Gardner-Webb Women's Soccer Signs Five For 2011 Recruiting Class
March 02, 2011 | Women's Soccer
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb athletics department, in conjunction with Head Women's Soccer Coach Kevin Mounce, are pleased to announce the signing of five student-athletes that will continue their academic and athletic careers at Gardner-Webb University.
Gardner-Webb has added Addison Abee, Megan Curan, Whitney Emerson, Amy Schmitt, and Katie Soles to the roster for the upcoming 2011 season.
Abee, from Charlotte, N.C., is a quick outside back who can also play in the middle. A four-year varsity starter at Grace Academy for coach Matt Daniel, she led her team to two conference championships and has captained her team the past two seasons.
Abee is also a part of the Charlotte Soccer Academy 92 Predators for coach Dan Dudley, becoming State Cup Finalists three times and winning the Region III ODP National Championship in 2009. Abee is also the cousin of GWU head baseball coach Rusty Stroupe.
Curan, from Mooresville, N.C., comes to GWU from Lake Norman High School, playing for coach Jon Mertes, where she has totaled 21 goals and 14 assists throughout her varsity career. Her size and her ability to make her team better will be a valuable asset for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
Also a member of the Lake Norman Soccer Club '92 Eclipse team for coach Chad Metzler, Curan has been instrumental in a team what has won two Carolina Cups, as well as the 2010 LNSC Fall Classic and 2010 Charleston Select Shootout during her time on the squad.
Curan has also performed exceptionally well in the classroom, being a three-subject nominee for NC Governor's School, in addition to being a NC Scholar Athlete, Junior Marshall, and 2011 Leadership Symposium representative.
Emerson, a 5-7 defender from Olive Branch, Miss., looks to provide depth to the GWU backline, improving the team's already solid defense. Playing under coach Michael Burriss at Wren High School, she has totaled 28 goals and 17 assists thus far, earning team MVP honors following her junior season.
Emerson has also been a part of the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy and Tri-County Soccer Club teams. Her solid defense and ability to organize a back line will be key for GWU.
Schmitt, hailing from Waxhaw, N.C., has been the starting goalkeeper for Marvin Ridge High School under coach Raymond Fumo throughout her entire high school career. Throughout her career thus far, she has recorded 55 shutouts, allowing only 22 goals with three consecutive undefeated regular seasons and conference championships. Last season, she led Marvin Ridge to the North Carolina 3A state championship, with the team being ranked #1 in the state by ESPN, and #9 in the nation.
Schmitt is also a member of the Charlotte Soccer Academy 92 Copa team, including an undefeated season her sophomore year where she allowed no goals. Standing at 6 feet tall, her size will be a valuable asset in goal for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
Successful in the classroom as well, Schmitt was named Student of the Year for Team Sports following her junior year.
Soles, from Pickens, S.C., has amassed a total of 65 goals and 26 assists thus far at Pickens High School for coach Josh Castleman. A competitive player who will look to contribute early on for GWU, she is a two-time team MVP and Region 1-AAA All-Region team member. She is also Pickens High School's all-time leading scorer.
Soles has also spent time playing for the Tri-County U-18 Blue and CESA 92 Premier club teams, being State Cup finalists three times, including winning the championship in 2009.
"I really like the group as a whole." stated GWU head coach Kevin Mounce in regards to the signing class. "Individually, they each bring something to the table, yet collectively they are better. One of the best things about this group is that they are team players first and individuals second."
The Runnin' Bulldogs will add this stellar recruiting class to a team that has 10 starters returning from the 2010 season that saw the squad make a run to the Big South Conference Women's Soccer Championship match. With the added depth and talent, Gardner-Webb will look to contend for its first Big South Conference championship in 2011.
