
Local Athletes Lead 2011 Commitments for Women's Soccer
2/9/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
WASHINGTON, DC --The George Washington University women's soccer head coach Tanya Vogel and assistant coach Lane Davis are excited to announce their seven-member 2011 recruiting class, including many players from some of the top clubs in the country.
"We looked to increase our mark in Region I and found six outstanding players that will improve our scoring capabilities and steady our backline," said coach Vogel on this year's class. "We are also thrilled to bring in another strong talent from Northern California in Alex Brothers."
Leading the way are local standouts Elizabeth Casey (Centreville, VA/Chantilly HS) and Margaret (Meg) Murphy (Fairfax, VA/Fairfax HS). Casey is ranked 63 in top 100 recruits of 2011 on Top Drawer Soccer and Murphy was an Olympic Development Program Region I Pool player in 2006 and 2007 and attended National Identification Camp in 2007.
In addition to Casey and Murphy, the Colonials welcome defenders Alex Brothers (Walnut Creek, CA/Carondelet HS) and Madison Davis (Washingtonville, NY/Washingtonville HS), midfielders Nicole Belfonti (Galloway, NJ/Absagami HS), MacKenzie McIndoe (New City, NY/Clarkstown HS North) and forward Taylor Katz (Jericho, NY/Jericho HS).
The Colonials wrapped up the 2010 season with a 9-9-0 record and 3-6-0 mark in Atlantic 10 Conference play. GW graduated 10 seniors and graduate students after the season, including defender Jillian Morgan who started every match in her four-year playing career and goal-scorers Cara Cadigan, Kristen Slack, and Liz Hillin.
Nicole Belfonti
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Galloway, NJ
High School: Absegami HS
Club Team: NJSA 04 Air Storm
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "The first time I saw Nicole play, I knew I wanted her to be a part of our program. She was competing against fellow 2011 classmate, Elizabeth Casey, and stood out with her ability to run the midfield. She is extremely athletic, great on the ball and will be one of our attacking midfielders."
Belfonti on why she chose George Washington: "I chose GW because it offered everything I was looking for; a great educational opportunity, a dynamic city and a Division I program with incredible coaches and players. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better because of my commitment to the team and I'll be able to bring my experience to the field. I'm excited to sign with GW because this is the next step to begin a new chapter in my life. The possibilities GW offers are endless!"
Belfonti's Resume: Four-year Varsity letterman including captain in 2010... As a freshman she was named Cape Atlantic League All Conference Honorable Mention... Junior year included awards as MVP of Absegami HS, Cape Atlantic League All Conference 1st Team (2009, 2010), South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association, All South Jersey 3rd team (2009, 1st team (2010) Courier Post All Star Group IV 2nd Team, Press of AC All Star 1st Team, New Jersey Girls Soccer Coaches Association All State Team, NJGSCA All State Team, led the team and the American Conference in goals (17)... Philadelphia Inquirer All South Jersey 1st Team (2010), Press of Atlantic City All Star 1st Team and "Player of the Year" (2010), Newark Star Ledger All South Jersey 1st Team, Ranked 10th all time for single season scoring in South Jersey with 19 goals...Member NJSA 04 Storm (Formerly Atlantic United Air Storm)... CASL champions in 2007 and 2009... PDA Semi-finalists in 2010.
Alex Brothers
Position: Defender
Hometown: Walnut Creek, CA
High School: Carondelet High School
Club Team: Mustang Earthquakes
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "Alex is an extremely technical player who will help us on the left side of the field. She has played at an extremely high level and is prepared to deal with some of the best attackers in the A-10 Conference."
Brothers on signing with George Washington: "I am looking forward to playing soccer for GW under its experienced coaching staff and with its talented team. The girls are all good players and extremely welcoming, and therefore I am excited for our class to come in and contribute to the program."
Brothers on George Washington: "I chose GW because of the University's location, the high level of academics and the opportunity to play Division I soccer at GW. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better because of my tireless work ethic and the fact that I always demand the most of myself. In addition, I can use both feet proficiently, and therefore can play many positions throughout the field."
Brothers' Resume: NCS CIF Scholar Athlete all four years... 2009 EBAL All League Honorable Mention... 2010 EBAL All League Second Team... Carondolet was EBAL League champions, 2010 NCS semi-finalists and 2010 Tri-Valley Champions...Member of Mustang Earthquakes who were State Cup Semi-Finalists in 2007, 2009 and 2010... 2008 Far West Regional League Semi-Finalist... 2008 Surf Cup Champions
Elizabeth Casey
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Hometown: Centreville, VA
High School: Chantilly High School
Club Team: FCV Cardinals
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "Elizabeth is the epitome of a steady, smart player. She possesses poise and will help control the middle of the park. She has great vision and the ability to strike the ball 60+ yards. We are really excited to have both Casey and Murphy joining us from our local community."
Casey on George Washington: "I chose GW because it I wanted to be a part of not only a competitive soccer program, but also a competitive academic environment. It was an easy choice after meeting all the incoming recruits of 2011, the coaches, and of course the players. I felt at home and welcomed every time I visited the campus and cannot wait to spend the next four years of my life there. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better because my passion for soccer is shown through my dedication, determination, and effort I show on the field. I want to compete with the already hard working players at GW to create a rhythmic, dedicated, and strong team."
Casey's Resume: Ranked 63 in top 100 recruits of 2011 on Top Drawer Soccer ...Lettered for varsity all four years including All-District honors while at Fairfax... Team was champion at the District and Regional level and won Virginia State Championship in 2009... Member of FCV FPYC Cardinals and captain past two years... ECNL All Event team at PDA... three-year state cup semi-finalists... Cardinals claimed championships at CASL, Bethesda, Jefferson Cup, U.S. Club Soccer Region B Championships, US Club Soccer National Cup and WAGS... Member of Virginia ODP State/District team two years.
Madison Davis
Position: Defender
Hometown: Washingtonville, NY
High School: Washingtonville High School
Club Team: Syosset Sting
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "Madison is the kid that you absolutely hate to play against. She is a tireless worker, a hard nosed defender with the athletic ability and talent to get into the attack. Madison should make an impact from Day one."
Davis on signing with George Washington: "I am extremely excited to play Division I soccer at GW. My goal is to help the team win the A-10 Conference title and go on to do big things in the NCAA College Cup. I'm honored to be playing on such a wonderful program with an awesome group of girls and coaching staff."
Davis on George Washington: "I chose GW because I love the city atmosphere, yet if I ever wanted to get away from the city, the Mount Vernon campus is only a few miles away. I also love the girls that play on the soccer team because they are so close; it's as if they're a family. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better because I am an extremely versatile player and can make an impact at whatever position I play. I'm also extremely dedicated and hardworking."
Davis' Resume: All-Section as a sophomore and senior...Received Most Valuable Defender, Rookie of the Year and the Coaches Award while at Washingtonville H.S. ... High school team was Section 9 Champions 2007 and 2009... Member of Syosset Sting who were State Champions in 2007, 2009, 2010... Region 1 Champions in 2009 and 2010 as well as USYS National Finalist in 2010.
Taylor Katz
Position: Forward
Hometown: Jericho, NY
High School: Jericho High School
Club Team: Albertson Fury
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "I saw Taylor play against fellow 2011 Meg Murphy two years ago and knew the two of them would be an unstoppable duo up front for GW. Taylor is quick and feisty. Her runs are dynamic and she is always looking to score. Defenders can't stand dealing with her because she lulls them to sleep and then flies in behind them. We are counting on Taylor to be a threat from Day one here at GW."
Katz on George Washington: "I chose GW because I want to attend an institution that will prepare me for my future while at the same time challenge me to grow as an athlete. GW, being in the heart of DC, provides opportunities that few other colleges can claim, and I am excited to experience all that the Capital has to offer. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better by bringing passion, determination, and energy to every training session and game. I feel that the success of a team has a lot to do with the bonds that the players share with each other, and hopefully I will form bonds as strong as the ones I have with my club and high school teammates."
Katz's Resume: Scored 66 goals for Jericho High School... 4-Year Varsity starting forward including becoming captain her senior year... All-County, MVP in 2010... All-Class A in 2008 and 2009... Team MVP in 2007 and Rookie of the Year in 2006... Led Jericho to first ever appearance in the Nassau County Semis in 2009 and completed a repeat trip in 2010...Scored 40 goals for Albertson Fury Premier during her U-16, U-17 and U-18 years... ECNL National Championship Finalist, ENY State Cup Finalist, and PDA Finalist in 2010... Disney Champions, ENY State Cup Finalists, PDA Finalist, NEWSS semi-finalist in 2009... Disney Champions 2008, Member of ENY State ODP team from 2004 to 2009... Region 1 ODP Finalist 2008
MacKenzie McIndoe
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Hometown: New City, NY
High School: Clarksville High School - North
Club Team: Arsenal Express
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "MacKenzie is so comfortable on the ball, she will fit in well with our technical team. She loves taking on 1v1 and will be fun to let loose in the final third. We are looking for MacKenzie to come in and score goals as a forward or outside mid."
McIndoe on coming to George Washington: "I chose GW because it's the perfect fit. I have the opportunity to play high level soccer at a strong academic institution, in the center of a great city. After meeting the team and coaches there was no way I could play anywhere else. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better because I can create strong scoring opportunities for my teammates and myself with my speed and athletic ability."
McIndoe's Resume: Scored 28 goals and had 14 assists...captain her senior year... All-League, All-County, All-Section, MVP, Rockland County Scholar Athlete as a member of the Clarksville North soccer team... was All-League in lacrosse...captain of the winter track with school records in 300m, 4X400m, 4X200m, 400m... national Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Science Honor Society, and Social Studies Honor Society...Leading scorer for Arsenal Express the past two seasons.
Margaret (Meg) Murphy
Position: Forward
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
High School: Fairfax High School
Club Team: McLean Azul
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "Meg is a force to be reckoned with up front. Her athleticism, matched with her size makes her an ideal target forward. She can strike a ball from 30 yards out and appears to score at will. We are thrilled to have Meg join our current forwards as she adds a different element. Our front will be working on all cylinders this fall."
Murphy on George Washington: "I chose GW because I loved the environment. The coaches, the members of the soccer team, the academics, and the location all drew me to this school. It seems to be the perfect fit. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better due to my size, athleticism and strong technical skills. I am so excited that my signing day has finally come because I am definitely ready for a new chapter in my life and am up to the challenge of playing Division I soccer while going to a prestigious school."
Murphy's Resume: ODP Region I Pool in 2006 and 2007, National Identification Camp in 2007... Member of VA ODP from 2004-2009... WCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention, WCAC All-Conference 2nd Team, Liberty District 2nd Team, MVP... Team accomplishments include WCAC Regular Season Champions in 2007, WCAC Tournament Finalist in 2007 and 2008, Liberty District Tournament in 2010, and Northern Region Tournament in 2010... The Azul were Virginia State Champions from 2005 - 2011, Region I Finalist in 2005, and Region I Semi-finalist in 2006 and 2007... National ODP Championship Tournament in 2009.
"We looked to increase our mark in Region I and found six outstanding players that will improve our scoring capabilities and steady our backline," said coach Vogel on this year's class. "We are also thrilled to bring in another strong talent from Northern California in Alex Brothers."
Leading the way are local standouts Elizabeth Casey (Centreville, VA/Chantilly HS) and Margaret (Meg) Murphy (Fairfax, VA/Fairfax HS). Casey is ranked 63 in top 100 recruits of 2011 on Top Drawer Soccer and Murphy was an Olympic Development Program Region I Pool player in 2006 and 2007 and attended National Identification Camp in 2007.
In addition to Casey and Murphy, the Colonials welcome defenders Alex Brothers (Walnut Creek, CA/Carondelet HS) and Madison Davis (Washingtonville, NY/Washingtonville HS), midfielders Nicole Belfonti (Galloway, NJ/Absagami HS), MacKenzie McIndoe (New City, NY/Clarkstown HS North) and forward Taylor Katz (Jericho, NY/Jericho HS).
The Colonials wrapped up the 2010 season with a 9-9-0 record and 3-6-0 mark in Atlantic 10 Conference play. GW graduated 10 seniors and graduate students after the season, including defender Jillian Morgan who started every match in her four-year playing career and goal-scorers Cara Cadigan, Kristen Slack, and Liz Hillin.
Nicole Belfonti
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Galloway, NJ
High School: Absegami HS
Club Team: NJSA 04 Air Storm
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "The first time I saw Nicole play, I knew I wanted her to be a part of our program. She was competing against fellow 2011 classmate, Elizabeth Casey, and stood out with her ability to run the midfield. She is extremely athletic, great on the ball and will be one of our attacking midfielders."
Belfonti on why she chose George Washington: "I chose GW because it offered everything I was looking for; a great educational opportunity, a dynamic city and a Division I program with incredible coaches and players. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better because of my commitment to the team and I'll be able to bring my experience to the field. I'm excited to sign with GW because this is the next step to begin a new chapter in my life. The possibilities GW offers are endless!"
Belfonti's Resume: Four-year Varsity letterman including captain in 2010... As a freshman she was named Cape Atlantic League All Conference Honorable Mention... Junior year included awards as MVP of Absegami HS, Cape Atlantic League All Conference 1st Team (2009, 2010), South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association, All South Jersey 3rd team (2009, 1st team (2010) Courier Post All Star Group IV 2nd Team, Press of AC All Star 1st Team, New Jersey Girls Soccer Coaches Association All State Team, NJGSCA All State Team, led the team and the American Conference in goals (17)... Philadelphia Inquirer All South Jersey 1st Team (2010), Press of Atlantic City All Star 1st Team and "Player of the Year" (2010), Newark Star Ledger All South Jersey 1st Team, Ranked 10th all time for single season scoring in South Jersey with 19 goals...Member NJSA 04 Storm (Formerly Atlantic United Air Storm)... CASL champions in 2007 and 2009... PDA Semi-finalists in 2010.
Alex Brothers
Position: Defender
Hometown: Walnut Creek, CA
High School: Carondelet High School
Club Team: Mustang Earthquakes
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "Alex is an extremely technical player who will help us on the left side of the field. She has played at an extremely high level and is prepared to deal with some of the best attackers in the A-10 Conference."
Brothers on signing with George Washington: "I am looking forward to playing soccer for GW under its experienced coaching staff and with its talented team. The girls are all good players and extremely welcoming, and therefore I am excited for our class to come in and contribute to the program."
Brothers on George Washington: "I chose GW because of the University's location, the high level of academics and the opportunity to play Division I soccer at GW. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better because of my tireless work ethic and the fact that I always demand the most of myself. In addition, I can use both feet proficiently, and therefore can play many positions throughout the field."
Brothers' Resume: NCS CIF Scholar Athlete all four years... 2009 EBAL All League Honorable Mention... 2010 EBAL All League Second Team... Carondolet was EBAL League champions, 2010 NCS semi-finalists and 2010 Tri-Valley Champions...Member of Mustang Earthquakes who were State Cup Semi-Finalists in 2007, 2009 and 2010... 2008 Far West Regional League Semi-Finalist... 2008 Surf Cup Champions
Elizabeth Casey
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Hometown: Centreville, VA
High School: Chantilly High School
Club Team: FCV Cardinals
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "Elizabeth is the epitome of a steady, smart player. She possesses poise and will help control the middle of the park. She has great vision and the ability to strike the ball 60+ yards. We are really excited to have both Casey and Murphy joining us from our local community."
Casey on George Washington: "I chose GW because it I wanted to be a part of not only a competitive soccer program, but also a competitive academic environment. It was an easy choice after meeting all the incoming recruits of 2011, the coaches, and of course the players. I felt at home and welcomed every time I visited the campus and cannot wait to spend the next four years of my life there. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better because my passion for soccer is shown through my dedication, determination, and effort I show on the field. I want to compete with the already hard working players at GW to create a rhythmic, dedicated, and strong team."
Casey's Resume: Ranked 63 in top 100 recruits of 2011 on Top Drawer Soccer ...Lettered for varsity all four years including All-District honors while at Fairfax... Team was champion at the District and Regional level and won Virginia State Championship in 2009... Member of FCV FPYC Cardinals and captain past two years... ECNL All Event team at PDA... three-year state cup semi-finalists... Cardinals claimed championships at CASL, Bethesda, Jefferson Cup, U.S. Club Soccer Region B Championships, US Club Soccer National Cup and WAGS... Member of Virginia ODP State/District team two years.
Madison Davis
Position: Defender
Hometown: Washingtonville, NY
High School: Washingtonville High School
Club Team: Syosset Sting
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "Madison is the kid that you absolutely hate to play against. She is a tireless worker, a hard nosed defender with the athletic ability and talent to get into the attack. Madison should make an impact from Day one."
Davis on signing with George Washington: "I am extremely excited to play Division I soccer at GW. My goal is to help the team win the A-10 Conference title and go on to do big things in the NCAA College Cup. I'm honored to be playing on such a wonderful program with an awesome group of girls and coaching staff."
Davis on George Washington: "I chose GW because I love the city atmosphere, yet if I ever wanted to get away from the city, the Mount Vernon campus is only a few miles away. I also love the girls that play on the soccer team because they are so close; it's as if they're a family. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better because I am an extremely versatile player and can make an impact at whatever position I play. I'm also extremely dedicated and hardworking."
Davis' Resume: All-Section as a sophomore and senior...Received Most Valuable Defender, Rookie of the Year and the Coaches Award while at Washingtonville H.S. ... High school team was Section 9 Champions 2007 and 2009... Member of Syosset Sting who were State Champions in 2007, 2009, 2010... Region 1 Champions in 2009 and 2010 as well as USYS National Finalist in 2010.
Taylor Katz
Position: Forward
Hometown: Jericho, NY
High School: Jericho High School
Club Team: Albertson Fury
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "I saw Taylor play against fellow 2011 Meg Murphy two years ago and knew the two of them would be an unstoppable duo up front for GW. Taylor is quick and feisty. Her runs are dynamic and she is always looking to score. Defenders can't stand dealing with her because she lulls them to sleep and then flies in behind them. We are counting on Taylor to be a threat from Day one here at GW."
Katz on George Washington: "I chose GW because I want to attend an institution that will prepare me for my future while at the same time challenge me to grow as an athlete. GW, being in the heart of DC, provides opportunities that few other colleges can claim, and I am excited to experience all that the Capital has to offer. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better by bringing passion, determination, and energy to every training session and game. I feel that the success of a team has a lot to do with the bonds that the players share with each other, and hopefully I will form bonds as strong as the ones I have with my club and high school teammates."
Katz's Resume: Scored 66 goals for Jericho High School... 4-Year Varsity starting forward including becoming captain her senior year... All-County, MVP in 2010... All-Class A in 2008 and 2009... Team MVP in 2007 and Rookie of the Year in 2006... Led Jericho to first ever appearance in the Nassau County Semis in 2009 and completed a repeat trip in 2010...Scored 40 goals for Albertson Fury Premier during her U-16, U-17 and U-18 years... ECNL National Championship Finalist, ENY State Cup Finalist, and PDA Finalist in 2010... Disney Champions, ENY State Cup Finalists, PDA Finalist, NEWSS semi-finalist in 2009... Disney Champions 2008, Member of ENY State ODP team from 2004 to 2009... Region 1 ODP Finalist 2008
MacKenzie McIndoe
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Hometown: New City, NY
High School: Clarksville High School - North
Club Team: Arsenal Express
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "MacKenzie is so comfortable on the ball, she will fit in well with our technical team. She loves taking on 1v1 and will be fun to let loose in the final third. We are looking for MacKenzie to come in and score goals as a forward or outside mid."
McIndoe on coming to George Washington: "I chose GW because it's the perfect fit. I have the opportunity to play high level soccer at a strong academic institution, in the center of a great city. After meeting the team and coaches there was no way I could play anywhere else. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better because I can create strong scoring opportunities for my teammates and myself with my speed and athletic ability."
McIndoe's Resume: Scored 28 goals and had 14 assists...captain her senior year... All-League, All-County, All-Section, MVP, Rockland County Scholar Athlete as a member of the Clarksville North soccer team... was All-League in lacrosse...captain of the winter track with school records in 300m, 4X400m, 4X200m, 400m... national Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Science Honor Society, and Social Studies Honor Society...Leading scorer for Arsenal Express the past two seasons.
Margaret (Meg) Murphy
Position: Forward
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
High School: Fairfax High School
Club Team: McLean Azul
Coach Vogel's Scouting Report: "Meg is a force to be reckoned with up front. Her athleticism, matched with her size makes her an ideal target forward. She can strike a ball from 30 yards out and appears to score at will. We are thrilled to have Meg join our current forwards as she adds a different element. Our front will be working on all cylinders this fall."
Murphy on George Washington: "I chose GW because I loved the environment. The coaches, the members of the soccer team, the academics, and the location all drew me to this school. It seems to be the perfect fit. I believe I can make GW Women's Soccer better due to my size, athleticism and strong technical skills. I am so excited that my signing day has finally come because I am definitely ready for a new chapter in my life and am up to the challenge of playing Division I soccer while going to a prestigious school."
Murphy's Resume: ODP Region I Pool in 2006 and 2007, National Identification Camp in 2007... Member of VA ODP from 2004-2009... WCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention, WCAC All-Conference 2nd Team, Liberty District 2nd Team, MVP... Team accomplishments include WCAC Regular Season Champions in 2007, WCAC Tournament Finalist in 2007 and 2008, Liberty District Tournament in 2010, and Northern Region Tournament in 2010... The Azul were Virginia State Champions from 2005 - 2011, Region I Finalist in 2005, and Region I Semi-finalist in 2006 and 2007... National ODP Championship Tournament in 2009.
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