Women's Soccer Inks Four Players For Upcoming Season
February 06, 2003 | Soccer
"We are very excited about our 2003 class," said Head Coach Rob Donnenwirth. "We have a solid group returning and these players will make us even better. They are all excellent students, great people, and 'soccer junkies.' We can't wait to get them in a Pirate uniform."
Anastasia Nikas
Scottsdale, Arizona
Anastasia competed with the Arizona State Team in 2001, 2000 and 1998. She is also a member of the four-time defending Arizona State Cup Champion Sereno 85 Golden Eagles. The team, which was ranked in the top eight in the nation in 2002, was a Region IV finalist in 2002 while making it to the quarterfinals in 2000 and semifinals in 1999. She is also the 2002 captain and one of the leading scorers for Horizon High School. Horizon has been ranked as high as sixth in the nation in 2002 and won the 2000-01 5-A state championship while making it to the finals in 2001-02. She earned honorable mention all-region in 2000-01. She is also a member of the Society of Women's Scholars, the National Latin Honor Society, a counselor for Christian Soccer Experience, and received honorable mention for the Student Christian Athlete Award.
Reason I chose the Pirates:
"The soccer program seems like an excellent opportunity and the coaches and players are very enthusiastic. The atmosphere and school spirit is very appealing while the school offers my programs of interest."
Coach Donnenwirth's comments:
"Anastasia can play forward or as an attacking center-mid. She has excellent technical ability and a great tactical sense. She makes excellent runs and has the ability to make the killer pass. She has great passion for the game and will make everyone around her a better player."
Rachel Hils
Columbus, Ohio
Rachel competed on the Ohio State Team from 1999-2001 before a knee injury kept her sidelined in 2002. She was also a member of the Region II team in 2000. She plays club soccer for Ohio Premier and won three straight Ohio State Cup Championships under the direction of coaches Willie Gage and Chris King. A four-year starter and senior captain for Wothington Kilbourne High School, Rachel helped guide her team to OCC conference championships in 2000 and 2002. Her team was also a district finalist in 2000 and district semifinalist in 1999 and 2001. Rachel is also a member of the French Honors Society, Socratics Society, Junior Book Awards, Honor Roll (3 years), Substance Abuse Peer Program (SAAP) and was voted Student of the Month.
Reason I chose the Pirates:
"Great coach, good soccer program, solid team, beautiful campus, an international business program, and it doesn't hurt to be only an hour from the beach!"
Coach Donnenwirth's Comments:
"Rachel is what we look for in a defensive center midfielder. She is a tough ball-winner and is good in the air. She is also a very good possession player that always gives good supporting angles and can spray the ball all over the field. We loved her infectious attitude on her visit and feel she will bring a lot to our team on and off the field."
Carmen Calpo
Waianae, Hawaii
A transfer from the University of Hawaii, Carmen will be entering her sophomore year at East Carolina. She scored four goals and added six assists for a total of 14 points in her freshmen year at Hawaii. Under the direction of Coach Frank Baumholtz at Pearl City High School, Carmen was voted her school's Female Athlete of the Year. She was the team's high scorer and was a three-time All-Oahu Interscholastic Association and all-state selection. She led the OIA in scoring with 20 goals her sophomore season and scored 17 goals her senior season. She excelled in track as well, becoming the OIA champion in the 400M and 800M, and setting the 1500M record as a sophomore. She finished third in the state in the 800M her senior year. She was also a Student Council Representative and Key Club member. Carmen will be the second player from Hawaii to wear a Pirate uniform, succeeding Kim Sandhoff who wore the purple and gold from 1997-2000.
Reason I chose the Pirates:
"I wanted to leave the islands and experience new things."
Coach Donnenwirth's Comments:
"The best way you can describe Carmen's technical ability is 'smooth.' She is very comfortable and composed with the ball and is a dangerous threat in the attack. As good as she is technically, she is also a great athlete and has a good understanding of the game. We feel she will be a great player for us in the midfield or as a forward."
Justine Barbato
East Brunswick, N.J.
A standout defender at East Brunswick High School, Justine helped her team to the Group IV state championship in 2001 while being ranked No. 1 in New Jersey and No. 23 in the nation. Under the direction of high school coach Louis Kosa, East Brunswick also won the Greater Middlesex County championship in 1999 and 2000. Justine earned first team All-Middlesex and all-area honors. At the club level, Justine joined the Match Fit Shooting Stars in 2002 and helped her team to the New Jersey State Cup finals coached by Frank Cocchi. Prior to 2002, she competed with the Jersey Crew and advanced to the New Jersey State Cup semifinals in 2001 and finals in 2000. Justine was also a member of the student council, Italian Club and an honor roll student from 1999-2002.
Reason I chose the Pirates:
"I feel playing soccer at ECU will be a good challenge and experience."
Coach Donnenwirth's Comments:
"I really liked Justine's athleticism and tenacity as an outside back. She has good speed with an explosive first step. I was also impressed with her ability to possess the ball as she plays quick. Her versatility at playing other positions makes her a very valuable player."
