June 7, 2006
ORLANDO - The 2006 UCF women's soccer recruiting class was recently ranked No. 24 in the nation by SoccerBuzz.com, marking the Golden Knights' first appearance in the top 25. It was the third consecutive year that UCF was listed in the top 75.
"It's quite an honor to have SoccerBuzz.com rank UCF as having signed the 24th best recruiting class in the country. Now there are high expectations, from their coaches, teammates and the community, but we have confidence that this class will continue to do what they have done at the youth level, which is compete at the very highest level and win championships," said UCF head coach Amanda Cromwell. "Colby Hale, our recruiting coordinator, our student-athletes who hosted the recruits, facilities and academics personnel and the whole UCF family have worked hard. It's great to see that we are being recognized for the effort."
In late May, SoccerBuzz.com gave the Golden Knight newcomers the top spot in its ranking of Conference USA teams, while they were also tabbed as the ninth best class in the Southeast Region.
UCF signed eight standouts, including All-Americans Jenny Baker, Nikki Moore and Brianna Schooley, to join the team in 2006. Also in the recruiting class were Cara Bortz, Yvonne George, Becca Thomas, Courtney Whidden and Sarah deLeon.
"What impresses us the most about this recruiting class is the amount of state and regional championships combined that these eight recruits have won," said Cromwell. "The three student-athletes from Washington - Jenny, Becca and Sarah - have won a combined 15 club state championships and a high school state championship. Nikki has played with the Region I and the U16 and U17 national teams and Brianna has won four straight high school state championships and seven straight club championships, as well as won regionals and advanced to the national club final four."
In addition, Moore, Baker, Schooley and Thomas were all individually ranked among the top 200 rookies in the nation by SoccerBuzz.com. Moore was listed in the top 50.
After making the move to Conference USA prior to the 2005 season, the Golden Knights posted a 12-10 record and tied for first place in the league at 8-1. They are slated to begin their 2006 schedule in late August.