Fresno State Athletics
Bulldog Soccer Inks Four Signees
2/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Feb. 10, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State soccer team announced that four high school players signed National Letter of Intents. Three of the four players are from the state of California and the fourth is from Colorado. The Bulldogs now have two players that hail from the centennial state.
Joining the Bulldogs next year are Vanessa Gonzalez and Bianca Lopez also from Clovis High School in Clovis, Ashley DeMello from Presentation High School in San Jose, and Callie Hancock from Chatfield High School in Littleton, Colo.
"We are very excited about our next class of Fresno State soccer players," said assistant coach Chris Shaw. "This is definitely one of our smaller recruiting classes over the last couple of years, but we definitely believe that it is a case of quality over quantity. Every one of these players has the potential to come in and make an immediate impact on the soccer program next year. "
DeMello was a four-year varsity starter at Presentation High School and spent three years playing with the North California State Olympic Development team. She was a Region IV ODP Pool player in 2007 and attended Super Y ODP Camp in 2007. DeMello earned West Catholic All-League honors in 2006 and 2007.
"Ashley poses great pace coupled with a knack for beating players in one vs. one situations. She has the ability to play as either a forward or a wide midfielder. ," said Shaw. "She has competed at a very high level with both her club team and as a member of the Northern California ODP state team. We have very high expectations of Ashley, and believe that she will be a player that other teams will take notice of very early."
A pair of Clovis High School players, Gonzalez and Lopez, also joined the Bulldogs. Gonzalez was a four-year varsity starter and two-year captain. She spent three years playing for the North California ODP team and was a member of the 2008 Super Y North American Finals All-Tournament Team. Gonzalez was named to the Fresno Bee All-Valley Second Team in 2007 and 2008. She is also a three time All-TRAC athlete and Clovis High MVP in 2007 and 2008.
"Vanessa is a very versatile player that has the ability to play in either the midfield or defense," said Shaw." She is an intelligent player and we fully expect her to make an impact early in her career at Fresno State."
Lopez, another Valley standout was named Tri-River Athletic Conference Rookie of the year and went on to earn three All-Valley and All-TRAC honors. She was named the Clovis High Offensive MVP three times and is the all-time leading scorer at Clovis High with 75 goals and 36 assists. Lopez was also attended the Super Y ODP National Camp 2007 and was a member of the 2007 Super Y North American Finals All-Tournament Team. In 2008, Lopez was named Fresno Bee All-Valley Co-Player of the Year and TRAC Co-Player of the Year.
"Bianca is a very skillful and creative player that has the potential to play either in the midfield or up front for us," said Shaw "Bianca has demonstrated that she can either set other players up for goals or put them away herself. We are excited about having Bianca on board and look for her to make an immediate impact on the team."
Hancock joins the Bulldogs from Littleton, Colo. She was a four-year varsity starter at Chatfield High School. Hancock played on the Colorado State ODP team for three years. In 2008, she was an All-State player and top goal scorer. She was also named all-conference twice. Hancock also won a State Track Championship in 100yd. dash, 4x100, and running long jump.
"Callie is a fantastic athlete that has a nose for goal," said Shaw. "With her athleticism coupled with her technical ability Callie has the potential to pose serious problems for opposing defenses."
The Bulldog soccer program also signed a transfer from Florida International University. Claudia Cardenas, a Visalia native, joins the `Dogs after two years at FIU.
"We are excited to have a transfer the caliber of Claudia," said Shaw. "She is a proven goalscorer at the college level and will bolster our attack immediately."
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The National Championship baseball team kicks off the 2009 season on Friday, February 20 as they host the Pac-10 Washington Huskies. First pitch at Beiden Field is scheduled for 6:05 pm. Join the Bulldogs as they celebrate the 2008 College World Series National Championship. Season tickets, mini plans and single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office, calling 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
