February 3, 2011

Women's Soccer Announces Talented Incoming Class

Recruit Photo Gallery

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo women's soccer coaching staff announced five signings for their 2011 recruiting class Wednesday morning.  The signees include two New York natives and three from the Cleveland area.  Joining the Bulls for next season will be Megan Giesen, Katie Roberts, Courtney Mann, N' Dea Johnson and Jackie Hall.  

Megan Giesen joins the Bulls from the well known Cleveland FC soccer team.  Megan is a starting center midfielder for the 6 time state cup winner.  In 2009 the team went on to win the regional championship, helping them a national third place finish.  In addition to her club soccer team, Megan has also experienced success in the high school ranks, as she is a three year starter for prep power Strongsville High School led by coach John Felton.  During her time at Strongsville, the team has been to two state finals and finished in the state semi finals her senior year.  Individually, she has been a team captain, been named 1st team all Conference, and 2nd team All greater Cleveland area.  

In addition to her regular playing duties, Megan has showed well in the Olympic development program.  She has been a consistent member of the Ohio North Olympic Development team, as well as the Region II team.  She has travelled with the 93 Olympic regional II team to Holland and to Portugal representing  the United States. 

"Megan is a player who has played at the very highest levels of youth soccer.  She is very technical and calm with the ball," said head coach Michael Thomas.  "We think her experiences will serve her well in the collegiate game"    

Giesen's Accolades:

  • Cleveland FC Soccer Club-  6 time state cup champion
  • Strongsville High School
  • Ohio Olympic Development team
  • Region II Olympic Development team
  • Traveled to Portugal and Holland with Region II team. 
  • Top Drawer Soccer Player to Watch 

Local product Courtney Mann joins UB after a prolific prep career at Frontier high school, which includes four years starting on the varsity team and numerous all state and all conference honors.  On the club side, Courtney has a state cup championship to her credit, as well as a US Club National Championship.  She has been a constant member of the New York Olympic development team as well as the Region One Olympic development pool.  She is also a member of the National Honor society and has been on the High Honor Roll since her freshman year. 

"Courtney is first and foremost a competitor," Thomas said. "She is very good in the air and has played at a very good level.  The other team always knows after they finish a game with Courtney"  

Mann's Accolades:

  • Empire United Soccer Club
  • Frontier High School
  • Western New York Olympic Development Team
  • 2 year member of region 1 Olympic Development team. 
  • Named to All Western New York  team as a Junior and a Senior
  • First team ECIC for three years. 
  • All State as a sophomore, junior and senior

Katie Roberts joins teammate Megan Giesen at Buffalo from the Cleveland FC team.  Playing as a center midfielder and a forward, Katie is a three time member of the Ohio North Olympic Development team.  In addition to this success, Katie has been named to the All Ohio and All conference teams playing for Cloverleaf High School where she graduates as the school's single season and all time leading goal scorer. 

"Katie has proven to have a nose for the goal at all levels," Thomas said. "She has scored goals in some of the biggest stages that youth soccer offers and we are excited to put those skills to work" 

Roberts' Accolades:

  • Cleveland FC Soccer Club-  6 time State Cup Champions
  • Cloverleaf High School
  • Ohio North Olympic Development team
  • 4 years all conference
  • 3 years all county
  • Dailey Record 1st team
  • 1st team all state 2 years
  • 2nd team all state 1 year
  • Dailey Record player of the year
  • Akron Touchdown Club All Star
  • Beacon Journal All Star
  • National Honor Society.  

N'Dea Johnson comes to Buffalo from the East Meadow Express club team and Baldwin Senior High School, where she helped lead her teams to being a conference finalist and to the State Cup Semi-Final in 2010.  As a member of the Bruins, she has been named All Conference, All Classification and All County in addition to being a two year varsity captain. 

"N'Dea has every tool you look for in a forward, Thomas said. "She has pace, strength and can crack a ball.  We look forward to seeing her develop those tools at UB"

Johnson's Accolades

  • East Meadow Express
  • Baldwin Senior high school
  • All Conference
  • All Classification
  • All County 

Jackie Hall rounds out the Ohio contingent for the Bulls.  The Brunswick High School and Penine soccer club member has made herself known as a force to reckoned with.  The two time high school MVP and team captain has also been part of two division championships during her time with the Blue Devils, and helped lead Penine soccer club to one state cup final appearance. 

When talking about Hall, Thomas said that "Jackie is a dominant ball winner in the air.  She brings a lot of fight to the field and we look for her to come in and bring that competitive presence to the Buffalo team." 

Hall's Accolades:

  • Brunswick High School
  • Penine Soccer Club
  • Brunswick Rookie of the year
  • All Sun South girls soccer
  • Brunswick Team MVP
  • NCOC 1st Team All Conference
  • All Gazette Girls Soccer team
  • GCSSAA 2nd Team
  • Honor Role
  • Scholar Athlete awards 

When reflecting on the recruiting class, Thomas said, "We are excited to bring in such a great group players in terms of ability and character.  This is a group that can define what Buffalo soccer should be about"