DALLAS (SMU) - SMU women's soccer coach Brent Erwin announced the signing of seven student-athletes who will join the Mustangs in the fall. The class includes several top prospects and Olympic Development Pool members.

"We are all very pleased with the direction of our team and players over the past year," Erwin said. "We can attribute our great progress to the talent and commitment of the young women who represent our program. To be successful, it is vital to bring in talented, committed and competitive student athletes. Today we are ecstatic to announce the addition of some fantastic young women to SMU. In this class is a group of players who are among the best in the U.S. SMU is an elite university, and we are building an elite soccer program."

Carol Bentley is a midfielder from Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas. Bentley captained her high school team her junior and senior seasons, leading them to the 2010 5A State Semifinals as well as Region III Championships in 2009 and 2010. She plays club for Albion Hurricanes FC 94G Blue West, who were both STYSA Presidents Cup Champions and USYS Region III Presidents Cup Champions in 2009. She also played for the 2009 South Texas Olympic Development 1993 Girl's State Team.

"Carol is a great young woman who we saw last year with her club team and then again at our summer program," Erwin said. "She has wonderful feet and great passing vision. She is very bright and will be a great addition to SMU."

Shannon Canty is a midfielder from Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio. Canty is a four-year letter winner and three-year captain for Alamo Heights, where she was named the district offensive MVP in 2008 and 2010, as well as the San Antonio Express News' 2010 Class 4A MVP. Canty plays club for Classics Elite. An all-around athlete, Canty lettered in cross country three years and served as team captain for two.

"Shannon is a strong, athletic outside midfielder who is very fit and can both cross and score," Erwin said. "We have seen her develop over the past few years, and we are excited to have her on campus. Shannon is a great player for any team; she is able to play in a variety of spots and has a great personality and strong desire to compete."

Rikki Clarke is a midfielder from Fossil Ridge High School in Keller, Texas. Clarke won the 2010 USYSA National Championship with her club team, Solar Red 94. Clarke was recently called into the US Under-20 National Team and comes to the Hilltop ranked as one of the top four players in the state of Texas and the No. 29 player coming out of high school by TopDrawerSoccer.com.

"Rikki is arguably the best attacking midfielder in the country," Erwin said. "She has wonderful technique, and her dribbling and passing will be a vital addition to our team. Rikki won a National Championship with her club team in 2010, so she has played in big games and thrived. Obviously, her time with the U-20 National Team is a credit to her ability and gives her great experience. I think our fans will enjoy watching her play over the next four years; she is exciting to watch!"

Olivia Elliott is a forward from Hebron High School just outside of Dallas. Elliott lettered three years at Hebron and is another all around athlete, also lettering in Basketball. She plays for the Dallas Texans Soccer Club with the 94 Red Team. Elliott considered one of the elite forwards in Texas and the United States.

"Olivia is a goal scorer," Erwin said. "She is someone who scores goals in big games. As we have watched her the past few years, it is clear she has developed into one of the premier forwards in the United States and has a very bright future. Olivia has competed for National Championships with her club team and is always ready for the challenge. Her talent is matched by her confidence and desire to play and compete. We are happy to have her at SMU."

Briana Gaines is a forward from Dougherty Valley High School in San Roman, California, where she also plays basketball. A three-year letter winner in soccer, Gaines was the DFAL's leading scorer in 2010-11. She plays club for the Mustang Rampage, the 2009 and 2010 ECNL National Champions. Gaines also led her club to four consecutive USYSA Far West Regional finals. She is ranked as the No. 13 best player in the Northern California/Hawaii region.

"Briana is a handful for defenders; she has great speed, is very strong and has a great knack for being in the right place at the right time... this all leads to goals!," Erwin said. "Bri is coming off an ECNL National Championship with her club team and is one of the top forwards in Northern California. Her athleticism is clear on the soccer field but is also shown with her ability to be a great basketball player for her high school."

Rachael Larson is a defender from Edison High School in Huntington Beach, Calif. Larson plays club for Slammers FC, helping the team to numerous titles including the 2008 Red Bull National League Championship and the 2008 Surf College Showcase title. Larson also led her team to the USYSA National Championship Finals in 2007 and 2010, as well as the USYSA National Championship Semifinals in 2008. She is a member of the Region IV ODP pool.

"Rachael is another new player who has competed for National Championships with her club team," Erwin said. "She also plays in the very competitive leagues in Southern California. Rachael fits our profile of a right back very well; she has great size, is very composed and is great on the ball. The first day I saw her play, I knew she would be a perfect fit for our team."

Lauren White is a defender from Cypress Creek High School in Houston. White lettered all four years in high school and was a first team all District 15-5A selection in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, she helped lead her team to a district title and the regional finals. White plays club for Challenge Soccer Club in the Elite National League from 2007-11. She was also part of the ODP state pool in 2006 and 2007. An all-around athlete, White also lettered in track and field.

"Lauren comes from a great club program in Houston," Erwin said. "She is a tall, strong center back and has wonderful feet and timing on her tackles. Every time I see her play, she continues to improve. I am excited to get her on campus and really watch her blossom in our program."