Fresno State Athletics
2016 signing class adds versatility, depth
2/9/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
By Jason Kelm
jakelm@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State women's soccer head coach Brian Zwaschka announced the signing of five student-athletes for the 2016-17 season on Tuesday.
"This class is capable of delivering the winning punch we've needed these past two building years," Zwaschka said "They are a great balance of talent and appetite for success straight across the board."
The Bulldogs received National Letters of Intent from defenders Asia Harbour-Brown (Bedfordshire, England) and Emma Chivers (San Jose, Calif), midfielders Sydni Lunt (Modesto, Calif.) and Tori Nicolo (Livermore, Calif.), and forward Kasidee Wiley (Brentwood, Calif.).
"Our four California additions are all from highly competitive and successful teams that are built to win," Zwaschka added. "Asia, our international recruit, has been privileged to be part of one of the finest development academies on the planet and her talents have had her knocking on the English U19 National Team door. The pedigree in this class will raise our competitive level to new heights."
Lunt, Nicolo and Wiley all played for the West Coast Soccer Club together under former United States National Team and MLS player Troy Dayak, so they know one another very well. They contributed to three-straight state cup championships and two-straight national championships as a member of U.S. Club Soccer and the Norcal Premier Soccer League.
"This class has a chance to come in and fight for places from day one," Zwaschka said. "This is the part of our team culture we are working to fortify, because we have underperformed the last two seasons. It's on us to fix it and our new class will undoubtedly be chomping at the bit for their opportunity."
Fresno State lost four seniors to graduation, and will be looking to fill those voids.
"Tori and Sydni are both versatile, box-to-box center midfielders who can play both sides of the ball and score goals, which fills in where Sam Brechmann and Alyssa Cruz were key contributors," Zwaschka said. "Kasidee will add midfield or front line pace, service, and goal-scoring, and can play in the width on both sides, so she can be an ideal replacement for what Rianna Cota brought to the table.
"Asia is the first naturally left-footed defender we've had in the squad in my time here, so she could slot in well at left center back or left outside back where Fanny Johansson was playing. Emma is our wild card player. She is extremely versatile. I've seen her play everywhere and with an equal level of high competence. Her desire to compete is through the roof, and she will do everything possible to carry out whatever role the team needs in the moment."
The Bulldogs are preparing this spring for the 2016-17 season with three seniors, nine juniors, four sophomores, and a redshirt freshman, and will be filling remaining spots as the season nears.
Asia Harbour-Brown, (Bedfordshire, England)
Harbour-Brown comes to Fresno State with a wealth of soccer-playing experience, most recently being selected for the England U19 National Team pool. The defender was a member of the Arsenal Ladies Centre of Excellence development teams from 2008-15 and has also been selected to the English National Schools team.
During the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, her Arsenal team won the League Championship and in the 2014-15 season won the Football Association Youth Cup.
While at Samuel Whitbread Academy in Shefford, England, she won the Lynda Tailor award for commitment to sport.
"Fresno State is the perfect place to be," Harbour-Brown said. "It allows me to continue my education at a high level while still being able to improve and develop as a footballer. I hope to contribute to the team and in the long term become a professional footballer."
Emma Chivers (San Jose, Calif.)
Chivers joins the Bulldogs from Presentation High School and the Santa Clara Sporting Club team. She has been named Santa Clara Athlete of the Week, was named to the 2014-15 West Catholic Athletic League second-team, and is a varsity captain during her senior season. She also received offers from Pacific, CSUN, Sonoma State and Chico State.
"I chose Fresno State because of the community unity, coaching staff and graphic design program," Chivers said. "I hope to contribute my hard work and continuous enthusiasm on and off the field to help the team grow and dominate every game."
Sydni Lunt (Modesto, Calif.)
Lunt, a Valley native, is captain of her Berkeley High School team in her second year with the program. She is also a member of the West Coast Soccer Club and was also recruited by USF, Saint Mary's and Pacific.
"Fresno reminds me of my hometown," Lunt said. "You can tell that the people in Fresno love sports and it has been my dream to follow in my brother's footsteps and play Division I soccer. I hope to bring intensity, aggression and skill to the team."
Tori Nicolo (Livermore, Calif.)
Nicolo, from Livermore High School and the West Coast Soccer Club, was a varsity player all four years in high school, was made a team captain her sophomore year, earned team MVP her junior year and was named second-team All-League in the East Bay Athletic League. She was named a team captain for her club team and was also recruited by Chico State, Sonoma State and Cal State East Bay.
"The atmosphere at Fresno State is amazing," Nicolo said. "I hope to contribute lots of effort and skill to this team. I am very competitive, so I will stop at nothing until our team achieves its very best."
Kasidee Wiley (Brentwood, Calif.)
Wiley is a striker from Heritage High and the West Coast Soccer Club. She played all four years on the varsity team and was a captain her junior and senior seasons, while also being honored with the Best Offensive Player award in 2014-15. For her club team, she was named MVP of Nationals by her coach. She was also recruited by Sacramento State, Colorado State, Long Beach State and Nevada.
"I chose Fresno State because of its amazing community support," Wiley said. "Being on campus feels like home. The active environment along with the school spirit is exhilarating. I hope to contribute my creativeness on the field, along with keeping my teammates motivated to win. I will work to set up my teammates for great opportunities and put in the effort it takes to win."
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