Feb. 8, 2007

Pocatello, ID--Idaho State head soccer coach Allison Gibson announced on Thursday the signing of seven players to national letters of intent to join the Bengal soccer program for the 2007-08 academic year.

"We are extremely excited about our 2007 recruiting class," Gibson said. "We have a unique blend of players joining us from four different states and in every position. This class has a lot of experience, and a ton of speed and strength. Our goal was to find the players that would help fill the gaps left by a tremendous senior class and I am confident that our goal was realized with this group. The combination of returning players and our 2007 class has our coaching staff wishing it was August. We are very excited to mix them all together and start our effort in defending our Big Sky Championship."

The following will join the Idaho State women's soccer team under 2006 Big Sky Coach of the Year Allison Gibson:

Katherine Ford
5-4, Goalkeeper
Mesa, Arizona
Red Mountain High School
Played four seasons for Red Mountain High School... Recorded 121 saves at RMHS... Was scored on just 10 times, recording an 82 percent saves mark... Also played for the '89 Pros club team, which won the Arizona State Tournament and advanced to regionals in 2005... Competed in swimming for RMHS, earning four letters... An honor roll student who is in the top-20 percent of her class... Also active in student government.

Coach Gibson on Ford:
"The strengths that Katherine brings to the Goalkeeper position are great technique, a tremendous work rate, quick footwork and a great shot stopping ability. We are excited about the addition of Katherine to our goalkeeping position."

Karissa Henage
5-8, Defender
Springville, UT
Springville High School
A four-year starter for Springville High School... Ranks first on the SHS all-time career mark for game-winning goals with nine.... Also ranks second at SHS in career goals (26) and fourth in assists (18)... Named the team's MVP for three consecutive years... Received multiple All-State, All-Region, and All-Valley honors... Named to the All-State Academic Team... Also competed in basketball and track for SHS.

Coach Gibson on Henage:
"Karissa will add to the size and strength to our defensive line. With her composure and ability to read the game, we will look for her to step in and play a big role for us in shutting down opponent's dominant players."

Lauren Hough
5-4, Midfielder
Coto De Caza, CA
Tesoro High School
Attends Tesoro High School where she has helped her team win a CIF California State Southern Section Division II championship... Also played for West Coast FC Premier club team for nine years and participated in three Far West Regionals, reaching the semifinals in consecutive seasons... Helped club team to a Super Y league National title this past season.

Coach Gibson on Hough:
"Lauren comes to us from a very good club out of Southern California, WCFC, where she received tremendous coaching throughout her club career. Lauren has a great work rate and has the ability to run the flank and get off great services into the box. Her technical speed is also very strong and we will look for her to get us in behind defenses single handily."

Crosby Joyner
5-6, Midfielder/Forward
Mapleton, Utah
Springville High School
Was a four-year varsity starter at Springville High School... Holds the all-time scoring record at SHS with 35 career goals... Also tied for the most career game-winning goals at nine... Helped team to a first-ever region title as a sophomore, scoring 15 goals with five assists and four game winners... Named First Team All-State and All Utah Valley as both a sophomore and junior... Played club soccer for the Celtic Storm where she received defensive MVP honors.

Coach Gibson on Joyner:
"Crosby is a very dynamic player and has the ability to serve, finish, distribute, tackle, and just about anything that is asked of her. She will be a huge addition to our front line as well as see time in the midfield."

Taylor Powell
5-4, Forward
Davis, California
Davis Senior High School
Was the starting varsity forward for Davis Senior High... Received All-League honors as both a sophomore and junior... Has helped team to back-to-back Monticello-Empire League titles... Received All-Tournament honors at the 2006 St. Mary's Tournament... Recorded 22 goals with 20 assists as a junior... Helped club team to the two premiere league titles... Also won the 2005 regional and made it to the finals in 2006.

Coach Gibson on Powell:
"The addition of Taylor is very important to our front line next season. Taylor brings a ton of pure speed coupled with her ability to find the back of the net. This will be a huge advantage for us as we look to build on our front line attack from 2006."

Lauren Ryan
5-8, Midfielder
Rolling Meadows, Illinois
Rolling Meadows High School
Four-year varsity starter for Rolling Meadows High School... Two-year team captain... Recorded 56 career goals and 17 assists... Received All-Conference, All-Sectional, and All-Area honors... Helped team to a 2006 Division championship and a first-ever Regional title... Also competed for four years on the cross country team... Plays club soccer for Sockers FC Chicago... Is also a member of Illinois' Olympic Development Team.

Coach Gibson on Ryan:
"We are very excited about the addition of Lauren to our 2007 class. She will be a very strong addition to our already solid midfield. With her size and strength, we will look for her to dominate the air game for us as well as contribute as a strong playmaker for us."

Stephanie Schumacher
5-3, Midfielder/Forward
Carmichael, California
Del Campo High School
Played varsity soccer for Del Campo High School... Was named to the All-League team for three years at DCHS... Received Offensive MVP honors as a junior... Was also named the team's captain as a junior... Plays club soccer for Davis Legacy... Scored 121 goals from 2002-2005... Was also a member of the San Juan Soccer Club.

Coach Gibson on Schumacher:
"Stephanie joins us along with California teammate Taylor. Stephanie has great speed, an awesome ability to connect passes, services on set pieces, and is a very aggressive player. She will see time in the midfield as well as on the front line."