Feb. 3, 2006

SAN DIEGO - San Diego State head women's soccer coach Mike Giuliano has announced the signing of eight new student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Two Golden Boot Award winners, given annually to the top offensive player at the U.S. Club National Championships, and five players who played for a state or regional Olympic Development team, highlight the incoming class. Three recruits also played in a national championship while in high school.

"Our first recruiting class was ranked the 19th best recruiting class in the nation," Giuliano said. "We are hopeful that this class will be ranked even higher - they really are that good. They will make up a recruiting class that expects success, from the national club championships they have won to the excellence they have shown in the classroom."

Joining the Aztecs will be Allie Crowson, Jessica Gordon, Lauren Leslie, Lauren Marquez, Heather Vandevanter, Cat Walker, Leslie White and Shayla Williams.

Crowson was named Utah's 5A Most Valuable Player and was a first-team all-state selection for Brighton High School, leading the squad to the state championship her senior season. A Utah state ODP player, Crowson will be called upon to help fill the central defender roles vacated by graduating all-conference players Alexis Solovij and Amanda Swiader.

"Allie plays soccer the way that it was meant to be played - with her feet, head and her heart," Giuliano said. "She is a tenacious and passionate defender who loves the challenge of marking the opponent's best player. Her athleticism will really help us as we attempt to get stronger and faster in the back."

Gordon, a native of Newport Beach, Calif., was recognized by Soccer Buzz as one of the top-75 recruits in the nation. Gordon led the Slammers club team to the 2005 National Club Championship where she earned the Golden Boot Award as the tournament's top offensive player. She is also a NSCAA first-team high school All-American and a member of the Cal South ODP team.

"Jessica is one of the purest goal scorers that I have ever recruited," Giuliano said. "I've seen her when she's on her game and I've seen her when her game is just a little off. It doesn't matter - she scores either way. Jessica always seems to find a way to get it done game after game. If you are the best goal scorer on the best club team in the nation, then you are ready for the next level."

Leslie, a member of the Southern Cal Blues club team, hails from San Clemente, Calif. A blazingly fast defender, Lauren will also compete for playing time in the central defense. She is an all-CIF player and a member of the Cal South ODP state team.

"Lauren's nickname is `Fly,' and when you see her play, you will know why," Giuliano said. "She's as quick and as fast as any player on our squad, and improving our athleticism was a real goal for this recruiting class. Lauren is already deeply admired by her Aztec teammates and has a way of making you a close friend right away."

Marquez (Walnut, Calif.), a member of the Southern California PDP program which recognizes the top 50 players in the region, played for the SC Blues, a team which won the state cup in 2005. At Walnut High School, Marquez led the Mustangs to three consecutive CIF titles, while earning third-team all-CIF honors and first-team all-league recognition.

"Lauren is a fast and technically brilliant player who can play at either defender or midfielder position," Giuliano said.

Vandevanter is the other Golden Boot Award winner in the 2006 recruiting class, as she led her Mustang Blast club team to the 2004 National Championship. She is a member of the Cal North ODP state team and a two-time NSCAA Regional All-American. Vandevanter will compete for a starting spot on the Aztec forward line.

"Heather is another terrific goal scorer who does a great job in the classic `target forward role,'" Giuliano said. "She is big, strong and fast, and she has a knack for creative runs. Heather also plays great defense for a forward, which we really value."

Walker is a two-time club state champion with the San Juan Spirits (Sacramento, Calif.). She is also a member of the Cal North ODP State team and a member of the Super Y National Select team. A midfielder, Walker should compete right away for a spot in the middle of the pitch.

"Cat is a tremendous midfielder who is just terrific with the ball," Giuliano said. "Her work rate, combined with her field vision and athleticism, made her a highly coveted player by many of the top programs. Cat believes in what is happening (at San Diego State), and she will be a major part of our efforts to build this program into a perennial national power."

White, a club teammate with Gordon on the Slammers, will battle for playing time in the back. The Corona, Calif., native has also experienced the thrill of a national club title.

"Leslie is one of those players who gets better each and ever time that I see her," Giuliano said. "Her best soccer is definitely ahead of her. She is the tallest and strongest of our recruits, and as she continues to refine her ball work, there is no limit to what she can accomplish."

Williams is a first-team all-CIF performer at Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego. She is also a defender on the San Diego Surf Soccer Club.

"Shayla is the very definition of a quality defender," Giuliano said. "She plays with aggression, is very fast, and she reads the field very well. When she has the ball, she is careful and accurate - two key qualities for passes out of the back. The fact that she is a true scholar as well, only makes us more excited to have her as part of our program."

SDSU will face one of its toughest schedules to date, as it will play 10 teams who reached the NCAA tournament a year ago, including three of its first four opponents. Road trips to Big Ten power Purdue and national finalist UCLA also highlight the 2006 schedule.