Valparaiso University head women's soccer coach Stephen Anthony has announced the signings of three individuals to National Letters of Intent for the 2003 season. Joining the Crusaders in the fall are Lauren Cooper, Liberty Ziegahn, and Alison Zobel.

Cooper, a native of Lake Orion, Mich., is a 5'6" midfielder. Named to the All-State Team in Michigan, the Notre Dame Prep product also earned All-District and All-Region honors. Cooper comes to Valpo after competing with Vardar III, a club team which was ranked 18th nationally and 6th in the region in 2002.

"The reason I decided to attend Valpo is not only becasue of the great academics, but the chance to also continue doing what I love, playing soccer," Cooper said of Valpo.

?Lauren will step in and immediately add to our midfield," Anthony said. ?A tough defender, she definitely possesses the ability to be a ball-winning midfielder at the Division I level."

Ziegahn, a native of Anchorage, Alaska, is a 5'3" defender that arrives at Valpo with credentials, including being named as an All-American and to the All-Far West Team by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in 2002. The Robert Service High School product is a two-time All-State selection and was named Most Valuable Player at the 2002 State Championship.

"I chose Valpo because of Christ College and because I really liked the team and the coaches," Ziegahn said of her school selection.

?Liberty will truly elevate the level of Valpo soccer for the next four years," stated Anthony. ?She possesses the talent, athleticism, maturity, and leadership to be a special player for our program and her contribution to the team will be significant."

Zobel, a 5'6" defender, is from Duluth, Minn. Named to the Duluth All-Area Team as well as the Duluth All-Star Team, Zobel was a starting defender for the two-time Minnesota state soccer semi-finalist Duluth East High School program. Also a member of the school's track team, she holds the school record in the 400-meter dash.

"Valpo was the only college I applied to. I knew from the moment I visited the school that it was the place for me. I really wanted to play Division 1 soccer, but still stay at a relatively small school. Valpo fit my needs perfectly and the soccer team was really welcoming," Zobel said.

?Alison will be a strong addition to our program because of her versatility and athleticism," Anthony said. ?She will fit nicely with our style of play by adding a defender with the ability to get forward and become another attacker."