Feb. 7, 2008

KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State women's soccer head coach Rob King announced that six players signed a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday afternoon, officially committing to play for the Owls beginning in the fall of 2008.

"The '08 class is quite simply the strongest we've ever had," said King. "The complete class will include these six in-state signees, plus a transfer and overseas recruits."

The six players, Katie Schwartz (Fayetteville), Lauren Ruffini (Roswell), Katie Scott (Calhoun), Kristin Kranick (Smyrna), Kelsey MacGinnis (Peachtree City) and Brittany Vining (Fayetteville), have all excelled at the high school level and played for the most elite soccer clubs in the Southeast Region.

Schwartz, a defender, will help fill the void created by graduating senior Whitney Marler. A three-year captain, Schwartz led Whitewater High School to the Georgia 4A Final Four in 2006 and to the State Championship in 2007. A member of coach Brian Moore's 2007 Championship Concorde Fire 90's elite squad, the Fayetteville product could see time as either an outside or central defender.

"Katie Schwartz is a very composed central or outside defender," King said. "She reads the game well, is strong in the air, a natural leader and distributes the ball accurately."

A teammate of Schwartz from the Concorde Fire team, MacGinnis comes to Kennesaw State after a successful prep career at Starr's Mill High School. A Georgia State Champion in '06 and a runner-up last season, the 5'-7", three-year Georgia Olympic Development defender, will add to an already strong Owls' defense.

"Kelsey is another great defensive addition," added King. "Fast, athletic and very competitive, she is comfortable going toe to toe with the best forwards in the country."

Vining joins the Owls program after also prepping at Whitewater HS. Always playing with an attacking mind-set, the midfielder/forward led the Wildcats with 15 goals and seven assists, including the game-winner in double-overtime to win the Region 4A title.

King commented that Vining, "will add a new attacking dimension to the team, whether she is playing up front or in midfield position. She's strong in 1 v 1 situations, crosses with both feet and scores goals too."

Adding depth in the midfield is Scott, who could see time on the outside or in a central role. A product of Calhoun High School, Scott led the Yellow Jackets to the regional championship in 2006.

"Katie Scott is a dynamic midfielder, who can play on the outside or centrally," said King. "She's a tenacious competitor and makes great use of the ball. Katie is another player who gets her share of goals."

Ruffini, a highly-regarded forward for Roswell High School and the Atlanta Fire United, led the Region III Premier League in scoring and also saw time as a defender with her club team.

"Lauren may be one of the most versatile players that we've recruited," King added. After leading the R3PL in scoring, Lauren this year, settled into a needed defensive role for her team. She will make an immediate impact on our squad."

Rounding out the 2008 class is Kranick. An all-around athlete with great speed and strength, the Smyrna native lettered in both soccer and basketball for all four years at Kennesaw Mountain High School. A two-year ODP and Regional Pool participant, Kranick will help fill the space vacated by Annie Phillips.

"Kristin is a goal scorer who she sees the game well, utilizes her size and strength when playing with her back to goal and finishes her chances too," commented King.

"Our six Georgia-based players are familiar with success, having won numerous club and high school state championships," concluded King. "These student-athletes will immediately strengthen the program and help in our quest for a third straight Atlantic Sun Conference Championship."