March 24, 2011
NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion University women's soccer head coach Joe Pereira announced the signing of six student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play for the Lady Monarchs in the fall.
Leighanne Gerstbrein, Jessica Klamut, Charley Martin, Tiffany Reed, Alexis Thomas and Taylor Smith will all join ODU in August.
"The six bring in quite a diverse group as far as athleticsm, speed and depth," Pereira said. "We're looking forward to it and it will give us a great dimension, we're very excited about the class, it should give us depth and improve our team speed from last year and give us lots of options."
Leighanne Gerstbrein Forward/Defense Fredericksburg, Va./Massaponax
Gerstbrien was a four-year starter at Massaponax High School, leading the district in scoring in 2009 with 11 goals and six assists. A two-time first-team all-District performer and two-time all-Area honoree, she also earned all-Region honors in 2010 as well as earning Offensive Player of the Year. She played for the Under-16 Richmond Kickers team that finished second in the region and was invited to nationals. She is an honor roll student and earned the Presidential Award for academic excellence.
Pereira on Gerstbrein - "Leighanne is a versatile player, good frame, moves well. We're excited about her because she gives us the size and athleticsm we're looking for."
Jessica Klamut Forward/Midfield Virginia Beach, Va./Cox
Klamut was named the Tidewater and Regional Player of the Year after her junior season and earned all-State honors after leading Cox to a state semifinal appearance and the Regional Championship. She also was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCA) All-American team. She played club for the Virginia Rush Nike team and helped them to the Under-15 and 16 Final Four State Cup. A member of the German and Latin Club, she posts a 3.5 GPA.
Pereira on Klamut - "Jessica has a huge upside and can give us immediate stuff, the only question is where. She's athletic, very good size, her attacking presence is very impressive. We're certainly looking for big things out of here in the fall."
Charley Martin Midfield Virginia Beach, Va./Cox
A two-time All-Beach District and Tidewater honoree, helped lead Cox to three District and Region Championships. Martin was named the Beach District Rookie of the Year in 2008.
Pereira on Martin - "Charley is the playmaker. Her strength is with the ball at her feet and with that she becomes a very clever player. She fits one of our needs and will look for her to give us immediate help at that position."
Tiffany Reed Midfield Fairfax, Va./W.T. Woodson
Reed plays club soccer for the FCV Explosion. She also competed on the track and field team and was a district champion, region and state qualifier in multiple events and also the team MVP.
Pereira on Reed - "Tiffany is very athletic and fast. She is the one we are hoping that can give us the attacking speed to get behind the defense. She will definitely stretch defenses with her speed."
Alexis Thomas Forward Moon Township, Pa./Moon
A four-year starter at Moon High School, Thomas led the squad to three-straight section titles. She was named to the Pennsylvania All-State team and earned Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Player of the Year honors her senior season. She was also a two-time first-team all-District performer and three-time all-Section honoree. She was a four-year track letterwinner, four-time WPIAL medalist and four-time state qualifier. Thomas is a member of the National Honor Society and four-year scholar athlete.
Pereira on Thomas - "Alexis is a flank player that is a speedy, pace player. Depending on the shape we're in, Alexis should give us a huge lift and will be a great addition to the team."
Taylor Smith Forward Virginia Beach, Va./Ocean Lakes
An all-Region and Beach District honoree her junior season, Smith is also an honor roll student at Ocean Lakes. A member of the senior class senate and sports editor of the school newspaper, Smith posts a 3.57 GPA.
Pereira on Smith - "Taylor is excellent with the ball at her feet. She is a very savvy, intelligent player. She can play just about anywhere on the front line as far as a central target type as well as flanks. For the most part, we're looking for her to be a target type because she has the tools and the ability to strike a great ball."