George Washington University Athletics
Women's Soccer Inks 10 Newcomers for Fall 2017
2/2/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Feb. 2, 2017
WASHINGTON - The George Washington women's soccer squad has signed 10 newcomers for the fall 2017 semester, head coach Sarah Barnes announced.
The program's Class of 2021 features a versatile group of student-athletes representing 10 different states across the nation.
"We are thrilled to announce our class of 2021, one of the largest we've brought to GW," said Barnes. "They are a fun group who are passionate about soccer and have the ability to energize those around them. As a whole, their work style drives them to reach their potential, and I know that will help our program continue to move forward. I have no doubt they will leave their mark at GW."
Kelly Amador
Midfield
Yardley, PA
Pennsbury High School - YMS Pride/Patriot FC
5-foot-8
A four-year varsity letterwinner, Amador helped Pennsbury High School grab league and district champion titles as a sophomore, tallying six goals that season. Amador's 13 goals and six assists as a junior earned her Suburban I All-League Second Team distinction as the squad's leading goal scorer. The midfielder helped her team claim another league title as a junior.
"Kelly is a confident and passionate player who strives to be the best she can be," said Barnes. "Her disciplined, resilient approach to the game has prepared Kelly for the collegiate level and her fearlessness on the field will impact our team."
Uma Bhatt
Defense/Midfield
Syosset, N,Y.
Syosset High School - East Meadow Soccer Club ECNL
5-foot-3
Bhatt posted a stellar career at Syosset High School, helping her team become conference champions in 2014 and 2015. Bhatt earned her squad's sportsmanship award in each of her final two seasons and received All-County honors in 2015.
"Uma appreciates the opportunity to play soccer at the highest level and likes to compete," said Barnes. "Her flexibility has helped her develop into a diverse player who can adapt to different positions and demands, while her discipline will help her continue to develop at the collegiate level."
Tuhina Dasgupta
Forward
San Jose, CA
Lynbrook High School - Central Valley Crossfire
5-foot-4
Dasgupta tallied 36 goals throughout her career with 40 assists for Lynbrook High School. Selected as the league's offensive MVP in her junior season, Dasgupta was both a state and regional Player Development Pool selection.
"Tuhi is a dedicated player who works hard to reach her goals," said Barnes. "She strives to perform at the top of her ability, is confident in her capacity to make it happen and is good at bringing her teammates along. Tuhi's discipline and resilience have prepared her to compete."
Morgan Epperson
Defense
Glen Allen, VA
Deep Run High School - Richmond United ECNL
5-foot-8
Epperson was selected as a second-team all-conference member as a sophomore and served as a three-year varsity player. She wrapped her career as team captain for Deep Run High School.
"Morgan is committed to reaching her potential and understands the importance of teamwork," said Barnes. "She's passionate about soccer which will help her develop throughout her career at GW. Morgan values the effort, preparation and resilience it takes to be impactful at the collegiate level."
Emily Hillegass
Forward
Las Vegas, NV
Faith Lutheran High School - Heat Football Club
5-foot-9
Hillegass has been a first-string player for Heat Football Club since 2012 and totaled the most combined points, goals and assists on the squad for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. Hillegass was selected for the ECNL Player Development Pool Southwest Invitational in both the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.
"Emily's passion drives her desire to be an impact player at the collegiate level and here at GW," said Barnes. "She is disciplined in her preparation to become a great player and works to reach her goals. Emily's presence and personality energize those around her and will help to build our team."
Sara Messinger
Midfield
Cherry Hill, N.J.
Cherry Hill High School East - Continental DC Delco ECNL
5-foot-3
Messinger served as a three-year varsity player at Cherry Hill High School East and competed at the 2015 European Maccabi Games in Berlin, Germany. Messinger is slated to represent Team USA at the 2017 Maccabiah Games in Israel this summer as part of the Women's Open Soccer team.
"Sara brings an elevated work ethic to GW that will rub off on her teammates and help our program continue to progress," said Barnes. "She attacks training with confidence, is driven to be her best and is disciplined to put in the extra work. Sara's preparation will help her continue to grow as a collegiate player."
Allie Nornes
Defense/Midfield
Naperville, IL
Horizon High School (Scottsdale, AZ) - Sereno Soccer Club
5-foot-6
Hillegass comes to GW after serving as a four-year starter and three-year varsity captain at Horizon High School. Selected team MVP as a rookie, Hillegass earned All-District honors and All-Section Second Team distinction as a junior while leading her squad in goals and assists.
"Allie will be a tremendous addition to GW as she loves the game and is confident in her ability to play at any position," said Barnes. "Her approach to training and competition is high in responsibility and problem-solving, which will make her competitive within the team."
Emily Schmid
Defense
West Windsor, N.J.
West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North - FC Bucks ECNL
5-foot-4
Schmid will don the Buff and Blue after a strong career at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North. The defender received all-conference honors in her final two seasons and served as a team captain in her senior year. Schmid helped her high school squad become CVC Valley Division Champions in 2014.
"Emily loves to play soccer and strives to be the best version of herself each day," said Barnes. "She will bring a mature and steady work ethic to our team and has the ability to motivate those around her."
Natalie Silberman
Midfield
Miami, FL
Our Lady of Lourdes Academy - Pinecrest Premier
5-foot-7
Silberman put together a successful career at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, earning First Team All-Dade honors as a sophomore and junior. Silberman helped her squad claim district championship titles in all four seasons and became state championship runner-up in her junior year. The Miami native led her team in scoring in her final two seasons, earning her team's Offensive MVP award as a junior.
"Natalie understands the possibilities for her growth as a player and will work to help build the focus needed for herself and our team to achieve," said Barnes. "Her discipline and ability to build strong connections with those around her will be a great addition to our team."
Alexis Williams
Forward/Midfield
Ann Harbor, MI
Somerville High School - FC Copa Academy
5-foot-5
Williams joins the Colonials after a strong high school career, helping Somerville claim the Sectional State Title in 2013. A two-time Syland Conference First Team honoree, Williams garnered All-State distinction in 2015 while helping her team reach the Section finals once again.
"Alexis brings good energy to the team environment and we're excited for her passion and competitive nature to influence her teammates at GW," said Barnes. "Her work ethic and resiliency are a fantastic combination that has prepared Alexis to compete and challenge as a collegiate player."
