By: by Matthew Farhadi
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women’s soccer program, and head coach Rob King, announced its 2011 signing class on Monday afternoon.
The 2011 class is very diverse as it consists of five student-athletes from two different states (Alabama and Georgia), and three different countries (Australia, United States and New Zealand).
Coach King is very excited about the potential of this class.
“I'm very pleased with how we're shaping up for 2011,” coach King said. “Our current squad is working very hard and we've just added five players who will make an immediate impact. It’s likely that we'll add three more players in the weeks ahead, making this our strongest recruiting class to date.”
Chelsea O’Callaghan – Forward – 5-7 – Wellington, New Zealand – Wellington East Girls’ College
Made the New Zealand U-17 World Cup Development Squad in 2006 … named team MVP for her team at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Tournament in 2010 … scored four goals in one game against Freyberg High School in the National High School Tournament last October … once scored five goals in a game in a U-19 tournament … was nominated for the premier award for college soccer in 2010.
King on O’Callaghan: Chelsea is a powerful and athletic forward. She has speed, strength, touch and vision. She will likely play as a center forward and be a handful for opposing defenses. Chelsea is from Wellington, NZ and was a member of the New Zealand U-17 World Cup development squad.
Julia Nelson – Midfielder – 5-4 – Marietta, Ga. – Hillgrove High School
Scored two key goals in the Las Vegas USYS National League Tournament against the Southern California Blues and the defending champion San Diego Surf to help her club team become 2010 U-16 league champions … scored the game-winning goal to make her team the 2010 Disney Showcase U-17 champions … received the Hillgrove Most Outstanding Female Athlete award.
King on Nelson: Julia is a crafty and clever forward. She has excellent touch, awareness, rarely gives the ball away and finishes well. Julia played her regional level club soccer for NASA, under the superb direction of Dave Smith.
Jana Eady – Defender – 5-7 – McDonough, Ga. – Eagles Landing Christian Academy
Played for the Concorde Fire club team who was ranked fourth in the state … was named as an all-region player as a freshman, sophomore and junior … was a key contributor to her high school team making it to the final four state tournament … won the Orange Classic Tournament playing for the Concorde Fire.
King on Eady: Jana is primarily an outside back. She is tall, physical and an excellent athlete. Jana distributes well with both feet, making her extremely versatile. She played her club soccer for Concorde, under the savvy tutelage of Colin Barnes.
Iyani Hughes – Forward – 5-3 – Chelsea, Ala. – Chelsea High School
Played for the Birmingham United Soccer Association club team and helped them win six state championships in the past eight years … scored the first goal against United SA in the 2011 Alabama State Finals … played for the ODP U-13, U-14 and U-16 State teams … played on the BUSA team that went to the Regional Championship … named Shelby County All-County honorable mention.
King on Hughes: Iyani is a quick and nimble forward. She has excellent pace combined with great balance and will be an immediate threat in both the forward and flank midfield positions. Yani played her regional level club soccer for BUSA, under the excellent direction of Andrew Brower. She's an exciting player to watch and will be a fan favorite.
Nicole Calder – Defender – 5-7 – Adelaide, Australia – Westminster School
Captained her state team to a draw against Queensland at the National Championships … was elected to the All-Star team at the National Championships … played on the South Australian State U-17 team from 2008-10 … named the MVP for the National Championships at Coffs Harbour for the U-17 State Team … finished academically in the top 0.9% of all Year 12 South Australian students.
King on Calder: Nicole is an excellent central defender. She reads the game well, is a tough tackler and can distribute with both feet. Nicole is a good communicator, strong in the air and will impact immediately. Nicole is a member of the Young Matilda's, Australia's U-20 national team.
The women’s soccer spring season is set to kick-off on Saturday, March 5 as the Owls will host the University of Georgia at 6 p.m. at KSU Soccer Stadium.
