Valparaiso University head women's soccer coach Stephen Anthony has announced the signings of four players that will join the Crusaders this fall.

Joining the Brown and Gold for the 2005 season are Jamie Christ, Lori Johnson, Laura Murphy, and Jackie Thomas.

Christ is a 5'5" midfielder and forward from Auburn Hills, Mich. A two-year captain at Notre Dame Prep High School, she has earned Honorable Mention All-State honors as well as being named to the All-District and All-Regional Teams. She plays club soccer for the Rochester Lightning.

?Jamie continues our success of recruiting from Notre Dame Prep High School in Michigan," Anthony said. ?She will bring speed, athleticism, and a left-sided player that will complement our attack and challenge for time in the fall."

Johnson is a 5'7" forward and midfielder from Sachse, Texas. A three-time First Team All-District selection at Neaman Forest High School, she was a team captain throughout her career. She plays club soccer for the Dallas Texans, the #1 ranked club team in the nation according to National Soccer Ranking.com.

?Lori will make an immediate impact at Valpo up front. Her club experience, aggressive style, and ability to play off the ball will give us a tremendous opportunity to score off of the type of chances we have created the last few years," Anthony said. ?She is a terrific addition and will add to the strong core of players that we have returning in 2005."

Murphy is a 5'3" forward from Aurora, Ill. She has led Waubonsie Valley High School in scoring since her sophomore season. As a junior, she was named to the All-Area Team after earning Honorable Mention All-Conference honors as a sophomore. Murphy was a member of the 2001 and 2003 Illinois Select State Team. She plays club soccer for Eclipse Select, the #4 ranked club team in the nation according to National Soccer Ranking.com.

?Laura's experience with the Eclipse Club out of Illinois will be a strong addition to our program in 2005," stated Anthony. ?Her speed, versatility, and overall playing experience will enable her to make an impact as a freshman. She may be able to play in a few positions for us in the fall, but primarily she will strengthen our front line."

Thomas is a 5'8" midfielder from Overland Park, Kan. A two-year captain at Blue Valley Northwest High School where she earned Second Team All-State honors, she also was a First Team All-Eastern Kansas League selection. She plays club soccer for the Dynamos and was a member of the 2004 Kansas Olympic Development Program state team.

?I am excited about Jackie joining our program as she will give us a lot of options in the back," Anthony said. ?She possesses speed, athleticism, and the technical ability to play in the back, but will have opportunities to get forward and be dangerous in the attack."