DAYTON, Ohio – Head Coach Mike Tucker unveiled the 2009 University of Dayton women’s soccer class Wednesday, announcing 10 student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Flyers. The talented class features players from five states across the country – from Washington to New Jersey.

“We are ecstatic to be able to finally announce our 2009 incoming class!  These young women are tremendously talented soccer players, dedicated students, and have the character and work ethic that will make them successful as a class and individually,” said Tucker. “Flyer fans will be thrilled to see them as they represent the University of Dayton this fall.”

Joining the Flyer women’s soccer program next season are: Katherine Boone (Kirkland, Wash.), Shannon Donoher (Kettering, Ohio), Clare Dreher (Westlake, Ohio), Linsey Eckel (Raleigh, N.C.), Alison Forbrich (McMurray, Pa.), Alexis Garcia (Brunswick, Ohio), Maggie Hinkle (Monroe, Ohio), Alysha Mallon (Newtown, Pa.), Alexandra Pacetta (Columbus, Ohio) and Colleen Williams (Titusville, N.J.).

“I’d like to thank my coaching staff for their diligence in the recruiting process, allowing us to bring in such a talented and diverse group,” said Tucker. “While our newcomers in the 2009 class cover all areas of the pitch by position, the common threads are their athleticism, enthusiasm and “feel” for the game.”

Here is a look at our newest Flyers:



Katherine Boone
Position: GK
Height: 5’7”
Hometown: Kirkland, Wash.
High School: Juanita
Club/ODP: Crossfire Premier/Super Y

Coach Tucker’s Take on Katherine Boone: When evaluating prospective goalkeepers we strived to find one who could step in immediately and play at the highest level. Katherine has the physical and psychological dimensions, athleticism and technical abilities to perform at that level. She has a great demeanor and a tremendous drive for excellence that will enable her to continue to develop.  Katherine will team with Lisa Rodgers to form a “dynamic duo” in net.

High School Accolades – Was a two-time First Team All-King County Conference selection at goalkeeper…Twice selected as team captain of her squad at Juanita High School…Was also named Second Team All-King County Conference as a junior…A two-time recipient of the Coaches Award at Juanita…Was a member of the Super Y League ODP camp in Tampa, Fla. in 2007…Played keeper for her Crossfire Premier Club that won the 2007 WSYSA State Cup Championship…She is a member of the Japanese National Honor Society and was a Quest Leadership Challenge Finalist.



Shannon Donoher
Position: MF
Height: 5’7”
Hometown: Kettering, Ohio
High School: Bishop Fenwick
Club/ODP: Southside Rockers/Ohio South

Coach Tucker’s Take on Shannon Donoher: After playing a key role in Fenwick’s run to a state championship, Shannon will attempt to help lead the Flyers to the top as well. The first words to describe Shannon are “tough” and “fearless”. She is great in the air, can push forward and be dangerous in the attack or hold the middle of the field defensively. She is a tireless worker, aggressive and very strong.

High School Accolades – Was named Second Team All-State and Team Co-MVP after leading Bishop Fenwick to the 2008 OHSAA Division II State Championship and 19-4 record…Was named the Girls’ Greater Cincinnati League (GGCL) North Division Player of the Year, in addition to being named a GGCL North Division First Team selection…Three-time First Team All-Dayton South selection and two-time All-Miami Valley First Team pick…Member of National Honor Society…Granddaughter of Don Donoher, head coach of the University of Dayton men’s basketball team from 1964-89.



Clare Dreher
Position: MF
Height: 5’9”
Hometown: Westlake, Ohio
High School: Magnificat
Club/ODP: Cleveland Internationals

Coach Tucker’s Take on Clare Dreher: With a combination of great size, speed and quickness, Clare is a real force anywhere on the pitch. As a central defender she competes well in the air, has great recovery speed and has the skills to start the attack. As an attacker she is a constant threat to get behind defenses. There is no doubt that this 2009 High School All-American will contribute immediately and can be a dominant player in whatever role she fills.

High School Accolades – Was a two-time Division I All-State selection (2007 and 2008)…Named First Team All-Cleveland in 2007 and 2008…Led Magnificat to four sectional championships and three district championships as a four-year starter…In 2008 was named a First Team All-Sun Newspaper – West Shore…Was Magnificat’s Defensive MVP in 2007 and team captain and MVP in 2008.





Linsey Eckel
Position: F
Height: 5’5”
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
High School: Wakefield
Club/ODP: CASL Spartan/North Carolina

Coach Tucker’s Take on Linsey Eckel: A gifted athlete who loves to attack the flanks, Linsey will create lots of scoring opportunities for UD in 2009. She has the ability to break down defenses with the dribble and attack goal, pinpoint crossing passes and defend relentlessly. Her speed and quickness are most welcome as we continue to become a more athletic and skillful team. Expect great things from Linsey this fall!

High School Accolades – Was a two-time Offensive Player of the Year at Wakefield High School, where she led the team in scoring in 2007 and 2008…Led her squad to the North Carolina 4A State Playoffs her senior season…Named First Team all-conference after scoring 12 goals and tallying 10 assists for 34 points in 2008…Was a three-time member of the ODP Regional Camp in Alabama…Led CASL Spartan in scoring in 2006 and was fifth in Region III, helping the team to a NC State Cup Championship and a run to the National semifinals.



Alison Forbrich
Position: F/MF/D
Height: 5’3”
Hometown: McMurray, Pa.
High School: Peters Township
Club/ODP: Beadling/PA West

Coach Tucker’s Take on Alison Forbrich: A late commitment from Alison was most welcome as she has the ability to impact almost anywhere on the pitch. Alison was a prolific scorer in high school, with staggering numbers of assists and goals. And she excelled as a defender with the Region I Olympic Development squad. Possessing very good speed and quickness and a strong technical base, Ali can be a contributor in 2009.

High School Accolades – Amassed 110 goals, 47 assists and 267 points in her four-year career at McMurray High School…Was an All-State selection as a senior after scoring 35 goals and leading McMurray to the 2008 Class AAA State Final…A two-time Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League selection…McMurray posted an 81-9-4 record during her tenure…Also a standout in track and field, making the Class AAA State Finals in the 100-meter dash and 4x400 meter relay…Played for Beadling and led her club team to six consecutive State Championships (2003-08) and a fourth-place finish at Nationals in 2005… A member of National Honor Society.



Alexis Garcia
Position: MF
Height: 5’2”
Hometown: Brunswick, Ohio
High School: Walsh Jesuit
Club/ODP: Cleveland Alliance Soccer Academy/Ohio North

Coach Tucker’s Take on Alexis Garcia: With a background including training with our youth national team and a being a key member of a high school state championship squad, Alexis brings tremendous potential for success to the Flyers. Expect to see her in an attacking role -either playing in the midfield or up top - but you will definitely see “Lex” on the field in 2009. She is a tremendous competitor and full of enthusiasm.

High School Accolades – Led Walsh Jesuit to four consecutive Regional Finals…Was named Midfield MVP in 2006, helping Walsh Jesuit to a 23-0-0 record and the 2006 Division I State and National Championships…Led her team to a 72-7-6 record during her four-year tenure…A member of the U.S. National Youth Team in 2004 and 2007…Was named Rise Magazine All-Area and Plain Dealer Player of the Week in 2008…Named Plain Dealer Best of the Best in 2007.



Maggie Hinkle
Position: MF/D
Height: 5’8”
Hometown: Monroe, Ohio
High School: Monroe
Club/ODP: Ohio Elite/Ohio South

Coach Tucker’s Take on Maggie Hinkle: After working with Maggie last year in the Ohio South Olympic Development program I was convinced that she has the physical abilities to be a solid contributor for the University of Dayton. She has excellent size and strength, good speed and a proven ability to score goals and create chances for teammates. I expect Maggie to develop quickly and compete well in 2009.

High School Accolades – Led Monroe to four consecutive SWBL championships…As a senior was named SWBL Player of the Year, First Team all-district and was an All-Ohio nominee…A two-time First Team All-MVSSCA and All-SWBL selection…Twice was named captain and Monroe Offensive Player of the Year, including in 2007 when she broke the school record for assists in a season with 14…Closed out her four-year career with 48 goals and 34 assists…Also a two-time Scholar Athlete and recipient of the 2005 MVSSCA Sportsmanship Award.



Alysha Mallon
Position: D/MF
Height: 5’3”
Hometown: Newtown, Pa.
High School: Villa Joseph Marie
Club/ODP: FC Bucks Vipers/EPYSA

Coach Tucker’s Take on Alysha Mallon: Skillful, athletic and savvy, Alysha is very comfortable in the back or as a wide attacking player. She, along with fellow ’09 signee Colleen Williams, played a key role in helping her FC Bucks club team to a 2008 final four appearance in the club national tournament and a ranking of No. 1 in the country!  Alysha is an impact player and we are excited to have her in a Flyer uniform!

High School Accolades – Was a four-time All-AACA and Courier Times selection at Villa Joseph Marie, including First Team all-league from 2006-08…Was named the 2008 AACA MVP after leading her team to a league championship and PIAAA District runner-up finish…Scored nine goals and dished 13 assists that season, also an All-State selection…Led Villa Joseph Marie to two State championships and a 69-11-6 record in her four years…Led FC Bucks Vipers to six consecutive State Cup Championships (2003-08), including a Regional Championship in 2008.



Alle Pacetta
Position: D
Height: 5’4”
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
High School: Upper Arlington
Club/ODP: Eagles SC/Ohio South

Coach Tucker’s Take on Alle Pacetta: With the attitude, athleticism and skills needed to be a standout player, Alle should fit quite well into the last line of defenders for the Flyers. She has played at a high level in club and high school and could develop into a skillful attacker coming out of the back. Alle will push our youthful defenders and compete for time in her freshman season.

High School Accolades – Was a two-time Defender of the Year at Upper Arlington…Named captain in 2008 and led Upper Arlington to the Division I State Quarterfinals…Was a Second Team All-Ohio Capital Conference selection as a junior and was named to the Central Ohio All-Star Team as a senior…Helped her team to three Central District Championships and a 60-7-12 overall record in her four seasons.



Colleen Williams
Position: MF
Height: 5’5”
Hometown: Titusville, N.J.
High School: Hopewell Valley Central
Club/ODP: FC Bucks Vipers/NJ-ODP

Coach Tucker’s Take on Colleen Williams: Yet another of our incoming players who has demonstrated the physical, technical and tactical abilities to play at the highest levels, Colleen will immediately challenge those around her to step up their game. She is a tough competitor who attacks and defends with equal tenacity! Colleen has competed for three national championships, winning the National ODP event in 2006, and a runner-up finish in 2008, as well as going 2-1 in the national finals for club play in 2008.

High School Accolades – The 2008 Patriot League Player of the Year, she tallied 25 goals and 19 assists as a senior at Hopewell Valley Central…Also named the Mercer County Player of the Year, First Team all-state and First Team All-CVC…Led her high school to back-to-back Prep A State Championships (2005 & 2006)…A four-year starter, she finished her high school career with 51 goals, 46 assists and 148 points…Competed in three National Championships, winning the title with her N.J. ODP team in 2006…Her club won six Pennsylvania State Cup Championship from 2002-2008…Was a member of the U.S. National Youth Team in 2005.