TCU women’s soccer signs five to National Letters of Intent

by PegNews wire

TCU head soccer coach Dan Abdalla announced Wednesday a list of five student-athletes that have signed National Letters of Intent to attend TCU. The talented crop of newcomers will begin competition at the start of the 2009 season.

"It was nice to be in a position to address our specific needs that we needed within our program," said head coach Dan Abdalla. "All of these kids have great character and definitely meet our needs."

Among the five signees is Tyler native Shelby Miller, a midfielder from All Saints Episcopal High School. Joining Miller is a quartet of high schoolers from California, Colorado and Washington. Kira Michelson-Bartlett is a goalkeeper from Bonney Lake, Wash., while Lauren Edwards is a midfielder from Coto de Caza, Calif. Rounding out the class is Elise Kensinger, a midfielder who hails from Colorado Springs, Colo., and Leigha Leonard a midfielder from Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Michelson-Bartlett brings a wealth of club and national experience with her to Fort Worth after competing for the Washington Premier FC '90 club team. In club ball, Bartlett led WPFC to the 2008 State Championship as well as the Far West Regional Championship Tournament. A four-year Washington State Olympic Development Program team member, Bartlett was also selected to the 2008 Region IV ODP Pool.

"Kira is a player that has the potential to be a national team goalkeeper for us. She has the mentality and the intangibles that you need in a goalkeeper," said Abdalla. "We're very excited about adding Kira to our program."

A three-year letterman, Edwards helped lead Santa Margarita Catholic High School to the 2007 Cathedral Catholic Championship as well as the Excalibur tournament finals. Edwards, who helped the Eagles win the Edison Cup and Pacifica tournament, played club soccer for the Southern California Blues and West Coast FC. With her club squad, the midfielder led the SC Blues to the 2008 Coast Soccer Premier League Championship.

"Lauren is a player that is athletic and has all the tools to excel at this level. Her potential is tremendous and she is going to get better in our training environment," said Abdalla.

Kensinger will join the TCU squad next fall following a standout career at Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. Kensinger is a three-time all-city and two-time all-state selection for the Indians going into her senior campaign. She helped lead Cheyenne Mountain High School to a state championship in 2007 as well as the state semifinals in 2006 and 2008. Kensinger plays club soccer for the Real Colorado National `90-`91, helping them win two Colorado State Cup Championships and appear in two Far West Regional Championships.

"Elise has all the qualities to be a very good player in our system. She is going play out wide and as a defensive midfielder for us," said Abdalla.

Leonard heads into her senior season at ThunderRidge High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo., having earned three letters. A three-time all-league selection, Leonard collected academic all-state honors following her junior season. Leonard, who has led the Grizzlies in scoring for three-straight years, was a 2007-08 team captain. She play's club soccer for Real Colorado National '90-'91, helping them win three state championships, while also competing in two Far West regionals. Finally, Leonard won a U23 National Championship in 2008, while playing for the Real Colorado U23 team.

"Leigha is a speedy, crafty player that likes to go at players. She will be dangerous and add a good dimension to our program with the loss of Caroline Starns to graduation," said Abdalla.

A three-time first team all-state midfielder at All Saints Episcopal, Miller will don the Purple and White after earning All-East Texas three-straight years. Overall, Miller, who was a three-time all-tournament and all-district selection, has helped All Saints Episcopal to three Colorado State Cup Championships. Finally, Miller plays club ball for the Dallas Texans.

"Shelby is the type of person that you want in your program. She will give us good depth out wide and is really comfortable with the ball at her feet," said Abdalla.

Overall, the Horned Frogs ended the 2008 season with a 14-4-2 record, which is the best record in program history. TCU also climbed as high as No. 24 in the nation during the year, while placing three student-athletes on the all-conference squad, including the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year Jordan Calhoun.

Source: TCU