Feb. 26, 2008

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman Head Coach Phil McNamara announced today five players have signed to play soccer for the Lady Eagles next season.

C-N's 2008 signing class is a mix of Tennessee high school talent, with an international touch.

"I am delighted with the class that will join us in the fall," Head Coach Philip McNamara said. "Each player will add talent and experience to our returning team. In my mind, this might be the most competitive squad, from-top-to-bottom, that we have ever had. Competition for playing time will be fierce as we will be two and three deep at every position."

Two Oak Ridge High School products will join the Lady Eagles in the fall.

Forward Trenna Howell joins the Lady Eagles after leading Oak Ridge to the state semifinals in 2007. She was named All-State in her final three high school seasons. She was also named Prep Xtra Player of the Year by the Knoxville News-Sentinel following her senior season. Howell also broke the school record for goals in a single season at Oak Ridge with 43.

Howell excelled in the classroom as well, earning TSCAA Academic All-American honors as a high school senior.

Teammate Maggie Alexander will also player her college soccer at C-N. The midfielder was a three-year starter for the Wildcats, and was named All-District in each of her final three seasons, earning All-region honors as a senior.

Howell and Alexander were two key members of an Oak Ridge team that finished as the state runner-up in 2005.

"Oak Ridge continues to be good to (C-N)," McNamara said. "It is one of the state's top high school programs and Coach Sheppard has prepared these players well the college level."

The third in-state Lady Eagle-signee in the class is Katie Hayes, a forward from The University School in Jackson.

Hayes earned All-State and Jackson Sun Player of the Year honors in her final two high schools seasons. She was also named All-Region and District MVP as a senior in leading USJ to the state quarterfinals.

In addition to running Cross Country and Track in high school, Hayes was a member of the USJ Honor Roll and the National Art Honor Society.

"Katie will be a fun player to watch next season," said McNamara. "She is a major competitor and will add strength to our forward line."

Katie Hunter, a defender from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, has also signed to play at C-N. She named Female Athlete of the Year at St. Joeseph's School in 2006 and 2007.

Joining Hunter from Canada is goalkeeper Lauren MacKenzie. The Barrie, Ontario, Canada native was the starting goalkeeper for Eastview High School in Barrie, leading her team to the Provincial finals in each of the last three seasons.

MacKenzie comes to C-N as four-sport athlete, after playing basketball, volleyball, and ice hockey, in addition to soccer. She started in all four sports.

"I think both Canadian players can play a major part in the future success of our program." Said McNamara. "We recruited both of these players heavily against a number of D-I and D-II programs, and are thrilled to have them coming to Carson-Newman."

The five Lady Eagle signees join UNC-Charlotte-transfer Melissa Morris, who enrolled in January, to complete C-N's incoming class.

Carson-Newman finished 14-6 in 2007 and advanced to the NCAA South Atlantic Regional .

Quotes from Coach McNamara

Maggie Alexander
"Maggie plays with her heart on her shirt! She is a fearless competitor that will supply a tenacious presence on the field. She is also a persistent performer that offers 100% every game. An excellent work rate, along with determination and passion for the game will ensure a successful collegiate career."

Katie Hayes
"Katie will prove a handful for any defender! A physical forward that uses her body, as good as I have seen in order to maintain possession. She is extremely smart with her back to goal. Fantastic work rate will encourage pressure to her opponents. I think Katie's best soccer is ahead of her and I expect a huge upside to her future. A dangerous player and a fearless competitor!"

Trenna Howell
"Trenna is successful in the area of every coach's dream at the women's level, scoring goals!" She had 45 goals her senior year of high school and that will give her the confidence to make a quick transition to the college level. A reliable performer, with an excellent work ethic, will prove a dangerous competitor for any opponent. Fantastic ability on the ball, with a great shot that will prove major assets for Trenna's success at the college level."

Katie Hunter
"Katie is an excellent central defender. She is a very athletic, 5'9", with good speed. Katie will prove a challenge for the best forwards in our league. She reads the game really well and uses her knowledge of the game to succeed. A reliable performer that enjoys turning defense into an attack. A creative defender that has the ability to keep possession of the ball. Katie has the ability to replace the gap in our defense with the graduation of Julie Nelson, who proved one of the best defenders in D2 the last 3 seasons. We expect Katie's transition to the college level to be very quick."

Lauren MacKenzie
"Lauren has outstanding potential. A goalkeeper regarded as the best coming out of Ontario, Canada, we are extremely excited to see how her career develops at CN. She has excellent athletic ability, quick reflexes and the tenacious ability in the 1v1 situation. Lauren is rare in the fact she can play the field as a forward, which strengthens her foot work and ball striking skills. She has the potential to make an immediate impact."

Why They Chose Carson-Newman

Maggie Alexander
"I chose Carson Newman because of several different reasons. I really like the girls on the team and their attitude towards each other and the game. The coach is one that will push me and help me achieve my goals. And all together, I believe my play will improve and contribute most at Carson Newman!"

Katie Hayes
"Carson-Newman fit many of the expectations I had previously set for the type of school atmosphere I would like to spend the next four years of my life. When I came on campus, I immediately knew where I wanted to go, and I attribute the liking of the school so much to the great people I encountered during that weekend."

Trenna Howell
"The main reason I chose C-N is because of the home like environment and all the players and coaches are so incredible and I can't wait to be a part of their program!"

Katie Hunter
"The reason why I chose Carson-Newman is because everything felt right-- the atmosphere, the academic programs, the school spirit and the team. When I got that feeling, I knew that this was it."

Lauren MacKenzie
"I am looking forward to becoming a Lady Eagle and help the team bring a National Championship to Carson-Newman. In addition, gain a great education and develop lasting friendships."