Feb. 19, 2007

In preparation for the 2007 women's soccer season, Head coach James Walker has announced the signing of his incoming 2007 freshman class. In all, Coach Walker signed six student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. These six players will join Coach Walker's current squad, adding all-around quality, hoping to provide an impact as the team continues to strive towards winning the Atlantic 10 Conference. This incoming class includes three players who participated in the US Youth Soccer National Championships, two High School Regional All-Americans, and a PA West State Champion and all state performer. Walker believes the addition of these six players along with the returning squad should help produce one of the strongest squads in recent years.

Joining the Dukes next season will be Elizabeth Robinson (Irwin, PA/Greensburg Central Catholic), Samantha Kaiser (Erie,PA/Mercyhurst Prep), Rachel Laraway (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central), Gabrielle Morrin ( Perrysburg,OH/Perrysburg), Lauren Ott (Erie, PA/Mercyhurst Prep), and Kristin Vinicky (Brecksville, OH/Brecksville Broadview Heights ).

Elizabeth Robinson will be looked upon to provide an offensive presence in the midfield or forward role. Robinson was a four-year starter with Greensburg Central Catholic; a team that was 2005 and 2006 Section and WPIAL Champions, as well as appearing in two consecutive PIAA State Championships. Her High School accolades include All-Section, All-WPIAL, and All-State honors. Robinson plays club soccer for the U-18 Penns Forrest team which has won two State Championships. Robinson has been a member of the PA West ODP team that was a regional finalist. Academically, Robinson intends to major in Sports Marketing.

Samantha Kaiser, a High School Regional All-American from Erie, PA, will help add depth to the Dukes' attack. As a forward for Mercyhurst Prep, Kaiser earned honors as Pennsylvania All-State 2005 & 2006, East Regional Pennsylvania All-American 2005 as well as being the 2006 District 10 Player of the Year. As a junior, Kaiser captured the single season goal scoring record with 45 goals, and the culmination of her high school career earned her the career goal scoring record with a total of 95 goals. Her club team, Northern Steel, was 2006 Regional Finalists, and with the ODP Program she was a 2005 Region I Finalist. In academics Kaiser earned first and second honors, along with being a member of National Honor Society. At Duquesne, she intends to pursue an Athletic Training and Physical Therapy degree.

Rachel Laraway will bring experience to the midfield position. As the center midfielder for West Morris Central High School in Long Valley, New Jersey, she helped lead her team to the Morris County Finals. She was named to the New Jersey Girls Soccer Coaches Association All State Team in 2004, 2005 and 2006, All Conference in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and All Morris County in 2005 and 2006. She helped lead her PDA club team to the New Jersey State championships in 2005 and 2006. In 2005 they were also Regional Champs and National Runners-up. Academically, Laraway is a member of the American Council for International Studies in which she traveled to England and Russia. At Duquesne she intends to major in Forensics Science and Law.

Gabrielle Morrin will be looked upon to provide experience and depth at the goalkeeper position. At Perrysburg High School she earned individual honors as a 2005 and 2006 All District first team member. She was also named first team All League in 2005 and 2006, and took home MVP honors in 2005. Her club team, Cleveland Internationals, was the Midwest Regional League Champions and undefeated regional qualifier in 2005. In 2006, Morrin helped lead her team to the State Championship, Regional Championship and was a National Semifinalist. From her club team she was named to the ODP State Team 2001 through 2005, and was a member of the SYL ODP National Select Team in 2006. At Duquesne, Morrin is planning on majoring in Marketing.

Lauren Ott, a High School Regional All American from Erie, PA, will be called on to provide depth and experience at the midfield or defense positions. Ott, helped lead her Mercyhurst Prep team to the Regional Championship and District 10 championship. Ott was named a High School Regional All American and first team All Region in 2006. As a sophomore she was named 2nd team All Region. For her career she totaled 65 goals and 45 assists. She was a member of the same ODP program as fellow recruits Samantha Kaiser and Elizabeth Robinson. Ott also ran track in High School and was a member of the National Honor Society. She is currently undecided on what she will major in at Duquesne in the fall.

Kristin Vinicky will be looked upon to provide quality depth at the midfield position. Vinicky helped guide her high school team to four consecutive conference championships and District Runner up in 2005. Vinicky's individual accolades include First Team All Conference, First Team All Cleveland, Team MVP, and Conference MVP this past season. She was also named to the Cleveland Sun Times All Star team. Her club team, Cleveland Internationals, which was the same as fellow recruit Gabrielle Morrin, was the Midwest Regional League Champions in 2005. In 2006, they were State Champions, Regional Champions, and were a National semifinalist. Vinicky is a member of the National Honor Society and will pursue a degree in business.

The Dukes will open their Spring Season on March 5th, as they travel to Scotland and England to play Glasgow and Charlton. Coach Walker hopes the experience will provide an educational experience from both a soccer and cultural standpoint.