BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.- Gardner-Webb and head women's soccer coach Mike Varga announced that 11 women's soccer student-athletes have committed to play soccer for the Runnin' Bulldogs. 

The 2016 recruiting class consists of student-athletes from four different states (California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina), as well as Norway and Sweden.

"This class is an exciting group of soccer players that will leave a mark on this program during their careers at Gardner-Webb University.  This group will make us better and add depth all over the field, remarked Varga on the incoming recruiting class." I thought this past season was a step in the right direction for this program and this recruiting class is another step toward our goal of a Big South Championship.  Not only is this a group of special soccer players, but they are all exceptional students and great people."

Amber Freeney- Defense/Midfield- Indian Trail, North Carolina

Amber Freeney hails from Indian Trail, N.C. where she has been a three-year starter at Porter Ridge High School under the direction of head coach Ron Ladimir. Freeney is a three-time All-Conference selection and has improved her point total every season. The midfielder has notched 16 goals and 13 assists for her career and has been selected to the All-District team as both a sophomore and junior. Freeney also plays club soccer for Charlotte Soccer Academy, '97 ECNL under head coaches Dan Dudley and Philip Pooley. Freeney chose to play for the Runnin' Bulldogs over Lipscomb and fellow Big South school Winthrop.

Coach Pooley had these remarks about Freeney. "Amber has gone from strength to strength with CSA. I feel she is a player who has not yet reached her potential ceiling. I am looking forward to seeing her reach the levels we all believe she can during her time with GWU and Coach Varga. She will be an asset to the entire Runnin' Bulldog family in the classroom, on the soccer field and most importantly in the community."

Callista Eckert- Defense/Midfield- Newnan, Georgia

Callista Eckert played at Heritage School for Josh Hale where is she a two-time All-State and All-Region selection. Eckert led her team with 28 goals and 15 assists as a freshmen and followed up with 25 goals in her sophomore season. The incoming freshman also plays club soccer for GSA U18 ECNL and helped to guide the squad to the State Championship as well as a runner-up finish. Eckert is the daughter of Michael and Helen Eckert and plans to major in English and Pre- Med. Eckert chose to attend Gardner-Webb over the UAB, Stetson, and Mercer.

"Callista is a competitor that is as tough a soccer player as I have seen," remarked Varga. "She will bring a physical presence to us that is needed.  Callista is not only a ball winner, but she can distribute either as a midfielder or a center back."

Elin Ernersted- Goalkeeper- Sweden

Elin Ernerstedt is a native of Sweden and played in Elitettan, the highest women's league in Sweden where she spent two seasons playing for Umeå Södra FF. Ernerstedt also is a member Umeå FF womens squad as one of three goalkeepers.

"Elin comes to Gardner-Webb University after having played at a high level in Sweden. She has trained with some exceptional goalkeepers and she comes to us with a tremendous amount of experience in goal," remarked Varga.  Elin understands what it takes to be successful and I look forward to having Elin join our program in August with the rest of the class."

Ivy Spratling- Midfield/Forward- Augusta, Georgia

Ivy Spratling, a native of Augusta Georgia, played at Augusta Christian School for head coaches Jesus Ramos and Russ Gladden. The incoming freshman scored five goals as a defender in her freshman season but played midfield both as a sophomore and junior scoring 10 and 11 goals respectively. Spratling is a three-time All-Region selection and was named All-State as a junior. The incoming freshman also plays club soccer for the Augusta Arsenal Gunners under the direction of Jonathan Shackleford.

"Ivy came to our ID Camp last year and was very impressive.  Ivy is good on the ball and can create scoring chances for herself and for her teammates," remarked Varga. "She is also strong on the ball and will be a handful for our opponents. "  

Stina Kleppe- Midfield- Skien, Norway

Stina Kleppe graduated from Dahlske videregående skole in Norway. Kleppe helped guide Fossum IF to a second place finish at the U16 Norwegian Championship and was selected as the 2010 Newcomer of the Year. A three-time team captain, Kleppe was named the Player of the Year and led the team in assists 2011-2013. Outside of soccer, Kleppe was a student council representative and was an activity leader Aktiv Skole 365- an organization that works to promote positive healthy youth lifestyles. She also volunteered with Creative Fellowship- a church based in Parque, Victoria, Spain that provides food, shelter, and friendship to those in need. Kleppe also was in camp for the U15 and U16 Norwegian national team.

Stina was a player a we had a couple of years ago. She was a very good midfielder and defender," remarked Lasse Jørn Fredriksen. She was well trained and a great good passer. Stina was a very ambicious player and always wanted to get better".

Stina has played at a high level in Norway and has the ability to play many positions for us," commented Varga. Stina has a good understanding of various systems of play and will be dangerous in our midfield, but she also has played as a back for her club in Norway."

Ty Snell- Midfield/Forward- Lake Forest, California

Jalyn Ty Snell currently plays at Laguna Hills High School in Laguna Hills, California for Kevin Macare. Snell helped her squad capture the 2015 Sea View League Championship and advanced to the finals of the California Interscholastic Soccer Federation.  A three-sport athlete in high school, Snell also excels in lacrosse and basketball.  Outside of her high school team, Snell plays for Strikers FC ECNL for Abner Rogers.  The daughter of Derrick Snell and Carolyn Acosta, Ty plans in major in psychology and minor in Spanish. Snell chose to attend Gardner-Webb over Long Beach State, Eastern Washington, and Louisiana-Lafayette.

Coach Rogers had these remarks on the incoming freshman, "It has been a pleasure to coach Ty for the past two years. Technically good, hard working, strong in the tackle all describe Ty as a player.  However, her character and leadership are what will be an asset to Gardner-Webb. She has dealt with adversity after an ACL injury, but has come back strong and she is back to her best."

Jordan Vitale- Defense- Tampa, Florida

Jordan Vitale currently is in her senior year at Wharton High School where she has played soccer for Denis Vukorep. Vitale has started on defense all four years and guided Wharton to the 2015 Florida regional semi-finals. Outside of Wharton, Vitale also played for the Braden River Rage Soccer Club where she helped guide her club squad to the finals at the Disney Soccer Showcase as well as advanced to the final eight of the Florida State Cup Championships. Vitale has maintained a perfect 4.0 throughout high school and plans to major in exercise science.  The incoming freshman chose to play for the Runnin' Bulldogs over Florida State, Furman, High Point, Loyola, and Campbell.

Denis Vukorep had these comments on coaching Jordan, "Jordan was a great teammate over her four years and emerged as a leader the last two seasons. She also took our penalty kicks as a senior and converted all 4 attempts. In our regional quarterfinal she played, which maybe was her best game as a Wildcat as she snuffed out numerous attacks as she led the defense to a double 1-0 win (2OT)."

A outside full back by trade, Jordan showed that she is a versatile player by stepping into the center back position and helping the team defend without a hitch," said George Ameres. She is a savvy player that is able to get in the attack with pace from the fullback position, but can also be tough and physical at center back when needed.

Kayla Curatolo- Midfield-Clermont, Florida

Kayla Curatolo attends Montverde Academy in Montverde, Fla. Where she has played for head coach Robbie Aristodemo and has played club soccer for the Florida Rush 98 for head coach Erik Garcia. Curatolo guided the Florida Rush to the 2015 Disney Showcase Championship and was named captain of her high school squad at Montverde, who ended the season ranked no. 21 in the country. Additionally, Curatolo was selected to the Interregional Event for ODP as a member of the Region III team this past November and has been a consistent member of the Florida ODP program.   An excellent student, Curatolo has been a member of the National Honor Society in all four years on high school and will graduate top 10 in her class. Curatolo chose to attend GWU over Samford University.

Coach Aristodemo had this to say about Kayla, "Kayla is a very hard working, blue collar player. She has the ability to play multiple positions that will serve her well at the next level" I know that she will continue to work hard and be an asset on and off the field, academically and athletically"

Coach Garcia said these comments about Kayla, "She is great between the lines and a good student in the classrooms. Kayla is a player who works hard all the time and her work efforts have created her path to the next level. She is a player coaches enjoy coaching and players love to be around."

Kylie Ameres - Defense-Palmetto, Florida

Kylie Ameres is a four-year varsity letterwinner at Manatee High School in Bradenton, Fla. under the direction of her father George Ameres. Ameres was named team captain all four years of high school and is a two-time team defensive MVP. Born in Fontana, Ca, Ameres helped guide her high school to three district championships as well reach the regional quarterfinals. In the offseason, Ameres also plays club soccer for the Braden River Soccer Club and for Florida ODP. The daughter of George and Jennifer Ameres, Kylie plans to major in exercise science.

Coach Ameres had this to say about coaching his daughter, "I know this may seem a little biased as Kylie is my daughter, but I will tell you that she has been a phenomenal soccer player in all her years of participation. Kylie is a tremendous defensive talent, she is strong, quick, physical and great in the air for corner kicks and defending. She has great leadership qualities as a captain for our club team and our high school team. I look for Kylie to make an impact at GWU, I would like to thank Coach Varga for giving her the opportunity to play at the next level, he will not be disappointed."

Nicole Wurster- Defense- Lakewood Ranch, Florida

Nicole Wurster is currently in her senior year at Lakewood Ranch High School where she is a four-year letterwinner winner for head coach Guy Virgillio. Wurster helped guide Lakewood to three district championships as well advance to the state semifinals as a freshman and sophomore. Between her junior and senior years, Wurster anchored a defensive core that posted an impressive 28 shutouts. Wurster also plays club for the Braden River SC 97 Girls Rage Premier squad where she also has played with GWU signees Kylie Ameres and Jordan Vitale.

She is a very strong defender and very powerful heading the ball. She is also a smart defender and does a phenomenal job pressuring and delaying." commented Guy Virgilio. "She reads the game very well.  She is tenacious and strong on the field but is also a great asset off the field with her personality. "

Eline Glamsland- Defense- Lillesand, Norway

Eline Glamsland is the second player from Norway in the 2016 incoming freshman class. Glasmsland attended Lillesand Ungdomskole and played soccer for Amazon Grimstad. The incoming freshman has represented her native country, competing for the Norwegian Youth National Team at both the U15 and U17 level. Eline is the daughter of Oddvar and Mona Glamsland and has two younger sisters. Glasmsland plans to major in psychology while at Gardner-Webb.

Coach Varga had these comments about the incoming freshman, "Eline has the ability to put the ball in the back of the net.  She is athletic and also has played at a very high level in Norway, having represented her country at both the U15 and U17 level.  Eline is comfortable on the ball and composed around goal and will have an incredible career at Gardner-Webb University."