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Ute women's soccer head coach Rich Manning has signed another outstanding class of recruits.
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Feb. 15, 2005
SALT LAKE CITY - Following its third straight NCAA Tournament appearance and second consecutive Mountain West Conference Tournament title, the University of Utah women's soccer team has signed five high school seniors to national letters of intent. The announcement came today from head coach Rich Manning, who has led Utah to a 42-12-8 in three seasons.
Joining the Utes this fall will be Jen Christoffers (Forward - Phoenix, Ariz.), Lynzee Lee (Goalkeeper - Kalispell, Mont./Sandy, Utah), Katy Reineke (Midfielder - Salt Lake City), Emalee Rogers (Goalkeeper - Centerville, Utah) and Danielle Sample (Midfielder - Salt Lake City).
"This is a small but potent group," said Manning. "These five new Utes will have an immediate impact on and off the field. They are excellent soccer players that are experienced and used to winning. They are also bright personalities that will bring a positive energy to our Utah family.
"We know these players very well. Either (assistant coach) Laurel Roderick or myself has coached everyone in the group through the Olympic Development Program. And four of the five (all except Jen Christoffers) attended our camp this past summer. I think this group will make a seamless transition come August. In many ways I feel like they are already here."
The Utes have added three players with Region IV ODP experience in Christoffers, Lee and Reineke. Also, the two club teams those three played for are among the top teams in the country at their age group. Lee and Reineke played for the Celtic Storm, while Christoffers played for the Sereno Golden Eagles.
"We have 18 freshmen and sophomores on our current roster, so we were able to be selective in our recruiting," said Manning. "With just five players we have added another dangerous forward, deepened our midfield, improved our left side, and created an outstanding pool of goalkeepers."
"I really enjoyed recruiting this past year," Mannning concluded. "We have an easy sell. The University of Utah is a great place. When talented youth players from some of the top club teams in the country choose to come here, it reminds me how lucky I am to work at the U. I'm happy for our new players. They are going to have a great experience. I am also excited for our team, as these five are going to make us better."
Recruit Profiles
Jennifer Christoffers - Forward Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz. Parents: Judy Christoffers ODP: Arizona State Team (2002-03), Regional Team (2003) Club: Sereno Golden Eagles Club Coach: Mitch Murry Club Honors: State Cup champions (2001-04), regional finalist (2004) High School: Desert Vista HS Honors: All-state first team (2002-05), Central Region player of the year"Jen is a dynamic forward. She can score as well as create for others," says Manning. "She is explosive on the dribble and her speed will put opponents on their heels. She is tenacious and I love her commitment to defending. I got to work with Jen on the Region IV ODP team and feel like she is just coming into her own. Her Sereno club team is one of the best in the nation. She comes to Utah with great experience and will be ready to contribute right away."
Did you know... Jennifer comes from the same youth soccer club, Sereno Golden Eagles, as current Utah sophomore Michelle Deatherage?
Lynzee Lee - Goalkeeper Hometown: Kalispell, Mont./Sandy, Utah Parents: Kelly and Scott Lee ODP: Montana State Team (2002-03), Utah State Team (2004) Club: FC Bozeman (Mont.)/Celtic Storm (Utah) Club Coach: Ric Plante (FC Bozeman)/Robyn Bretzing (Celtic Storm) Club Honors: FC Bozeman won State Cup (2002-03). Celtic Storm won State Cup (2004). High School: Flathead (Mont.)/Alta (Utah) HS Honors: All-state first team in Montana (2002-03), all-state first team in Utah (2004).
"Lynzee is one of the top goalkeepers in the graduating class," says Manning. "She is an excellent shot stopper. She is good at managing high balls. And she is skillful with her feet. These are three critical areas for goalies. I would also describe her game as powerful, explosive and fearless. I think she has a presence in goal that is intimidating to the opposition. She will make an impact immediately. With the addition of Lynzee and Emalee Rogers, we will have a terrific foursome of goalies in our program."
Did you know... Lynzee also plays basketball at Alta High School?
Katy Reineke - Midfielder Hometown: Salt Lake City Parents: Lawrence and Barbara Reineke ODP: Utah State Team (2000-03), Regional Team (2000, 2003), National Pool (2003) Club: Celtic Storm Club Coach: Robyn Bretzing Club Honors: State Cup champions (2002-04) High School: East HS Honors: Class 4A MVP in 2004, all-state first team (2002-04).
"Katy is skillful, versatile and can hammer the ball," says Manning. "The first thing that people will notice is that her left foot is a cannon. She can score with it, hit great crosses and is deadly on set pieces. However, I also like that she is a good passer and reads the game well. With great club and ODP experience, she is also ready to play right now. If you asked me today, she would play in the midfield because she covers so much ground. But, she can play on any row on the field. Regardless of her position, she gives us a strong left-sided presence."
Did you know... Katy scored the winning goal in overtime of the Utah high school 4A championship game this year?
Emalee Rogers - Goalkeeper Hometown: Centerville, Utah Parents: Vern and Melissa Rogers Club: Utah FC Club Coach: Chuck Miller Club Honors: State Cup champions (2004) High School: Viewmont HS Honors: All-state second team (2004), all-region first team (2003-04).
"Emalee is a great shot stopper and a very smart goalie," said Manning. "She will pull balls that are sure goals out of the net. She also has great foot skills. Her best quality, though, is her decision making. She consistently prevents dangerous situations by making the correct play. I think this brings great confidence to her teammates. For this reason, I think our players will love working with Emalee."
Did you know... Emalee comes from a family of Utah graduates? Her grandfather, father and mother are all Utah alums.
Danielle Sample - Midfielder Hometown: Salt Lake City Parents: Jay and Chris Sample ODP: Utah State Team (2000-04) Club: Avalanche Club Coach: Kevin Vandervere Club Honors: State Cup runner-up (2003-04) High School: Brighton HS Honors: All-state honorable mention (2004), all-region second team (2004).
"Danielle is hard working and powerful," said Manning. "She has many of the qualities of a good defensive midfielder. She is good in the air. Her tackling is strong. And she can hit the ball. Her speed is improving and I am excited about her potential."
Did you know... Danielle has made a strong recovery after tearing the ACL in her knee as a high school junior?
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