Tampa Women’s Soccer Announces New Group Of Signees

TAMPA, Fla. - University of Tampa head women's soccer coach Gerry Lucey has announced the signing of 11 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent (NLI). The group will enroll and be eligible to play in the fall of 2010.

Joining UT will be goalkeepers Leah Cesanek (Havertown, Pa.) and Casey Merson (Seminole, Fla.), defenders Ashlin Cook (Clearwater, Fla.), Alyson Gregorowicz (Lorton, Va.) and Megan Lawrence (Seminole, Fla.), midfielders Jordyn Harney (Albuquerque, N.M.), Cina Salemi (Palm Harbor, Fla.), Nicole Snyder (Mission Viejo, Calif.) and Shannon Walisch (Palm Harbor, Fla.) and forwards Carolyn Simon (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Julie Taylor (Sarasota, Fla.).

"I am really happy and excited to announce these NLI signees as part of our 2010 class," says Lucey. "We have in addition three other incoming players (enrolled in the spring of 2010) that will help push our program forward and back into the national spotlight. I am delighted that we have secured their commitment and look forward to working with them this fall. We have an exciting future ahead of us and I hope that we can fulfill our own expectations. We will have great depth and individual talent again and should compete once more for conference, regional and national titles."

Leah Cesanek - GK - 5-8 - Havertown, Pa. (Haverford HS)
Club Highlights: Played for FC Delco Sting and coach Leighton Walters…Team was 2009 Red Bull National League champions…Played in every Red Bull NL event from 2007-09…Also led team to US Club national title.

High School: Attended Haverford High School and played for coach Christine Lynch Jackson…Four-year varsity letterwinner also started all four years…Had 28 shutouts, 425 career saves and was a three-time team MVP…As a senior, was 13-3-1 with 11 shutouts and 133 saves…Earned a 0.47 GAA to go with a .940 save percentage…2009 Pennsylvania all-state selection was also Central League MVP and Delco Times Player of the Year…Competed in the 2009 PIAA playoffs…Three-time team MVP was Central League Co-MVP as a senior…Was also a three-year member of the state pool EPYSA ODP.

Personal: Member of the Honor Roll…Daughter of Chris and Claudia Cesanek…Athletic training major…Birthdate: 8/3/92.

Lucey on Cesanek: "Leah is a top class keeper from FC Delco in PA. Leah has won a club national championship with US Club Soccer and will be expected to battle for the starting position with Casey Merton. Leah has great hands and athletic ability. She is confidant and a good distributor of the ball. We are excited to have Leah on our team and look forward to some great goalkeeping this fall."

Ashlin Cook - Def. - 5-8 - Clearwater, Fla. (Palm Harbor University HS)
Club Highlights: Played for the Clearwater Chargers under coach Mike Mannino…2009 Disney Showcase finalist and Disney Qualifier semifinalist…Also helped team become a finalist at Score at the Shore…2008 Orange Classic champions, CASL Showcase champions and 2008 Florida State Cup quarterfinalist…2007 Florida State Cup champions and advanced to regionals in Oklahoma City…2006 Disney Showcase semifinalist while winning the Puma Challenge and Vulcan Cup…Also advanced to the 2006 Florida State Cup final four…Earned spots at the R3PL League and Raleigh Showcase.

High School: Attended Palm Harbor University High School and played for coach John Planamenta…Two-time Pinellas County Athletic Conference honorable mention (2007-09)…Led team to 2008-09 FHSAA 5A state championship after capturing regional and district titles…As a junior, team was a 5A region semifinalist along with winning the district and PCAC championship…Helped squad to district title and state finalist appearance as a sophomore.

Personal: Member of the National Honor Society…Volunteered with YMCA, Students Against Destructive Decisions Club, Interact Club and Blood Drive…Also served as a peer connectors mentor…Mother played on travel club volleyball team at Florida State University…Daughter of John and Arlene Cook…Public relations major…Birthdate: 10/19/91.

Lucey on Cook: "Ashlin is a versatile defender who can play anywhere along the backline. We expect Ashlin to put immediate pressure on our returning players and make an impact. She is excellent going forward and a physical presence defensively."

Alyson Gregorowicz - Def./Mid. - 5-10 - Fr. - Lorton, Va. - South County Secondary School
Club Highlights: Played club soccer for SYC Galaxy and Northern Virginia Majestics…Helped the SYC Galaxy to U-18 WAGS D1 championship…Team was also the 2009 Cardinal Champions and 2009 Score Showcase at Greensboro quarterfinalists…Member of 2009 Virginian U-19 Cup semifinalist and 2009 PWSI Ice Breaker U-19 Cup finalist squads…With North Virginia Majestics, team advanced to national finals in 2007 and twice in 2008 (U-17 and U-20).

High School: Attended South County Secondary School where she played for coach Maureen Saale…Played in the Super Y League nationals and high school Patriot District championships.

Personal: Recipient of a Dean's Scholarship…Volunteered with Friends of the Occoquan River clean-up in 2009…Daughter of Ed and Julie Gregorowicz…Secondary mathematics education major…Birthdate: 5/31/92.

Lucey on Gregorowicz: "Alyson is an excellent left sided defender with great size and speed. We anticipate Alyson playing primarily in the left back position but also centrally too. She is very comfortable on the ball and distributes well too."

Jordyn Harney - Mid./Def. - 5-5 - Fr. - Albuquerque, N.M.
Club Highlights: Played for the Elite FC Titans and coach Mark Crawford…Was team captain…Played in the President's Day Tournament, Las Vegas Showcase, Texas Shootout College Showcase and adidas Blue Chip Showcase…Competed in the Far West Regional League and won Region IV championships in 2007 and 2008…Also played in the Surf Cup…Member of the New Mexico ODP team from 2006-08.

High School: Went to Cibola High School, playing for coach Dave Disco…Team captain as a senior was the 2008 MVP…Named to the New Mexico all-state and district 5A first team as a junior…As a sophomore, was a third-team district 5A choice.

Personal: Recipient of the All-Academic Award…Veterans Memorial volunteer also helped with Keep Albuquerque Beautiful and Breast Cancer Awareness campaign…Served as a volunteer coach for Elite FC youths…Second cousin of former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie…Daughter of Jack Harney and Cathy Martinez…Business and entrepreneurship major…Birthdate: 3/24/92.

Lucey on Harney: "Jordyn is an excellent soccer player who can pretty much play anywhere on the field. We expect Jordyn to play in a central midfield role and use her strong technical ability and work rate to help us breakdown the opposition. Jordyn had many options but fortunately chose UT and we fully expect a wonderful four years with Jordyn. Jordyn has a good background in the game and understands tactically how to play."

Megan Lawrence - Def. - 5-10 - Fr. - Seminole, Fla. (Seminole HS)
Club Highlights: Played for the Clearwater Chargers…CASL Showcase Flight winners and Disney Showcase finalist.

High School: Attended Seminole High School and played for coach Steve Kuplicki…Team captain…Second in the county in goals while being the leader in assists…Member of floridagirlssoccer.com 5A all-state team…Also named all-county and first-team all-conference…Chosen to play in the Brighthouse Networks senior all-star challenge…Also ran track, where she holds the record for the 400 (58.63) and the 800 (2:17.19) as the previous record was set in 1979…FHSAA 3A state runner-up in the 800…Named first-team all-county in track.

Personal: Volunteered with Hospice of Largo…Daughter of Jeff and Kelly Lawrence…Business major…Birthdate: 1/14/92.

Lucey on Lawrence: "I have enjoyed Megan play at both the club and high school level and have seen her versatility first hand. Megan can play as an outside back or midfielder, centrally in defense or as a forward. Her athleticism and size are a handful and she possesses a very strong will to succeed. She will be an excellent addition to our team and will cause the opposition many problems."

Casey Merson - GK - 5-8 - Fr. - Seminole, Fla. (Seminole HS)
Club Highlights: Played for Strictly Soccer FC U-18 and coach Hans Burt…Helped club to adidas Cup Columbus Day finalist appearance…Also competed in the German Town Girls Invitational and State Cup Final 16…Helped squad to Showcase Cup title.

High School: Attended Seminole High School and played for coach Steve Kuplicki…Three-time starting goalkeeper who was twice named the top keep in Pinellas County…As a junior, notched a 0.65 GAA with 11 shutouts and 118 saves…Was named MVP and second-team all-county…Credited with a 0.20 GAA and 16 shutouts as a sophomore while earning Rookie of the Year, honorable mention all-county and second-team south county…Team captured district and regional championship as a senior…Three-time PCAC champions…Carried a perfect 4.0 GPA in the classroom.

Personal: Member of National and Spanish Honor Society…Volunteered with Horses For Handicapped and National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)…Daughter of Robert and Wendy Merson…Business major…Birthdate: 7/30/92.

Lucey on Merson: "I first saw Casey with her high school team which is very unusual on the recruiting trail. Casey has been very successful in high school and has helped lead her team towards a State Title. She is very quick off her line, a great shot blocker, quick distributor and fearless. I am excited to see Casey join our squad this fall."

Cina Salemi - Def./Mid. - 5-4 - Fr. - Palm Harbor, Fla. (Palm Harbor HS)
Club Highlights: Played for RSL U18 girls…Helped team to 2010 Score at the Shore finals…Won the Disney Showcase in 2009 and 2010…Was part of the 2009 Disney Qualifier championship team and 2009 Super Y League national finalists.

High School: Attended Palm Harbor University High School and played for coach John Planamenta…Helped team to back-to-back state championships in 2008-09 (5A) and 2009-10 (6A)…Chosen to the Brighthouse Senior Soccer Challenge all-star game for local high school standouts…Earned an invitation to play at Pinellas vs. Hillsborough County game…Voted team's Defensive MVP as a junior…Squad was also state runner-up in 2006-07.

Personal: Member of the International Baccalaureate Program and the National Honor Society…Volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs through Bright Futures and IBCAS…Daughter of Chris and Toni Salemi…General studies major…Birthdate: 3/7/92.

Lucey on Salemi: "Cina has great vision and a strong and accurate kick which will help us centrally in defense. Cina is a winner and adds great attitude and spirit to our team. Cina will be expected to fight for a starting position centrally in defense or as an outside back."

Carolyn Simon - For. - 5-7 - Fr. - Colorado Springs, Colo. (Pine Creek HS)
Club Highlights: Member of Rush Pikes Peak was team's leading scorer for final four years…Helped squad to 2005 Colorado Cup championship…Competed in the Raleigh Shootout, Score at the Shore, Surf Cup and Texas Shootout.

High School: Played for Pine Creek High School and coach John Frederick…Tallied 12 goals and six assists in 2009…Scored game-winner in the second round of state tournament…First-team academic all-state in 2009…Sent team to playoffs as a junior with game-winner in double overtime with 1.9 seconds remaining.

Personal: Four year member of the Honor Roll…Recipient of a UT Merit Scholarship…Served as a volunteer for Serteens, National Honors Society, Marian House Soup Kitchen, Harvest of Love Care and Shared Food Drive…Also devoted time to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and United States Air Force Academy…Lived in Tampa from 1999 to 2003…Sport management major…Birthdate: 9/5/92.

Lucey on Simon: "Carolyn is a technically sound forward and outside midfielder who has a good engine and pace. Carolyn is originally a Florida Youth soccer player from HCU who has continued to blossom in Colorado. We are looking for Carolyn to add to our attack this season and bring more creativity and flair."

Nicole Snyder - Mid. - 5-6 - Jr. - Mission Viejo, Calif. (San Diego Mesa College)
As a Sophomore (SDMC): Tallied two assists while playing at San Diego Mesa College…Named first-team all-conference…Helped team to final four of national tournament and No. 5 national ranking…Chosen to play in North vs. South California Community College Sophomore Showcase.

As a Freshman (SDMC): Notched a goal and assist as a rookie at SDMC…First-team all-conference selection.

Club Highlights: Played club soccer for West Coast Futbol Club.

High School: Attended Mission Viejo High School, playing for coach Stacy Roberson.

Personal: Volunteered at the Mesa College football snack bar…Daughter of Josie Snyder…Chemistry major…Birthdate: 1/20/90.

Lucey on Snyder: "Nicole is a transfer from San Diego who has played at a very high club and junior college level. We expect Nicole to add technical flair to our attack and also spend some time as a holding midfielder. She is very calm on the ball and has the ability to initiate attacks through her ability on the ball."

Julie Taylor - For. - 5-7 - Fr. - Sarasota, Fla. (Sarasota HS)
Club Highlights: Played club soccer for the IMG Academy…Competed in the American Girls Championships.

High School: Went to Sarasota High School and played for coach Vince Corraci…Had 17 goals and 12 assists as a senior…Led team to a district championship, where she scored in the title game.

Personal: Volunteered with Power of the Peers, Relay For Life, La Sertoa and a soccer clinic…Recognized as a scholar athlete…Cousin, Robby Ellis, plays football at Seton Hill University…Daughter of Jeremy and Kris Taylor…General studies major…Birthdate: 6/21/92.

Lucey on Taylor: "Julie comes to us from the IMG academy and is a born fighter. She is very feisty and has a tremendous work rate. Julie will play mainly as a forward and outside midfielder and adds great pace to our team."

Shannon Walisch - Def. - 5-7 - Fr. - Palm Harbor, Fla. (Palm Harbor University High School)
Club Highlights: Played for the Clearwater Chargers, where squad was a 2009 Disney Soccer Showcase finalist…In 2009, helped team become Disney Showcase qualifier semifinalist and Score at the Shore finalist…Club captured 2008 titles at the Orange Classic International and CASA Showcase while being a quarterfinalist at Florida State Cup…2007 Florida State Cup champions also won the Vulcan Cup and Puma Challenge while being a semifinalist at the Disney Showcase…In 2006, advanced to the final four at the Florida State Cup.

High School: Attended Palm Harbor University High School, playing for coach John Planamenta…Led squad to three 5A district championships from 2008-10…Also won the Florida 5A state championship in 2009 and the PCAC title in 2008…Was 2009 Ironwoman and second-team all-county choice…Named all-county honorable mention and rookie of the year in 2008.Was the Offensive JV MVP in 2007.

Personal: Logged over 200 community service hours…Volunteered with children's clothing drive, Mease Countryside Hospital and Dr. Neri pediatrics…Originally hails from Queens, N.Y…Daughter of Ron and Kathleen Walisch…General studies major…Birthdate: 3/19/92.

Lucey on Walisch: "Shannon is a technically excellent player who will play as a holding midfielder and central defender. Shannon has great vision and understanding of the game and is also expected to make a strong impact in her freshman year."