KALAMAZOO, Mich. ? The Western Michigan University women's soccer program has signed six high school student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2006 season.
The signees are: midfielder Mereasa Brownlie (Windsor,Ontario/Catholic Central), defender Ashley Caliendo (Darien,
IL/Downers Grove South), midfielder Patrice Impelido (Glen Ellyn, IL/Glenbard South), defender Emily Peterson (Portage, MI/Central), goalkeeper Sarah Phillips (Holland, MI/West Ottawa) and defender Michele Roffey (West Bloomfield, MI). All six will compete as seniors this spring.
Brownlie has achieved all-city honors three straight years, serving as captain each season. She played club soccer across the border for Vardar, helping the Stars capture a state title, and has seen action for the Ontario Provincial team. Brownlie, who has played soccer for 14 years, is quick to the ball and a good decision maker.
Caliendo earned all-state honors last season and was chosen the Mustangs' most valuable player . A three-year starter, Caliendo owns 15 career goals and has led South to three straight West Suburban Gold titles. A member of the Illinois Olympic Development program, Caliendo's strengths are her tackling and one-on-one defending skills.
Impelido was named one of Chicagoland's top five midfielders by the Chicago Tribune after compiling 18 goals in 2005. A two-time All-Suburban Prairie Conference selection, Impeldio has played on three state club championship teams for the NSA Flames. She is a member of the Philippine National Team and has been described as a crafty player with sound technical skills.
Peterson earned all-state second team honors last season and was voted PCHS' most valuable player. She has spent time with the Olympic Development program and is a two-time state finalist with the Michigan Hawks club program. Her mother and father both attended WMU. Peterson is an athletic and composed defender who has a good touch with both feet.
Phillips is a two-time MVP for the Panthers, garnering all-area and all-district honors last season. She is an OK Red Honorable Mention selection and a member of the Grand Valley club program. Phillips is a vocal leader who is expected to challenge for the starting job in the fall.
Roffey scored a school-record 40 goals during her sophomore campaign, earning offensive player of the year honors in the Oakland Athletic Association. She has compiled 80 goals and 40 assists in three seasons, helping the Lakers to 26 wins against five losses the past two years. Roffey is a three-time state club champion (and state cup MVP) for Vardar. A versatile player, Roffey has experience at the forward and defender positions.
“Losing six seniors from last year's team, we had a lot of holes to fill,” said WMU coach Mike Haines. “I think this class has the potential to be as good as the one they're replacing, which ranked among the best in school history. This class is athletic, skillful and very soccer knowledgeable.”
