Northwestern University Athletics
Women's Soccer Signs Four to Letters of Intent
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
February 17, 1999
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern head women's soccer coach Marcia McDermott announced today the signing of four high school seniors to National Letters of Intent.
"This is a very good class," said McDermott. "All of them have had tremendous success at the youth level. They will fit into this program well and be able to contribute a great deal." The following women will begin play at NU beginning in the fall of 1999:
Aileen Guiney (midfield, Naperville, Ill./Naperville North) has been an Olympic Development Program Region II team member for four straight years. Guiney has averaged 20 goals a season in three high school seasons, leading her team in scoring twice and leading the conference once. She is a three-year first-team all-state selection by the Chicago Tribune.
"Guiney has a great feel for the game," says McDermott. "She has extraordinary passion for soccer and will excel at the college level."
Janelle Harwood (forward/midfield, Brighton, Mich./Brighton) has also been on ODP's Region II team four years. She has tallied 65 goals and 50 assists in three high school seasons. She was a Michigan Dream Team selection and her team's MVP last season, and has been an all-state selection two consecutive years.
McDermott anticipates Harwood will boost NU's attack, describing her as having "great athletic tools. She is a real competitor and a proven winner."
Gina Napoli (forward, Flossmoor, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor) is Northwestern's third signee from ODP's Region II team. Last season she was an all-state selection by the Illinois High School Soccer Association, and was named her team's MVP. McDermott says Napoli is "versatile a tremendous athlete. She could contribute all over the field for us."
Kelli Wilson (midfield, Fayetteville, Ark./Fayetteville), a member of the ODP South Region pool, was named the 1997 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year as a sophomore. Last season she led her team in assists and goals and was an all-state selection. Her Fayetteville High School team went 16-0 and won conference and state titles both her freshman and junior seasons.
"Kelli is a hard worker," McDermott says. "Her best soccer is ahead of her. She has great potential and will grow with this program."
