Utah Soccer Adds Seven for 2015

February 23, 2015

Utah soccer is pleased to announce its 2015 recruiting class consisting of Madeline Flom, Eden Jacobsen, Paige Johnson, Allie Millerberg, Shelby Stewart, Hailey Skolmoski and Liberty Taylor.

"We've got a hard-working, talented group of players ready to join our team this year,” head coach Rich Manning said. “We look for things such as character, competitive spirit, teamwork, good technique, offensive and defensive skills and dependability. These players personify these qualities. They are excited about the opportunity to play in our program and face the challenges of the Pac-12. We can't wait for them to join us this summer!"

Hailey Skolmoski, a forward/defender from Sandy plays at Riverton for head coach Paul Moizer.

A four-year all-state selection, she is a two-time 5A Region 4 MVP and was the 2014 Gatorade Utah Soccer Player of the Year.

This past year, she scored a school-record 28 goals and notched 17 assists as Riverton went 13-4-1 and advanced to the state quarterfinals of the 5A tournament. For her career, she has scored 59 goals, second-most all-time at Riverton, and helped guide her team to a 51-17-2 record and a pair of Region 4 championships

Skolmoski played club soccer for Utah Avalanche and is ranked by Top Drawer Soccer as the no. 9 player in the region, No. 25 forward and No. 65 overall.

She plans to major in education and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and was an Academic All-State choice. She also ran track and was a state qualifier in the 200m and DMR0

The daughter of Paul and Tina Skolmoski, she has three siblings and comes from a family that includes five Utah graduates.

“I chose Utah because I felt it was the best place for me to become the best soccer player and person I can become,” Skolmoski said. “The team chemistry and friendliness of the girls were big influences. The atmosphere on campus is so positive and exciting that I feel right at home.”

"Hailey is a fiery competitor,” Manning said. “She is comfortable anywhere in the back row and scores goals when she plays up front. In defense, she is tough to beat and communicates well. On attack she is a good dribbler and excellent finisher. She is also fantastic in the air. Hailey will bring good soccer and good leadership to our program."

Madeline Flom, a midfielder from Littleton, Colorado, plays at D’Evelyn Senior High School in Denver for head coach Paul Moline.

A two-time Jefferson County All-Conference selection, she also played club with Colorado Rush for Erik Bushey. During her club career, she helped her team capture the 2012 ECNL national championship and was selected to the ECNL Player Development Program

The daughter of Brent and Krisi Flom, graduates of Washington State, she has two siblings. Flom also ran cross-country at D’Evelyn and was a member of the National Honor Society

“I chose Utah because the academic and athletic components of the school fit my aspirations regarding my development as a student-athlete,” Flom said. “The location is beautiful, the coaches are excellent and the faculty appears to be very friendly.”

"Max has a great heart and an excellent soccer mind,” Manning stated. “She is a tireless worker and a national champion at the club level. Her left foot is dangerous on the dribble, in passing and on set pieces. She's worked hard to learn a couple of new positions in the last year or two and we like the versatility that brings to the team."

Allie Millerberg, a defender from Murray, plays at Alta High School for head coach Lee Mitchell.

A 2014 5A First Team All-State pick and All-Region III outstanding defender section, she served as team captain for an Alta squad that reached the state semifinals last season. At Alta, she has been a part of four-straight region titles and a 2011 state championship.

An honor roll student in the classroom. Millerberg stated, “I chose Utah because it allows me to reach all of my goals on and off the field.”

The daughter of Rob and Robyn Millerberg, she has two siblings. Her mother went to Western Wyoming College where she played volleyball and basketball. Her father and mother both have their degrees from Utah State and her grandfather and great-grandfather both attended Utah

Millerberg played club soccer with Utah Avalanche, the former home of current Utes Mariah and Mikayla Elmer, July Gentry, Audrey Gibb, Hannah Hyde, Janie Kearl and Megan Trabert

"Allie is an athletic, tough defender,” Manning added. “She covers a lot of ground. She is excellent at defending the dribble. She is smart. And she can play multiple positions in the back."

Eden Jacobsen, a midfielder from Murray, plays at Woods Cross High School for head coach David Newman.

She helped her club team, LaRoca to a pair of state cup championships under head coach Pancho Ovalle. She also played for the Region 4 ODP team and helped her squad capture the Walt Disney Showcase Championship as well as a Vegas Cup and PDT-Phoenix championship.

The daughter of Eric and Amy Jacobsen, Eden has four siblings. Her father was an all-conference selection and captain of the football team during his time at Utah and her uncle Chad also suited up for the Utes.

Jacobsen also plays basketball at Woods Cross and is a member of FBLA and HOSA

“It’s always been a dream of mine to play for Utah,” Jacobsen said. “I have grown up being a die-hard Utah fan and I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else.”

"Eden is a smooth midfielder with a passing touch that creates rhythm and scoring opportunities for her team,” Manning said. “She has Utah in her blood and brings great passion to our program. She will be a fun one to watch for the fans."

Paige Johnson, an outside defender from Southlake, Texas plays at Carroll Senior High School for head coach Rene Osborn

The daughter of Drew and Joanna Johnson, she has four siblings. Her father and grandfather, Glen, each played football at BYU

Johnson played her club soccer with D’Feeters ECNL while also running track at Carroll.

She wants to major in communications and noted that her choice of Utah was due to the coaching staff, playing in the Pac-12 and her family’s familiarity with the area.

"Paige is a versatile defender, Manning said. “She is an excellent 1 vs. 1 defender, smart team defender and heads the ball well. We also like her clean and simple passing out of the back, which is important with our style of play."

Shelby Stewart, an outside back from Phoenix, plays at Boulder Creek High School and was a First Team All-State choice last season for head coach Rick Klein

Stewart played her club soccer with SC Del Sol and plans to major in psychology at Utah. She is the daughter of Shawn and Kimberly Stewart and has four siblings.

"Shelby is a big player in a small package, Manning stated. “She has a lot of qualities that we look for in our outside backs. She is an excellent defender - quick and tough to beat. She also gets involved in attack and passes the ball well in tight spaces."

Liberty Taylor, a defensive midfielder from California, plays at Poway High School for Jen Laloe-Nielson and Bruce Jackson.

Taylor, a second-team all-CIF selection helped lead Poway to a 2013 Palomar League Championship. She was also a starter on the 2013 CIF semifinalist squad and a member of the 2012 Surf Cup champions while playing for Albion SC

The daughter of Cregg and Lori Taylor, BYU graduates, she has three siblings. Taylor also ran track and cross country at Poway.

“I frequently travel to Utah to camp, hike and visit family so I really enjoy the state,” Taylor said. The girls on the team were very welcoming and I feel this is a good fit for me.”

"Liberty is a tenacious player who brings great intensity to the field,” Manning said. “Her energy is contagious. She is an excellent defender and hounds the ball well. She can play in the midfield or on the back row."

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