Feb. 25, 2002

VILLANOVA, PA. - Villanova University women's soccer head coach Ann Clifton recently announced the signing of six athletes to national letters of intent during the NCAA's early signing period. This list, which includes Kristin Anderson, Kelly Breslin, Lindsey Finnegan, Brittany Hunsaker, Laura Koch and Christy Schillig, has the potential to be ranked among the nation's top recruiting classes.

Kristin Anderson (Odenton, Md./ St. Mary's HS) was named to the Maryland All-State Team during the 2001 season. Anderson was the captain of a St. Mary's team that finished 21-2-1 and was ranked No. 1in the state by the Washington Post and Baltimore Sun, and No. 5 nationally by the NSCAA. She was a two-year member of the Maryland State Olympic Development Program, and currently plays for the 2001 USYSA National Champion club team, the Bethesda Fury.

"We are very excited to attract such a talented player in Kristin Anderson from a soccer power state like Maryland," said head coach Ann Clifton. "She is a very versatile player with outstanding vision on the field."

Kelly Breslin (Medford, N.J./ Shawnee HS) has been a member of the Region I Olympic Development Team for two seasons and a member of the USYSA National Team pool since 2001. Breslin was named to the All-Conference and All-State first teams since 1999, and also garnered NJGSA All-Region and All-State accolades since 2000. In 2001, she was selected to the Associated Press All-State Region Team and was honored at the 2001 South Jersey Soccer Coaches Banquet as the Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Breslin plays for the Mount Laurel Shockwaves club team along with current Wildcat Regina Villari.

"Kelly Breslin is a terrific asset to our program," said Clifton. "She brings wonderful vision and composure along with an outstanding shot to our midfield."

Lindsey Finnegan (Blackwood, N.J./ Gloucester Catholic HS) comes to Villanova as a highly decorated soccer player. Finnegan was named to the 2001 NSCAA All-American Team. She was named the Player of the Year by a number of publications, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, Camden Courier Post, The County Times, and the South Jersey High School Coaches Association. In addition, Finnegan was named an All-State performer by the NJGSA, Associated Press, Newark Star Ledger and the Gannett News Service. In 2000, she led her Gloucester team to a state title and the girl's soccer program to an 80-7 record during her four years. Finnegan is also a member of the Mount Laurel Shockwaves club team.

"Lindsey Finnegan is a very gifted athlete with a fiery competitive spirit," said Clifton. "She has the ability to spark our offense in many areas. Lindsey's greatest asset is her ability to out work her opponents with desire and heart."

Brittany Hunsaker (Laguna Niguel, Calif./ St. Margaret's Episcopal HS) played club soccer for the Southern California Blues. In 2000 and 2002, she helped lead her club team to the California state title as well as the West Regional title. The Blues also won the USYSA National Championship. A versatile player with outstanding technical ability, Hunsaker was a member of the Southern California Olympic Development District Team.

"Brittany Hunsaker will be an exciting addition to our program," said Clifton. "She brings a good, polished game and will be an asset to our team. Brittany is also technically very sound and has a good read of the game."

Laura Koch (Blackwood, N.J./ Gloucester Catholic HS) was named to the NJGSA All-State Team and was honored as the Senior All-State Game's Most Valuable Player. Koch was also named as the South Jersey Defensive Player of the Year. In 2000, she helped lead Gloucester to an undefeated 25-0 state championship season. She serves as the team captain for the Mount Laurel Shockwaves club team and is teammates with fellow incoming freshmen Breslin, Finnegan and Schillig on that squad. Koch also played with Finnegan on the Gloucester Catholic High School team.

"Laura Koch is a very talented athlete with great speed and imposing size," said Clifton. "She will fit into our defensive system perfectly. Laura has a dominating presence on the field, and we are very happy to add such an athlete to our program."

Joining in her family footsteps and signing with Villanova is Christy Schillig (Marlton, N.J./ Cherokee HS). She is the sister of current Wildcat senior Janel Schillig who garnered numerous honors on her way to becoming one of the top goalkeepers to ever play at the school. Christy Schillig was named to the All-South Jersey first team while at Cherokee. Schillig also played for the Mount Laurel Shockwaves, coached by her father Frank Schillig, and has helped lead them to six state cup championships and one regional title.

"Christy Schillig brings in a tremendous amount of athleticism to our already athletic goalkeeping unit," said Clifton. "She will prove herself very quickly with her desire to excel. We are very excited to have her as a part of our future."