ARKADELPHIA- Ouachita Baptist University Head Women’s Soccer Coach Alex Denning announced the signing of six student-athletes to National Letter of Intents to begin at Ouachita Baptist in the fall of 2010.
Joining the team will be Jessica Allen (Reed HS, NV), Cara Smith (Pine Tree HS, TX), LaToya Parker (Prosper HS, TX), Jessica Reid (Grandview HS, TX), Marissa Selden (Marion HS, AR) and Lauren Hatch (Colorado College).
After a strong showing with a young squad last season, the Lady Tigers look to become contenders in making the Gulf South Conference in the 2010 season.
“I am very excited about our incoming class next year and think we have upgraded our squad quite a bit,” Denning said. “Two of our four seniors were hurt for most of the year so we have had to play without them already and now have a great core of girl that have collegiate game experience. These incoming players will be seeing the field this year and will make an impact, our goal is to make the GSC tournament and I definitely believe it is attainable”
2010 Signing Class:
Jessica Allen is a 5’10 midfielder out of Reno, NV. Allen competes for Reed H.S. and her club Sagebrush Soccer Club Black Reno.
“Jessica is a very solid player with great knowledge of the game, she controls the ball very well, has good strength, and will be a great addition into our attack.”
Cara Smith is a 5’7 defender from Longview TX. Smith competes for Pine Tree H.S. and her club team Freedom 92.
“Cara is an outside back that will help contribute by getting the ball up to our mids with quality passes and will solidify the already strong back.”
LaToya Parker is a 5’6 forward out of Prosper TX. Parker competes for Prosper H.S. and her club team Texas Football Club.
“Toya is a striker with a very pure shot. This is something that we definitely were needing to help finish off our attack.”
Jessica Reid is a 5’7 defender and outside mid out of Grandview TX. She is graduating from Grandview HS and plays club for Fort Worth United 92 Gold.
“Jessi will play in a few different positions primarily defensively. She is confident in the back but also has the footwork to play as an outside mid as well.”
Marissa Selden is a 6’1 forward, defender, and keeper out of Marion AR. She is our lone Arkansan so far and plays for Marion High School.
“Marissa is a powerful player and will help out as a target forward and potentially in the back as well. She will be excellent for set pieces and will help add strength to a quick team“
Transfer:
Lauren Hatch is a 5’6 center mid and center back from Mesquite, TX. Hatch played for Poteet H.S. and the National Champion Dallas Texans. The Mesquite, TX native went to Colorado College and then transferred to OBU in January.
“Hatch is an incredible player and has already made an impact on the team, the experience she brings along with her talent, knowledge and leadership will help out tremendously.”
