USF Women's Soccer Signs Eight Outstanding Student-Athletes

Feb. 2, 2005

(San Francisco) - University of San Francisco women's soccer head coach Pamela Kalinoski announces the signings of goalkeepers Katie Hodgson (Stockton, CA), Anika Steig (Seattle, WA) and Kelly Pohle (Scottsdale, AZ), defenders Lauren Candia (Novato, CA), Jessica Duty (Bothell, WA) and Alexis Mielke (San Juan Capistrano, CA) and midfielders Jessica Gaskin (San Diego) and Katherine Kimure (Sunnyvale, CA) to play at USF in 2005.

"We are thrilled with the speed and athleticism in this year's class," said Kalinoski. "They are all outstanding students and quality individuals. We had some specific needs because of our graduation losses this year and attracting eight players of this caliber to San Francisco will go a long way in helping to fill the holes in our lineup next year."

GOALKEEPERS: "One of the critical needs for next year will be in the goalkeeping department. Losing a four-year starter leaves the keeper position wide open. These signings will more than adequately address the vacancy," Kalinoski said.

Katie Hodgson, 5-5, GK (Stockton, CA/Tokay HS/California Cougars) - Hodgson recorded a record of 27-3 in Premier and Gold level tournaments as the starting keeper and posted 25 shutouts. Selected for Super Y League, National Camp tryouts.

Kalinoski on Hodgson: "Katie has tremendous reaction time and is extremely athletic. Despite only being 5'5" she has tremendous vertical leap. Katie has a solid mental attitude and has a tremendous work-rate."

Kelly Pohle, 5-9, GK (Scottsdale, AZ/Horizon HS/Sereno Eagles) - A highly decorated keeper, Pohle earned NSCAA All-American honors and competed on the ODP Region IV team. An All-State selection, Pohle posted 21 shutouts during her junior season and played on five state champion teams and three Far West Region semifinalist teams with the Sereno Eagles.

Kalinoski on Pohle: "Kelly has great presence in the goal. She has tremendous size and has a demanding voice to keep the back line organized. Her wealth of experience at the Regional level will be a tremendous asset to the program."

Anika Steig, 5-8, GK (Seattle, WA/Bishop Blanchet HS/NWN Volante) - A member of the Washington State ODP State Team, Steig played four years of varsity soccer at Blanchet, earning All-Metro League Honorable Mention selection following her sophomore and seniors seasons.

Kalinoski on Steig: "Ani is extremely composed in the goal and makes great decisions in the box. Her field vision allows her to have great distribution out of the back. Ani will add another layer to our goalkeeping position."

DEFENDERS: "We are adding three new defenders, Jessica Duty, Lauren Candia and Alexis Mielke to help solidify our backline. All will play a critical role, along with our goalkeepers, for establishing a strong defensive presence for years to come," Kalinoski said.

Lauren Candia, 5-3, D (Novato, CA/San Marin HS/Marin FC) - A versatile athlete, Candia played three years of varsity soccer at San Marin High School and brings tremendous athleticism to the table. Candia also ran on the cross country team.

Kalinoski on Candia: "Lauren is a thoroughbred athlete with tremendous speed and explosion. She loves to get forward and find ways to get involved on the offensive side of the ball. Her never-say-die attitude and her great anticipation will provide an immediate impact to our back-line."

Jessica Duty, 5-9, D (Bothell, WA/Meadowdale HS/NWN Volante) - An experienced Washington ODP player, Duty played four years of varsity soccer at Meadowdale High School, and led the South Wesco Conference in assists as a junior and senior en route to all-league and all-region honors. An exceptional athlete, Duty was a three-time Edmonds District Champion in the 100 meters.

Kalinoski on Duty: "Jessica possesses incredible athleticism and is a tenacious defender. As an outside back she will add tremendous speed to our current backline and provide an added spark to our attack in that she loves to get forward."

Alexis Mielke, 5-5, D (San Juan Capistrano, CA/Santa Margarita/Slammers FC) - A member of the 2002 Snickers National Championship squad, Mielke brings tremendous experience as a key contributor on an elite club team. A three-time All-Serra League selection, Mielke also spent two years on the track team.

Kalinoski on Mielke: "Given her experience of being on a National Championship team will provide leadership and challenge the players around her to raise their level. She is strong on the ball and very determined. She came up big in many critical games and we hope she continues that same mentality while at USF."

MIDFIELDERS: "Katherine Kimure and Jessica Gaskin will add a dynamic layer to our midfield and help us fill the void created after losing an All-Far West Region selection," Kalinoski said.

Jessica Gaskin, 5-4, M (San Diego, CA/USD HS/Rancho Santa Fe Attack) - A strong prep athlete, Gaskin played four years of varsity soccer at USD High School. Gaskin earned Athlete of the Week and All-Academic selection from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Kalinoski on Gaskin: "Jessica's talents lie in her superb vision and distribution from the center midfield position. She has developed a solid tactical understanding of the game and is a team player. She will add another dimension to our attack in her ability to score goals off free kicks."

Katherine Kimure, 5-4, M (Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS/DeAnza Force) - An experienced and talented player, Kimure competed on the 2004 State Cup Championship team as a member of the California-North State Team, Regional Camp/Region IV. A two-time team MVP, Kimure played four years of varsity soccer at Homestead High School and led the team in goals all four years.

Kalinoski on Kimure: "Katherine is fast and a tremendous one-on-one player. We are hoping she can use her speed and crossing ability to get end-line and create scoring opportunities for us. Having played on two state championship teams, KK will bring a winning mentality to the program."

KALINOSKI'S CLOSING THOUGHTS: "Given the toughness of the WCC and the strength of our toughest non-conference schedule to date, our need to upgrade is vital to the program's success. I am confident this class will make a tremendous impact and contribute immediately to the soccer program at the University of San Francisco."