Aug. 16, 2010

2010 Schedule | Roster| Quick Facts

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - As the Navy women's soccer team prepares for its season-opener on Friday at South Carolia State, head coach Carin Gabarra has reason to be excited about the 2010 season. The Midshipmen have established themselves as one of the most consistent winning teams in the nation and much of the credit can be given to Gabarra, who will enter her 18th year at the helm and is the only head coach in program history.

The Mids are one of just 10 teams in the nation to win at least 10 games in each of the last 15 seasons (1995-2009). Navy has been to the Patriot League postseason tournament in 13 of 16 years of league membership and the Mids have won six regular season titles and have made three NCAA Tournament appearances (2003, '06 and '07).

This year's team looks to continue the tradition of success at Navy. The 2010 Mids return nine starters from a year ago, including a pair of all-conference players in Carissa Youker and Christine Calderon. The Mids led the Patriot League in scoring in 2009 and appear to have the firepower to once again contend for the league-scoring crown.

A challenging task, however, will be to fill in the holes left by former standouts Shelly Moeller and Beth Reed. Moeller was a three-time first-team all-conference pick and two-time Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. Reed stepped into the starting goalkeeper role as a senior in 2009 and was appropriately named the Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year.

"We lost an extremely successful and talented class last year, but we brought in a deep and athletic group who have responded well to the competitive atmosphere we have thrown at them," said Gabarra. "We are capable of making many changes within a game, and maintaining our level. This depth should really pay off throughout the long season."

Key players ready to fill in for Moeller will be defenders Katie Kelly, Katelyn George and Kate Herren. Both players have been everyday starters over the past two years and have the confidence and experience to lead the backfield.

Another impact player in 2010 will be senior Anastasia Abid. Abid led the team with six assists in 2009 and will be expected to be a playmaker in the middle of the field.

In addition to the veterans, a 12-member freshman class will also contribute to the team's success.

"Our plebe class is fit and have worked really hard this preseason to get to the necessary level to have an impact within our team," said Gabarra.

The Mids, who were 14-5-2 in 2009, suffered a heart-breaking overtime loss to Colgate in the Patriot League semifinals. The Raiders went on to win the league title.

Navy will open their season at South Carolina State on Aug. 20. Their non-conference schedule will be highlighted by a trip to play at Big 12-member Texas (Sept. 3) and the 11th Annual Navy Invitational Sept. 10 and 12. The Mids will be able to test their merit early, as their first Patriot League game in 2010 is at Colgate on Oct. 1.

Youker, Calderon, Kelly, Abid, Jessica Grupp and Traci Willemse make up a strong six-member senior class that experienced a Patriot League Championship and NCAA Tournament Appearance in 2006 as freshmen. This core group of players will look to lead the Mids back to the NCAA Tournament as seniors in 2010.

FORWARDS
The Mids return their two top goal scorers from a 2009 squad that led the Patriot League in scoring. Senior classmates Carissa Youker and Christine Calderon are back after each earning all-conference accolades in 2009.

Youker led the team in goals in both 2008 (7) and 2009 (9) and earned Patriot League Second Team honors each year. Youker has 18 career goals and has excelled in pressure situations her entire career. She currently ranks third in Navy program history with 11 career game-winning goals.

"Carissa has grown tremendously in both her technical and tactical areas, and is instrumental to our offensive success," said Gabarra. "She has a work rate, fitness and mobility that make her very difficult to track. She can playmake up top for other attacking players and finish chances herself."

Calderon scored six goals in 2009 and joined Youker on the all-conference second team. The veteran duo have excelled while playing together up front, with one of the two assisting on the other's goal on eight occasions since their freshmen year in 2007.

"Christy had a fantastic spring, often taking over the game in attack," said Gabarra. "She also deepened her fitness, and gained a better ability to get past defenders 1 v 1. She will be a big part of our attack this fall, and her leadership up top will be instrumental."

Also factoring into the offensive attack will be sophomore Alicia Crawford. Crawford saw action in 19 games as a freshman, highlighted by a three-point effort against Mount St. Mary's on Sept. 20 (1 g, 1 a).

"Alicia greatly improved her overall fitness and technical game last spring, and this will translate into an attacking presence on the field," said Gabarra. "We expect her to put opposing defenses under a lot of pressure."

Former Berkeley Prep (Tampa, Fla.) teammates Taylor Batye and Sam Newhaller are set to join the Navy attacking unit as freshmen. Batye was honored with all-state accolades during her junior and senior seasons.

"Taylor is quick and explosive, both on and off the ball," said Gabarra. "She is deceptive and creative in the attack. She has the ability to create and score goals. She is very mobile and tough to shut down with her fitness and work rate."

Newhaller has extensive playing experience with Florida's Olympic Development Program and was also named a top 10 recruit of Florida by Top Drawer Soccer. Along with Batye, Newhaller helped aid their Berkeley Prep squad to a state runners-up finish in 2009.

"Sam is very versatile and capable of playing well on both sides of the ball," said Gabarra. "Her timing going forward is excellent, and she has the fitness to consistently get back into defensive shape. Her mobility will be an asset to our team attacking."

Also contributing to the forward unit will be freshman Paloma Perez. Perez arrives in Annapolis after spending last year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School. During her senior year at McGill-Toolen, she scored 41 goals, was credited with 36 assists and was chosen to the all-state first team.

"Paloma is athletic, quick and solid in all aspects of the game," said Gabarra. "She is strong on the ball and tough in tackle. She will adjust to Division I level of play very quickly."

Freshman Ashlynn Soellner joins the squad from the Peddie School in New Jersey. She was an all-state prep player at Peddie and also had a successful playing career at her high school in Hollidaysburg, Pa.

"Ashlynn is a constant attacking threat with her presence in the air, creativity on the ball, and back to pressure ability," said Gabarra. "With consistent finishing added to her game, she will be a huge attacking threat. We are excited to have her add a new dimension to our attack."

Freshman Hannah Morse will also provide depth to the position.

"Hannah has an uncanny ability to run at defenders and take on," said Gabarra. "She is a true attacking player who wants the ball at her feet. She is physically strong, quick, and will add a new dimension to our attack."

MIDFIELDERS
Anatasia Abid will be the lone senior in the midfield unit. Abid has been a mainstay on the field over the last two years, earning 40 starts during that span. After leading the team with six assists in 2009, Abid is ready to once again control play in the middle of the field.

"Stasia has a mobility that is very difficult to contain," said Gabarra. "She is comfortable with the ball at her feet, loves to run at defenders and can finish chances. She will be a leader in midfield and her work rate will raise the level of play around her."

Anxious to return to the playing field in 2010 will be junior Amanda Serfass. After starting the first six games of 2009 (and helping Navy to a 5-0-1 start), Serfass suffered a season-ending injury. Fully healthy now, Serfass will be an important role in the midfield unit.

"We are thrilled to have Amanda back healthy," said Gabarra. "She is very mobile, tough in tackle and dominates her midfield zone. She also has become an attacking threat. She continues to complete her game and has a great mentality to win."

The rest of midfield corps consists of a number of younger players that have been instrumental during their short time in the Navy Blue and Gold.

Sophomore Brittany Fruin started 18 of 21 games in 2009 and tallied 13 points (4 g, 5 a). Fruin is an athletic player that will continue to be an important part of the Navy midfield.

"Brittany's fitness and mobility make her very hard to contain," said Gabarra. "She is athletic, quick and reads the game well. She can beat players 1 v 1 and serve the box well. She is difficult to shut down."

Sophomore Stephanie Strine started 17 games as a freshman as a defender, but will also be in the mix for playing time as a midfielder in 2010.

"Steph has a huge heart, immense desire and always puts her team first," said Gabarra. "Her ability to go forward with the ball and her vision make her very dangerous in the attack. Her 1 v 1 defending continues to improve, and she raises our level of play when she steps on the field."

Sophomore Kelsey Learned also gained valuable experience as a freshman in 2009. Learned started 13 of the final 14 games of 2009 and earned a spot on the Patriot League All-Tournament team.

"Kelsey is a physical presence for us in the midfield with consistent play and work rate," said Gabarra. "We rely on her to shut down any defensive breakdowns, and encourage her to attack freely. She is difficult to beat 1 v 1, and dominates the air in her zone. She will be an impact player for us this fall."

Fallon Puppolo is yet another sophomore who will benefit from early playing time during her freshman season. Puppolo started 11 games as a freshman and could see a bigger role in 2010.

"Fallon is very technical, makes good tactical decisions and keeps on raising her speed of play," said Gabarra. "She has improved her physical defending, and challenges consistently for the ball. We will rely on her vision and knowledge of the game."

Freshman Britta Vivaldi spent the 2009-10 academic year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Previously at Huntingtown High School in Owings, Md., Vivaldi helped guide her team to a pair of regional championships.

"Britta is very determined, dedicated and competitive," said Gabarra. "Her intensity raises the level of play of those around her. Her work rate benefits us both offensively and defensively."

Freshman KD Woolard joins the team after a successful playing career in Manhattan Beach, Calif. She led her Chadwick Palos Verdes team to three Prep League Championships

"KD gives us a strong technical and tactical element on the field," said Gabarra. "She has technical ability and can serve a ball accurately over distance. She has the experience and motivation to improve all areas of her game."

Freshman Deirdre Ball is a two-time all-region selection from Columbia, S.C., and will see time at both midfield and defense.

"Deirdre is a good athlete with speed and fitness and she will certainly gain the necessary technical training with talented teammates surrounding her," said Gabarra. "She is comfortable stepping into any game and she will continue to improve all season."

DEFENDERS
The defense will have the challenging task of moving ahead without former two-time Patriot League Defender of the Year Shelly Moeller. Moeller was a four-time all-conference player who was the linchpin of a defensive unit that continually ranked among conference leaders in scoring defense.

Senior Katie Kelly will lead the backfield in her third year as a full-time starter and will be the backbone of Navy's defense. She will be responsible for maintaining shape, communication and organization of the unit.

"Katie has raised her mentality, and training level, which in turn raise all parts of her game," said Gabarra. "She is our top 1 v 1 defender and very hard to beat on the dribble. She will be our leader and organizer in the back."

Junior Katelyn George has been on the field for nearly her entire career as a Mid and is one of the team's top defenders. She has started in 37 games in her first two seasons and will continue to be an important part of the defense in her junior year.

"Katelyn is very technical and composed with the ball," said Gabarra. "She is a tough defender who also loves to go forward into the attack. She can serve the ball very well and gives us an edge with her attacking."

Junior Kate Herren will also be a critical member of Navy's defensive unit. Herren spent her first two seasons playing both midfield and defense, but will be used more as a defender in 2010.

"Kate had a great spring deepening her fitness, along with her strong mentality, competitiveness and ability to push herself to a new level," said Gabarra. "Kate is as mentally tough as any player we have ever had, and she refuses to lose. She adds to both our attack and defending."

Senior Jessica Grupp will also contribute on the defensive end. Elected by her fellow teammates as captain, Grupp's leadership on and off the field will be an important asset to the 2010 squad.

"Jess will be a leader for us this season," said Gabarra. "She sets the tone for us on the field in tackle and work rate, and has the ability to motivate teammates to perform. Her timing going forward has improved each year, and she is now an asset to our attack, as well."

Another returner in the backfield will be sophomore Amber Haling. Haling appeared in three games in 2009 and has looked good during spring play.

"Amber is instrumental in ball movement with efficient one and two touch passing," said Gabarra. "She has great versatility and athleticism that should enable her to quickly adapt to a high level of play. She also gained valuable experience last spring that should elevate play this season."

Sophomore Kelcie Davis returns after missing her 2009 freshman season with an injury.

"We are looking for Kelcie to make an immediate impact for us now that she is healthy and fit," said Gabarra. "She is a tough 1 v 1 defender, both technical and tactical, and will be comfortable right away with our style of play. She strikes a ball as well as anyone, and will adjust to our level of play quickly."

Freshman Morgan Tilley will push to see playing time right away. She was a defensive leader on a team that won a 2009 North Carolina State Championship.

"Morgan is strong and has a great level of confidence," said Gabarra. "She is a solid 1 v 1 defender and serves the ball well out of the back. Her defending, both 1 v 1 and zonal are excellent and will add a great dimension to our team defending."

Freshman Emily Wilkin will enter her first season at Navy in 2010. The newcomer hails from Westerville, Ohio and was a Central District First-Team choice as a senior.

"Emily has exceptional focus and intensity," said Gabarra. "She refuses to be beaten 1 v 1 and also loves to get into the attack. She will be a defensive presence, but also make an impact in the air on all set pieces."

A number of players previously highlighted in the midfield discussion could also contend for time in the backfield. They include Stephanie Strine, Britta Vivaldi, KD Woolard and Deirdre Ball.

GOALKEEPERS
Entering the 2009 season, Beth Reed had only started four games as Navy's goalkeeper. The senior captain then went on to post nine solo shutouts, rank 10th in the nation in save percentage, and be named the Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year. Reed's accomplishments in the classroom were even more impressive, as she was named the 2009 CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Women's Soccer Academic All-American of the Year.

Although it would be difficult to duplicate Reed's rapid rise to success, this year's unit will hope to continue a recent string of outstanding goaltending. Before Reed's standout senior year, Lizzie Barnes won two Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year awards (2006 and 2008), while leading the nation in save percentage and goals allowed in 2006.

Contending for the starting goalkeeper position in 2010 will be a pair of returning netminders from last season and two incoming freshmen.

Sophomore Hannah Legler was Reed's primary backup in 2009. She logged 89:28 minutes over five games, while playing the entire second half of a 3-1 win over Howard on Nov. 1.

"Hannah took her fitness and overall game to a higher level this spring," said Gabarra. "She already possesses the necessary goalkeeping tools to succeed and we are excited for her to have the chance. Her shot stopping, ability in the air, and distribution are top notch and she is ready to challenge for more minutes in the goal."

Freshman Alexes Lopez-Shaw will battle for minutes immediately at Navy. Lopez-Shaw was an all-state honoree in Washington in 2009 and led her team to the Seattle Metro Championship.

"Alexes' athleticism and technical abilities will allow her to embrace the challenge of Division I soccer," said Gabarra. "She is a quality shot stopper, confident off her line and good with the ball at her feet. She will be competing for playing time right from the start."

Senior Traci Willemse is another option in the net. Willemse will enter her third year with the squad in 2010.

"Traci is a true team player and trains with intensity always," said Gabarra. "She has grown tremendously as a player, and will do well in all goalkeeping areas."

Freshman Elizabeth Hoerner will provide depth at the goalkeeper position. She was named the section player of the year and to the all-state as a senior.

"Bitsy will add depth to our strong goalkeeping corps," said Gabarra. "We expect her to develop into a solid Division 1 goalkeeper as she possesses all the necessary skills."

## GO NAVY! ##