Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Soccer Inks Eight on Signing Day
February 03, 2010 | Women's Soccer
Feb. 3, 2010
LUBBOCK, Texas - Eight student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent to join the Texas Tech soccer program Wednesday, a year following one of the most successful seasons in school history.
"Our staff is very excited to announce the class of 2010 for Texas Tech Soccer," said third-year head coach Tom Stone. "This group addresses many of our specific needs for the 2010 season, while also helping us build for our future."
The signees are the second full class under Stone, who has led a resurgence of the Tech Soccer program that had previously missed the Big 12 Championship in each season after 1999 until his arrival in 2007. Under Stone, Tech has compiled 23 wins, only one shy from the 2000-06 seasons combined.
The success has resulted in one of the most successful classes in Tech history, Stone said, as the group ranges from players from Texas, Colorado, Kansas, and California, who have all played at the top club level.
"Our entire coaching staff (Aaron Gordon, Ashley Gordon, Gibbs Keaton) and all those involved in our recruiting efforts on campus did a wonderful job in the process of bringing such quality student-athletes to Texas Tech," Stone said. "This group hails from some of the best club teams in Texas, Colorado and Southern California, and they bring a high level of expectation and experience to our young squad."
Tech committed its first two recruits from California under Stone as midfielder Hayley Haagsma (Cerritos, Calif.) and goalkeeper Gabby Kaufman (Calabasas, Calif.) put their names to paper after successful prep careers playing for the Laguna Hills Eclipse soccer club.
For the second-consecutive year, Stone was able to pull a recruit out of Colorado in Mallory Yacullo (Parker, Colo.). She will be joined by Kansas native Haley Fournier (Leawood, Kan.), who had already signed a NLI to join the Tech women's tennis program. One of the top athletes in Kansas, Fournier will compete with the soccer program in the fall and the tennis program in the spring.
Keeping true to his Texas ties, Stone was once again able to draw some of the state's top talent with four signees - Jessica Disabella (Flower Mound, Texas), Margaret Gottsacker (Dallas, Texas), Anna Lavis (Arlington, Texas), and Becca Rowland (Arlington, Texas).
The class is joined by Jessica Fuston, has already enrolled at Tech and began classes in January. One of the top-three forwards in Texas according to Stone, Fuston will be with the Red Raiders for every spring exhibition match, which will be released at a later date.
Texas Tech 2010 Signing Class Position Breakdown
Forwards - 2
Midfielders - 4
Defenders - 2
Goalkeepers - 1
By State:
Texas - 5
California - 2
Colorado - 1
Kansas - 1
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Jessica Disabella
Midfielder
Flower Mound, Texas (Flower Mound)
Polaris
POLARIS SOCCER CLUB
Member of the Polaris Soccer Club since 2004 ... played with Red Raider signees Anna Lavis, Becca Rowland and current Tech player Tiffini Smith ... participated in both the Lake Highlands Classic League and USYS Region III Premier League West ... team was a North Texas State Cup finalist in 2009 ... Region III semifinalist in 2008 ... semifinalist for the North Texas State Cup in 2008 ... Spring Classic at Dallas Cup Champion in 2008 ... claimed the Disney Soccer Showcase crown in the "showcase" flight in 2008 ... team won the "predator" flight the year before ... was a Premier League Semifinalist in Fall of 2007 ... WAGS "Cup" flight finalist in 2007 ... prior to joining Polaris, was a member of the D'feeters club squad ... club won the Puma Cup Championship in 2006 ... was a finalist the year before ... also heavily involved with the Olympic Development program ... ODP National Champions in 2008 ... Region III ODP Champions in 2008 also ... attended the Region III development camp in 2007 and 2008 ... been a member of the North Texas '91 state team since 2007.
FLOWER MOUND HIGH SCHOOL
Four year starter for Flower Mound High School ... named the team captain prior to senior season that is still ongoing ... a first team All-District selection in 2008 and 2009 ... was the team's offensive player of the year after both her sophomore and junior seasons.
PERSONAL
Born Sept, 3, 1991, to parents Mike and Michelle Disabella ... has an older sister, Kristen, and younger brother, David ... member of the National Junior Honor Society ... has also volunteered with Mission Arlington and Love for Kids.
"During our recruitment of current Tech star Tiffini Smith, we had several chances to also see Tiff's teammate, Jessica Disabella. I can't say enough about the quality of the players on this team (Polaris `92) and the job J.P. McDade has done with these girls. Once we completed recruiting for our 2009 class last year, Jessica was on the top of our first list for players in 2010. Jessica is quite strong on the ball and holds it extremely well under pressure. Her ball striking skills are impressive, and we believe that she is so versatile that she could play anywhere amongst the four midfielders or two forwards that we play in our system. In the last year, Jessica has continued to develop her game and really tore it up this summer in our camp. A top midfielder out of Dallas this year, we believe that Jessica has a huge upside and will have a great career here at Texas Tech."
- Tech head coach Tom Stone
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Haley Fournier
Forward
Leawood, Kan. (Blue Valley North)
KCFC Alliance Revolution
KCFC ALLIANCE REVOLUTION SOCCER CLUB
Finished prep career playing for KCFC soccer club ... had previously joined for the Busch and JB Marine soccer clubs ... finished with six club state championships.
BLUE VALLEY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
A two-year starter for Blue Valley North High School in Leawood, Kan. ... team won the 6A state championship during freshmen season ... squad finished third the following season ... was the team's leading goal scorer during sophomore season ... did not play high school soccer junior or senior seasons ... one of Kansas' top tennis players as well ... won the 6A state title in 2009 as a junior ... was also named the state's player of the year in 2009 ... a high school All-American selection in 2009 and 2010 ... named to the All-State teams from 2006-2009 ... member of the All-Kansas City Metro teams from 2006-2009 as well ... claimed the state's doubles title as a freshman and sophomore ... completed high school career with seven state championships in both soccer and tennis (team and individual) ... also notched a runner-up and two third-place finishes in both sports.
PERSONAL
Born Dec. 28, 1991, to parents James and Alison Fournier ... has three siblings, Taylor, Shae and Carson ... has already signed a National Letter of Intent to join the women's program at Tech ... will play soccer in the fall and tennis in the spring ... sister, Taylor, is a member of the women's tennis team at the University of Michigan.
"The best surprise of this class is definitely Haley Fournier. She sent us a video last year of her scoring goal after goal, and we were immediately impressed. However, for us to get her commitment, we joined hands with Tech Tennis in the effort since Haley has chosen to play college soccer in the fall and tennis in the spring. Fortunately, we seemed to have what she wanted in both programs plus a real chance to play soccer and tennis at a high level. Haley came to our camp this summer and was even better in person, especially playing back to goal and anything in and around the goal area. Some players just seem more comfortable than everyone else when they are in front of goal and Haley is one of those players. Haley also plays with an edge about her, a common trait of the young players we have brought in the last two classes, and we love her competitive attitude. Haley has a chance to be an immediate impact on this team."
- Tech head coach Tom Stone
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Jessica Fuston
Forward
Cedar Park, Texas (Vista Ridge)
Austin Lonestar
AUSTIN LONESTAR SOCCER CLUB
Member of the Austin Lonestar soccer club ... was a teammate of current Red Raider goalkeeper Erin Wikelius ... team advanced to the regional round in 2006, 2008 and 2009 ... got all the way to the regional semifinals in 2009 ... 2008 Premier League West Champions ... 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 ... a region III ODP holdover selection in 2007 ... attended the regional camp in July 2009.
VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, Texas ... considered one of the top forwards in the state ... an All-State recipient in 2006-2007 ... was also an Academic All-District selection in both the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.
PERSONAL
Born June 24, 1991, to parents Randy and Rhonda Fuston ... has an older sister, Danielle, and a younger sister, Alexandria ... originally born just north of Lubbock in Amarillo ... father is a Texas Tech graduate ... nutrition major.
"In addition to being a great student, Jessica is one of the best forwards in Texas for 2010. Jessica is quite strong, very technical and terrific in front of the goal. Graduating early and enrolling at Tech for the spring semester gives Jessica a unique opportunity to experience an entire spring college season, which will include six college games. The games alone will be great for her development, but Jessica will also get a season's worth of training with the team and working out with our strength and conditioning coach."
- Tech head coach Tom Stone
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Margaret Gottsacker
Defender
Dallas, Texas (Highland Park)
Dallas Texans
DALLAS TEXANS SOCCER CLUB
Member of the Dallas Texans soccer club all four years of high school ... team won the USYS Under-16 National Championship team during junior season ... was a national and regional finalist during senior season ... squad won the USYS State Cup during junior and senior years ... also participated in the USYS National League, which the Texans won in 2008 after finishing as the runner-up in 2007 ... runner-up for the Premier League title during junior season.
HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL
Three-year letterwinner for Highland Park in Dallas ... named team captain prior to her senior year that is still ongoing ... was on the all-region team following sophomore season ... member of the All-District squad after both sophomore and junior seasons ... was also the team's defensive MVP during junior year ... Lady Scots advanced all the way to the regional quarterfinals the previous two seasons ... coached by former Division-1 coach Stuart Brown.
PERSONAL
Born Aug. 15, 1991, to parents Steve and Nancy Gottsacker ... has three siblings, Georgia, twin John, and Mark ... grandfather, Harold Gottsacker, played football at Notre Dame ... first family member to attend Texas Tech ... has volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House, Boys & Girls Club, and other charity functions in high school.
"Margaret is a very tough defender who comes to Texas Tech with a wealth of experience at the top level of youth soccer. Margaret's team (Texans-92) was crowned national champions in 2008 and has been perennially amongst the top-five teams in the U.S. As a member of this Texans' squad coached by Ryan Higgenbothom, she has competed day-in and day-out with-and-against the very best teams in the country for the last four years. This level of success has developed a real sense of expectation and high standards in Margaret's game and approach to training. This is very important when gauging a young player's ability to transition to college soccer. We are excited to be adding a player like Margaret, who knows well what it takes to achieve success and won't be surprised by the commitment it takes to win at the collegiate level."
- Tech head coach Tom Stone
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Hayley Haagsma
Midfielder
Cerritos, Calif. (Valley Christian)
Laguna Hills Eclipse
LAGUNA HILLS ECLIPSE SOCCER CLUB
Played for one of the top club teams in the nation in Laguna Hills Eclipse ... joined Red Raider signee with the Eclipse ... team is currently ranked 15th in the nation ... ranked second in Southern California ... had a busy 2009 season ... team won the Under-19 Coast League Premier Championship ... was also a Blue Cup finalist that year ... finalist for the North vs. South Premier Championship ... semifinalists for San Diego Surf College Cup, Pleasanton Rage College Showcase, and Eclipse College Showcase ... team advanced to the quarterfinal round of U-17 National Cup Championship ... team finished fifth in the CSL Premier League in both 2008 and 2007.
VALLEY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
Four-year letter-winner at Valley Christian High School in Cerritos, Calif. ... was a scholar athlete all four years ... named the team's MVP following junior season ... first team All-Olympic League selection in 2009 ... also named the Olympic League MVP that season ... first team All-California Scholastic Federation pick in 2009 ... team was a finalist for the CIF Championship that season ... second team All-CIF pick in 2007.
PERSONAL
Born March 14, 1992, to parents Scott and Cindy Haagsma ... has an older sister, Ashley ... Ashley currently plays for California State University in San Bernardino, Calif.
"Upon their return from Surf Cup to watch Hayley's teammate, Gabby Kaufman, the Gordons came back with more than a positive review of our newest keeper. They returned very impressed with Hayley and felt that she was great fit for us as well. The more we saw of Hayley last spring, the more we liked her and what she brings to the game. In addition to being very competitive on game day, Haley is tailor-made for the 4-2-2 system we play here at Texas Tech. She has a wonderful combination of possession and ball winning skills, yet she can do some great things on the offensive end as well. These assets are exactly what we hoped to find in a central midfielder in this class. Hayley's tremendous character and excellence in the classroom also speaks volumes about her maturity and ability to quickly make the transition to college life. We are hopeful that she can be an impactful player for us right away."
- Tech head coach Tom Stone
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Gabrielle (Gabby) Kaufman
Goalkeeper
Calabasas, Calif. (Calabasas)
Laguna Hills Eclipse
LAGUNA HILLS ECLIPSE SOCCER CLUB
Played alongside Red Raider signee Hayley Haagsma for the Laguna Hills Eclipse ... club is one of the top youth programs in the nation ... currently ranked 15th in the nation and second in Southern California ... team was crowned the Under-19 Coast League Premier Champions ... posted shutouts in all six matches of Eclipse's Blues Cup Championship ... finalist for the California State North vs. South title ... participated in Far West Regional League ... competed in the Coast Soccer League Premier level with the U-16, U-17, and U-19 squads ... also a member of the Southern California ODP pool in 2005 and 2006 ... captained the U.S. squad that competed in the 2009 Junior World Maccabi Games in Israel ... was also the captain of the U.S. squad for the Pan-American Maccabi Games of 2008 ... named the Los Angeles Maccabi Athlete of the Year in 2009.
CALABASAS HIGH SCHOOL
Four-year starter for Calabasas High School ... named the team captain twice ... won the Coaches Award in 2009 ... named the 2009 Marmonte League MVP ... selected for California Interscholastic Federation All-Star game in 2009 ... Los Angeles Daily News honorable mention selection in 2009 ... also one of the Daily News' "Players to keep an eye on for 2010."
PERSONAL
Born May 28, 1992, to parents Sid and Emily Kaufman ... has an older brother, Charlie, who played football for Humboldt State University ... father was a goalkeeper for the University of Maryland ... plans to major in broadcast journalism.
"Gabby is such a great fit for us and our Big 12 schedule. One of two top players coming to us from the Laguna Hills Eclipse, the No. 1 ranked U-18 team in California, Gabby is athletic and very quick to get to balls that many keepers would not have a shot at. We are excited about her courage and her ability to make the big save that can win a game at the college level. As a staff, we made the decision that a first-class keeper was a top priority for us in the 2010 class. After Gabby visited us, we knew she was a fit on a personal and academic level, so Aaron Gordon, who trains our keepers, went to see her play. Coach Gordon was very excited by what he saw and fortunately, the commitment was quick to follow. She was the top keeper on our radar for 2010 and its always exciting when you get your first choice."
- Tech head coach Tom Stone
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Anna Lavis
Midfielder
Arlington, Texas (Martin)
Polaris
POLARIS SOCCER CLUB
Member of the Polaris soccer club along Red Raider signees Jessica Disabella and Becca Rowland, along with current Tech player Tiffini Smith ... was the team captain from 2006 to 2009 ... Region III semifinalist in 2008 ... team won the "Showcase" flight of the Disney Soccer Showcase that year also ... advanced to the semifinals of the Premier League West in fall 2007 ... North Texas State Cup finalist in 2007 and 2005 ... also heavily involved in ODP ... was on the state team from 2007-2008 ... Polaris was the state cup runner-up in 2008 and 2009.
MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL
Four-year letterwinner for Martin High School in Arlington, Texas ... was a three-year starter ... named team captain prior to senior season ... first team 8-5A All-District selection in 2008 ... first team 4-5A All-District recipient in 2009 ... Fort Worth Star-Telegram's All-Area Super team member in 2008 ... team won the district title in each of her first three seasons.
PERSONAL
Born Oct. 8, 1991, to parents Ben and Laura Lavis ... has an older brother, Joseph, and younger brother, Caleb ... involved in National Honor Society, National German Honor Society, Student Council, and UIL journalism competitions ... also a honor roll member ... planning to major in mass communications and political science.
"Anna is a ball-winner with great attitude and personality on the field. She is always up for a challenge and will come in ready to battle in the preseason this summer. Her club coach praises Anna for her leadership and fearless mentality in training, and we are very excited to add those assets to our team in 2010. Anna is also no stranger to the John Walker Soccer Complex as her high school team played a playoff game here last season, and she has been to our camp the last two years. As a matter of fact, we first noticed her as a sophomore by her outstanding play in our summer camp program. Anna has known Tech was her first choice for quite some time, and we expect her to throw herself into this opportunity with everything she has."
- Tech head coach Tom Stone
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Becca Rowland
Defender
Arlington, Texas (Lamar)
Polaris
POLARIS SOCCER CLUB
Played on the Polaris soccer club alongside fellow signees Jessica Disabella and Anna Lavis ... current Tech player Tiffini Smith was also on the squad ... played with the club since 2002 ... club has been nationally ranked in the top 25 for the last several years ... competed in the Lake Highlands Girls Classic League (Division 1) and USYS Region III Premier League West ... team was a North Texas State Cup finalist in 2009 ... advanced to the quarterfinals of the Region III Premier League West the same year ... moved on to the semifinal round of the Region III southern regionals in 2008 ... claimed the Spring Classic at Dallas Cup Championship in 2008 and 2006 ... won the "Showcase" flight of the Disney Soccer Showcase the same year ... claimed the "Predator" flight title the year before ... team was a semifinalist in the Region III Premier League West in 2007 ... also a Wags "Cup" Flight finalist ... finalist for North Texas Soccer State Cup in 2007 and 2005.
LAMAR HIGH SCHOOL
Four-year letterwinner for Lamar High School ... team won the bi-district title in 2008 ... advanced all the way to the region I regional semifinals as a junior ... named team captain prior to senior season that is still ongoing ... second team All-District 8-5A as a freshman in 2007 ... earned the same honor again as a sophomore ... named to the first team All-District 4-5A as junior ... also made the TASCO All-Region 1-5A first team as a junior.
PERSONAL
Born Dec. 17, 1991, to parents Jerry and Kip Rowland ... has two older sisters, Kacie Roland Griffith and Beth Rowland ... both sisters are Tech graduates ... father played baseball at Centenary College ... member of the National Honor Society.
"Part of the Fab-4 from the Polaris-92 team out of Dallas (Smith, Disabella, Lavis), Becca is a wide defender who is small in stature but has a big impact on game day. Fearless and tough on the tackle, Becca is very quick and can also get forward, which is a requirement for defenders in the system we play. Becca is well-versed in all things Texas Tech as comes to us from a family with many Texas Tech alumni, so we are thrilled to have been able to help this trend continue. I have been most impressed with the development of Becca's game over the last year. She has played a variety of positions as a youth player but will definitely be a defender at the college level. She has clearly worked hard to be ready for this opportunity, and I have no doubt that she will be."
- Tech head coach Tom Stone
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Mallory Yacullo
Midfielder
Parker, Colo. (Ponderosa)
Colorado Storm
COLORADO STORM SOCCER CLUB
Played for the Colorado Storm soccer club under coach Scott Dedycker ... one of the top clubs in the state of Colorado ... team claimed the state title from 2007-10 ... the club has also not lost an in-state match since 2006.
PONDEROSA HIGH SCHOOL
One of the top midfielders in the state of Colorado ... was a first team All-Conference selection ... also named the team's captain prior to senior season.
PERSONAL
Born May 19, 1992, to parents Melissa and Mike Yacullo ... has a brother Michael.
"We were looking for a speedy wide player in this class who could play in midfield or up front and Mallory fit our needs perfectly. Her outgoing personality off the field translates nicely into a feisty and exciting player on it, which of course means she will fit right in here at Texas Tech. It is very important to us that we continue to bring players in from the top youth programs. Therefore, we are very excited to have our first player from a Scott Dedycker coached team. Dedycker develops players who know how to win and are physically and mentally tough. The tremendous success of Mallory's team over the last five years means that we are getting a player who knows how to win and will be bringing that mentality to our young squad. Mallory can play a number of positions for us, and I am excited to where she ends up making her mark on our team."
- Tech head coach Tom Stone
