UCO Signs Nine For Soccer

2/1/2012 7:41:00 PM

Mike Cook

EDMOND (Feb. 1) – Perennial NCAA Division II women's soccer power Central Oklahoma signed nine high school standouts to national letters of intent Wednesday.

The Bronchos of 14th-year head coach, who made their eighth national tournament appearance in 12 years last season, added five state products and four Texas prep stars to the roster.

State players signing with UCO were Cierra Allen of McGuinness High School, Tyler Barajas of Mustang High School, Caitlin Bond of Choctaw High School, Meghann Combs of Yukon High School and Ciara Mitchell of Carl Albert High School, while Texas signees were Courtney Cox of McKinney Boyd High School, Kimberly Linder of Plano West High School, Maryan McElligott of Clear Springs High School and Ariana Morrison of Byron Nelson High School.

“We're really excited about this class of recruits,” said Cook, who has a 214-72-16 record at UCO and is 302-94-17 in 19 years as head women's coach. Their soccer knowledge is very high and it's a very athletic group.

“We feel like we addressed some areas of need and definitely have added depth to a lot of positions. This recruiting class along with our returning group of players should make for an exciting 2012 season when we look forward to making an impact in the MIAA.”

The Bronchos went 15-4 last fall in making it to the national playoffs as an independent and will join the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association next year.

Cook's comments on each signee:

Cierra Allen: “Cierra will give us a strong defensive presence in the midfield and has a chance to help immediately.”

Tyler Barajas: Tyler plays with a good pace and can serve in balls from the wing. She will push for time on the outside midfield.”

Caitlin Bond: “Caitlin is very dynamic and exciting to watch and should be able to create in several positions for us right away.”

Meghann Combs: “Meghann is a very versatile player who can play several positions and will give us added depth throughout the midfield.”

Ciara Mitchell: Ciara does well with both feel and is a hard worker who reads the game well. She will add to our strong midfield group.”

Courtney Cox: “Courtney knows the game very well. She will give us added depth in the back and should push for time right away.”

Kimberly Linder: “Kimberly is a very strong forward who will have a chance right away to make an impact. She has the potential to provide a strong presence on balls in he box.”

Maryan McElligott: “Maryan works very hard and can create opportunities. She will add depth to the midfield.”

Ariana Morrison: “Ariana gives us much-needed depth at keeper and has the potential to push for playing time right away.”

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