Helena-MT. Head women’s soccer coach David Thorvilson recently announced five student-athletes have signed to join the 2008 recruiting class. Samantha Boyd (Livermore, CA), Abby Coburn (Ridgefield, WA), Tayt Ellison (Billings, MT), Lynnsey Janes (Boise, ID), and Rachael Lowe (Richland, WA) have signed national letters of intent to play soccer for the Fighting Saints, who finished the 2007 season ranked 6^th nationally and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NAIA National tournament.

Boyd primarily plays in the midfield and is known to be a very accurate free-kick and corner kick specialist with the ability to play the ball with both feet. While playing for Livermore high school, Boyd has lettered every year since her sophomore season and helped lead the team to it first North Coast Sectional Championship Tournament in nine years. She is currently an assistant coach with the freshman team and plays club soccer with the San Ramon FC. The club is ranked 6^th in the State and 26^th in Region IV; she is also a member of the ’90 Cal North District III ODP Team. Samantha plans to major in History/Pre Law at Carroll. “Boyd will help fill the void left behind by last year’s seniors and will have the chance to compete for significant minutes during her freshman year,” said coach Thorvilson.

Coburn is a product of the Portland area soccer programs where she played high school soccer at Central Catholic. Coburn also plays for the FC Portland Royals and won the Oregon State Cup Championships in 2005 and 2006. While at Central Catholic, Coburn was selected team captain and earned 1^st team Mt. Hood Conference and 1^st team All-State honors while guiding her team to the Oregon 6A Finals in State. Coburn lead her team in assists and goals in 2006 and was the teams leading goal scorer in 2007. Coburn plans to major in Psychology at Carroll. “Abby is a tremendous athlete and will have a huge impact on the Saints’ success over the next four years. I expect she will scores goals like former Central Catholic and Carroll alum Valerie Feltz,” stated coach Thorvilson.

Ellison, a member of the 2007 Billings Senior High School 2^nd place team, has been an All-State Academic selection every year as well as playing varsity all four years. She has been an assist leader for her high school, club, and OPD teams and primarily plays in the central midfield. Ellison’s Magic City soccer team won the State title in 2005 and she is a member of the Montana ‘90’s ODP team. Ellison plans to major in Chemistry/Pre Med at Carroll. “Tayt will be a great addition to the program, she is a very aggressive player with the potential to play right away for the Saints,” said coach Thorvilson.

Janes, a member of the Boise Capitals Soccer Club and Borah High School, is another versatile and consistent player who will add depth at both the fullback and midfield positions. Janes’ club team has been the state champions for two years were she has been the team captain for the last 3 years. She also captained her high school team as a senior and has been a varsity member since her sophomore year. Janes plans to major in Pre Physical Therapy at Carroll. “Lynnsey will be a great addition to the team. She is athletic and strong on the ball and can play in many different roles for the Saints. I expect she will challenge for significant minutes during her first year,” declared coach Thorvilson.

Lowe has been a four year starter for Richland High School and has been the team captain since her sophomore year. Lowe has been a two time 1^st team All State selection and a three time All Conference selection. She was the Columbia Basin League MVP in 2006 and was the Columbia Basin League leader in assists her sophomore and senior years and was the league leader in goals her junior year. Lowe has also seen great success with her club team the Spokane Shadow; they have been the Washington State Cup Champions the last two years. Lowe plans to plans to major in Nursing at Carroll. “Rachael is a tremendous player and we are lucky to have her as a Saint! She will have the chance to battle for a starting spot this fall,” stated coach Thorvilson.

Coach Thorvilson expects to sign 2-4 more student-athletes this spring in preparation for the 2008 season.

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