DES MOINES, IOWA ? The Drake women's soccer team announced the addition of 10 student-athletes expected to join the squad in the fall 2008 term. Kourtney Arnold (Norwalk, Iowa), Lauren Berner (Omaha, Neb.), Angela Chigazola (Santa Rosa, Calif.), Melanie Fielder (Burbank, Calif.), Danielle Figliola (Longmont, Colo.), Maggie Olson (Omaha, Neb.), Lindsey Johnson (Lincoln, Neb.), Sam Knosby (Ames, Iowa), Amanda Wallace (Centennial, Colo.) and Lauren Wiltshire (Littleton, Colo.) will be joining the Bulldogs this fall.

“We are excited about the immediate impact that our 2008 class will have on our program,” said the Drake coaching staff. “This class is a mix of talented athletes and competitors. The addition of these ten players will create competition and depth at every position.”

Arnold, a goalkeeper nearby Norwalk High School, was a four-year starter earning all-tournament team and second team all-state 1A in 2007. She was a member of the 2007 State Cup Champion Johnston-Urbandale Soccer Club and a member of the 1990 Iowa State ODP Team from 2006-08.

“Kourtney is an athletic, explosive goalkeeper who will push for playing time,” said the Drake coaching staff. “She is technically sound with her hands and feet. Her competitive mentality and tremendous work rate will be a positive influence on our team for training and during games.”

Berner from Westside High School will look to contribute immediately. She was a four-year varsity player earning Class B all-state first team honors in 2007. She is a finalist for Nebraska Gatorade Player of the year.

“Lauren is one of the most dynamic attacking players we have recruited at Drake,” said the coaching staff. “We have watched her develop over several years and are extremely comfortable with what she can do to opponents. In losing some of our best attackers from last year to graduation, we needed to bring in a dangerous attacking personality. A tireless worker and fierce competitor, she brings the right kind of winning mentality we need and value.”

Chigazola is a midfielder from Maria Carillo High School where she was a four year varsity starter and a second team North Bay League selection. She was a member of the Santa Rosa United Freeze (Calif.), which won the California North State Cup Championship in 2007.

“Angela is a left-footed wide player that has good ideas and good feet, she serves a great ball with her left foot and can break down defenses with her simple possession-oriented style,” commented the Drake coaching staff. “Our first Northern Californian, she brings the right temperament and commitment to competition and development.”

Fielder was a four-year starter and team captain for two years at Burbank High School, while earning first team all-Pacific League and all-area in 2007. She played for the Santa Clarita United, which won the Far West Regional in 2007.

“Melanie is a versatile central player who can play in the back or as a screen in the midfield. She has range and mobility as well as size to be a disruptive force in the center of the field. She is clean and comfortable with the ball and understands how to play good soccer.”

Figliola is a midfielder/forward from Silver Creek High School in Longmont, Colo.; she was a class 4A State Elite team member in 2005 and 2006. She earned all-state and all-region second team honors in 2006. She played for the Boulder Nova, Broomfield Blast and Arsenal Gold soccer clubs.

“Danielle is an explosive, hard-nosed athletic player who should be able to make an immediate impact either in midfield or up front,” said the Drake coaching staff. “She is a dynamic attacker who is unafraid to mix it up and compete for balls. Her gritty no-nonsense style combined with a good feel for the ball and terrific work ethic will prove instrumental to her success at Drake this fall.”

Olson is a defender from Marian High School in Omaha, Neb. She was a three-year varsity starter and earned all-state honorable mention honors in 2007. She played for Arsenal Primo club team, which won the State Cup Championship for four years.

“Maggie is a tough, fearless defender that will add depth to our backline. She is confident on both sides of the ball and has the ability and willingness to get forward in the attack,” commented the Drake coaching staff. “Maggie has a competitive spirit that will enable her to develop into a contributor for our team.”

Johnston was a four-year starter at Lincoln Southeast High School in Lincoln, Neb. She was the team captain for the 2008 season while earning honorable mention all-state honors in 2005, 2006 and 2007. She played club soccer for the Elkhorn Inferno which were State Cup finalists in 2007 and 2008 and also played for CSA Gold Galaxy which won the state cup in 2002, 2004 and 2005. She played ODP Soccer for the Nebraska 1989 team in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

“Lindsey is a player with great potential to develop and contribute from the midfield position. She is quick and skillful on the ball. Her positive attitude on and off the field combined with her desire to compete will make her an asset to our program.”

Sam Knosby was a midfielder/defender from Gilbert High School in Ames, Iowa, where she earned first team all-conference in 2005 and 2006. She played club soccer for the West Des Moines Soccer Club, which won the Iowa State Cup in 2004 and also played for the Ankeny Soccer Club. She was a member of the 1990 ODP team from 2002-06. Knosby also played hockey for the Iowa High School Boys Hockey League from 2004-07.

“Sam is a tireless worker, a strong presence in the center of the field and she knows how to play zonally in the back. Her soccer and hockey experience have elevated her competitiveness and attitude.”

Wallace was a four-year starter at Cherry Creek High School in Centennial, Colo. She played club soccer for the Littleton United which reached the Colorado State Cup Semi-Finals in 2004, 2005 and 2007. She was also a member of the 1990 Colorado ODP in 2006.

“Amanda is a versatile, technically capable athlete who has a great attacking mentality. She can play in midfield or up front, her diligent conscientious approach to training and soccer is very refreshing and will be much appreciated. Amanda has the potential to develop into a dangerous wide player or attacking midfielder.”

Wiltshire will add some depth to the center-back position coming to Drake from Heritage High School where she was a three-year varsity starter and earned second team all-state honors in 2007. She played club soccer for the Littleton Soccer Club which reached the state cup finals in 2001-06. She was also in the 1990 Colorado ODP Pool.

“Lauren is an athletic, determined competitor who is technically and tactically proficient. She is just as comfortable on the tackle as she is with the ball going forward something we have lacked in recent years. Her tenacity to defend and terrific attitude both on and off the field will help her and the team.”

“This class includes tremendous players, diligent students and great people. We are exited to have them join our program.”