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Feb. 3, 2012 Humboldt State Women's Soccer ARCATA – After graduating six seniors last fall, Humboldt State welcomes five new freshmen and a junior college transfer to the women's soccer 2012 squad. The Jacks welcome the incoming class from all over California, as well as Nevada, as announced Friday. "It's an important day for our program," said head coach C.J. Johnson. "We're excited about those who have already committed to play at Humboldt State. Although we've lost some seniors that will be difficult to replace, I feel some of the new players who have committed can step up to those roles and play at a level we need to be competitive." Johnson is excited to see the number of quality players committing to be a part of the Lumberjack squad each year. His team may be young, but Johnson knows he's building for the future and is confident this group of signees will help take HSU to the next step in becoming a better program. Erica McMullen was the first to send in her letter of intent. An outside back from Alta Loma, McMullen brings a high level of soccer knowledge with her from playing at Alta Loma High and with club team Legends FC. McMullen, who was also recruited by eight other top-level soccer programs, including Azusa Pacific and San Diego State, earned All-Baseline League honors as a junior and senior. With McMullen's help, Legends FC claimed back-to-back Cal South National Cup titles in 2010 and 2011. "HSU is full of amazing people," said McMullen on why she chose to be a Lumberjack. "It's just what I was looking for in every aspect!" Joining McMullen is Carissa Chase, a center defender from Orange, who plays club for Fullerton Ranger White GU19. A four-year letter winner at Villa Park High, Chase captained the Spartans her junior and senior year after putting in hard work day after day with a determination to succeed. Her hard work has paid off in the classroom, as well, as Chase has received the Scholar Athlete award all four years at Villa Park High. "When I visited HSU on my official visit, it was absolutely beautiful," said Chase, who was also recruited by Occidental and Chico State. "Every girl on the team was very welcoming and the coaches were extremely nice." The third player to sign with the Jacks is Sydney Nicholas, a defender from San Diego, who will transfer to Humboldt State in the fall after completing a successful season at San Diego Miramar Community College. With Nicholas' defensive effort, the Jets finished the season with a No. 7 ranking in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Continental Ture Junior College Division III post-season rankings after claiming back-to-back Pacific Coast Conference League Championships. "Humboldt State is perfect for me because of the beautiful and calming scenery I can enjoy while learning about subjects that inspire me from professors and students who share the same values that I do," said Nicholas, who plays club for the Poway Vaqueros (2009 State Cup Champions). Taylar Bassett knows what it takes to be a championship team after being a member of the Las Vegas Premier White squad that has won four-straight Nevada State Cup Champions—and on its way for one more. That experience will benefit Bassett as she joins a quality Humboldt State midfield. "I chose HSU as my number one school because I fell in love with the campus and really enjoyed playing with the team," said Bassett. "I feel that HSU is the best school for me to be a part of!" Kelsey DeCarlo will look to earn playing time in the Lumberjack back four this fall. The Roseville native, who plays club for Placer United Soccer Club, also brings championship experience after helping PUSC grab two Presidents Day Tournament Championships and make it to the US Club Regions in Boise, Ida. This past season at Roseville High, DeCarlo captained the Tigers and earned a third-straight All-Sierra Foothill League recognition. As a junior, DeCarlo was named Foothill League Defensive Player of the Year and led her team to win a league championship. "I really like the school's location and collegiate atmosphere," said DeCarlo on why she chose HSU over Leslie University, Cal Poly, Idaho State and Menlo. "I love the new playing field and facilities. The friendly and receptive coaching staff, as well as the system of play, is also nice." Freedom High standout, Angel Gosse, rounds out the signees who have committed to playing with the Jacks this fall. The outside midfield and forward from Oakley was a four-year varsity starter for the Falcons earned all-league first team honors as a junior and senior. Gosse was also a member of the California Olympic Development Program for three years and helped claim an ODP Championship in 2010. Also recruited by Bakersfield, Kansas Wesleyan, Illinois College and Hastings, Gosse chose HSU because of the environment and "positive vibe" of the campus. "It seems like a great fit for me being by the coast and the forrest," said Gosse, who also played club soccer with Diablo Futbol Club and Velocity. "Every person I came in contact with on my visit was welcoming and made me that much more excited to become a Lumberjack!" Johnson is confident this incoming class will make an impression from the moment it steps on the field in August and, along with the current players, move the Jacks toward claiming a conference championship. "We're certainly excited about this group," said Johnson. "It's a group we've built relationships with and know will fit in with the team's personality. They're going to fit right in with our family." |
