William and Mary announce eight players in 2011 recruiting class

William and Mary Tribe head women’s soccer coach John Daly announced a recruiting class of eight players on Thursday. The newcomers will join a talented Tribe squad that posted a record of 10-7-2 and reached a national ranking as high as No. 14 over the course of the 2010 season.

“With the graduation of a very strong and deep senior class, the need was there to replace them with a talented group and this I am confident we have done,” Daly said. “Joining the ever growing Tribe family will be eight players, seven of whom are Virginia residents and one from nearby Maryland.”

Daly went on to say, “With a strong returning class combined with this outstanding recruiting class, it is our hope that we will get back into the national picture next fall. We have the schedule to show that we belong in the higher echelons of collegiate women’s soccer. Come next August, we will be determined to do so.”

The following is what Coach Daly had to say of his incoming class:

Jane Aman (Annandale High School) is a goalkeeper from Annandale, Virginia. Jane plays for the FCV Explosion team along with Christina Popps and Aly Shaughnessy. Jane is a courageous and athletic keeper. Her team won the Disney tournament in 2010, defeating an outstanding Japanese team in the final.

Emory Camper (Cox High School) is a 6-0 striker from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Emory was Beach District player of the year as a sophomore. She has played for the Virginia State team and for Beach FC. She can score goal, as well as create chances. Emory has the potential to join the ranks of outstanding Tribe forwards, such as Jill Ellis, Rebecca Wakefield, Natalie Neaton, Missy Wycinsky and Claire Zimmeck.

Taylor Dyson (Norfolk Collegiate High School) from Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a quick, technical player with tremendous athleticism and stamina. She played with Emory on the Beach FC team coached by Karl Greaves and will provide versatility and quickness to the team.

Emily Fredrikson (Stone Bridge High School) from Ashburn, Virginia, is a strong tackling, powerful defender with the ability to also play in the middle of the field. Emily reminds me a lot of former Tribe standout Stephanie Loehr. A teammate of Pattie Grasso and Anna Madden on the McLean Azul team, coached by former George Mason coach Jac Cicala, Emily has played for the Regional team and was a standout for the Stone Bridge state championship team last spring.

Katie “Pattie” Grasso (James Madison High School) is a central defender from Oakton, Virginia. Pattie is a very strong, physical defender. Dominant in the air, Pattie will also be a threat at set pieces. She and Emily have played together for four seasons on the Azul and will challenge for playing time.

Anna Madden (Paint Branch High School) is a speedy attacking player from Silver Spring, Maryland. A member of the Maryland state team, Anna has the quickness and nose for goal to be a genuine goal-scoring threat every time she steps on the field. Anna is a teammate of Emily’s and Pattie’s with the Azul.

Christina Popps (Jefferson High School) is a fast and versatile defender from McLean, Virginia. Christina has the speed and tenacity to play anywhere at the back. A teammate of Jane Aman and Aly Shaughnessy with the FCV Explosion, Christina’s versatility and athleticism make her a strong addition to the team. She was named to the Elite clubs National League All Tournament team last December in Florida.

Aly Shaughnessy (Battlefield High School) is a dominant central midfield player with the FCV Explosion. Strong and technical, Aly has played for the Virginia state team and has the composure in possession and the passing ability to break down defenses. Also, very strong physically, Aly will be a strong presence in the middle of the field whenever she plays.