Four Players Joining The Lady Railsplitters For 2012 Campaign
February 7, 2012
HARROGATE, TN -- The Lincoln Memorial University women's soccer team has made big moves on the recruiting trail this sping, as they have announced the addition of four new players for the 2012 season.
Samantha Davis, a 5'7" defender and forward out of Spring, Texas, will be joining the Lady Railsplitter squad for the 2012 campaign. Davis comes to LMU by way of Klein Collins High School where she was an honor roll student and also starred on the track, setting the district record in the 200 and 440 meter. She was a member of the Texans 94 Houston club team. Davis looks to be a significant part of the Lady Railsplitters future. She is the daughter of Rod and Pam Selman and she plans on majoring in Athletic Training while at Lincoln Memorial University.
"Sam has the drive that is part of a champion's heart," said Davis' high school coach, Martin Metcalf. "She is a hard tackler, quick minded, and skilled. She will take a beating and never quit...never, ever!"
Regarding Samantha, head coach Helio D'Anna said, "Sam is as good on defense as she is on offense. She is strong and hard working and will do well for us."
Taylor McDonald, a 5'6" midfielder and forward, has signed to play for the Lady Railsplitters. McDonald is joining Lincoln Memorial University by way of Washington High School in Washington, Missouri. While there, she was a member of both the WC Arsenal-Fuchs and International Soccer Academy club teams. In 2011, McDonald compiled 12 goals and 24 assists in 30 games. Along with her athletic talents, McDonald brings academic excellence as she was an honor roll student, a member of the National Honor Society, and the All-Academic Team. She is the daughter of Timothy and Audrey McDonald and will major in Biology at LMU.
"Taylor is very versatile who fulfills all the demands of the game," commented Fernando Hernadez, coach for International Soccer Academy. "She understands tactics and does well with combination play. I am proud of her as a player and human being. She is committed, dependable, and coachable."
Regarding Taylor, coach Helio D'Anna said, "Taylor does a great job wide as both a mid and a winder. She has a good service and can stack up assists."
A product of Harwood, Maryland, Sam Adams has committed to join the Lady Railsplitters for the 2012 season. Adams, a 5'8" midfielder and defender , compiled numerous honors at Southern High School, where she was named the Most Valuable Player, All-County, and All-State. Adams brings college experience to the Lady Railsplitters recruiting class as she was named All-Conference, All-Region, and All-American at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland. She also made the Dean's List while attending AACC. She is the daughter of Sue Adams and plans on majoring in Kinesiology and Physical Education at LMU.
"Adams plays like a quarterback and can stop opposing attacks with her ability to read the field and make adjustments," said Adam's high school coach, Mike Smith. "She has great instincts and savvy hustly. She is the best defender I've seen.
Her JUCO coach, Jim Griffith added, "Sam has been an outstanding student athlete and has been an integral part of a nationally ranked program. She has leadership, winning attitude, work ethic, and physical presence. She also can make others better around her."
Regarding Sam, coach Helio D'Anna stated, "Sam will be a force physically and will bring competitive drive and maturity to the team. She has won in all levels she played and will have that attitude coming in."
Kayla Stephens, a 5'11" goalkeeper out of Keller, Texas, has also committed to join the Lady Railsplitters. Stephens is a product of Keller High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and an honor roll student. She was a member of the American Eagles club team who were the 2010 Cowtown and Puma Cup Champions. She is the daughter of Kent and Kim Stephens and she will major in Education while at Lincoln Memorial University.
Regarding Kayla, coach Helio D'Anna said, "Kayla is an excellent keeper, dominant in the air, fearless and hard working. She will no doubt be a huge impact for us and will make our team that much deeper."
The Lady Railsplitters will continue to make huge strides on the recruiting trail this spring in preparation for the 2012 season that looks to be filled with elevated expectations. Stay posted, as the Lincoln Memorial University soccer programs will continue to announce roster additions throughout the coming weeks.
