Terps Announce 2012 Signing Class

March 9, 2012

COLLEGE PARK, MD. - ~ Maryland women's soccer head coach Jonathan Morgan welcomes 14 newcomers to the Terrapin soccer program for the 2012 season. Twelve of the nation's top high school players signed National Letters of Intent to join the program in the fall, while two transfers arrived in College Park for the 2012 spring semester.

"The 2012 class may be the best class we have ever signed here at the University of Maryland," said Morgan. "There is talent from top to bottom in this class and we feel like these student-athletes will help us fill the holes of the record-setting class that just completed their collegiate careers at Maryland. Like always, you want to be able to keep your best in-state talent at home while balancing your recruiting class with great out-of-state talent. We feel like we hit a home run in all categories.

"We love the versatility of these players and we love the competitiveness that each one of these players brings with them to the field. They should be a perfect complement to the players we have returning for fall 2012. Terp fans are going to love watching this group of players for the next four years!"

Coming to College Park to don the red and black in the fall will be midfielder Aubrey Baker (Foothill Ranch, Calif.), midfielder Riley Barger (Baldwin, Md.), centerback Shannon Collins (La Plata, Md.), forward Gabby Galanti (Howell, N.J.), midfielder/forward Erika Joab (Monclair, N.J.), midfielder Rebecca Litwin (Westborough, Mass.), midfielder Maisie McCune (Bethesda, Md.), midfielder/defender Sarah Molina (Rocky River, Ohio), defender Erika Nelson (Albuquerque, N.M.), forward Alexis Prior-Brown (Pasadena, Md.), defender Kayla Shea (Shrewsbury, Mass.) and midfielder Ashley Spivey (Sparrows Point, Md.).

Midfielder Sara Fichtner (Toms River, N.J.) and goalkeeper Kristene Mumby (Ellicott City, Md.) are transfers that joined the Terps for the 2012 spring semester.

A four-year letterwinner for Coach Sarah Troust at Trabuco Hills ... offensive player of the year as a senior ... first team All-Sea View League ... started as a freshman and was named the Sea View League Rookie of the Year ... helped Mustangs to a share of the league championship ... named one of the top 15 freshmen by the Orange County Register ... member of the Slammers FC G93 club team ... played for Coach Ziad Khoury ... helped Slammers to the 2006 CalSouth National Cup Championship and the title game in 2010 and 2011 ... three-time Surf Cup Champions ... 2009 Spring Far West Regional League Champion ... four-time member of the CalSouth ODP State Team ... three-time Region IV ODP Champion ... participated in the 2008 Thanksgiving Inter-Regional Event ... invited to the 2008 Nike U14 ID Camp.

Personal: Daughter of Darrell and Ellen Baker ... younger sister of Timothy.

Why I chose Maryland: "I chose Maryland because I felt it had everything I wanted in a school. Not only did it have a beautiful campus, but it was always my dream to play in the ACC and go to college on the east coast. Maryland has a great kinesiology department, which is what I would like to study. Also, being an individual with Celiac Disease, I have come to learn that the University of Maryland has the leading expert in the world on Celiac Disease by the name of Alessio Fasano. Being that I am very passionate about this topic I would love a chance to work at the Celiac Research Facility. Also, the soccer program was exactly what I was looking for in the fact that it was a competitive program and had the chance of being a contender for a national championship."

Chose Maryland Over: Indiana, Texas A&M and Ohio State

Morgan on Baker: "Aubrey is a terrific talent out of the Slammers Football Club in Southern California. Aubrey is a very technical player and with a high soccer IQ. She has the ability to solve pressure, break players down off the dribble and connect the final ball. We look forward to seeing Aubrey contribute in our midfield this fall."

2011 NSCAA All-Region selection ... 2011 NSCAA Senior Excellence Award ... 2011 all-state and all-region selection ... three-time All-Metro by the Baltimore Sun ... four-time all-conference ... helped lead Bryn Mawr to three conference championships ... led the Mawrtians in scoring all four years ... team captain as a senior ... helped the Baltimore Bays to six Maryland state championships ... invited to the 2011 U18 U.S. women's national team training camp ... member of the Maryland state ODP team since 2006 ... member of the Region I ODP team since 2007 ... an honor roll student.

Personal: Daughter of Greg and Wendy Barger ... father played soccer at UConn ... younger sister of Reid, who plays lacrosse at Dickinson ... older sister of Brendan and Lucy.

Why I Chose Maryland: "I chose Maryland because I love the atmosphere. I felt extremely comfortable on campus, and with the team and coaches. I also wanted to be close enough to my family so that they could come watch games. Last, but not least, I want to win a national championship."

Chose Maryland Over: Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and Florida

Morgan on Barger: "Not only is Riley one of the best players in the state of Maryland she is one of the best players in the country for her age group. She has a fun and enthusiastic personality and all of that personality shows on the field. She is a creative dribbler with great instincts. Her effort on and off the field is as honest as it gets and her commitment to be the best cannot be questioned. We expect Riley to compete right away for a place in our midfield."

Second Team Washington Post All-Met selection as a senior ... helped the Cadets to the 2011 WCAC championship ... first team WCAC selection ... three-time SJC offensive player of the year as a senior ... three-time all-WCAC honoree ... helped lead McLean YSC to the 2008 Maryland State Cup championship ... 2010 Virginia State Cup champions ... 2010 Region I champion ... 2010 national finalist and Super Y National champions ... member of the Maryland state ODP team from 2007-10 ... 2007 Region I ODP member ... member of the National Honors Society and Spanish Honors Society.

Personal: Daughter of Les and Mary Collins ... older sister of Tara.

Why I Chose Maryland: "My first visit with the coaching staff really opened my eyes to Maryland and from that point on it was one of my top choices. I came for a second visit and toured the campus and immediately fell in love with it and the team. Collectively, the soccer and the atmosphere of the school is what drew me to Maryland."

Chose Maryland Over: Harvard, West Virginia and Wisconsin

Morgan on Collins: "Another one of Maryland's best made the decision to stay at home for school. We couldn't be more pleased to have Shannon. Like so many of the players in this class Shannon has outstanding technique and a really great feel for the game. A centerback on her National Finalist club team Mclean Strikers, Shannon has the versatility to play anywhere in the backline or even in midfield."

Transfer from Rutgers ... will have four years of eligibility remaining ... a three-year varsity starter for Monsignor Donovan ... named to the TopDrawerSoccer.com Player to Watch List ... first team All-Shore and All-Ocean County in 2010 ... All-B-South player in 2007 and 2008 ... All-C-South honoree in 2010 ... named 2008 Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 ... Team MVP as a senior ... led her team to two B-South championships ... played club soccer for the PDA Tsunami ... team captain of the Tsunami ... led the Tsunami to the 2009 U.S. Club National Championship ... five-time state champions ... 2010 ECNL national champions ... played for the New Jersey state ODP in 2007 and 2008 ... also was a four-year letterwinner in track ... tied the school 400 meter record that had been upheld for 30 years ... school record holder in the 4x4, 4x2 and sprint medley relays ... was active in Habitat for Humanity and went on a mission trip to Guatemala.

Personal: Daughter of Marc and Suzan Fichtner ... father, Marc, was a professional boxer ranked No. 26 in the world and won the New Jersey Golden Gloves in 1981 ... younger sister of Marc ... older sister of Melissa.

Why I Chose Maryland: "Maryland is a strong academic school as well as a high level soccer program. I am very impressed with the coaching staff and know Maryland will help me accomplish my goals."

Morgan on Fichtner: "Sarah is a pro! We are fortunate to be having Sarah transfer in. She eats, breaths, and lives for this game. She has great speed and quickness to go along with her smooth technique and feel for the game. Sarah has so many of the qualities that Terp fans have grown to enjoy in Domenica Hodak. We see Sarah competing for one of the three open positions in our backline this fall."

Ranked the No. 19 overall recruit in the nation by TopDrawerSoccer.com ... first team all-state selection for coach Dave Patterson at Freehold Township ... helped lead the Patriots to the division and Shore Conference titles ... named the Shore Conference and Monmouth County Player of the Year ... first team all-county, all-division and all-conference ... played for Coach Erwin van Bennekom on Real New Jersey ... four-year member of the New Jersey state ODP team ... member of the Regional/National Pool ODP ... two-time Region 1 tournament champion ... ODP national champion.

Personal: Daughter of Richard and Maria Galanti ... older sister of Nicholas.

Why I Chose Maryland: "I chose Maryland because as soon as I stepped on campus I felt right at home; between the coaching staff, and team members I knew that Maryland was the perfect fit for me. The ACC is known as the best conference in the country and that was something I knew that could help with my development as a player."

Chose Maryland Over: Wake Forest, Boston College and Virginia

Morgan on Galanti: "Gabby is an outright goal scorer! There are no two ways around it. She has the ability to beat players off of the dribble, score from distance with either foot, and she has the courage to stick her head where it doesn't belong to score off a cross. We've been fortunate the last four years with having talented forwards in our program. Gabby will continue our good fortune!"

Named the Star Ledger Essex County Player of the Year for Coach Chris Johnson at Montclair HS ... helped lead the Mounties to the 2011 sectional title and the state semifinals ... two-time all-state ... two-time first team All-Group 4 ... three-time all-county selection ... three-time first team all-conference ... two-time team captain and MVP ... named the team's Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 and 2010 ... ESPN Rise Preseason New Jersey Starting 11 ... named the Star Ledger's Essex County Junior of the Year and two-time Defender of the Year ... Essex County All-Junior, All-Sophomore and All-Freshman team selection by the Star Ledger ... played for the PDA Charge for Coach Mike O'Niell ... helped the Charge to the U17 ECNL national finals ... U17 U.S. Club Soccer regional finalists ... U17 State Cup champions ... member of the New Jersey state ODP pool from 2006-08 ... three-time Montclair High Academic Honor Student ... member of the National Honors Society.

Personal: Daughter of Gerard and Julienne Joab ... younger sister of Risa and Rebekah.

Why I Chose Maryland: "I've been visiting the University of Maryland my whole life. My dad went to college here, my parents met in College Park, and my sister also attends school here. After going to the Maryland soccer camp a few summers ago, I knew this was the place I wanted to be! I feel so fortunate to be going to Maryland because of the great coaches, players, campus and programs. I can't wait to start my time at Maryland!"

Chose Maryland Over: Penn State and Rutgers

Morgan on Joab: "Another versatile player, Erika can play in any of the three lines. On her club team, ECNL Finalist PDA Charge, Erika was used primarily in the midfield and/or up top as a target forward. I think Erika has big time potential. Her technique is quite good and she can knock the leather off the ball on free kicks."

Four-year letterwinner and two-time captain at Westborough ... 2009 Central Massachusetts All-Star ... 2008 Mid Wach B conference All-Star ... helped the Stars of Massachusetts club team to a ECNL bronze medal ... U17 USYSA Region 1 Semifinalist ... also a U16 ECNL Finalist ... U16 USYSA Region 1 semifinalist and USYSA Mass. State champion ... U16 Disney Soccer Showcase U16 Showcase Division Champion ... U15 USYSA Region I finalist and USYSA Mass. state champion ... U13, U14, U15 ODP state pool ... member of the U14, U15, U16 ODP Region I pool ... Invitation U15 ODP 5th National Girls camp ... 2008 ID2 camp.

Personal: Daughter of Demetrius and Anna Marie Litwin ... younger sister of Amanda and Anthony ... older sister of Katie.

Why I Chose Maryland: "I chose Maryland because as soon as I stepped on campus I fell in love. There is an amazing soccer program, a very supportive coaching staff, and overall atmosphere. The campus offers so much opportunity and is in a great location. It couldn't be any better."

Morgan on Litwin: "Becky's first two or three steps are super quick. She gets to top speed in no time! It's not often you get a player with Becky's quickness and speed that has such a great comfort on the ball. Her 1v1 ability might be as good as any player we've had in the program. I think she is going to have a great career here at Maryland. Terp fans should look to see Becky in the wide areas of midfield."

F irst team Washington Post All-Met as a senior for Coach Devin Payton at St. John's College High School ... four-time WCAC all-conference selection ... helped lead the Cadets to the 2008 and 2011 WCAC championships ... 2011 team captain and MVP ... a starter for Coach Clyde Watson on the McLean Strikers ... 2010 VYSA State champions ... 2010 USYS Region 1 champion ... 2010 USYS national finalist, USYS national league ... ECNL 2011 ... 2010 Jefferson Cup championship ... 2009-10 Disney College Showcase finalist ... Maryland ODP team member 2006-09 ... 2006-09 Region I team ... played in Costa Rica in 2009 ... 2009-10 Washington Freedom Super Y ... 2009 Super Y National all-tournament team ... 2010 Super Y national champions ... an accomplished artist ... earned second place in the 30th National Congressional Art Competition in Washington D.C. last spring ... her artwork will be displayed in Congresswoman Norton's District Offices in the National Press Building & the Southeast Professional Building, as well as the Wohlfarth Galleries ... also was awarded a summer Pre-College scholarship to the Corcoran College of Art & Design ... two of her paintings were shown in Regan National Airport.

Personal: Daughter of Jack and Gretchen McCune ... mother, Gretchen, played volleyball at Goucher Colleger ... younger sister of Chloe ... older sister of Foster.

Why I Chose Maryland: "Once I got onto campus I loved it. What sealed the deal was meeting the coaches and the players that I was going to be playing with for the next four years of my life. The group of girls is one of a kind. I was so comfortable with everything and I felt loved from the second I met everyone! The coaches are so friendly and incredibly welcoming, which made me feel right at home. There was never an uncomfortable moment, which was awesome. I knew that if I chose Maryland then that would mean I would be getting the pleasure of doing everything I love! I chose Maryland because I knew I was going to become more intelligent and learn so much from my brilliant coaches, play beautiful soccer, and what makes it all that much better is that I knew I would be able to laugh and fun as well."

Chose Maryland Over: South Carolina, Clemson, Penn State

Morgan on McCune: "We are pleased to have received commitment from another one of Maryland's best players in the class of 2012. Maisie has an amazing understanding of the game. Her feel and instincts are uncanny and her technical tools make her a very special player. Creative and fun, Terp fans will enjoy watching Maisie play."

Ranked the No. 47 overall recruit in the nation by TopDrawerSoccer.com ... a 2011 NSCAA All-American and Youth All-American for Coach Patrick Hopkins at Rocky River High School ... two-time NSCAA All-Region selection ... Greater Cleveland Player of the Year ... two-time all-state selection ... two-time West Shore Conference Player of the Year ... two-time first team all-Greater Cleveland ... helped lead the Pirates to the 2011 district and conference championships ... 2011 All-Star by the Cleveland Plain Dealer ... Sun News all-Sun and all-Sun West as a senior ... invited to the U.S. National Team training camps 2007-10 ... helped lead the Cleveland FC to the State Cup championship in 2009 and 2010 ... 2009 Region II champions ... member of the Ohio state ODP north team 2006-11 ... Region II ODP team 2007-10 ... member of the National Honors Society.

Personal: Daughter of Carlos and Jane Molina ... mother, Jane, was a swimmer at Vanderbilt ... younger sister of David, who ran track at Amherst College, John and Michael.

Why I Chose Maryland: "The campus was perfect for me, because it's far enough away from home to get a true college experience, but not too far. The campus itself is fantastic and I loved it from the first time I set foot there. The team unity was something that really caught my attention and the coaches are terrific. There is really a family atmosphere at Maryland. One other thing that I loved about Maryland was that the team wasn't just all soccer. The team participates in community service throughout the year and that's something I can appreciate."

Chose Maryland Over: Florida State, Florida, Portland

Morgan on Molina: "Tough, hard-nosed, and versatile is the best way to describe Molina. I love this kids mentality. She takes a lot of pride in her technique but she takes a ton of pride in winning. Sarah has the ability to play in the midfield or anywhere in the backline. Her striking of the ball is an absolute weapon. It will be fun for Terp fans to see Sarah stand over a ball for free kicks. Watch out!"

Transfer from West Virginia ... first team all-state as a senior at Marriotts Ridge High for Coach Robin Grey ... ESPN RISE Fall State All-Stars for Maryland ... first team all-county with a .920 save percentage on team that won county title ... 2010 Washington Post and Baltimore Sun second team All-Metro ... played three seasons at St. Vincent Pallotti, leading 2007 team to conference title ... second team all-county as a junior, making 108 saves with a .850 save percentage ... played club for Freestate United for Coach Pat Noel ... member of ODP state teams from 2006-08 ... state cup champions and regional semifinalist in 2008 ... 2009 Colonial League champions ... also played basketball and ran track ... honor roll student.

Personal: Daughter of William and Shirene Mumby ... younger sister of Chris, who played soccer at Keystone College, Brandon, who played soccer at Salisbury and Yasmene Mumby.

Why I Chose Maryland: "I chose to transfer to Maryland because its home. It gives me the opportunity to be close to my family. Maryland also offers me a chance to get an amazing education, while playing in the best soccer conference in the country."

Morgan on Mumby: "A talented goalkeeper who has barely scratched the surface of reaching her potential. We were fortunate to have Kristene transfer back home to Maryland this semester after attending West Virginia University in the fall. Although she is currently recovering from a back injury, I believe she will provide great depth in our goalkeeping corps. Once Kristene gets back to full health I believe she has the tools to compete for the starting job."

New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year ... Class A-AAA All State Player of the Year in 2011 for Coach Ronald Espinoza ... named the 2011 state championship tournament Player of the Year ... twice named the state's Midfielder of the Year ... Class A-AAA Co-Player of the Year, while leading the Huskies to the state championship ... 2010 state championship co-MVP ... helped lead the Rio Vista FC to five State Cup championships ... 2011 Region IV championship finalists ... 2009 Region IV semifinalists ... seven-time Duke City Soccer League Premier Division champions ... also an accomplished runner in track ... helped lead the Huskies to two Class A-AAA state track championships ... two-time state champion in the 800m ... twice placed at the state championship in the 400m ... reserve national champion in dressage at the 2006 Youth Arabian Nationals ... 2011 Homecoming Queen at Hope Christian School ... 2007-2011 Deans Honor Role ... graduated Cum-Lade.

Personal: Daughter of Cynthia Nelson ... older sister of Derek.

Why I Chose Maryland: "I chose Maryland because it was absolutely everything that I was looking for in a school. I fell in love with the soccer program and the idea of performing in the toughest soccer conference, the ACC. The coaches are amazing and the energy of the team is incredible. It has a beautiful campus and has great academic opportunities."

Chose Maryland Over: Texas Tech, Pepperdine and Alabama

Morgan on Nelson: "Erika might become the biggest surprise of this entire 2012 class. Coming out of New Mexico and having played for the Rio Vista club, we got ourselves a fantastic person with fantastic ability. Erika has great pace, turning speed, and she is comfortable playing with either foot. At 5-foot-9 I can envision Erika playing in our backline matching up against the many talented forwards in the ACC. Another versatile player, she has played in midfield for her club team and could be an option for us in the middle third. With such an honest work rate and passion for the game, I can't wait to see Erika develop in our program."

NSCAA 2012 All-American ... NSCAA All-Region selection ... scored 19 goals and added four assists to help Mercy win its second straight IAAM Class A title ... two-time first team all-state ... two-time first team All-Metro by the Baltimore Sun ... three-time IAAM Class A All-Star ... two-time team MVP for Coach Doug Pryor ... totaled 53 goals and 27 assists during her prep career ... two-time team captain ... played for the ASA Chesapeake Charge in the WPSL from 2010-11 ... helped lead the Charge to the 2012 regional championships and the US Open Cup ... two-time team captain for Baltimore Bays Chelsea.

Personal: Daughter of Daniel Brown and Kelly Edmonds ... younger sister of Andre Davis ... older sister of Xavier Brown, Adam Edmonds, and Jerome Waters

Why I Chose Maryland: "I chose Maryland because of the coaching staff and personalities of the girls on the team. It was easy to see I would fit in well with this program. When I watched the team play and practice I could tell they would challenge me to grow and become a better player, which is exactly what I was searching for. Also, by choosing Maryland I will be close to my family and everyone who watched me grow up playing soccer will be able to watch me in college. Another plus is I will be able to major in Kinesiology."

Chose Maryland Over: South Carolina, Loyola and Towson

Morgan on Prior-Brown: "Alexis is somewhat of a hidden jewel. She is a Maryland kid but she hadn't competed in a big time club environment. Her club coach, Doug Pryor of the Baltimore Bays, really pushed for our staff to come watch her play. Thankfully he did, because Alexis has big time potential! She has great pace, an engine that won't quit, and a determination to become great. Like most of the players in this class, she has tremendous versatility and could be playing in any of the three lines this fall."

A four-year starter for Coach Chip DelPrete at Shrewsbury High ... 2011 All-New England Regional selection ... two-time Telegram and Gazette Super Team ... two-time all-state Division I All Star ... 2011 Mid-Wach A League MVP ... three-time Central Massachusetts All-Star ... three-time Mid-Wach A All-Star ... team captain as a senior ... helped lead the Colonials to the 2010 Division I state championship game ... Central Mass Div I champions ... helped Shrewsbury reach the Central Mass Div 1 finals three times ... member of the state ODP team from 2005-09 ... selected to the Region I ODP team in 2007 and 2009 ... played in the 2009 ODP Thanksgiving Interregional ... helped the Stars of Massachusetts club team to three ECNL bronze medals ... named the 2010 State Cup MVP ... four-time State Cup champions ... 2008 Region I champions ... Region I finalists in 2009 and 2010 ... 2009 ID2 camp.

Personal: Daughter of Ed and Denise Shea ... sister of Tara, Edwin, who plays hockey at Boston College, and Colin, who plays hockey at UMass.

Why I Chose Maryland: "I chose Maryland because the coaches are great and the team made me feel right at home. It also provides me with the opportunity to play for a top ranked and successful ACC team. The quality of education at Maryland is exceptional and I fell in love with the campus. Plus, I've always wanted to go south."

Chose Maryland Over: Boston College, UConn and Rutgers

Morgan on Shea: "Kayla is a winner! She is an extremely hungry and competitive player. A natural centerback, with great instincts and confidence, Kayla will push for a starting position on day one. She has a presence and voice you need to have out of your centerback position. Honest effort and never cheats the game, we expect Kayla to have a great career."

Ranked the No. 6 overall recruit in the nation by TopDrawerSoccer.com ... ranked the No. 2 central midfielder ... member of the U14-U18 National Pool ... U17 World Cup Qualifying Team, Costa Rica 2010 ... Nordic Cup Champions, Denmark 2009 ... four-time ESPN Rise All-South Team ... twice named the ESPN Rise Best Player in Maryland ... two-time selection to the ESPN Rise Starting 11 ... first team ESPN Rise All America ... two-time Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year ... three-time NSCAA All-American and All-Region selection ... two-time Baltimore Sun Player of the Year ... two-time Varsity Sports Network Player of the Year ... four-time all-state and all-county ... four-time All-Metro selection by the Baltimore Sun ... four-time IAAM All-Star ... helped lead the Eagles to two IAAM state championships ... a four-year starter for Coach Harry Canelakis ... selected to state ODP team at age 10 ... member of the Maryland ODP team from 2004-10 ... member of the Region I team from 2005-10 ... two-time NSCAA Youth All-American ... helped the Baltimore Bays and Coach Charlie Myers to six state championships ... honor roll student ... Dean's List ... involved in community service with Habitat for Humanity, Chesapeake Terrace and Battle Grove Elementary Schools.

Personal: Daughter of William and Pam Spivey ... younger sister of Sarah and Chris ... older sister of Bobby.

Why I Chose Maryland: "I have been in love with the University of Maryland since I was a child. Choosing Maryland was easy. The coaching staff is amazing and the team is perfect. It is close to home so my family can come watch me play, which was important because I am very close with my family. I know a lot of the other recruits very well and am close with them. I'm so thankful to be given the opportunity to attend such a fantastic school; I absolutely cannot wait to be a Terp!"

Chose Maryland Over: Stanford, UCLA and Virginia

Morgan on Spivey: "Voted Maryland's Best Player by a number of publications, Ashley Spivey is a truly special player. She has all the tools from the physical, technical, tactical, and psychological perspectives to be a great Terp. Her competitive mentality to win games makes her a great fit for our program. We aren't sure what position Ashley will play this fall but her versatility and feel for the game will likely get her on the field in one of our three lines."