Jacksonville women add five for 2011

February 4, 2011
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Coming off one of the most successful campaigns in five years, the JU women's soccer team is continuing to build by signing five players for the 2011 season.

The Dolphins added midfielder Jessica Caltaldo Ramirez (Agoura Hills, Calif.), forward Dana Larocque (Venice, Fla.), defender Miranda Fyfe (Boca Roaton, Fla.), forward Kaitlyn Basett (Littleton, Colorado) and Julia Burton (Hamonds Plains, Nova Scotia) to next season's roster.

 "I am excited about the level of talent and ability we have signed in our 2011 class," said JU head coach Brian Copham, who earned A-Sun "Coach of the Year" honors in 2010. "We are coming off a successful 2010 campaign and expect this talented class to make significant contributions as we pursue a conference championship.

"This class is diverse with many individuals that can play many different positions. Their high level experience and athletic abilities will allow them to make significant contributions immediately. We look forward to having them join us on campus this fall."

Cataldo Ramirez, a midfielder from Agoura High School, earned all-conference honors during the last two seasons. She also was awarded team "Offensive MVP" honors and received the "Principal Scholar Athlete of the Year" outside of the pitch all four years.

As a member of one of California's most prestigious soccer clubs, the Camarillo Eagles, she helped the team win the Far West Regional Championship in 2010 and guided them to a fourth place finish in the California Coast Soccer Premier League.

"Jessica is a tremendous young lady and very talented soccer player," said Eagles head coach Mike Alexander. "She has the ability to play multiple positions on the field effectively. Her work ethic and understanding of the game separates her from the others. She will be a valuable asset to the program"

 "Jessica is a dynamic player that can play numerous positions and fill many roles," said Copham. "We look forward to her coming and using her distribution, vision, and ability on the ball to make an immediate impact in our already talented midfield next fall."

Larocque scored 88 goals over the last four years at Venice High School in Venice, Fla. For her efforts, she was named to the all-area team as a senior and received Sarasota Herald Tribune "High School Player of the Year" honors during her junior season. As a vital member the Clearwater Chargers soccer club, Larocque helped her team finish first at the Disney Qualifier in 2010 and reach the Southern Regional Championships in 2008. She also helped lead the Florida Rush soccer team to the Florida State Cup finals in 2009 and 2010.

"Dana has the abilities to become a very good striker in college," said Chargers head coach Garth Pollonais. "She has shown great attitude, desire, discipline and work ethic. She has the natural instinct for the goal. I believe she will be a tremendous asset JU."

"Dana is a very opportunistic forward," said Copham. "She not only scores good goals, but also creates many chances for herself and her teammates. I look forward to Dana coming in and adding to our offense right away."

Fyfe, a defender from American Heritage High School, has served as the team captain since the eighth grade. As a senior, she led her school to a state title, while earning all-county honors along the way.

Fyfe is a member of Team Boca, one of Florida's top youth soccer clubs, and has helped guide them to three Florida State Cup titles, a 2008 Region III Premier League East Championship and a top-four finish in the 2009 Southern Regionals. She has also participated in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) being selected to Florida ODP state team and the Region 3 Regional team in 2010.

"Miranda has been the rock of our defense since I have coached this team," said Team Boca head coach Brian Dooley. "She's strong both technically and tactically, while also being matched up against some of the best players in the country. She'll be ready to come in to compete immediately."

 "Miranda is an excellent defender," said Copham. "She uses her knowledge of the game and her composure on the ball to help organize and coordinate her defenses. She will be a great fit in our defensive system and help solidify our back line."

Bassett, a four-year starter at forward, led Chatfield Senior High School to a state title in 2010 and a league championship in 2009. As a senior, she was named first team all-conference as the team captain. Bassett also demonstrated her talents in track & field by running the 400 and 4x400-sprint medley.

At the club soccer level, she has excelled as a member of one of the premier soccer clubs in the country, the Colorado Rush. Her U-18 team has won the Colorado State Cup Championship in 2008, 2009, and 2010. They have also been regional quarterfinalists and are considered one of the top teams in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL).

 "I am proud to have worked with Kaitlyn throughout her youth career," said Rush Technical Director Andrew Krammer. "She is a wonderful athlete and has made tremendous strides over the years in her development. Her spirit and competitiveness will make her a great asset to the program for the next four years."

Kaitlyn is a tremendous athlete that is always putting opposing defenses under pressure," said Copham. "She scores goals in big games and always creates match-up problems for opposing teams. We look forward to her coming to compete on our front line."

Burton played for Halifax West High School in Canada. She received several awards during her prep career, including "Rookie of the Year" and was named captain for the 2011 season. She has led her club soccer team, the Halifax County United, to a Provincial championship as well as a second place finish at the Canadian National Club Championships.

Burton has also been a member of the prestigious National Training Center since 2006 and has captained her provincial team in the National Championship. She also played on the Nova Scotia Canada Games team, the Nova Scotia Provincial All Stars and the Canada Games Ringette Team for Nova Scotia.

 "Julia has been a very loyal member of Soccer Nova Scotia provincial program for the past seven years," said staff coach Danny Worthington. "She has been involved in the National Training Centre environment for the past three years and continues to grow as a player. I believe that she has the ability to be part of the backbone of any future program that she is involved in. Jacksonville is lucky to have this well rounded student-athlete for the next four years. Soccer Nova Scotia and the NTC-Atlantic wish her all the best and hopes to see her achieve her goals for the future."

 "Julia brings a tremendous amount of experience and talent that we expect to translate into a very successful college career," said Copham. "She is a hard working player that is committed to her personal and team achievements. We look forward to her bringing her leadership and abilities to improve our program."
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