Fairleigh Dickinson University Head Women's Soccer Coach Renee Montana announced the signing of eight newcomers for the 2010 season: Tamara Wells (Wainui Beach, Gisborne, NZ/Auckland Diocesan) (Wainui Beach, Gisborne, New Zealand), Elizabeth Langer (Clinton, N.J./Voorhees) (Clinton, NJ), Sage DoVale (Lilburn, Ga./Collins Hill) (Lilburn, GA), Lexi Lentz (Chambersburg, PA/Chambersburg) (Chambersburg, PA), Lindzy Williams (Washington Township, N.J./Westwood) (Washington Township, NJ), Noelle Harner (Lewisberry, PA/Red Land) (Harrisburg, PA) and Victoria Stewart (Seaford, NY).
"We are excited about the group of student athletes that will be joining our program in the fall," said Montana. "This is a very strong and versatile group of players who have the potential to make a difference immediately. Each brings with them a set of skills that will fit our program and help elevate our play. It will be an exciting year for FDU Women's Soccer."
Tamara Wells (Wainui Beach, Gisborne, NZ/Auckland Diocesan), from New Zealand, was the MVP of her high school, Auckland Diocesan School for Girls. She served as captain for two seasons and was named All-Region. She guided her team to a Regional Championship in 2007 and Federation Championship in 2008. In 2009, her team won the Wellington Conference Championship. Wells played for New Zealand's national U-14, U-17, U-19 and U-20 squads. "Tammy brings a great amount of experience to our program," said Montana. "She will be a threat from up top; she has a great ability to finish. She should make an impact on our offense offense and contribute immediately."
Elizabeth Langer (Clinton, N.J./Voorhees), from Clinton, NJ, was the captain of the soccer team at Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner, NJ. She was named Skylands Second Team All-Conference as a freshman and as a senior. She plays on the Greater Flemington Fire, which won the Mid New Jersey State Cup in 2010. In three-on-three soccer, she was on the 2010 National Champion Far Post Soccer Veterans and a finalist in nationals in both 2006 and 2007."Liz will bring a strong presence to our midfield, not only with her size but with her tactical awareness," said Montana. "A very reliable and intelligent player who will compete for a spot right away"
Goalkeeper Sage DoVale (Lilburn, Ga./Collins Hill), from Lilburn, GA, was the Suwanee Collins High School captain and two-year MVP. She was selected to the All-County team twice and helped lead her club team to the State Cup Semifinals in 2010."Sage is a solid goalkeeper with a tremendous amount of athleticism and ability to run a defense. Her tactical knowledge and technical skill will be a big asset to our goalkeeping core. Sage can make an impact at this level"
Lexi Lentz (Chambersburg, PA/Chambersburg) was a four-year starter at Chambersburg High School in Pennsylvania and served as captain in 2010. As a freshman, she was named, "Rookie to Watch". She earned First Team MidPenn All-Conference accolades three times and was First Team All-Star Public Opinion before being named Chambersburg Public Opinion Player of the Year in 2010. Lentz was named to the Tri-County Second Team. She helped guide her team to the MidPenn Championships in 2006-2007, and they were an Elite Eight State Qualifier the same year. Lentz won the MidPenn Conference Scholar-Athlete award in 2009-10 and was named the South Central Chapter PA Sports Hall of Fame Best Female Athlete for Chambersburg High School. "Lexi is an excellent addition to our midfield, with enough skill to play anywhere on the field with confidence," said Montana. "She has all the tools to be very successful at FDU. She will come in fit and ready to compete."
From Norfolk, MA, Danielle Heinsohn (Norfolk, MA/Mount Alvernia) joins the Knights after four years as starting goalkeeper at Mount Alvernia High School. Heinsohn posted a career goals-against-average of 0.75. She earned three varsity letters, was voted team MVP as a sophomore and earned All-League honors in her junior year. Heinsohn plays between the posts for the MPS Renegades club soccer team. "Danielle is strong," said Montana. "She can dominate inside the 18 without fear. She brings a high level of intensity needed to be successful at this level. I look for Danielle to compete immediately."
Lindzy Williams (Washington Township, N.J./Westwood) was a four-year letter winner and starter at Westwood High School. As a rookie, she earned accolades as a BCSL American Honorable Mention. Her sophomore season, she was named Second Team All-League and as a junior, she earned a First Team All-League selection, along with All-Bergen County Honorable Mention. As a senior, she was honored with a First Team All-League spot and a place on the All-Bergen County Third Team. In four years, she accumulated 50 goals and 27 assists. "Lindzy has a great work ethic; she never quits and will bring a great attitude to our team," said Montana. "She will be an excellent addition up top for us."
Noelle Harner (Lewisberry, PA/Red Land), from Harrisburg, PA, was the Red Land High School team captain and MVP in 2010. She was named First Team All-Conference in 2009 and 2010 and named Midstate Big 11 in 2009 and 2010. Harner also played in the MidPenn All-Star Game in 2010. "Noelle brings speed and versatility," said Montana. "She will compete for a spot in the back, but may see time in the midfield or forward positions."
From Plainedge High School in Long Island, Victoria Stewart will round out the 2010 incoming class as she joins the Knights next season. "Tori is a good player with a lot of promising skills," said Monanta. "She adds depth to our offense. She is a good fit with our formation and has the potential to break into a starting spot. She will compete for a role in the midfield and may seem time up top as well"
The Knights finished 2009 with a 2-15-1 overall record. They were led by senior Jen Arceneaux and sophomore Rashidah Sherman (Pelham Manor, NY/Pelham Memorial), who each notched eight points on three goals and two assists.
