Memphis Women's Soccer Signs Seven

by TopDrawerSoccer
February 9, 2015

The University of Memphis women's soccer team received national letters of intent from seven student-athletes who inked on National Signing Day Wednesday, it was announced by head coach Brooks Monaghan.

The Lady Tigers signed three Canadian players, where Memphis has had a lot of success recruiting over the years. The UofM coaching staff was also able to recruit four standouts from the ECNL league.

The 2015 signing class is not finished, as the Tigers expect to sign a couple more in the coming week. Overall, Monaghan is thrilled with the players the team has signed.

"I'm ecstatic," Monaghan said. "Not only are we getting very talented soccer players, but good kids. The type of kids we look for that are focused in the classroom. The group's got great character and a lot of potential."

"We obviously lost some very talented young ladies and we need to replace them. There are high expectations on this group coming in, and we hope they transition well and push to play from the beginning."

Monaghan added, "I can't say enough great things about these kids. For us it's about finding good players, but it's about finding good kids that buy in to what we're doing. When we had the official visit with these kids, we were so impressed with the maturity and character; they are ready to go."

Brittnee Gilbert - Midfielder - Mooresville, Ind. - Indiana Fire SC ECNL

A member of the Indiana State ODP team, Gilbert shines for club coach Eric Nance's Indiana Fire ECNL team. She has been named First Team All-State in 2013 and 2014 at Center Grove High School. Gilbert was recognized as a top player and selected to play in the 2014 High School All-American game, where she helped her team beat the East All-Americans, 5-0.

Gilbert, daughter of John and Tonya Gilbert, was part of Student Council, National Honor Society and the Ping Pong Club while receiving First Team Academic All-conference in high school. She is a huge college football and professional soccer fan who loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Gilbert chose The University of Memphis because she wanted to go south. The University had her major and with the location being so close to the city, she feels there are opportunities for great internships. She loved the coaching staff and wants to be a part of the program that she feels is going in a positive direction. She plans to major in sports marketing and management, broadcasting and/or law.

Monaghan: "We feel we got a steal with her. She's an unbelievable competitor, very professional. She wishes she was here now. We will use her as a defensive midfielder. She's an athletic ball winner; a leader, and I wouldn't be surprised down the road if she becomes a big leader for us."

Olivia Gauthier - Mid/Def - Saint-Jon, New-Brunswick - Shattuck-St. Mary's

A member of Joe Demay's team, Gauthier has transferred into a valuable piece to Shattuck-St. Mary's success over the past two years. Originally from New-Brunswick, Gauthier was called into the U-15 National team camp, being a prospect for the U-17 Women's World Cup in summer 2013. She was also part of the Canada Games representing Team New-Brunswick in 2013. She has competed in All-Star Nationals from 2011-2013 as a member of the Atlantic team.

Gauthier, daughter of Bryan and Shelley Gauthier, enjoys watching movies, hanging out with friends and snowboarding in her free time.

Gauthier chose The University of Memphis because the school seemed like a good fit both on and off the field. She really liked the coaching staff and team when she first visited and pictured herself being a part of the program. She plans to major in engineering while at the U of M.

Monaghan: "Came from same hometown as current player Marissa Duguay. She spent last two years at Shattuck-St. Mary's up in Minnesota. She's a captain, another kid who's physically ready. A very smart soccer player who reads the game well, a kid that we feel has the tools to step in and really compete to play from the start."

Chanel Hudson-Marks - Fwd/Mid - Pickering, Ontario - North Mississauga Soccer Club

The top goal scorer of the U-17 girls Ontario Youth Soccer League, Marks has starred under club coach Trevor Bertrand, helping that club win the 2014 Canadian National Championships, Ontario Cup Championships, and Ontario Youth Soccer League Championships. Marks was also invited to train with the U-20 Jamaican Women's National team.

Marks was part of her soccer and basketball team while receiving academic honors from grades 10-12 at Pine Ridge Secondary School. Her hobbies include drawing and photography.

Marks, the daughter of Angela Hudson and Wayne Marks, is the cousin of Olympic gold-medalist Usain Bolt. She likes to think she got her speed from him.

She chose The University of Memphis because she dreamed of playing at a Division-1 school, the comfortable environment, and The U of M had the program she wanted. She plans to major in graphic design and film/video production.

Monaghan: "Extremely athletic. Canadian kid who can play a couple positions - wide midfielder and up top. Her athleticism is amazing and she's been able to score a lot of goals at the club level. We're hoping she can transition and she has the potential to do it at this level."

Lauren Smith - Defender - Atlanta, Ga. - Concorde Fire ECNL

Another standout athlete in soccer and track, Smith was an All-State selection in both sports at Mount Zion High School. Smith played for SSA out of Atlanta and recently joined Concorde Fire ECNL last year, coached by James Harris in Atlanta.

Lauren, daughter of Damien and Kellie Smith, enjoys spending time with family and sleeping. She was a member of the Track and DECA team at her high school.

Smith chose The University of Memphis because she felt the school was structured academically, and best at helping students pursue their careers successfully. She plans to major in physical therapy while at The U of M.

Monaghan: "Versatile. We are looking to play her in the back. She has a big strong presence, a very physical defender, but has also played up top for club team. Physically she'll be ready to play."

Willa Taylor - Midfielder - North Vancouver, British Columbia - Vancouver Whitecaps Elite Girls

A member of the Canadian Provincial team from U13 - U16 age, Taylor has been coached under the direction of Jesse Symons with Vancouver Whitecaps Girls Elite team. She was chosen for this prestigious team in 2013 based on her play and performance from Mountain United FC club team. The Vancouver Whitecaps are connected with the Major League Soccer organization where they have been known to produce high-level prospects.

Taylor, daughter of Eric and Gillian Taylor, enjoys hanging out with friends, kicking the soccer ball around with her dad, and watching her favorite team Arsenal. She was an academic honorable mention at her high school, Handsworth Secondary.

Willa chose The University of Memphis because of the excellent soccer program, its academic program which will cater to her career goals, and the great coaching staff. She plans to major in biology/health sciences.

Monaghan: "Came from same club as current freshmen Sessen Stevens. Our former assistant coach Jodi Grant saw her years ago, so we've been keeping up with her progress. She's a .defensive minded midfielder who can spray the ball around. She reads the game really well and has a great presence on the field. Physically, she's ready. She has a very good soccer brain."

Morgan Thornton - Defender - Castaic, Calif - Real So Cal ECNL

A standout athlete in soccer and track, Thornton was a breakout player for CZ Elite (CA) before moving to Real So Cal under Richard Simms in 2014. Thornton is ranked No. 37 among all Southern California soccer players and was named first team at TDS Los Angeles Combine. While at West Ranch High School, she competed for the track and field team participating in the 100m, 4x100m, 200m and 400m events.

Thornton was a Scholar Athlete and Honor Roll recipient all four years of high school, and she will graduate in the top thirty percent in her class. She was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in Stand up to Cancer, Future Business Leaders of America and the Omni-Fund.

Morgan, daughter of Thomas and Margarita Thornton, enjoys reading, cooking, learning aspects of different cultures, museum visits and bowling.

Morgan chose The University of Memphis because of its great tradition in women's soccer. It also provides a nice change in scenery compared to what she is used to and has a challenging academic program. She plans to major in finance.

Monaghan: "California kid who we saw a couple years ago for a small club team. The ECNL team snatched her up. She's versatile and can play several different positions. I like her as a center back. Very composed on the ball, smooth on the ball, plays under pressure extremely well. Another athletic kid who as a defender can go forward. Another strong presence."

Elizabeth Woerner - Fwd/Mid - Bloomington, Ill. - Eclipse Select SC ECNL

She was the 2011 Offensive Player of the Year at Petamula High School in California. After moving to Bloomington, Ill. in 2012, Woerner guided club coach Rory Dames' Eclipse Select SC to back-to-back Illinois State Cup Championships. She was the conference leading scorer at Normal Community High school in 2012, making her a First Team All-Conference player. She also helped her club team win the Disney Soccer Showcase and ECNL National Finalists in 2014.

Lizzie, daughter of Dave and Karla Woerner, enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, running and baking. She was named to the academic honor roll her senior year and was the spirit leader at her high school.

Woerner chose The University of Memphis because the University had her major, she felt a welcoming atmosphere from the team, she was instantly connected with the girls and coaching staff on her visit and the city of Memphis has a culture and history that is appealing to her. She plans on majoring in exercise and sports science while minoring in psychology.

Monaghan: "Originally from California, she has moved to the Chicago area. Woerner plays for one of the top club teams in the country, Eclipse. She's versatile and can play at outside midfielder or forward. She has proven she can score goals at the highest club level. A kid that has a knack for scoring goals. She has great athleticism to her that will only make us better."

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