Northwestern University Athletics
Women's Soccer Signs Seven to Letters of Intent
3/14/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
March 14, 2001
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Northwestern University head women's soccer coach Jenny Haigh announced the signing of seven high school players to National Letters of Intent. Ashleigh Garmon (Ventura, Calif.), Kristiina Gilkey (Cincinnati, Ohio) Catherine Gunderson (Mahtomedi, Minn.), Carolyn Hack (Downers Grove, Ill.), Anne Helm (Newton, Mass.), Lauren Johnson (Pasadena, Calif.), and Lindsey Veris (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) will begin their collegiate soccer careers this fall.
"What I like the most about this class is their versatility and athleticism," said Haigh. "Many of our incoming players can impact our program at many different positions. Their athleticism will be a wonderful addition to our mix of returnees, and we will be very balanced."
Garmon is a forward who played for the Valley United Stars soccer club as well as the Cal-South ODP team. She was selected to the California All-Region Girls' Soccer team in 2000 and was a first-team All-Channel League pick. An outstanding track athlete, Garmon was named MVP twice on her track team.
"Ashleigh will add great speed to our already talented front line," said Haigh. "We anticipate her making an immediate impact this fall. Ashleigh has played against and with some of the country's most talented young players and that experience has sharpened her game."
Gilkey is a midfielder from Ursuline Academy High School and the Classics Hammer FC club team. She was elected the 1999 Ursuline Defender of the Year and was a member of the GGCL All-Academic team. Gilkey has also been a member of the Ohio ODP team for several years.
"Kristiina is a player who plays centrally or as a forward. She plays very quickly and has great vision of the game. Her tactical and technical ability will be a great fit for our team," said Haigh.
Gunderson is a defender from Mahtomedi High School and the St. Croix Sadahka club team. She was all-conference from 1997-99 and all-state and all-metro in `98 and `99. Her high school team won the state championship in 2000. Gunderson has also played on the Minnesota ODP team.
"Katie will add depth, athleticism and strength to our back line," said Haigh. "Her toughness is her best asset because Katie doesn't shy away from any challenge on the field. She is very well-rounded and will compete for significant minutes."
Hack grew up playing soccer in California before moving to Illinois. She played on the Cal-North State team and was selected to attend the national camp in 1998. Hack then moved to Illinois where she was captain of her Downers Grove North High School team. She also played for the Illinois State Select team.
"One of the qualities I like most about Carolyn is her tremendous versatility," said Haigh. "We are excited to have a player like Carolyn who can start for us at about five different positions. She also adds height, which greatly complements her air game."
Helm is a goalkeeper who played for Newton North High School and the Charles River United club team. She is an Eastern Massachusetts All Star, Bay State Goalkeeper of the Year and Bay State All-Star.
"We were so excited to sign Anne and so lucky to find such a quality goalkeeper in December," said Haigh. "Anne has very good instincts as a keeper. She comes off her line well, communicates well and is aggressive. She will have the opportunity to battle for the starting position."
Johnson is a defender from Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy High School and the West Coast Futbol Club Siren club team. At FSHA she was named first-team all-area in 2000 and was also a co-captain of her squad. She also holds several school records in track and field.
"Lauren has a special ability to individually mark a dangerous player out of the game," said Haigh. "She has good speed and explosiveness with an unselfish approach to her game that helps elevate the players around her."
Veris is a central defender/defensive center mid who played for the FRAM XILES soccer club. She was selected to the first-team Bay League and was the MVP of her high school team her sophomore and junior years. Veris was selected to the first-team CIF in 2000.
"Lindsey will be a great addition to our defense or midfield," said Haigh. "She is a true competitor, a tenacious tackler who will dominate in the air. Her rock-solid approach to defending, complemented with her ability to distribute the ball, allows her to be a great two-way player."
