Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Adds Nine Players on Signing Day
February 05, 2009 | Women's Soccer
Feb. 5, 2009
LUBBOCK, Texas - Following two strong years in the Tom Stone era, the Texas Tech soccer team has signed seven players to National Letters of Intent to become Red Raiders at the start of the 2009 season, while two others have already enrolled at the university.
The class is the second under Stone and assistant coaches Aaron and Ashley Gordon, who completed their second season at Tech following the 2008 season. The group of signees consists of four defenders, three midfielders, a forward and a goalkeeper.
Of the nine commitments, seven hail from Texas - Haley Fowler (Odessa, Texas), Morgan Johnson (Arlington, Texas), Erin Wikelius (Austin, Texas), Sara "Conner" Williams (Carrollton, Texas), Leah Christensen (San Angelo, Texas), Jordyn Young (Plano, Texas), Tiffini Smith (Fort Worth, Texas).
Tech was able to pull defender Jaclyn Dozier out of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Sarah Ellison from Alamogordo, N.M.
Tech's midfield was bolstered in the class as both Williams and Smith were members of the Region III ODP team that was only a level below the national program. The duo is expected to compete early for significant playing time.
"The 2009 class has the potential to be a special one," Stone said. "This class has a lot of speed and athleticism and there are some game changers in the group as well. Each of these players come to Texas Tech from nationally recognized club programs and, therefore, brings a certain pedigree of experience and an expectation for success. Each member will compete for a spot on the first team from day one."
Three members of the class - Johnson, Williams and Young - all played together for the FC Dallas soccer club, where both Gordons coached prior to coming to Tech.
Both Young and Williams enrolled at Tech in January and are both currently participating in workouts and will be on the field for the spring season. The two are the only members of the class to enroll early.
The Red Raiders begin their spring campaign Feb. 28 in Austin, Texas, in a doubleheader against Houston and the University of Miami.
Here is a player-by-player listing of each signee:
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High School: A four-year starter at Fort Worth Country Day High School ... named to the Fort Worth Star Telegram's Super Team in both 2007 and 2008 ... SPC All-Conference all four years ... was also SPC All-Zone in 2005 ... team MVP her junior and senior seasons.
Club: Played for the Polaris Soccer Club ... was team captain from 2004 to present ... Region III semifinalist in 2008 ... team won the "Showcase" flight of the Disney Soccer Showcase Championship in 2008 ... Premier League West Semifinalist in Fall 2007 ... North Texas State Cup Finalist 2007 ... North Texas State Cup Finalist 2005 ... ODP Region III team 2004 to present ... ODP National Champions in 2008 ... National Semi-finalist in 2007 ... was on the North Texas state team from 2004 to present.
Personal: Born Aug. 14, 1991, to mother Rose Muriel ... has one younger sister, Taylor ... involved in Habitat for Humanity and Soccer Start in high school.
Coach Stone on Tiffini: "Tiffini was one of the more sought after players in Texas this year. You notice her in the first five minutes that you watch her team play because she is literally everywhere. Her range of play is tremendous and her impact on the game on offense and defense is excellent for such a young player. Tiff will team up nicely with Taylor Lytle in the midfield and make it difficult for our opponents to play through the midfield. Tiffany Smith can be an immediate impact in the Big 12 as a freshman."
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Odessa, Texas - Permian
High School: A four-year varsity letterman at Odessa Permian ... was the team captain her final three seasons ... as a freshman: District 3-5A Newcomer of the Year ... as a sophomore and junior: named first team All-District ... also led team to the playoffs in both of those years ... was the Local Wendy's Heisman Winner.
Club: Began playing for the West Texas Heat soccer club from 2004 to 2006 ... made the move to the Dallas Texans soccer club soon after ... was on the North Texas State Pool from 2004 to 2006 ... in ODP: was on the NTSSA state team from 2004 to 2006.
Personal: Born Feb. 15, 1991, to parents Mike and Debbie Fowler ... currently ranked fifth in her class of 799 at Permian ... was a member of National Honor Society, Student Senate, and National Honor Roll in high school.
Coach Stone on Haley: "Haley is a versatile defender who can play in the midfield or in the back. Haley also commuted to Dallas from Odessa to play for the No. 1 girls club in the nation, the Texans. Haley has really developed her game over the last two years to be ready for life in the Big 12 as a freshman. Haley plays with great commitment for the full 90 minutes and will be a great influence on the culture of competitiveness we strive for in training and on game day."
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Arlington, Texas - Mansfield Timberview
High School: A two sport athlete (soccer and track) at Mansfield Timberview High School ... 2006 All-City District Player ... four-year varsity starter ... in track: won the district meet in the 200 meter dash her freshman year ... also anchored the 400 meter and 800 meter relays that won district.
Club: Member of the FC Dallas soccer club ... 2008 Southern Regional Finalist ... 2008 Premier League West Finalist ... 2007-2008 Lake Highlands Girls Classic League Champions ... attended the 2007 ODP Region III camp ... 2006 North Texas State Cup Champions ... 2006 Regional Semi-Finalist ... was also on the 91 girls ODP state team.
Personal: Born Jan. 30, 1991, to parents Charles and Diana Johnson ... has a brother, Dylan, who attends Tuskegee University in Alabama ... her aunt, Melanie Farley, played basketball at Oklahoma City University and was inducted in participated in Special Olympics, Boys & Girls Club and Mission Arlington in high school.
Coach Stone on Morgan: "Morgan is one of the best defenders we saw anywhere in the 2009 class. Her speed and athleticism are tremendous assets which will serve her well in our conference, but what we really like about Morgan is how smooth and comfortable with the ball she can be, even under pressure. Morgan will have to go up against some of the best forwards in the country in the Big 12 and, we feel that she will be ready for the challenge."
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Carrollton, Texas - Hebron High School
High School: Played at Hebron High School ... led her team to consecutive district championships ... helped her team to three regional finalist appearances ... earned High School All-Region honors in 2006 and 2007 ... named to the Region 6-5A All-Area all three seasons.
Club: Played for the FC Dallas soccer club team alongside current Red Raider signees, Jordyn Young and Morgan Johnson ... captain of team all four years ... helped her team to a regional final appearance the last three years ... led her team to a state championship in 2006 ... recognized as 2002 Player of the Year ... ODP Region III team ... as part of ODP, was able to travel to several tournaments around the world, including England ...was also a member of the southern region ODP team.
Personal: Born Dec. 17, 1990, to parents Dennis and Gwen Williams ... has two older siblings, Kaira and Alex ... enrolled at Tech in January ... has volunteered with Special Olympics ... majoring in psychology.
Coach Stone on Conner: "Conner is a classic wide player with great pace and is very technical, even at top speed. She can break teams down on her own with her one-on-one abilities and can shoot on the run as good as anyone we saw in this class. Conner's fitness is terrific for such a young player and her dominant play in the best youth league in the country (North Texas Classic League) put her in the top class of players coming out of Texas in 2009. Conner's club coach from FC Dallas, Chris Ring, did a great job giving her the freedom to fly forward and develop her attacking game and that is what are hoping to see come next fall."
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Plano, Texas - Plano Senior High School
Club: Member of the FC Dallas youth club team alongside current Red Raider signees, Conner Williams and Morgan Johnson ... led her team to a regional finalist appearance in 2008 ... helped her team to a 2007 State Cup finalist appearance ... member of the 2006 State Cup Championship team ... named to the North Texas ODP State team.
Personal: Born June 14, 1991, to Jeff and Dagny Young ... has one younger brother, Zachary ... graduated from Plano Senior High School in Dec. 2008 ... enrolled at Tech in January ... member of the National Honor Society and the honor roll ... involved in the Ronald McDonald House charities and volunteers as a youth soccer coach and trainer ... majoring in architecture.
Coach Stone on Jordyn: "Jo has terrific technical ability and is very comfortable with the ball under pressure. Jo is quite crafty and has a lovely left foot that she uses well in service and when shooting. Jo will give us great balance up the left side."
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San Angelo, Texas - San Angelo Central High School
High School:
Played at San Angelo Central High School ... a four-year letterwinner ... Named District 3-5A first team all-district in 2007 and 2008 ... was also named the 2008 District 3-5A defensive MVP ... was a member of the National Honor Society.
Club: Played for the San Angelo Valkyries and the Dallas D'Feeters ... named to the 2008 West Texas ODP Team.
Personal: Born March 24, 1991, to parents Charley and Teresa Christensen ... has one brother, Wesley.
Coach Stone on Leah: "Tremendous athlete, fearless and fiercely competitive are three appropriate descriptions for Leah. She can play central or wide in the back and brings a feisty edge to her game that we are excited about. Leah comes from San Angelo, Texas, but commuted to Dallas for three years just to play in the Classic League for the Defeaters Soccer Club. That shows great commitment on her part to be ready for the college experience, and we are confident that she will be a great addition to our defense for the next four years."
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Colorado Springs, CO - Air Academy High School
High School:
Played for Air Academy High School ... a four-year starter ... was named captain her junior and senior year ... named to the 2008 High School Coaches' All-League second team Selection ... participant in the 2007 High School Soccer Celebration All-Star game ... named to the 2007 High School Coaches' All-League second team selection ... received the 2006 High School MVP defender award ... named the 2006 High School Coaches' All-League second team selection.
Club: Played for Real Colorado National ... helped her team to the 2009 State Cup championship ... team advanced to the State Cup finals the three previous years.
Personal: Born Oct. 29, 1990, to parents Neil and Lisa Dozier ... has two younger brothers, Ryan and Robbie.
Coach Stone on Jaclyn: "Fast and versatile as she can play any of the four spots across the backline. The first thing you notice when you see Jaclyn play is her speed and competitive nature, two essential elements for a successful Big 12 defender. Jaclyn is a Colorado State Champion several times over with her club team, Real Colorado. Her club director, Lorne Donaldson, does a fantastic job getting players ready for college, and Jaclyn is definitely ready."
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Alamogordo, N.M. - Alamogordo High School
High School: Played at Alamogordo High School ... holds the single season record for goals with 33 ... owns the career record for goals at 100 ... named to the All-State first team midfielder in 2007 and 2008 ... garnered the District Player of the Year honors in 2007 and 2008 ... leading scorer in the state of New Mexico for 5A in 2007 ... named a finalist for the 2007 New Mexico Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year ... 2006 All-State honorable mention ... 2006 All-District second team ... 2005 All-District honorable mention ... also was a member of the varsity cross country, basketball, and track teams ... 2008 state bronze medalist in the 800M run ... 2007 state silver medalist in the 1600M run ... three-time district champion in the mile and two mile runs ... two-time district champion in the 800M run.
Personal: Born March 10, 1991, to parents Rex and Cathy Ellison ... ranked fifth in her graduating class out of 414 ... involved in the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Coach Stone on Sarah: "Sarah is going to be a wonderful addition to our squad. Sarah has great soccer IQ in the midfield and up front and will be a big help on the offensive end for us next season. Sarah is unique in that she can score herself, but is also very good at setting up others to score. Sarah's transition to college soccer will be smooth because of her mature ability to hold onto the ball under pressure and her strong desire to prove herself and win at this level."
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Austin, Texas - Westlake
High School: A two-year letterwinner at Westlake High School ... for 2007-2008 season: District 25-5A Academic All-District ... District 25-5A Newcomer of the Year ... District 25-5A second team All-District ... was the team newcomer of the year.
Club: Member of the Austin Lonestars soccer club ... 2008 Premier League West Champions ... 2008 Region III Tournament Quarterfinalists ... South Texas State Champions in Fall 2002 and Spring 2008 ... was the state runner-up in Spring 2002, Spring 2003, Fall 2003 and Spring 2005 ... was a member of the South Texas ODP state team in 2003 ... was a member of the ODP area pool group from 2004 to 2007 ... selected for Lonestar All-Star team that played the Mexican Under-17 and U-20 teams.
Personal: Born Dec. 18, 1990, to parents Larry and Sandy Wikelius ... has an older sister, Carly, who attends the Parsons School of Design in New York City ... her younger brother, Drew, is a freshman at Westlake High School ... has traveled with her church group to Mexico for mission trips ... member of the honor roll and Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honor Society.
Coach Stone on Erin: "Erin has significantly raised the level of her game in the last year. She was a solid junior who has become a terrific senior with her club team, Lonestar, out of Austin, Texas. Erin is a 6-footer with soft hands and good footwork and is very brave in traffic inside the 18. Erin led her Lonestar club team to the Premier League championship this year, besting many of the top teams in the nation along the way. Winning this championship and the South Texas State Championship has given Erin a taste of what it takes to win big, and she will bring all those experiences to Texas Tech in 2009."
