Marshall University Athletics
Kane Signs First Class at Marshall
2/6/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Kane Signs First Class at Marshall
2/6/2004
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall University women?s soccer coach Chris Kane announced his first signing class Friday. Ten student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to compete for the Thundering Herd in 2004.
?I think three words can describe our first recruiting class: versatility, athleticism, and speed,? Kane said. ?We will be a much different team next fall, because of the added depth and talent that this class will give us."
The class includes Heather Burchett of Dayton, Ohio: Sara Burdick of Leicester, N.Y.; Colleen Fuertges of West Chester, Ohio; Jenna Greenwood of Westerville, Ohio; Kate Heilich of Columbia, S.C.; Kassie Hollman of Marietta, Ga.; Kelly Jackson of Rochester, N.Y.; Mollie Lee of Leawood, Kan.; Rebecca Mumley of Woodbridge, Va.; and Elise Provenzano of Webster, N.Y.
?The key for us now is to be patient with the group,? Kane said. ?We have some growing up to do, but I am confident that our upperclassmen will help the newcomers with the transition to college life.?
Burchett was a four-year letter-winner at Centerville High. She was an all-state, all-league, and all-district selection. Burchett played club ball for the CUP Panthers that finished as State Cup finalists, Jefferson Cup Champs, National League Champs and a Regional finalists in 2003.
?Heather was our first commitment this summer,? Kane said. ?She is a strong, creative player with an unbelievable work ethic?the best thing about Heather is that she has only scratched the surface when it comes to her ability."
Burdick is a two-time NSCAA Regional All-American and a first-team all-state selection. The five-foot-six forward/midfielder set York Central records for goals and points in a season as a senior in 2003, while breaking records for points in a career and goals in a career during her junior campaign. The two-time Livingston Conference Athletic Association Player of the Year, plays club ball with the Rochester Jr. Rhinos and future Herd teammates Kelly Jackson and Elise Provenzano.
?Sara is an explosive attacking player with speed,? Kane said. ?She has a nose for the goal and loves the game?she comes from a strong high school program and a fantastic coach and will bring an amazing amount of athleticism to our program.?
Fuertges, a 5?9? defender comes to Marshall via Lakota East High School. Fuertges served as captain her senior year and helped Lakota East set the school shutout record, while taking home a conference title. The two-time captain for GSE Cardinal Premier, chose Marshall over Michigan State and Ohio, as well as Duquesne.
?Colleen brings size and strength to our back line for the next four years,? Kane said. ?She has a great attitude and isn?t afraid to do the dirty work. She will be a tremendous addition to the center of our defense.?
Greenwood comes to MU after a standout career at Westerville North High School. She earned first-team all-state, all-region and all-district accolades as a senior. The 2003 OCC Player of the Year, was also a first-team all-conference selection in 2002 and 2001. Greenwood is also a two-time Gatorade Will to Win Player of the Year. Greenwood plays club ball for Ohio Premier the 2002 and 2003 State Cup Champions.
An anticipated pre-med major, Greenwood chose MU over Navy, Army, Kentucky, N.C. State and Cincinnati.
?Jenna is a dynamic soccer talent who is not afraid to take responsibility for her team,? Kane said. ?She has great speed, vision, a nose for the goal and never stops working at both ends. She has the ability to do great things at Marshall.?
Heilich a midfielder at Dreher High School, was a four-year starter and Region V Player of the Year in 2003. Dreher High captured the Region V Championship en route to a state title in 2002. Heilich plays club soccer for Greenville FC, the Region III Premier League Champions and the reigning two-time South Carolina State Champions. She was also recruited by South Carolina and Farleigh Dickinson.
?Kate is a player that plays much bigger than she is,? Kane said. ?She comes from a great club team in South Carolina and will give us much needed depth in the midfield.?
Hollman, a 5?6? forward plays for two-time state champion Pope High School, where she is a three-time all-county pick. Hollman also helped United Quest, the 2002 Region III Finalist, to three state championship titles.
?Kassie is a strong, physical player with very good speed,? Kane said. ?She is another type of forward we have lacked in the past ? a target player who can turn her defender and go to goal or dish it off to her teammates."
The Herd?s second Empire State signee, Kelly Jackson will bring her versatility to Huntington after a successful four-year campaign at Churchville Chili High School.
Churchville Chili was ranked 18th nationally in 2003 and won the Section V Championship for the second year in a row. Jackson piled up accolades in 2003, adding all-Greater Rochester, Division I Player of the Year and all-state to her honors. Jackson play?s club ball for the Rochester Jr. Rhinos and chose Marshall over Ball State and St. Bonaventure.
?Kelly is a versatile player who thrives anywhere on the field,? Kane said. ?She is another great player that brings leadership and a strong work ethic to our program.?
Mollie Lee, a 5?7? forward, was an all-league pick at St. Thomas Aquinas High, which was ranked in the top 50 in the nation last season. Her club team, the Kansas City Chargers, participated in the Region II finals last summer. She picked Marshall over Northern Iowa, Marquette, Fairfield and Illinois State.
?Molly is another strong, physical player with speed,? Kane said. ?She is also not afraid to ?mix it up? on the pitch. She will help us at both ends with her goal scoring abilities and her tough defensive presence.?
Mumley, a 5?8? midfielder is a four-year starter for Woodbridge Senior High School. Mumley was an all-district, all-area, and all-region selection as a junior and will play her final prep season this spring. Woodbridge is coming off back-to-back state tournament appearances?a finalist appearance in 2002 and a semi-finalist shot in 2003. She plays club soccer for the PWSI Eclipse that won the 2003 WAGS Tournament Championship.
Mumley chose Marshall over Ohio State, James Madison and Virginia Commonwealth.
?Becca may be the most athletic player in our program next fall,? Kane said. ?She?s fast and can fly up the flanks?she has a great head for the game and is very exciting to watch.?
Provenzano, a 5?6? midfielder/forward was an all-state, all-county, and all-area selection at Webster Schroeder High. WSHS has won four consecutive Section V Division I-A Championships. She plays club ball with fellow MU signees Burdick and Jackson for the Rochester Junior Rhinos and chose the Herd over Navy, St. Bonaventure and Nazareth.
?Elise is another versatile player who is not intimidated by physical play,? Kane said. ?She is dangerous with the ball at her feet anywhere on the field. She will give us depth in the midfield and up top.?
