Women's Soccer Adds Five for 2010

Feb. 10, 2010

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Head Coach Lisa Howe recently announced the signing of four future players, two from Alabama and one each from New Jersey and Tennessee, to National Letters of Intent for the Belmont women's soccer team for the 2010 campaign. The Bruins also picked up a stellar walk-on student-athlete from Indiana to bring their tally to five for next fall.

"With 23 players returning from last year's conference co-champions, this was definitely a year where we set out to get quality over quantity," said Head Coach Lisa Howe. "My main goal was to get more creative and more dynamic in our attack. I think we accomplished this goal as well as added depth and some new talents to our reputable defense.

"All five of our recruits come from excellent club systems where they compete against high level competition, are trained by great coaches, and some are nationally ranked. This class brings multiple state championships, ODP experience even at the international level, several USYS regional appearances, and numerous athletic as well as academic and leadership awards. As a result, I think our team at Belmont will be more skillful, more deliberate, and more competitive."

Amy Jo Anderson brings nine years of stellar club and premier league experience in Alabama with her when she joins the Bruins in the fall. A native of Birmingham, Anderson, who can play midfield or forward, was a member of the two-time Alabama State and Region III Premier League Champions BUSA '92 club team. She was also a member of the Alabama '92 ODP team, attending Region III Camp. At Shades Valley High, Anderson started on the varsity team as freshman and finished second on the team in goals scored.

"Amy Jo plays various attacking positions for BUSA. She is a tireless worker and does not back out of any challenges. We plan for Amy to give us the ability to attack out of the midfield on the dribble," Howe said. "She can commit defenders to step to her and open up space for forwards."

Randolph, N.J. native Nicole Berner will add depth to BU's goalkeeper corps. The two-year starter for the NJ State ODP team, she was also a member of the USL Super Y League ODP National Team. Berner was also a member of the Pennsylvania State Cup finalist FC Bucks Fusion '91 club team. The team won numerous championships including the PDA College Showcase, WAGS, Jefferson Cup and the CASL Raleigh Shootout. A standout at Morris Catholic High, Berner helped the team to a state semifinal finish as a senior. She also received numerous individual accolades including Morris Catholic High MVP, Second Team All-State, First Team All-Conference, First Team All-County, and First Team All Non-Public Schools.

"Nicole is a goalkeeper for CRUSA FC Bucks Fusion. She is a hard worker who will challenge Sari and Ashley to become better players," Howe said. "Nicole gives us stability in goal in the future. She is strong and aggressive and has a great physical presence in the box. Nicole is an excellent shot stopper and has great range. I think training with assistant coach Kyle Roelke, Sari Lin, and Ashley Hudak will take Nicole to a new level very quickly."

This year's lone walk-on is Jennifer Collins, who brings a wealth of club championship experience to the Bruins. A native of McCordsville, Ind., she was a three-time US Youth Soccer Indiana State Champion as a member of the Carmel United Soccer Club and a three-time USYSA Region II participant. As varsity starter in the back at Cathedral High, she helped the team to state championships in 2007 and 2009. The defensive leader at CHS recorded 17 shutouts as a senior and surrendered only one goal in eight playoff games. Collins was selected All-City, All-District, All-State and was an Indiana Girls Soccer Mental Attitude Award Finalist.

"Jennifer plays center back for Carmel United. She will provide depth for us in a position where we have experience, but she is versatile enough to get playing time at other positions while she develops into our system," Howe said. "Jennifer is a smart defender. She reads the game and anticipates well. She can shut down an opponent before they receive the ball, and she understands angles and distances when they have possession. Jennifer is strong in the air, and I am confident she is capable of sliding into a defensive role for us when we need her."

Cleveland, Tenn., native Emily Jones brings a strong championship record with her to Belmont. A varsity starter at Cleveland High, she was tabbed All-State all four years and was the second leading scorer for Tennessee AAA high schools. As a member of the FC Alliance club team, Jones helped the squad to three Tennessee state championship titles. A member of the TN State ODP Team, Jones was named District and Region Offensive MVP and was the Chattanooga Times Best of the Preps Player of the Year.

"Emily hails from Cleveland, Tenn., and plays for the three-time State Champions - FC Alliance `92 Black. I knew I wanted Emily the first time I saw her play, when she was a sophomore," Howe said. "Emily is the kind of forward who will have as many assists as she has goals. She beats defenders with speed. She can cut to the goal, or she can get to the end line. Emily provides great crosses that are easy for her teammates to finish. I think she will be difficult to defend, and she will provide space and opportunities for Erica Carter and Jayme Trocino and other teammates."

Rounding out the class is Bailey Kimbell, who hails from Vestavia Hills, Ala. A member of the two-time Alabama State and Region III Premier League Champions BUSA '92 club team, the forward was chosen to play against the Mexican U-17 National Team. Kimbell was a member of the Alabama '92 ODP Team and attended Region III Camp three times. She was also a member of the Alabama State ODP Elite Team that participated in a tour of playing to clubs in Brazil. At Vestavia Hills High, she was a varsity starter, helping the team to a 6A State Championship title in 2007.

"Bailey Kimbell is Amy Jo Anderson's teammate on BUSA `92 Elite. They have won 3 Alabama State Championships. Bailey currently leads her team in goals in the Region Premier League Central Division," Howe said. "She is a student of the game. Bailey makes smart dynamic runs with and without the ball. She will be a player who is easy for her teammates to work with on the field. I think Bailey will add to our scoring production right away."

"I could not be more pleased with the 2010 recruiting class," said Head Coach Lisa Howe. "They not only fit our needs as a team, they fit the profile of a successful scholar-athlete at Belmont University and in the Atlantic Sun Conference. All five of our signees will immediately help us maintain our steady improvement, and they are the quality of players that assure our program continued success in the future."