Soccer Signs 10 to National Letters-of-Intent

Youngstown State women's soccer Head Coach Will Lemke has announced the signing of nine recruits to National Letters-of-Intent to join the program for the 2012 soccer season.

The Guins have signed Rebecca Fink (Harrison City, Pa.), Chelsey Haney (Hopewell, Pa.), Katie Hohmann (Pittsburgh, Pa.) Karlee Kline (Clinton Township, Mich.), Shannon Leghart, Vanessa Mladenovski (Shelby Township, Mich.), Sabrina Mottershead (Brampton, Ontario), Macey Riese (Miamisburg, Ohio), Shay Sade (Hod hasharon, Israel) and Claire Spleth (Indianapolis, Ind.).

"The staff is extremely excited about this class because of its athleticism and technical ability" Lemke said.  "Many of the players we have signed and our walk-ons are not only exceptional athletes with high level experience but they are also very versatile players which gives us much more depth and tactical flexibility. 

"We also feel this class helps us address some of our weaknesses from last year by helping us become more consistent defensively, and more efficient with our finishing while complimenting some of the positives in our midfield and the attack."

Fink, a defender, was a two-time letterwinner at Penn Trafford High School and helped her prep squad to a 17-5 record last season. She also scored one goal with three assists during her senior season and earned all-section honors.

"Rebecca is an exceptional athlete who reads the game very well and can play a variety of positions in the midfield and defensive line, Lemke said. "Rebecca is a playmaker who is also lock-down defender. She has the ability to make a big plays on both sides of the ball."

Haney, a forward, was a four-year letterwinner at Hopewell High School where she scored 67 goals and 47 assists during her career. She also netted 27 goals and six assists as a senior. Haney also set a single-game record with five goals in one game.

"Chelsey has a unique combination of size, speed and technical ability," Lemke said. "She is a tenacious attacker that always seems to find a way to finish and score a big goal.  I believe she has the potential to not only immediately compete for a starting position but also to be an impactful player in every game."

Hohmann, a forward, scored 49 goals during her career at North Allegheny High School, including 19 goals during her senior season. Her also owns the school's career and single-season goals scored record.

"Katie is a superior all-around athlete with exceptional speed and a knack for scoring," Lemke said. "Her athleticism, intelligence and scoring ability make her a threat in any game. I expect her to add depth and speed to the attack and she will compete for a starting spot in a variety of positions."

Kline, a forward/midfielder, was a four-year letterwinner at Chippewa Valley High School. A two-time all-district performer, Kline scored 35 career goals and tallied 51 career assists.

"She is a versatile attacking player who reads the game exceptionally well and sets up her teammates with her knowledge and passing ability," Lemke said. "Karlee also is and excellent 1 v. 1 player with a knack for scoring.  Her skill set and scoring ability will allow her to compete for playing time in several positions."

Leghart, a defender, was a four-year letterwinner at South Park High School. She helped her prep squad to a PIAA AA state runners-up in 2010 and earn the 2011 WPIAL runners-up trophy.

"Shannon is an awesome all-around athlete with great top end speed," Lemke said. "She is a tenacious 1 v. 1 defender who can consistently provide a strong physical presence in any game. I expect Shannon to find a way to contribute next year in a variety of ways either in the defense or the midfield."

Mladenovski, a midfielder, is a three-year letterwinner at Henry Ford II High School. A first-team all-district selection as a junior, Mladenovski was voted team captain for the 2012 season.

"Vanessa is a very versatile player who is a very nice playmaker and does an exceptional job of working off of the midfield and initiating the attack," Lemke said. "I expect her to be a valuable asset to our midfield in a variety of roles."

Mottershead, a forward/midfielder, had six career goals and 33 assists at Cardinal Leger Secondary School. She was also named captain for two seasons.

"Sabrina is a very smart player with excellent technical ability," Lemke said. "She is a great asset to our team because of her technical range and ability to play a variety of positions. She read the game exceptionally well and can make an impact on both sides of the ball."

Riese, a center midfielder, was a four-year letterwinner and three-time captain at Miamisburg High School.  A three-time all-conference and two-time all-area selection, Riese tallied 25 career assists.

Sade, a defender, played 11 games for the Israeli U-19 team and served two years as captain. She also played 55 games for the Ramat hasharon club team and scored 23 goals.

"Shay is an extremely intelligent player with exceptional technical ability and athleticism," Lemke said. "She is a rugged shut down defender who can impact the game from the defensive line.  Her international experience with the Israeli National Team will serve her well and immediately help stabilize our defense."

Spleth, a goalkeeper, was a four-year letterwinner at Lawrence North High School. She led the IHSAA with a goals-against average of 1.22 and set a single-season record with 162 saves during her senior season.

"Claire is a very strong and athletic goalkeeper who is a fearless shot stopper," Lemke said. "Claire has great size and presence in the box and has the ability to be a very impactful player.  I expect her compete for a starting position from the first day of camp."