Charlotte's Lindsey Ozimek Named NSCAA/Adidas Scholar All-American

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Charlotte 49ers women's soccer senior midfielder Lindsey Ozimek, a three-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American, has been named to the second-team NSCAA/Adidas Scholar All-America team.

In addition, senior midfielder Ashley Rex of Charlotte garnered honorable mention NSCAA/Adidas Scholar All-South region team honors.

This past season, Ozimek and Rex helped the 49ers tie the school-record with 16 wins en route to the A-10 regular season and tournament titles and the third NCAA Tournament berth in program history.

Ozimek, who has a 4.00 GPA in Special Education, was named to the first-team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American women's soccer team, selected by CoSIDA. Ozimek has been named ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American in each of the last three seasons and has earned first-team honors the past two years.

This season, Ozimek, a finalist for the Lowe's Senior Class Award, was named first-team Lowe's Senior Class First-Team All-American. She scored the final goal in her career against Clemson in the NCAA Tournament which moved her into a tie for the team lead in goals with six. She became the first recipient of the A-10 Midfielder of the Year award this season after leading the A-10 with 13 assists. This past season, she became the program's all-time leader in career assists and she finished her career with 43.

Ozimek, who was a three-time All-Atlantic 10 and Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team selection, played an integral role in helping the 49ers win 45 games and capture two A-10 regular-season titles and the 2007 A-10 Championship during her stellar four-year career.

Rex, who has a 3.8 GPA in the Public Administration Master's program, overcame two season-ending knee injuries to became a three-time team captain. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art in May, 2006.

Rex missed the 2002 and 2003 seasons due to knee injuries. She successfully petitioned the NCAA and was awarded an extra year of eligibility. She played an integral role in helping the 49ers claim two A-10 regular season titles, a Carolinas' Cup title and an A-10 Championship. She is the only member of two NCAA Tournament teams in the program's history. She was a member of the 49ers 2002 NCAA Tournament team as well as this past season's NCAA Tournament team.

She finished her career with 79 games played with 59 starts, two goals, and five assists. This past season, she saw action in all 22 games and scored a goal in the 49ers' 2-0 win over Western Carolina.

Reedy Takes Over Women’s Soccer Coaching Reigns

Ryan Reedy first came to the University of Dallas as a student in 2001 and began his illustrious soccer career that fall. While attending Dallas, Reedy was a four year starter and letter winner for the men’s soccer team, as well as team captain during his senior season. Reedy’s many accomplishments during his playing career at the University of Dallas include team MVP in 2004, USCAA Academic All-American during the 2003 and 2004 seasons, and 2003 CoSida Academic All-District VI College Divisions Men's Soccer Team.

In the spring of 2005, Reedy graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in History and is currently pursuing a MA in Humanities at the University. He currently works at the University of Dallas’ Due Santi campus in Rome, Italy as a Rome Coordinator and has been there since January 2007. The spring 2008 semester will be his last semester in Rome as he will return to Irving to coach the women’s soccer team in the fall. Reedy is also currently engaged to be married in August to Ellen Flannery, a fellow 2005 graduate of the University of Dallas.

With the arrival of Reedy in the fall of 2008, the University acquires a very experienced soccer coach. He was the University of Dallas Men’s Soccer team assistant coach from the summer of 2005 until December 2007 when he left to work in Italy. He was also the assistant coach for the club soccer team DFW Tornadoes during the same period and earned his North Texas State ‘D’ Coaching License.

Elia Kochan, the former women’s soccer coach, will remain at UD as the lacrosse coach and will also assist Reedy. Reedy looks forward to starting his NCAA coaching career at his alma mater in 2008 and is excited to compete in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference with 10 other division 3 private schools. Austin College, Birmingham-Southern College, Centre College, Colorado College, DePauw University, Hendrix College, Millsaps College, Oglethorpe University, Rhodes College, Sewanee-University of the South, Southwestern University, and Trinity University round out the prestigious conference.

The Big South Posts Four Players in MLS Supplemental Draft

The Big South Conference had four players chosen in the MLS supplemental draft on Thursday afternoon. Coastal Carolina’s Mkhokheli Dube was the Big South’s highest pick as the New England Revolution choose him as the eighth pick in the first round. Liberty’s Adrian Bumbut went to the Chicago Fire as the 12th pick in the second round. In the third round, the New York Red Bulls chose Winthrop’s John Gilkerson as the seventh pick as teammate Saidi Isaac was the 13th pick in the round by the New England Revolution.

Dube ranked 14th in the NCAA in both points (2.21) and goals per game (0.65) and was named the Big South Conference Player of the Year.

Dube led the Big South during the regular season in points scored (27), while finishing second in goals (11) and third in assists (five). He was named the Big South Player of the Week a league-record four times this season and was also named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week, Oct. 7. He tallied five game-winning goals on the year. Dube was also First Team All-Conference selection for the second year in a row.

Dube led Coastal to a perfect 6-0 record in the Big South this season, helping CCU became just the fifth team in the history of the Big South to finish with a perfect conference record. The Bulawayo, Zimbabwe native totaled 16 goals and 10 assists in two season with the Chanticleers after transferring from NAIA powerhouse Lindsey Wilson.

Dube led the Blue Raiders to the 2005 NAIA championship, while earning a spot on the NAIA All-Tournament Team.

The Revolution fell in the MLS Cup, 2-1, as CCU alum Joseph Ngwenya (2000-03) netted a goal in the 61st minute to help propel the Houston Dynamo to the title.

Bumbut was selected in the second round of the 2008 Major League Soccer (MLS) Supplemental Draft.

Bumbut becomes the fourth Flames soccer player drafted by a MLS team. The forward was taken in the second round by the Chicago Fire, joining former Liberty teammate Osei Telesford. He joins Telesford, Darryl Roberts and Hollis Donaldson as Liberty players drafted by MLS squads. All four players have been selected in the past three years.

"The Liberty Soccer family is excited about Adrian being drafted by the Chicago Fire,” stated Flames Head Coach Jeff Alder. “They are a first-class enterprise, and I feel they will provide a great environment for him to grow as a player. Adrian has worked extremely hard to develop as a player and a person during his time at Liberty, and I feel he is getting rewarded for his efforts and faithfulness.”

Bumbut helped lead Liberty to its first-ever Big South Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Men’s College Soccer Cup this past season. The forward completed his career ranked fourth on the Liberty all-time points list with 79 markers, while tying for fourth on the school’s all-time goals list with 32. The Zalau, Romania native garnered All-South Atlantic Region second team honors this fall, after finishing tied for second in the Big South Conference with 29 points on 12 goals and five assists. His goal total also tied him for second on the conference’s goal list. Bumbut led the Flames in scoring for the third-straight year.

The forward was named an All-Big South first-team member this season and also was selected to the VaSID All-State first team. Bumbut led the conference with five game-winning goals, as the Flames posted a 13-5-2 record.

Bumbut, who graduated from Liberty in December, reports to training camp with the Fire next week.

Gilkerson was selected by the New York Red Bulls in the third round (35th overall) and Isaac was selected by the New England Revolution in the third round also (41st overall).

“We are all very pleased for both Saidi and John to receive this opportunity to play in Major League Soccer (MLS),” said head coach Rich Posipanko. “They have certainly worked very hard over their careers at Winthrop and in the PDL during the past three summers. Gilkerson is the best athlete I’ve ever coached in my 29 years and Isaac is one of the top goal scorers I have had the opportunity to coach. Both have a tremendous work rate and professional attitude and are very good players technically.”

Gilkerson was one of four players taken by the Red Bulls on Thursday. New York selected Danleigh Borman from Rhode Island, Michael Palacio of Stony Brook and Laurent Manuel from Brown.

The Winchester, VA native is a three-time All-Big South conference performer and finished with three goals and four assists in his career as a defender. He was a big part in the Eagle defense that ranked among the nation’s best in 2006 and 2007 and helped Winthrop to the 2006 Big South Conference championship. In 2007 he was named to the NSCAA/adidas All-South Atlantic Region Team. During the summer of 2007 he played for the Virginia Beach Submariners of the PDL and was a two-time PDL Team of the Week selection. He was also named to the Eastern Conference All-Conference Team.

Isaac was one of four players taken by the Revolution. Fellow Big South Conference member Kheli Dube of Coastal Carolina, Chris Tierney from Virginia and Kyle Altman from Trinity (TX) were also drafted.

The Eldoret, Kenya native was the 2006 Big South Conference Player of the Year after scoring 17 goals and dishing out six assists for 40 points as he helped Winthrop to its second conference championship in five years. He was also named to NSCAA/adidas South Atlantic Region First Team. He was named to College Soccer and TopDrawerSoccer.com National Team of the week for a four-goal performance in an 8-1 victory over conference foe Liberty. That performance also earned him National Player of the Week for Soccertimes.com. Isaac ranked 7th nationally in scoring and ninth in goals per game. As a senior, Isaac was named the Big South Conference Preseason Player of the Year, the College Soccer News Pre-Season All-America Team and named to the Herman Trophy Watch List. His production was down a little bit in as he continued to draw more and more attention each year from opposing defenses. Isaac scored 12 goals and had five assists for 29 points, which ranked second in the Big South. He finished 12th nationally in scing and goals per game. He was named to the All-Big South First Team for a third straight season, just the third player in school history to make First Team at least three times. He earned NSCAA/adidas All-South Atlantic Region Team again. He finished his career with 46 goals, which is the most scored by a Winthrop Eagle at the NCAA Division I level and tied for 7th all-time in the Big South. He also enjoyed a couple of nice seasons in the Premiere Development league with the Indiana Invaders. In 2007 he was named to the Central Conference All-Conference Team.

“With Marco Reda already playing in the MLS and both John and Saidi having the same opportunity, it is certainly an honor for Winthrop University and our soccer program to have players at the highest level. It is my understanding they will be leaving next week to join their respective teams for a short period of time, and then returning to finish their degree in May. We all wish them the best as they pursue their professional career.”

All MLS teams are eligible to begin preseason on field training on Jan. 26, but not all teams will report that day. The Revolutions starting date is Jan. 29, but the Red Bulls did not have their starting date posted.

2007 All-ACC Academic Men's Soccer Team Announced

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Five Atlantic Coast Conference All-ACC honorees, including the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year, secured spots on this year's All-ACC Academic Men's Soccer Team as announced today by Commissioner John D. Swofford. All nine schools in the league competing in men's soccer are represented on the third annual All-ACC Academic team.

To be eligible for consideration, a student-athlete must have earned a 3.00 grade point average for the previous semester and maintained a 3.00 cumulative average during his academic career.

Virginia Tech, which made its first-ever trip to the NCAA College Cup this season, led all schools with seven honorees on the academic team. After recording a record-high eight selections last year, the Blue Devils added six to the 2007 academic squad, while Clemson, Maryland and Wake Forest notched four student-athletes each on the squad.

First-team All-ACC honorees Sam Cronin (Wake Forest), Stephen King (Maryland) and Michael Videira (Duke) join the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year Omar Gonzalez of Maryland on this year's All-ACC Academic team. Also highlighting the talent on this year's all-league academic team is All-ACC second-team pick Tim Jespon of Duke and ACC All-Tournament Team honoree Michael Callahan of North Carolina.

Five of the recipients earn the accolade for the third consecutive year, while eight, including two from Wake Forest's 2007 national championship squad, collected their second All-ACC Academic Men's Soccer Team recognition.

Wake Forest, led by head coach Jay Vidovich, claimed its first-ever men's soccer national championship, finishing the season ranked No. 1 in the nation with a record of 22-2-2, the best mark in WFU soccer history.

2007 All-ACC Academic Men's Soccer Team

Name, Class, School, Major
Stephen Hepburn, Jr., Boston College^, Finance
David Bell, Sr., Clemson^, Electrical Engineering
Mark Buchholz, Sr., Clemson**, Marketing
Greg Eckhardt, So., Clemson, Pre-Business
David Newton, So., Clemson, Civil Engineering
Paul Dudley, Sr., Duke, History
Joe Germanese, Sr., MF, Duke^, Economics
Tim Jepson, Sr., D, Duke**, Sociology
Josh Medcalf, G, Duke, Liberal Studies
Justin Papadakis, Sr., Duke**, Public Policy Studies
Michael Videira, Sr., Duke**, Sociology
Omar Gonzalez, So., Maryland^, Undeclared
Stephen King, Sr., Maryland**, Finance
William Swaim, Fr., Maryland, History
Drew Yates, So., Maryland^, History
Michael Callahan, Jr., North Carolina, Economics
Bill Dworsky, So., North Carolina^, Undeclared
Chris Widman, So., NC State, Economics
Zola Short, Sr., Virginia, Foreign Affairs
Markus Aigner, Jr., Virginia Tech, Economics
Alex Baden, Jr., Virginia Tech, Management
Charlie Campbell, So., Virginia Tech^, Business
Scott Dillie, Jr., Virginia Tech, Finance
Stefan Hock, Jr., Virginia Tech, Accounting and Information Systems
Marcus Reed, Sr., Virginia Tech, Mechanical Engineering
Georg Zehender, Sr., Virginia Tech, Physical Education
Evan Brown, Jr., Wake Forest, Business
Sam Cronin, Jr., Wake Forest^, Political Science
Zack Schilawski, So., Wake Forest^, Undeclared
Julian Valentin, Sr., Wake Forest, English

Lady Saints Soccer Signs Nine to Letters of Intent

DAHLONEGA, Ga. –North Georgia College & State University head coach Chris Adams and his staff announced the signing of nine players to national letters of intent during national signing day Wednesday afternoon.

"I am very excited about this recruiting class," Chris Adams said Wednesday morning. "I feel like we have added some incredible talent which will help us get where we want to go."

Elizabeth “Danielle” Brannan, Forward, 5’2”, Loganville, GA, Loganville High School, College Experience

As a result of her tremendous speed and ability Danielle was named All-County in soccer from 2005-2007 and in cross country in 2005-2006. Along with her remarkable ability to get behind defenders, Brannan is a stellar performer in the classroom. Brannan has been awarded Principles List Honor Roll all four years at Loganville High School. Danielle played club soccer for Coach Mike Morgan, with his College Experience team.

Natalie Douglass, Midfielder, 5’6”, Lawrenceville, GA, Brookwood High School, Gwinnett Soccer Association

As a four year starter for Brookwood High School, Douglass was critical part in her team reaching the Final Four in 2007. Natalie was awarded Gwinnett All-County in 2005. Douglass played club soccer for GSA Phoenix Red ’90 and Coach Judson Hamby. Her team was state champions in 2004, and GYSA state runners up in 2005 and 2007. Her club also competed in the highly competitive R3PL East division. Along with numerous other tournament accomplishments, Douglass and GSA ’90 won the prestigious PDA Girls College Soccer Showcase in New Jersey in 2007.

Emily Hughes, Defender, 5’8”, Lawrenceville, GA, Brookwood High School, Gwinnett Soccer Association

Emily Hughes was a varsity letter winner at Brookwood High School for 4 years. Hughes helped the Broncos to the GHSA AAAAA quarter and semi-finals for the past 3 years. Emily was also a member of GSA Phoenix Red ’90 coached by Judson Hamby. Hughes helped lead GSA to Finalist and Semi-Finalist finishes in GYSA over the previous three years. Emily Hughes has also garnered numerous individual accomplishments. As a member of Georgia ’89 State Olympic Development Pool from 2003- 2006, Hughes capped these performances by being selected to Region 3 ODP Camp in 2005 and 2006.

Laura Lane, Midfielder, 5’1”, Gainesville, GA, North Hall High School, Atlanta Fire United

As the team captain, Lane led North Hall to back-to-back Region 7AAA Championships. From her left midfield position, Laura was awarded All-Area 1st Team in 2006 and All-Region 1st team in 2007. Lane is also accomplished in the classroom as a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Along with her accomplishments in high school, Lane was a member of the GYSA Athena A Champions in 2004 and 2006. Laura now plays for Atlanta Fire United U18 Elite R3PL team. She was coached by Nathan Borror.

Rachel Peckham, Midfielder, 5’5”, Lawrenceville, GA, Brookwood High School, Gwinnett Soccer Association

Rachel played soccer for Brookwood High School and was a letter winner on a team that was a semi-finalist in the Georgia High School Association AAAAA state playoffs. Peckham was also a Scholar Athlete at BHS for 3 years, where she was an active member of the community service oriented Key Club. Rachel played club soccer for Coach Edgar Flores at the Gwinnett Soccer Association. She was a crucial part of the team which competed in the Orange Classic in Miami, FL, Germantown, and placed first in the Nike Cup, Aiken Cup, Atlanta Fire Cup, and Norcross Cup.

Kirsten Ross, Goalkeeper, 5’9”, Lilburn, GA, Parkview High School, Gwinnett Soccer Association

As a three year letter winner for Parkview High School, Kirsten Ross contributed to her team when they won the Women’s Soccer AAAAA State Championship in 2005, a Regional Championship in 2006, and the Women’s Soccer AAAAA State Championship in 2007. She was also a member of the Parkview High School basketball team from 2004-2006, the Honor Roll,
and received honors for her stellar academic accomplishments in Chemistry. Ross played club soccer for Gwinnett Soccer Association where she was selected as her team’s tournament MVP at the Capital Area Soccer League Elite in Raleigh, NC in 2007.

Delana Thomas, Defender, 5’8”, Flowery Branch, GA, Flowery Branch High School, Hall County YMCA Stars

Delana Thomas attended Flowery Branch High School, where she was a four year starter and captain for the Lady Falcons. In 2005, she received the Coach’s Falcon Award and was given honorable mention to the All Area Team. Thomas was selected as Flowery Branch’s MVP in 2006 and 2007, and was also a member of the All Area 1st Team in both of those years. Along with her athletic achievements, Delana was an exceptional student and was a member of the National Honor Society from 2006-2008, and received the Georgia Certificate of Merit in 2007. Thomas played club soccer for Lanier Soccer Association from 2000-2004 and the Hall County YMCA Oneida/Stars from 2005-2007.

Tessa MacGregor, Midfielder, 5’9”, Tarpon Springs, FL, East Lake High School, Hillsborough County United

Tessa MacGregor was a crucial part of the East Lake High School Varsity Women’s Soccer Team, where she lettered all four years, and led her team to the state Final Four in 2008. She received the “Top 10 County Soccer Statistics” honor for Pinellas County in 2007, and broke her high school’s record for the 400M and 4x400M track events. Tessa played club soccer for Hillsborough County United, and was given the opportunity to train under former US National Team player, Danielle Fotopoulos. Her team won state championships in 2002, 2003, and 2005.

Ekaterina Tsitsikronis, Midfielder, 5’6”, Tampa, FL, Sickle High School, Hillsborough County United

Ekaterina played for Sickle High School in Tampa, FL where she lettered all four years and served as team captain her junior and senior years. Her team won the high school district in 2005, and she was placed on the All-American Western Conference Team in 2006-2007. Tsitsikronis was also a member of her high school’s volleyball and basketball teams,
was given the Citizenship Award in 2003, and was placed on the Principal’s Honor Roll from 2004-2008. Ekaterina played club soccer for Hillsborough County United where her team won the State Championship in 2007.

"In the past, we have just tried to add the most talented players we could find regardless of the position they played," Head Coach Chris Adams said. "This group is not only has outstanding players, but they also will allow us to have virtually everyone playing in their most comfortable place on the field."

"We will also have tremendous depth throughout our team as well as terrific competition during practice to beat out fellow teammates for playing time."

"The 2008 Lady Saints will be the most talented team that I have had in my five years here at North Georgia, which is promising considering we will host last years NCAA Division II National Champions in mid September. "

Chris Adams and his staff will release the 2008 schedule in the coming weeks with what appears to be their toughest competition in recent history. North Georgia will host the defending National Champions, The University of Tampa Spartans, Sunday, September 14, at 1:00 p.m. as just one of the nationally ranked opponants on tap for the new season.

Helsel Announces New Hires in Athletic Department

MURFREESBORO – Chowan University’s Director of Athletics, Dennis Helsel, is proud to announce the recent hiring of Jodi Clugston and Matt Micheel. Clugston will fill the women’s soccer head coaching position while Micheel will take over the Director of Tennis duties. Both come to Chowan with diverse coaching backgrounds in their respective sports.

“Jodi brings great soccer experience and success to our program, playing at a high level as well as her time as an assistant coach," Helsel said. "She has tremendous knowledge of the game, can communicate that knowledge in an understandable way, is very focused on the student-athlete's welfare and has a great vision for the future of Hawks' women's soccer. Jodi also understands the effort it takes build a consistent winning program.”

Clugston played two years at the University of Virginia under head coach Steve Swanson before suffering a career ending injury. After her injury she remained an integral part of the team by serving as a student-assistant coach until 2005. Prior to her days at UVA, Clugston represented the United States as a member of the Under-16 and Under-18 National teams as a goalkeeper.

Although Clugston embarks on her first collegiate head coaching experience, she has a diverse coaching background. Outside of her coaching experiences at UVA, Clugston has been involved with several U-16 and U-19 soccer programs in her home state of Pennsylvania. She also has seven years of Region I Olympic Development Coaching experience in both Pennsylvania and Virginia. In 2007 she served as the assistant coach at Lamar University (TX), working with goalkeepers.

Recently, Clugston has held a professor position at Lamar University (TX) teaching graduate level Kinesiology . Clugston graduated from the University of Virginia in 2006 with a M.S. in Health and Physical Education. She also received her Bachelor of Science in Education from UVA.

Equally as excited about the new tennis hire, Helsel stated, “Chowan University is excited about the arrival of the new Director of Tennis, Matt Micheel. He has been a Division II Head Coach. We are certain that Matt's experience in both coaching and teaching the game of tennis will be the springboard needed to embark on our DII championship journey.”

Most recently Micheel served as a physical education teacher in Ellenton, Florida. Prior to his position at Imagine Charter School in Florida, Micheel served as the Head Women’s Tennis Coach at Missouri Western State University for three seasons. The previous two seasons he was the team’s assistant coach.

In his diverse coaching background, Micheel has had stints as a teaching professional at private clubs, served as director for several camps and clinics for all ages, and Tennis Director for Lake Bryn Mawr Camp in Pennsylvania.

Micheel graduated from Concordia University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fitness and Sport Management. Micheel also received his Bachelor of Science Degree in May of 2005 in Physical Education from Missouri Western State College. Micheel garners certificates in the United States Professional Tennis Association certified professional.

ORU Names Ryan Bush Women's Soccer Head Coach

Oral Roberts Athletic Director Mike Carter announced the hiring of Ryan Bush as the head women's soccer coach on Thursday. Bush is an ORU alum that spent two years playing for the Golden Eagles and most recently served as an assistant under head coach Steve Hayes for the men's soccer program.

During his tenure with men's soccer, the program has seen fast success. In only his second year, the Golden Eagles were ranked as high as No. 23 in the nation, the highest ranking in program history. During the five years, Bush helped guide the Golden Eagles to qualify for the postseason conference tournament each year.

Bush is instrumental as the camp director of the 'Get your kicks' soccer camp that is held every summer on the campus of ORU. He also currently serves as the head coach for the Oklahoma Olympic Development program and is serving as a coach of the West Side Alliance Soccer Club.

The Sand Springs, Okla. native helped Hayes in all aspects of coaching from; scouting of opponents, game and office administration, recruiting, on-field coaching, off-season conditioning and summer camps.

Prior to joining the ORU staff, Bush was the head women's soccer coach at Cascia Hall High School in Tulsa, Okla for the 2003-04 season.

Bush was a two-year standout for the Golden Eagles from 2001-02. He was part of the 2001 squad that captured the Mid-Continent Conference regular season crown. Before arriving at ORU, Bush played two years at Bacone College, where he led the team to a national top-25 ranking and a NJCAA Regional Finalist in 2000.

Bush received his masters in business administration from ORU in 2006, while earning his bachelors in business management in 2003 from ORU.

During his playing days in high school, Bush was a first team all-state performer and four year letterman for Charles Page High School. He also played for the Oklahoma Olympic Development program.

Bush replaces Kyle Cussen who resigned in January to become the head women's soccer coach at the University of Tulsa.

He currently resides in Tulsa and is pursuing a masters of Divinity from ORU.