D'Anna Puts Finishing Touches On 2011 Women's Soccer Roster

March 4, 2011

HARROGATE, TN - LMU Head Soccer Coach Helio D'Anna announced his final additions to the 2011 women's soccer roster Friday morning.  The latest additions to the Lady Railsplitter soccer roster are Michelle Allen, a 5'8" midfield/forward from Cove, Utah, Alexa Samry and Courtney Samry a 5'7" midfielder and a 5'6" forward from Knoxville, Tennessee and Samantha Hilliard, a 5'5" defender from Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Allen, a product of Iowa Western Community College, played her first two seasons of collegiate soccer under the direction of Head Coach Brad Silvey.  While on the junior college level, Allen scored 15 goals and added 10 assists to lead her team to the nationals in 2010.  Her junior college team finished the year with an 18-4-2 record and finished fifth in the nation.  She is the daughter of Chris and Denise Allen and will be majoring in biology while attending Lincoln Memorial University.

Alexa Samry and Courtney Samry come to the Lady Railsplitter soccer program from nearby Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Both were in the Alabama ODP program while also running cross country as well on the high school level.

"Alexa and Courtney are a pleasure to have on the team," said former Head Coach Jonathan Thompson.  "Anytime they are on the pitch, you can tell they have a respect for the game and how it should be played.  Most importantly however, Alexa and Courtney fully show a love and enjoyment for the game that is required at the next level."

The sisters Samry are the daughters of Steve and Kim Samry and will both be pursuing degrees in nursing and possibly athletic training while attending Lincoln Memorial University.

Samantha Hilliard comes to Lincoln Memorial University as a product of Sterling Heights High School where she played her prep career under Head Coach Steve Fiordellisi.  She also played club soccer for PSG Michigan Gators under Head Coach Henry Steinwasher.  In 2010, her team was Michigan State Finalists, in 2009 they were Michigan State Champions, in 2008 they finished as State Cup Finalists and in 2006 they were State Runners-up.  Samantha is the daughter of George and Lori Hilliard and is undecided as to what major she will pursue while attending Lincoln Memorial University.

The Lady Railsplitters begin preseason practice in early August.

Michelle Allen	Samantha Hilliard
Courtney (L) and Alexa (R) Samry