Fresno State Athletics
Two Signees, Three Transfers Join 2006 Soccer Class
2/15/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Feb. 15, 2006
FRESNO, Calif.- Fresno State soccer head coach Steve Springthorpe has announced the signing of two student-athletes to national letters of intent. The Bulldogs also welcome three transfers, resulting in the addition of five newcomers to the 2005 NCAA Tournament squad.
"With this recruiting class, I believe we have filled some immediate needs on our team," said Springthorpe. "The coaching staff has done a fantastic job of identifying the players we need to help our team continue our success in the conference and ultimately put us in a position to be more competitive on the national scene. With the return of 21 players, nine starters and the addition of five talented newcomers, we should challenge for the WAC regular season title and another WAC Tournament championship."
High school signees include Katie Ray (Fresno, Calif.) and Lauren West (San Jose, Calif.). Also joining the `Dogs are transfers Sierra Ferguson (Fresno, Calif.), Andrea Salvador (Rodeo, Calif.) and Rose Vandenberg (Hollister, Calif.). The class includes three forwards, one midfielder and one defender.
Fresno State (10-10-2) is coming off its first non-losing season since 2000, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in school history. Despite entering the conference tournament as a No. 5 seed, Fresno State posted three consecutive victories in as many days to capture its first-ever WAC Tournament championship. The `Dogs went 7-2-1 over the final 10 games of the season.
Sierra Ferguson - 5-7 - Defender - Fresno, Calif. (Fresno City College)
Member of Fresno City College squad that finished 21-4 last year, ranked No. 15 nationally ... while at FCC, was named MVP of the Central Valley Conference ... first team All-CVC in 2004 ... voted team's Defensive Player of the Year ... attended Bullard High School, where she was a first team all-league selection and Defensive MVP.
- Springthorpe says: "Sierra transferred to Fresno State from one of the top junior colleges in the state. Fresno City was ranked No. 1 in the country for a majority of the past season. Sierra is a very solid defender who will give us depth at the center back position. She will be joining one of the best defensive backlines in the conference."
Katie Ray - 5-5 - Midfielder - Fresno, Calif. (Hoover High School)
Four-year varsity letterwinner ... four-time All-League selection ... member of ODP state team in 2005 ... named Hoover High School's Offensive Player of the Year in 2004.
- Springthorpe says: "Katie is a technically-gifted player who will challenge immediately for one of our center midfield positions vacated by seniors Kortney Lewis and Koleen Anderson. She is very good on the ball, strong in the air and has a powerful shot. I expect that she will make an impact right away."
Andrea Salvador - 5-6 - Forward - Rodeo, Calif. (Solano Community College)
2005 NSCAA Junior College Division III National Player of the Year ... first team All-American ... first team All-Western Region ... Bay Valley Conference Offensive MVP ... two-time All-BVC selection ... first team all-league honoree at Salesian High School.
- Springthorpe says: "Andrea potentially has all the tools to be one of the best forwards in the conference. She has speed, athleticism and the ability to finish her chances. She will rival any player in the WAC with her speed. She allows us the ability to stretch defenses, giving us a threat over and behind a team's backline."
Rose Vandenberg - 5-8 - Forward - Hollister, Calif. (UCLA)
Transfer from UCLA, where she played in one contest last season as the Bruins reached the national championship game ... four-year letterwinner at San Benito High School ... at SBHS, was a four-time team MVP and all-league selection ... scored 156 goals in her high school career ... captain of club team (Sunnyvale Roadrunners).
- Springthorpe says: "We are excited that Jenny chose to continue her playing career and education at Fresno State. Her experience playing for NCAA runner-up UCLA will no doubt help us in many areas. Jenny is a forward that possesses very good speed, athleticism and high work-rate. She will join Cortney Sobrero at the forward spot to give us an even more potent attack. With the addition of Rose, we will now have the depth needed to play a more attacking style."
Lauren West - 5-8 - Forward - San Jose, Calif. (Pioneer High School)
Four-year varsity letterwinner ... two-time first team all-league selection ... Freshman of the Year ... three-time Most Valuable Offensive Player ... member of league championship squad four straight years ... ODP in 2003-04 ... club team captain.
- Springthorpe says: "Lauren will bring some size to our front line. She is a target forward who can win balls in the air and play back to goal. Her height and ability to challenge cross balls will give us a better presence in the box and ability to score on corners and set pieces. Lauren is very athletic and possesses a desire to succeed. I am excited to add her to what will be an explosive attacking forward line."
