AU Women's Soccer Announces 2008 Incoming Class

Feb. 27, 2008

WASHINGTON - The American University's women's soccer team has signed seven incoming freshmen for the 2008 season, Interim Head Coach Valerie Rauenzahn has announced. The class includes four players from New Jersey, two from New York and one from Michigan.

Patricia Bailey, Gabrielle Barbato, Arianna Efstathiou, Kimberly Kroll, Allison Slattery, Jenna Stasiewicz and Mikaila Weaver have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Eagles.

"This group of players brings talent, athleticism, and versatility to the team. Each of them join us from high quality club programs," Rauenzahn said. "Their experience will provide a great deal of balance to the solid group of returning players."

Patricia Bailey will become the first player in program history to hail from the state of Michigan. "Tricia is very flexible in her ability to play any position due to her athleticism and understanding of the game," Rauenzahn said.

Gabrielle Barbato is one of two incoming freshmen to play for the Player Development Academy of New Jersey. Rauenzahn calls Barbato "a skilled player who can provide us with composure in the midfield. The experience she has gained from the high level of competition will prove to be an advantage for our team."

Arianna Efstathiou is a strong goalkeeper who comes from a solid club out of New York. Rauenzahn states "her vocal leadership, hard working mentality, and quality experience from the Albertson Fury soccer club will help her drive for immediate playing time in goal."

Rauenzahn rates Kimberly Kroll as "an extremely talented outside midfield player who has the ability to run at players and get in behind defenses with her services. We will be looking to her to be an offensive threat next season."

Allison Slattery is the other incoming freshman to play for the prestigious Player Development Academy. She is tabbed by Rauenzahn as "a very skilled and athletic player that will add a fresh dimension to our midfield."

Jenna Stasiewcz also played for the Albertson Fury soccer club with classmate Efstathioiu. Stasiewcz is "an outside back who will add stability to our backline," said Rauenzahn. "Her knowledge and awareness of the game as an incoming freshman, will prove to be an asset to our program."

Mikaila Weaver rounds out the incoming class of freshmen for American. She is a defender from the Parsippany Soccer Club out of New Jersey. "From the first time I saw her play, I knew she would be an impact player for us, Rauenzahn said. "Her drive for perfection will bolster our back line and at times give our midfield new strength."

The seven signing players will replace four key graduating seniors on a team that went 10-5-3 a year ago, and is returning eight of the 11 starters. Among the returning veterans are Patriot League Women's Soccer Scholar Athlete of the Year, Krystn Hodge, and Third-Team NSCAA Mid-Atlantic All-Region selections, Kelsey Brasher and Friederike Engel. Also returning, are Patriot League selections Olivia Heditsian, Kelsey Wiggins, Erin Stebbins.