squad took second place. Chenault is also a member of the Florida State ODP team. An honor roll student, she's involved in the National Honors Society as well as Spanish Honors Society. She was coached at the high school level by Carlos Giron and at the club level by Pat Johnston. Kristin is the daughter of Frances and Donald Chenault.
"Kristin will bring size and athleticism to her position and can consistently drive a 40-yard ball which are all qualities that are necessary to compete in the BIG EAST," said Schilte-Brown.
Courtney Flanagan, MF, Pope John XXIII (Hackettstown, N.J.)
Courtney Flanagan is a first team all-state non-public player, as well as an all-area, all-conference and all-county player in high school. A three-year letterwinner, Flanagan won the most creative player award in 2007 and was a two-time MVP. She was the All-Western Jersey Player of the Year in 2007 and was a team captain twice. Flanagan, who plays club ball for the Montclair Aristocats, is a three-time New Jersey State Cup Champion, and won the Super Y League National championship in 2005 and was a semifinalist in 2006. Flanagan was also on the Super Y League ODP National Select team in 2005 and 2006. She was coached by Ryan Barbulescu in high school and her club coaches are Jorden Scot and Ashley Hammond. Courtney is the daughter of Kevin and Nancy Flanagan.
“Courtney comes to us from one of the best club teams in the country," said Schilte-Brown. "Her superior technical ability will allow her to be a very versatile at the next level.”
Gaby Garton, Goalkeeper, Sarasota Christian School (Sarasota, Fla.)
Her team's MVP in 2007, Gaby Garton was a three-time all-area player, helping her team to three 2A district championships (2004, 2005, 2007). In 2006, the squad played in the district finals and in 2007 the team earned a spot in the regional finals. She was the defensive MVP from 2004-06 and a two-time team captain. From seventh to 11th grade, Garton has recorded 50 shutouts with a goals allowed average of less than .5. In softball, her team played in the regional finals after winning the 1A district in 2004. Garton plays club soccer for the Manatee Magic, the team that won the Division I Championship in 2007-08. Garton allowed just two goals in 10 games, posting nine shutouts. The squad was the USA League Champion and a U-19 Orange Classic semifinalist. She also participated in the 2007 ODP state trials. Garton has been awarded varsity letters in soccer, softball, and track and field. She has earned academic recognition as well, being ranked No. 1 in her class and receiving the Harvard Book award. She is also a National Hispanic Scholar and a National Merit Scholar, as well as being on the high school honor roll. She was coached at the club level by David Quintero. Gaby is the daughter of John and Graciela Garton.
"Gaby Garton will bring hard work and athleticism to her position as a goalkeeper," said Schilte-Brown. "She brings good size and great communication skills to the Bulls."
Alyssa Gazarek, MF, Freedom High (South Riding, Va.)
Alyssa "Aly" Gazarek is a midfielder who has started and played every minute of every high school game since her freshman year. She was team captain her sophomore year and in her junior year she was first team all-district, second team all-region and team MVP. She was also selected as the Loudoun Prep Sports "Nugget" of the Week. As a freshman, her high school team reached the district finals. An all-metropolitan honorable mention player in high school, Gazarek has played club soccer for the Reston Football Club and the Washington and McLean Freedom. With the Freedom from 2004-07, Gazarek played on the U-16 National Championship team (2007), as well as the Region I (2007), Premier League (2006-07), State Cup (2004-06), Disney (2006), Jeff Cup (2004-05, '07), Raleigh (2005-07) and Jefferson Cup (2004-05, 2007) championship teams. Her team also earned a national championship in 2007. Gazarek, who played for ODP district and state teams in 2003-04, has received the Dulles District Scholar-Athlete Award three years and is in her second year in the National Honors Society. Gazarek also holds it down in the classroom as she was on the honor roll all four years of high school and served as a French Club officer and Hope Club Secretary. She was coached at the high school level by Sara Gustafson and at the club level by Clyde Watson. Aly is the daughter of Sherril Gazarek and Rudy Gazarek.
"Aly, a former member of a national championship club team, will contribute speed, experience, and her understanding of high-level soccer to the team," said Schilte-Brown.
Chantelle Goodson, F/MF, Lake Howell High (Winter Park, Fla.)
Chantelle Goodson has been a varsity starter since her freshman season at Lake Howell High in Winter Park, Fla. Goodson earned the best new player award in 2004, and the MVP honor from 2004-08. A Seminole County first team selection, Goodson is a four-time first team all-conference player and earned an athlete of the week award in 2008. A senior all-star Florida state team player, Goodson earned all-central Florida first team honors from 2005-08. Goodson led her team to the district championship in 2006 and 2008 and was a district runner up in 2007. In 2007 Goodson played for Florida's Region III ODP championship team and was on the USASA Women's U-23 Region III championship team. She has been a starter on the ODP state team since 2003 and in 2006 the team took third place at the 90s ODP national championships. Goodson plays club soccer for the FSA Lightning, earning championship honors in the Jefferson Cup, Mississippi United Spring Classic, Seminole Fall Festival and FLUGSA League. In 2007 Goodson played for the Region III Premier League U-17 team. Within the ODP ranks, Goodson was a Florida State "A" team starter from 2003-07 and was a Region III pool player in 2005. Goodson has also played for the Krush women's semi-pro team and was a youth development player in 2006. Goodson maintains a 4.2 GPA and was awarded for her FCAT Mathematics outstanding performance. She received the 2006-08 Exploring New Pathways to Success award, and will be a Silver Scholar graduate in 2008. She also received the Commitment to Excellence Award, the national student-athlete award in 2007 and has been on the principal's honor roll since her freshman year. She was coached at the high school level by Jean Varas and at the club level by Kim Montgomery. Chantelle is the daughter of Monroe and Donna Goodson.
"Chantelle is a player that will be fun to watch because she is crafty and possesses a strong work ethic," said Schilte-Brown.
Malaney Hupp, MF, Winter Park High (Winter Park, Fla.)
Malaney Hupp is a first team Orange County and All-Metro Conference player who will be participating in the 2008 Orange County Senior All-Star game as well as the East Region Senior All-Star game. At Winter Park High, she was the team MVP midfielder her senior season, and the defensive MVP her junior year. Hupp was also listed as an honorable mention All-Metro Conference player her sophomore and junior seasons and led her team to the district championship her senior year. Hupp plays for the FC America Kumba Club team and was a member of the Disney tournament championship team in 2007. She was coached at the high school level by Ken Hammond and at the club level by George Sasvari. Malaney is the daughter of Lynn Hupp.
"Malaney will bring versatility to the back and will be a great defender," said Schilte-Brown. "She will provide added depth to our back line and her composure will be an asset."
Chelsea Klotz, F, Tampa Prep (Tampa, Fla.)
Her team's leading goal scorer all four years of high school, Chelsea Klotz is the team captain for the Florida Athletic Coaches West All-Star Team and is on the Hillsborough County All-Star Team. A 2007-08 Florida 2A State Championship MVP, Klotz was also selected as an All-Central Florida player by Rise magazine. The Orlando Sentinel tabbed her as a 2006-07 first team All-Central Florida player and a player of the week in November of 2005. She is a two-time first team all-conference player and a first team all-Central Florida player for Tampa Prep. A 2008 team captain, Klotz was on the 2006 Michelle Akers All-Tournament Team and won athlete of the month honors in both 2005 and 2006. The team's rookie of the year in 2004-05, she earned MVP awards her sophomore and junior seasons. She scored 64 goals and had 15 assists during her senior year, giving her a four year total of 115 goals. Klotz is the team's leading goal scorer for her club soccer team, RSL Florida, the 2007 State Cup champions. She was also an SVL all-league player and has been a member of the Florida and North Carolina state ODP teams. In 2007 she played for the Super Y All-League team and the 2007-08 Florida State Championship club team. . She was coached at the high school level by Pam Smith and at the club level by Jim Cote. Chelsea is the daughter of Carmen and Bryan Klotz.
"In my opinion, Chelsea is the best striker coming out of Florida this year," said Schilte-Brown. "She has an uncanny ability to score goals and we look for her to continue doing that at the next level."
Brandi Locoe, D/M/F, Bishop D.J. O'Connell High, (Arlington, Va.)
A three-time all-conference player, Brandi Locoe has helped her high school teams to two conference championships and a pair of conference tournament championships. In 2004, her team was the NSCAA/adidas High School National Champion. Individually, she has earned first team honors on the Washington Post All-Met Team as well as the Washington Examiner All-Met Team. Locoe's most recent club experience came in 2007 with RFC United, who won the Bethesda Tournament. In 2006-07, she played for SYA Elite, winners of the CASL Girl's Shootout Showcase, the Cincinnati adidas Blue Chip Showcase Division and the SYA Cardinal Cup U-19 Elite Division. She was also a Virginia State Cup semifinalist and a San Diego Surf Cup finalist. Prior to the Elite, Locoe played for the RFC Rockets from 2003-05, winning 10 championships and earning spots in three other tournament finals. Locoe was with the USYS Region I ODP team in 2003 and 2004, the Virginia State Team from 2003-07 and the Virginia Northern District team from 2003-07. From 2003-07 she also has attended ODP camps in Region I and Region IV. She was coached at the club level by Mike Calabretta. Brandi is the daughter of Alvin and Priscilla Locoe.
"Brandi is a highly technical player and her athleticism allows her to get up and down the flank which compliments our system of play," said Schilte-Brown.
Kelly Masteller, DF, Eastside High (Gainesville, Fla.)
A three-time defensive MVP, Kelly Masteller earned first team all-area three seasons and is an FACA North 5A all-star team selection. As a senior, she helped Eastside High to the regional quarterfinals. An AP scholar, Masteller played club soccer for the Leg-A-Z Hotshots, who were the state runners up twice. She was coached at the high school level by Sarah Goldberg and at the club level by Cherie Clark. Kelly is the daughter of Steve Masteller and Janice Devlin.
“Kelly's size and potential will help her compete at our level and she will provide added depth to the back line," said Schilte-Brown.
Rehana Murani, MF, Salisbury Composite (Edmonton, Alb.)
Rehana Murani, a 2007 and 2008 major league all-star, has been part of the Canadian National Training Center since 2005. She has represented Alberta on the U13 and U15 provincial teams at the Western Canadian Championships and the U14 and U16 provincial teams at the Canadian All-Star National Championships. In 2005, she played in the Super Y League North American Finals, held in Tampa, taking third place. She was one of 11 players selected to the tournament's ODP select team. From 2006-07, she represented Alberta at the Club Nationals with the Edmonton Strikers, who were the provincial champions. The Strikers were also the league champions in 2007. With Southwest United, Murani was a 2004 provincial champion and the 2004 and 2005 league champion. Murani now plays for the U18 Internazionale club team. In the classroom, she has earned honors certificates for math, chemistry and biology. She was coached at the club level by Ross Ongaro. Rehana is the daughter of Almas Murani and Salim Murani.
“Rehana comes from a brilliant club background where she receives excellent instruction," said Schilte-Brown. "Her technical and tactical ability allows her to be great in tight spaces and should make an immediate impact.”
Valorie O'Brien, D/MF, Lake Highland Prep, (Winter Park, Fla.)
The 2008 district player of the year, Valorie O'Brien is a three-time state soccer finalist and a 2006 state champion for Lakeland Highland Prep in Winter Park, Fla. An all-state player in 2008, she has been selected for the senior all-star East and Orange team. She is a two-time second-team all-county player and earned team awards for most improved impact player, and the MVP midfielder, as well as being a team captain twice. O'Brien was also the 2003 most valuable offensive player at the Lady Highlander Soccer Invitational. With the FC America Kumba, O'Brien played in the final four three times, was a state runner up in 2005 and the Disney Showcase champion in 2007. She also played on the Florida ODP state team in 2005. O'Brien is a member of the National Honors Society and the National Spanish Honors Society as well as part of the Merit Studies Program. O'Brien was coached by Tino Rodrigues in high school and by George Sasvari and Jaymi Bailey with the Kumba. Valorie is the daughter of John and Sally O'Brien.
“In addition to being a very gifted all-around player, Valorie brings a wealth of maturity and leadership to our program," said Schilte-Brown. "We expect her to excel both on the field and in the classroom at USF.”
Gina Pacheco, MF, St. Pius X High (Ottawa, Ont.)
Gina Pacheco is a member of the Ottawa Fury Soccer Club and was a member of the SYL New England U17 Divisional Championship team. She is the Fury's team MVP and captain. Pacheco was selected to the SYL team for two consecutive years, and trained and played with the Fury W-League. In 2006, she was a SYL New England U16 Divisional Champion, a member of the U17 US Cup semifinalist team and was selected as a Canadian representative to the ODP program. A two-time Robbie International Tournament champion, she placed third in the New England Division with the Ottawa Fury U15 SYL and was a member of the U16 team that was a semi-finalist at the North American SYL championships. Pacheco played for the Sarnia Spirit U18 OYSL team in 2005. In 2004 she placed third at the Canadian National championship and played for the U14/15G provincial team. She was awarded the James Worral Scholarship for Sporting Excellence in Ontario and was the London Women's City Cup MVP. She also earned two team championships in 2004, the John Henderson International Tournament and the South Region League Cup Championship. Along with soccer, Pacheco was the 2003 athlete of the year, placed third in South Western Ontario in the OFSAA cross country meet and ran in the OFSAA regionals in track and field. She was coached at the club level by Dom Olivery. Gina is the daughter of Tony and Faye Pacheco and sister to Nathan.
“Gina's work rate, technical ability, tactical awareness and final pass in the attacking third are all strengths that she possesses and we expect quality production from Gina during her career at USF, both on and off the field," said Schilte-Brown.
Noelle Pineiro, MF/F, Cardinal Mooney High (Bradenton, Fla.)
A team captain and MVP for Cardinal Mooney High, Noelle Pineiro has been selected to the 2008 senior all-star team for Western Florida. She is a two-time all-area player and received rookie of the year honors as a freshman. A National Honors Society member, Pineiro plays club soccer for RSL Florida. She also played on the ODP Florida State team her sophomore and junior seasons as well as the Super Y league team that was a semifinalist at the North American Championships. She was coached at the high school level by Terry Murphy and at the club level by Jim Cote. Noelle is the daughter of Lori and Manny Pineiro.
“Noelle is an extremely technical player who has the ability to turn on a dime and strike the ball very well with either foot," said Schilte-Brown.
Thara Salam, MF, Palm Harbor HS (Palm Harbor, Fla.)
Her team's rookie of the year in 2005-06 and captain in 2007-08, Thara Salam helped Palm Harbor to the state championship (2006), as well as two regional titles and three district championships. Salam also plays club soccer for Countryside U17, who was the state cup runner up in 2005. Academically, she is a member of the National Honors Society and won the American Legion award. Salam is coached by John Planamenta at both the high school and club levels. Thara is the daughter of Debbie Salam.
“Thara has an exceptional work rate and proven ability to control balls out of the air,” said Schilte-Brown. "We are also excited about her demonstrated potential as a future motivational leader.”
Bahar Sansar, DF/MF, College Francais de Longueuil (Montreal, Que.)
Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Bahar Sansar plays for the Laval Comets, a team that plays in the USL W-League. She is also training at the National Training Center, working with the best players in Quebec, all of whom hope to make the Canadian National Team. In 2006, she played for the U16 National Team as well as the U16 Quebec Team that placed fourth in the national championships. She also played for the U18 FC Select Rive-Sud and was the U18 Quebec Elite Soccer Conference MVP. A member of the U15 National team that placed second in a tournament in Germany, Sansar was honored as the best elite player in Quebec in 2005. In the same year she was on the U16 Quebec team that placed fourth at the national championship and the U16 FC Rive-Sud National Championship and Quebec Cup Champions. Sansar earned academic honors in physics and is on the honor roll in her high school. She has been coached by Rudy Dolis, Mohamed Hilen and Lyonel Joseph. Bahar is the daughter of Ahmet Sansar and Farzaneh Farrokhi.
“To get a player with Bahar's international resume and experience as late as we did in the process is tremendous for our program,” said Schilte-Brown. "She has exceptional tactical awareness and composure on the ball and should provide an immediate impact for us on the back line or possibly at defensive center midfield.”
Tabitha Schofield, Midfield, St. Petersburg High (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
A 2007 soccer team captain, Tabitha Schofield earned first team all-county, and as a sophomore, her team played in the state soccer semi finals. Schofield's club team, IMG Soccer Academy, won two Florida State Championships and were 2007 Region III semi-finalists. They recently won the 2008 Disney Soccer Showcase in the top flight and are considered one of the premier teams in the country. In high school, she earned four varsity letters in soccer, three letters for track, two for cross country and one for golf. A golf team captain for two years, she also received the 2006 cross country most consistent runner award. She ran the mile in 5:58, and ran a 5k for cross country in 21:34 as a high school junior. Schofield was a member of the National Honors Society, Rho Kappa (science) and was an honor roll student. She was coached at the high school level by Rui Farias and at the club level by Ian Martin. Tabitha is the daughter of Tracey and Lisa Schofield.
“Tabitha's ability to keep it simple and switch the point of attack will be an excellent addition to our central midfield position," said Schilte-Brown.
Molly Stack, MF, Palm Harbor Univ. High (Palm Harbor, Fla.)
Molly Stack has earned four varsity letters, won the Iron Woman Award, the Most Athletic Award and the rookie of the year award. She has been an all-state and all-county performer and was rated one of the top 15 soccer players in Florida by the Tampa Tribune. Her high school team has won the state championship and was runners up twice during her four-year career. She also plays for the Real Salt Lake club team in Tampa. In 2007 she won a State Cup Championship with her club team, and she has been a member of the Florida State ODP team. She was coached at the high school level by Jon Plantamenta and at the club level by Jim Cote. Molly is the daughter of Carla and Edward Stack.
“Molly is one of the top athletes in her class and her competitiveness will allow her to succeed at the next level," said Schilte-Brown.
