March 5, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – Fresh off a 13-6-2 season the South Carolina women’s soccer team has announced eight players who have committed to play for them beginning in the 2003 season. Over the last two seasons, the Carolina women’s soccer program has been one of the most improved programs in the nation. Last year’s team reached the SEC Tournament for the first time since 1999 and had the second most wins in school history, one win shy of the school record (14/1999).

“We are excited about our new class and our anxious for them to arrive and be part of the South Carolina program,” said USC head coach Shelley Smith. “We expect some to make an immediate impact on the field. This group will compliment our returning players and help us continue to improve from where we left off in the Fall. We will miss the senior class but we feel these players will do a good job to fill the roles left by our departing seniors.

Jenna Ball – Tampa, FL – D
– Academy of Health Professions on the campus of Tampa Bay Technical HS
– Florida State ODP member and Temple Terrace Heather Club Team
– Won the 1999 Super Clubs National Title and 3 state championships with Blackwatch Soccer Club
– 4.86 out of 5 GPA – Ranked 2nd in class of 126

Mary Alice “M.A” Foster – Lilburn, GA – F
– Brookwood HS – Team Captain
– Brookwood Soccer Club – Team Captain
– Concord Soccer Club – 2002-2003 – helped lead team to state championship
– 3.9 out of 4 GPA

Erin Geldhof – Troy, MI – D/M
– Troy HS – State Semifinalist – District and Regional Champions in 2000
– All-Area Soccer player and Track member: All-area, All-county and All- state in Cross Country. Two-time regional champion in Track
– MI ODP Team and Michigan Hawks Soccer Club member. State Cup Champions in 2000 and 2001. Regional Semifinalist in 2001
– 3.9 out of 4 GPA

Michelle Hoddeson – Alpharetta, GA -M
– Marist School
– Gwinnett Soccer Association – GSA Phoenix – same team as Thorstenson
– National Club Championship in 2001 – State Champions in 2000, 2001, 2002
– Competed at the Interregional ODP Trials
– 3.5 out of 4 GPA

Kirsten Seglem – Woodbridge, VA – M
– St. Stephens & St. Agnes HS – captain and offensive MVP
– VA ODP team and member of the Prince William Cardinals Club team
– Helped lead Prince William to Regional and State Championship
– 3.5 out of 4 GPA

Lauren Skinner – Troy, MI – M
– Troy High School – All District, All Region and All State honors
– Vardar Soccer Club – MI state cup champion in 2000, finalist in 2001 and 2002
– 3.0 out of 4 GPA

Jessica Swaim – Ames, Iowa – F / M
– Ames High School
– Iowa ODP State Team member and Odyssey Soccer Club from Wes Desmoines, Iowa
– Club State Champions
– 3.0 out 4 – GPA

Lindsay Thorstenson – Roswell, GA – GK
– Pope High School
– Former GA ODP and Regional team member
– Gwinnett Soccer Association – GSA Phoenix ’85 Club Team – National Champions in 2001 – State Champions in 2002
– Has helped lead Pope H.S to 4 State Championships in a row – looking for 5th in 2003
– ESP All-Star selection
– 3.4 out of 4 GPA