May 28, 2008

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - UC Santa Barbara's 2008 women's soccer recruiting class, which included 12 incoming freshman and one transfer, has been rated as the 38th best recruiting class in the nation by Soccer Buzz Magazine, it was announced last week. Soccer Buzz Magazine, an on-line publication, is considered the best source for women's collegiate soccer information.

UCSB was ranked 38th out of 320 NCAA Division I schools which compete in women's soccer. The program ranked 11th in the West Region, and first in the Big West Conference. Previously, the highest ranking for a Gaucho recruiting class was 45th in 2006.

"The ranking speaks to the legitimacy of the players, and it is fitting recognition for what they have already achieved," said head coach Paul Stumpf. "Also, it is an honor to have the hard work of our coaching staff recognized in such a positive way."

The 2008 freshmen recruiting class includes defender-forward Jillian Armstrong (Danville, Calif./San Ramon Valley HS), defender Alyssa Benjamin (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande HS), forward Laura Caparilli (Manhattan Beach, Calif./Mira Costa HS), goalkeeper Laura DiBiase (Redondo Beach, Calif./Palos Verdes HS), defender Danika Johnson (San Diego, Calif./Cathedral Catholic HS), forward Lindsey Loftus (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita Catholic HS), midfielder (Emily Ohlhaver (Costa Mesa, Calif./Newport Harbor HS), defender Alyssa Oldham (Yorba Linda, Calif./Mater Dei), midfielder Katherine Roby (Poway, Calif./Poway HS), forward Alissa Sanchez (San Diego, Calif./Cathedral Catholic HS), defender-midfielder Alexa Stringer (Danville, Calif./Monte Vista HS), and midfielder Cory Yoshida (Irvine, Calif./Northwood HS). In addition, Natalie Weeks (San Ramon Calif./California HS), who played her freshman season at the University of Colorado, has transferred to UCSB and will be eligible immediately.

"This class of recruits may be the best that I have ever had here at UCSB," Stumpf said. "It is a class with a handful of special players, but it is the depth that makes it unique. I can see four of them immediately competing for starting roles, and consistently playing for their entire careers. It is the fact that everyone in the class brings something special to the table, whether it be goal scoring ability, defensive/ball winning mentality, their love of the game, or their overall versatility. Those are the reasons that the staff is so excited about this group."

The Gauchos will open the 2008 regular season on August 22 when they travel to the University of Nevada.