Lehigh University Athletics
Oudin welcomes six in soccer class of 2013
2/11/2009 11:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
 |
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh head coach Manny Oudin has announced the addition of six student-athletes who will join the Mountain Hawks women’s soccer program in the fall. The class of 2013 is smaller than the recruiting classes of the previous two seasons, but Oudin is excited about the talent in this class and believes this is a group that can make immediate contributions.
“We brought in a large class last year and received good contributions from that class,” said Oudin, who will be entering his eighth season in 2009. “We did not need to bring in a large class, but this group does address some key pieces and positions and will add depth to our program. I fully expect that this group is talented enough to make significant contributions right away.”
Goal scoring was an area of concern for Lehigh in 2008, as the Mountain Hawks scored just 11 goals in 17 games. To bring depth to the forward position, Oudin has brought in Ashleigh Cooley from Esperanza High School in Yorba Linda, California. Cooley has been described as a strong target forward with good ability in the box as well as in one-versus-one situations. She plays her club soccer for CRSC Infinity and will be counted on to help create more scoring opportunities for the Mountain Hawks attack.
Joining the Brown and White from Loudoun County High School in Virginia is the versatile Mary Grace Doyle. A hard-working player who showed great work ethic during the recruiting process, Doyle can be a contributor at several different positions as she possesses the ability to play in the central midfield, out wide or as a forward. Doyle is a member of the Loudoun Legends club team.
A second Californian in the incoming class, Stevie Griglak hails from Solana Beach and attended The Bishop’s School in La Jolla. A defender who plays her club soccer for the San Diego Surf, Griglak is described as a good technical player and a good passer who can push forward and contribute to the attack. Griglak figures to compete for time as an outside back when she arrives at Lehigh.
From Holmdel High School in New Jersey, Isabelle Li should bring a spark to the Lehigh attack either as a forward or as an attacking midfielder. She has displayed good technical ability and good one-versus-one skill, while also showing the ability to score goals in tight spaces. Li plays her club soccer for Matchfit Academy, which has produced several current and former Mountain Hawks.
The first of two Ohioans in the class of 2013, Ardyn Olszko comes to Lehigh from Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School. At 5-feet-11-inches, Olszko is skilled in the air and should add height to Lehigh’s defensive midfield or central defense. A member of the Cleveland Cobras club team, Olszko is considered a strong ball winner and good passer and could contribute right away.
Rounding out the incoming class is Jamie Townsend from Walsh Jesuit High School in Ohio. A NSCAA High School All-American, Townsend is a versatile player, who saw time primarily in the back in high school, but can also contribute as a midfielder or a forward. Townsend, who plays her club soccer for C.A.S.A. is described as a solid technical player with good vision who is skilled at striking with both feet. She could make immediate contributions on restarts and set pieces.
“This is a solid all-around group with a lot of talent,” explained Oudin. “Depending upon how these newcomers prepare for the season, they’re all good enough to play right away. I feel like this group will be able to transition well to Lehigh, both academically and athletically and I anticipate them doing very well here.”
The six newcomers join the 23 returning players from last year’s team, which went 6-10-1. Lehigh will enter the 2009 season looking to return to the Patriot League tournament for the first time since 2006.
Lehigh Women’s Soccer Class of 2013
|
Name |
Pos. |
Hometown/High School |
College |
|
Ashleigh Cooley |
F |
Yorba Linda, Calif./Esperanza |
Arts and Sciences |
|
Mary Grace Doyle |
M |
Leesburg, Va./Loudoun County |
Arts and Sciences |
|
Stevie Griglak |
D |
Solana Beach, Calif./The Bishop’s School |
Arts and Sciences |
|
Isabelle Li |
F/M |
Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel |
Business |
|
Ardyn Olszko |
M/D |
Brecksville, Ohio/Brecksville-Broadview Heights |
Arts and Sciences |
|
Jaime Townsend |
M |
Brunswick, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit |
Arts and Sciences |
