Staten Island, NY- Wagner College soccer head coach
Mike Minielli announced that the program has signed eight players that will enroll at the school this fall and join the roster for the 2009 campaign.
“I am very pleased with this recruiting class. On the field they fill in a number of needs for us as well as improving in a number of areas we're already strong in. In the classroom, this is a very strong class and fits in with what Wagner College represents with our student athletes,” said Minielli. “We have a strong class returning, and this group coming in will combine with them to help move the program forward in our quest for a NEC Championship.”
Wagner's 2013 recruits is a diverse mix, with the signees hailing from New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia.
Monica Zurich (Montvale, NJ/ Pascack Hills HS), a 5'11 midfielder, played her club soccer for the Arsenal World Class Hawks and garnered First Team All-State, First Team Bergen County, NSCAA All East Region and First Team North Jersey honors.
“Monica has a great all-around game. She will help anchor our midfield, and defensively, she is a great ball winner and will be a catalyst for our attack,” said Minielli.
Julie Vigliotti (Staten Island, NY / Notre Dame HS), a 5'0 midfield or forward, who played for the Staten Island United Rockets club soccer team. She was tabbed as an All-State honoree, Staten Island Advance All-Star winner and is member of the National Honor Society.
“Julie has great quickness and skill. She will be a great addition to our midfield and frontline with her ability to create. She also has a great understanding and vision for the game,” said Minielli.
Karen Schoepflin (Oakland, NJ/ Indian Hill HS) is a 5'5 midfield or forward, who played club ball for the SPA Nirvana and NY Magic. She also was a Super Y Mid-Atlantic Champion, NBIL All-League honoree, NJGSCA North All-State member and Honor Roll student.
“Karen has great skill and plays with high energy. She will be a great asset in our attack and will also have a big influence on our defensive end with her energy and strong play on the ball,” said Minielli.
Katie Keown (Morris Plains, NJ/ Morristown HS), a 5'3 defender, who played club soccer for the New Jersey Rangers, Mystics. She was a First Team All-Conference pick, First Team All-County winner, First Team All- Area honoree, Second Team All-State selection, First Team Star Ledger nominee and Honor Roll member.
“Katie is a versatile defender as she can play the outside or center back spots,” said Minielli. “She is quick and strong on the ball, plays with a lot of energy and will be a big asset for our defense with her ability to read the game.”
Alyssa Ahern (Cincinnati, OH/ Seton HS) is a 5'9 forward, played her club ball for Classics Hammer and is a member of the Olympic Development Program.
“Alyssa gives us height and a goal scoring threat up top. She has a great touch with her back to goal and will also have a major impact in our attack, said Minielli.”
Eden Stark (Tiffin, OH/ Findley HS) is a 5'5 midfielder, who played for Ohio Premier Soccer club. She helped her club team to the State Cup semifinals. Also a standout in the classroom, she was awarded Scholar Athlete recognition while ranking in the in top 2 percent of her high school class.
“Eden is a playmaker in the midfield. She has good touch on the ball and vision to find teammates. Her style of play and skill fits our offensive philosophy very well,” said Minielli.
Misty Munson (White Post, VA/Clarke County HS) is a 5' 9 defender, played her club soccer for the Epic Stars. Munson's contribution on her club team helped the Stars win the Washington Area Girls Soccer Championship in 2008. She was also part of the State Championship team in soccer and basketball.
“Misty is a great athlete and very strong on the ball,” said Minielli. “With the graduation of three defenders from our 2008 team, Misty fills a big hole for us. Her brother Sean was a standout in basketball at Wagner as well.”
Alyssa Grecco (Staten Island, NY/ Notre Dame HS) is a 5'3 defender, played club soccer for the Staten Island United Rockets. She was a Staten Island Advance All-Star honoree, Daily News All-City selection and is a member of the National Honor Society.
“Alyssa is a true left-footed player and is the only one on our current roster, said Minielli.” She will be a great option for us on the left side and allow us to do some things with our free kicks as well. Alyssa is also very quick and strong defending on the ball.”