Valparaiso University women’s soccer coach John Marovich has announced the addition of six players to join the Crusader roster in the fall as part of his 2008 recruiting class.  Joining the Brown and Gold are Becky Clever, Brooke Henderson, Michell Nuccio, Candice Partee, Laura Romberg, and Tracy Roos.

                Clever is a 5’4” forward from Cincinnati, Ohio.  A First Team All-Southwest District selection for Madeira High School, she was a four-time State Cup champion for Cincinnati Classics Hammer club team.  She was also a U.S. Youth Soccer Region II semifinalist, and earned All-Academic honors as well.

                “Becky is a solid athlete who will add to our attack this fall,” Marovich said.  “She possesses the ability to get on the end of serves and pressure defenders with her defending mentality.”

                “I chose Valpo because it gives me the opportunity to grow as a student and as an athlete,” Clever said.  “The atmosphere in the classroom and on the soccer field made me feel right at home, but challenged at the same time.”

                Henderson is a 5’7” midfielder and forward from Westlake, Ohio.  A Third Team All-Ohio pick for Westlake High School, she has also been named to the All-Greater Cleveland Coaches Association First Team and is a three-time First Team All-Southwest Conference pick.  She plays club soccer for Cleveland United and is a NSCAA High School Academic All-American.

                “Brooke will give us versatility as she possesses the ability to be a strong target player as a front runner or an attacking midfield player,” said Marovich.

                “I chose Valpo because it is a great fit for me” Henderson said.  “It provides me with a place to grow as a student, an athlete, and as a person.  Valpo is a place where I can compete as an athlete and mature as a student.”

                Nuccio is a 5’4” defender from Ortonville, Mich.  A two-time All-District selection, she also was a First Team All-Conference pick for Brandon High School.  She plays her club soccer with Lobos.

                “Michelle is a great competitor which really shows in her defensive ability,” Marovich added.  “She possesses very solid decision making abilities as to when to attack quickly from the back.”

                “I chose Valpo for its academic reputation, friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity to play soccer,” Nuccio said.

                Partee is a 5’7” defender and forward from Cincinnati, Ohio.  A First Team All-League selection for Northwest High School, she was the top scorer in Cincinnati and ranked second in Ohio in 2005.  She was a First Team All-Cincinnati Enquirer in 2006-2007 and a 2006 selection for the Anthony Munoz Leadership program.  She plays club soccer for Ohio Elite, helping them qualify for two US Youth Soccer Region II championships and an Ohio State Cup in 2007.  She also led her club to two Super Y-League National Final Appearances.

                “Candice is a gifted athlete who will add to our backline or can play up top,” Marovich said.  “She takes space with the ball at pace and with great attitude.  I look forward to adding her playing personality to our team.”

                “I chose Valpo because the campus is small enough to meet my needs which will help me gorw not only as a student but also as an athlete,” said Partee.

                Romberg is a 5’5” midfielder from Vernon Hills, Ill.  An All-North Suburban Conference Honorable Mention pick from Vernon Hills High School, she plays club soccer for Eclipse Select which is the number-one ranked girls club in the country according to Soccer America the past two years.

                “Laura is a very composed player which makes her teammates better,” said Marovich.  “She will bring a tough mentality to training and games because of her high level club experience.  I look for Laura to continue this for us this fall.”

                “I chose Valpo because of the friendly atmosphere, the strong commitment shown by the coaches and the players, and the excellent academics,” Romberg said.  “I am excited to join the soccer team next year and look forward to being part of the Crusader family.”

                Roos is a 5’4” midfielder from Centennial, Colo.  A two-time conference champion at Cherry Creek High School, she was a First Team All-Centennial League selection.  She plays club soccer for the Riverside Renegades which has won threeconsecutive Colorado state championships and qualified for the US Youth Soccer Region IV Championships.

                “Tracy is a player that can play on any line,” concluded Marovich.  “She has proven in club that she can defend but also has a great attacking mentality by creating goal-scoring opportunities for her teammates out of the midfield.  Her ability to create is going to add a great deal of depth to our program.”

                “I chose Valpo because everything- the coaches, the soccer program, the academics, and the campus- just felt right,” said Roos.  The coaches seem to really care about their players and want them to succeed both on the field and in the classroom.  I think the soccer program will give me a chance to play a high level of soccer and still focus on academics.  When I visited campus, the professors were very welcoming and I just felt at home.”