Feb. 5, 2014
NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The University of Notre Dame women’s soccer program announced Wednesday that 10 student-athletes have chosen to continue their academic and athletic careers with the Fighting Irish, signing National Letters of Intent to enroll at Notre Dame beginning in the fall of 2014.
Paige Crowley, a 5-8 defender (Los Gatos, Calif./Saint Francis HS/MVLA), Meghan Doyle, a 5-11 forward (Niskayuna, N.Y./Niskayuna HS/Quickstrike FC), Monica Flores, a 5-3 defender (Linvingston, N.J./Livingston HS/PDA), Sabrina Flores, a 5-3 defender (Linvingston, N.J./Livingston HS/PDA), Kaitlin Klawunder, a 5-9 forward (Coto de Caza, Calif./Santa Margarita HS/So Cal Blues), Taylor Klawunder, a 5-10 midfielder (Coto de Caza, Calif./Santa Margarita HS/So Cal Blues), Megan McCashland, a 5-7 midfielder (Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln Southwest HS/Gretna SC), Ginny McGowan, a 5-7 defender (Lake Forest, Ill./Lake Forest HS/Eclipse Select), Lexi Nicholas, a 5-7 goalkeeper (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley HS/Pleasanton Rage) and Katie Uhler, a 5-9 midfielder/forward (San Antonio, Texas/Saint Mary’s Hall/Lonestar SC), each made their official commitments to Notre Dame by submitting National Letters of Intent during the current signing period that began Wednesday.
In addition, there are potentially other student-athletes who will be part of the Notre Dame women’s soccer incoming class of 2014, once their offers of admission have been accepted and received by the University.
This year’s 10-player Fighting Irish class is full of highly-decorated student-athletes, led by eight players who are ranked among the top 75 in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer. McGowan heads up the list at No. 11 in the country (as well as the top prospect in the Midwest Region and third nationally among all defenders), just ahead of Sabrina Flores at No. 17 nationally (second in New Jersey and fifth among defenders). Kaitlin Klawunder checks in at No. 30 in the latest Top Drawer Soccer player ratings (sixth in Southern California), followed by Uhler (No. 39 overall; fourth in the state of Texas), McCashland (No. 44 overall; fourth in the Heartland Region) and Monica Flores (No. 58 overall; fourth in New Jersey). Rounding out the top 75 contingent for Notre Dame are Taylor Klawunder at No. 70, and Nicholas at No. 73 (the latter also ranking ninth among all goalkeepers in this year’s prep class).
What’s more, both Doyle and Uhler have earned National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) High School All-America selections (Uhler in 2012, Doyle in 2013), as well as a pair of NSCAA High School All-Region citations each (Doyle in Region II, Uhler in Region VI, both in 2012 and 2013). In addition, six members of the Notre Dame incoming class (Crowley, both Flores sisters, McCashland, McGowan and Nicholas) have experience as members of U.S. Soccer youth national teams ranging from the Under-15 to the Under-18 level.
The addition of two sets of twins (Flores and Klawunder) will lend even more excitement to the 2014 Notre Dame women’s soccer season. They will be the first twins ever to suit up for the Fighting Irish, as well as just the second and third sister tandems to play side-by-side for the Notre Dame women’s soccer program — the first since the 2001 season, when Kelly Tulisiak played her senior year alongside her freshman sister, Kate.
“We didn’t expect to bring in another large class after our previous two, but when it was all said and done, we knew each one of these incoming players would bring some special to our program,” said Fighting Irish assistant coach Dawn Greathouse. “They are a tremendous group with a work ethic that is second to none, as well as a competitive spirit consistent with what we have come to expect here at Notre Dame. Every single player in this class has the ability to make an impact right away and help fill some voids left by our graduating senior class. They are also a very charismatic group and we believe they will add another level of great energy and enthusiasm to the tremendous core of returning players we have coming back in the fall.”
Three-time national champion Notre Dame returns seven starters and 23 veterans from last year’s squad that posted a 13-8-1 record (7-5-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference), while advancing to the third round of the NCAA Championship. The Fighting Irish, who were ranked 14th in the final NSCAA poll and 19th in the final Soccer America poll, will be led by the versatile junior-to-be Cari Roccaro (East Islip, N.Y./East Islip), currently the captain of the U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team that will compete in this summer’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and a first-team NSCAA All-Southeast Region and all-ACC selection, as well as the 2012 Soccer America Freshman of the Year and a 2012 third-team NSCAA All-American.
Joining Roccaro will be 2013 ACC Freshman of the Year and NSCAA third-team all-region choice, rising sophomore midfielder Morgan Andrews (Milford, N.H./Milford) and junior-to-be Katie Naughton (Elk Grove Village, Ill./Elk Grove), a 2012 third-team all-conference defender, with both Andrews and Naughton playing alongside Roccaro on the U.S. U-20 National Team that won the CONCACAF U-20 Championship last month in the Cayman Islands.
Notre Dame will kick off its spring schedule next month before turning its attention to summer training and preparation for the 2014 season, with the full Fighting Irish schedule expected to be announced late this spring.
For more information on the Notre Dame women’s soccer program, follow the Fighting Irish on Twitter (@NDsoccernews or @NDSoccer), like the Fighting Irish on Facebook (facebook.com/NDWomenSoccer) or sign up for the Irish ALERT text-messaging system through the “Fan Center” pulldown menu on the main page at UND.com.
A capsule look at the newest additions to the Notre Dame women’s soccer program follows:
PAIGE CROWLEY, 5-8, Defender (Los Gatos, Calif./Saint Francis High School/MVLA)
Awards/Honors/Rankings: Ranked No. 12 in the Northern California/Hawaii Region of the 2014 Top Drawer Soccer Girls IMG Academy 150 player ratings (four-star ranking).
National Team Highlights: Member of the U.S Soccer Under-15 Girls National Team in 2011, and was a part of the 2013 U-18 Women’s National Team player pool alongside fellow signees Monica and Sabrina Flores, Megan McCashland, Ginny McGowan and Lexi Nicholas.
ODP/Club Team Highlights: Participated in the ODP from 2009-11, spending time with the Cal-North State and Region IV ODP teams … saw action with the Cal-North G96 champions at the 2011 Region IV ODP Championships … also took part in the ODP national development camp … team captain of the MVLA Lightning since 2006, and has helped lead club team to the 2010 USYSA National Championship title (2010) and USYSA National runner-up (2012) honors, while claiming Region IV Championship victories in each season … team added three consecutive Far West Regional League championships (2010-12), three Surf Cup Championship game appearances (2008 and 2011 champions; 2009 runner-up), and six consecutive State Cup Championship game berths (2007, 2009 and 2011 champions; 2008, 2010 and 2012 runner-up).
Prep & Personal: On target to graduate from Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, Calif., this spring … four-year letterwinner … four-year starter … as a freshman, led team to CCS title in 2010 … high school record 32-7-6 (that included 25 shutouts) … daughter of Kathy and Michael Crowley … father, Michael, is a 1985 Notre Dame graduate, and currently serves as president of Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics, as well as managing director of Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes … sister, Meghan, graduated from Notre Dame in 2011 … brother, Patrick, is a senior guard on the Notre Dame men’s basketball team and will graduate from the University this spring … part of fifth generation of her family to attend Notre Dame … one of four Californians in this year’s Fighting Irish incoming freshman class (and seven total on the roster), raising the total number of Golden State residents who will have suited up for Notre Dame to a program-high 35 during the 2014 campaign … hails from the same hometown (Los Gatos) as renowned former Fighting Irish All-America goalkeeper and 1996 NSCAA National Player of the Year/1996 NCAA Top VIII selection Jen Renola.
Did You Know?: Has played piano since age five, earning a California Certificate of Merit for classical piano (advanced level) … also serves as an assistant coach with a pair of U10 teams with her club program, MVLA … participated in immersions to Chile and El Salvador in 2013.
Greathouse on Crowley…
“Paige is a very confident defender from the prestigious MVLA club in Northern California. Although she has been through a lot over the last couple of years, battling through some pretty big injuries, she certainly has the ability to contribute in our back line. She’s a tough center back who has a great understanding of the game.”
MEGHAN DOYLE, 5-11, Forward (Niskayuna, N.Y./Niskayuna High School/Quickstrike FC)
ODP/Club Team Highlights: Competed with the 2012-13 Region I ODP and the Eastern New York State ODP teams … was a part of the 2013 Region I international trip to Spain and Portugal … played in the 2013 ODP Girls Thanksgiving Interregional … played with the Alleycats Lynx Premier club team as a starting forward from 2009-13 … member of 2012 and 2013 State Cup Championship teams, and reached the State Cup semifinals in 2010 … also claimed the 2011 Region I NERP League Championship, and was a member of the 2012 Region I Premier League semifinalist.
Prep & Personal: Slated to graduate this spring from Niskayuna High School in Niskayuna, N.Y. … four-year starter … helped team to 51-12-1 (.805) … scored 65 career goals and added 38 assists … New York State Section II champions and regional finalist (2013) … ranked No. 1 in New York state in 2012 … NSCAA Girls High School All-American (2013) … NSCAA All-American all-region (2012 & 2013) … New York State Class AA Co-Player of the Year (2012& 13) … New York State Class AAA First Team all-State (2012 &13) … second-team all-state in 2011 … New York State Section II Player of the Tear (2012 &2013) … New York State Scholar Athlete (2010-13) … daughter of Paula and Chris Doyle … mother, Paula, graduated from Notre Dame in 1986 … has two younger siblings — brother Tim and sister Erin … will be one of three New York natives on the 2014 Fighting Irish roster, along with Long Island residents Cari Roccaro and Karin Simonian.
Did You Know?: Has spent the past eight years as an Irish step dancer, attaining North American Feis Commission Championship Level status … an active member of American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program … interested in studying science at Notre Dame.
Greathouse on Doyle…
“Meghan has great size that will benefit the smaller front line that we currently have. She is competitive, confident, and technical — all qualities a good forward needs. She has had a very successful high school and club career with more than 150 points and 65 goals in high school alone. We think she will bring something completely different to our front line.”
MONICA FLORES, 5-3, Defender (Livingston, N.J./Livingston High School/PDA)
Awards/Honors/Rankings: Ranked No. 58 in the 2014 Top Drawer Soccer Girls IMG Academy 150 player ratings (four-star ranking; No. 4 in New Jersey Region; No. 12 among all defenders nationally).
National Team Highlights: First became involved with U.S. Soccer by participating in Under-14 Girls National Team Camp in 2011 … also was invited to the U-15 Girls National Team Camp in 2011 … was a member of the 2013 U-18 Women’s National Team player pool with sister Sabrina and fellow signees Paige Crowley, Megan McCashland, Ginny McGowan and Lexi Nicholas.
ODP/Club Team Highlights: Competed with the PDA Slammers in 2013, and was a part of the U-17 ECNL National Championship team … took part in the 2012 July ECNL/id2 National Camp … spent the previous three seasons with the SDFC Lynx, winning one Region 1 Premier League Championship (2012), a pair of New Jersey State Cup Championships (2010 and 2012) and the 2010 US Club Region A championship title … played in the November 2011 and February 2012 ODP Spain Interregional events … saw time with the ODP State Team from 2009-11.
Prep & Personal: Will graduate from Livingston High School in Livingston, N.J., this spring … three-time all-conference selection (2010-12) … all-SEC/American Division first team (2011 & 2012) … NJGSCA All-State Top 20 North I Region (2012) … NJGSCA All-State North I Regionl (2010 & 2011) … all-SEC American Division second team (2010) … daughter of Adriana Grigoriu and David Flores … Group IV Section I finalist (2012) … Section I finalist (2011) … Group IV finalist and conference champion (2010) … has twin sister, Sabrina, as well as two older siblings (Alex and Claudia) … along with her sister, will give Notre Dame nine New Jersey residents who have played for Fighting Irish in program history.
Did You Know?: One of two sets of twins (along with Kaitlin and Taylor Klawunder) on the 2014 Notre Dame roster (the first twins ever to play for the Fighting Irish) … part of first set of sisters to appear on Notre Dame women’s soccer roster in same season since 2001 (Kelly and Kate Tulisiak, who were the only sisters in program history to play for the Fighting Irish before the 2014 pair of twins) … has sights set on studying biology at Notre Dame.
Greathouse on Monica Flores…
“Monica adds a little more flair at the outside back spot, as well as more of an attacking mindset, than we’ve had in a few years. She has the skills and the athleticism to get up and down the line and attack in a way that fits perfectly with how our team plays.”
SABRINA FLORES, 5-3, Defender (Livingston, N.J./Livingston High School/PDA)
Awards/Honors/Rankings: Ranked No. 17 in the 2014 Top Drawer Soccer Girls IMG Academy 150 player ratings (four-star ranking; No. 2 in New Jersey Region; No. 5 among all defenders nationally).
National Team Highlights: Became involved with U.S. Soccer by participating in Under-15 Girls National Team Camp in 2011 … was later invited to U-16 Girls National Team Camp in 2012 … was a member of the 2013 U-18 Women’s National Team player pool with sister Monica and fellow signees Paige Crowley, Megan McCashland, Ginny McGowan and Lexi Nicholas … logged a pair of appearances at defender in 2013 with the U-18 Women’s Youth National Team.
ODP/Club Team Highlights: Most recently played with the PDA Slammers U18 squad … was a member of the Slammers U-17 ECNL National Championship team in 2013 … took part in the 2013 Nike Chance/ECNL/id2 National Training Camp and “The Chance” World Tour team trip to England … spent previous three seasons with the SDFC Lynx club squad, winning one Region 1 Premier League Championship (2012), a pair of New Jersey State Cup Championships (2010 and 2012) and the 2010 US Club Region A championship title … competed in ODP state and regional team events from 2009-12, and was a member of the 2011 USYS 1995s National Championship team.
Prep & Personal: On schedule to graduate this spring from Livingston High School in Livingston, N.J. … NJGSCA All-State Top 20 North I Region (2012) … Region I all-state and all-conference (2011) … Group IV Section I finalist (2012) … Section I finalist (2011) … Top 20 North I Region (2012) … All-State North Region I (2010 & 2011) … First Team all-SEC/American Division (2011) … Second Team all-SEC/American Division (2010 & 2012) … Group IV finalist and conference champion (2010) … daughter of Adriana Grigoriu and David Flores … has twin sister, Monica, as well as two older siblings (Alex and Claudia) … along with her sister, will give Notre Dame nine New Jersey residents who have played for Fighting Irish in program history.
Did You Know?: One of two sets of twins (along with Kaitlin and Taylor Klawunder) on the 2014 Notre Dame roster (the first twins ever to play for the Fighting Irish) … part of first set of sisters to appear on Notre Dame women’s soccer roster in same season since 2001 (Kelly and Kate Tulisiak, who were the only sisters in program history to play for the Fighting Irish before the 2014 pair of twins) … plans to major in biology at Notre Dame.
Greathouse on Sabrina Flores…
“Like her twin sister Monica, Sabrina is a very attack-minded player who is a prototypical outside back in a 4-3-3 system. Her technical ability has most recently earned her an opportunity with to train with our U-18 National Team. We fully expect both Sabrina and Monica to come in and compete right away to help fill the void at the outside back spot left by the graduation of Elizabeth Tucker.”
KAITLIN KLAWUNDER, 5-9, Forward (Coto de Caza, Calif./Santa Margarita High School/So Cal Blues)
Awards/Honors/Rankings: Ranked No. 30 in the 2014 Top Drawer Soccer Girls IMG Academy 150 player ratings (four-star ranking; No. 6 in Southern California Region).
ODP/Club Team Highlights: Appeared with the Cal South ODP Team from 2009-13 … member of the 2012 and 2013 U.S. Youth Soccer ODP National Champions G96 (Cal South Team) … competed in both the 2011 and 2012 ODP Thanksgiving Interregional Tournament G96 (Region IV Team), and took part in 2011 ODP National Camp G96 … was selected to the 2011 and 2012 ECNL Los Angeles Player Development Program (PDP) … tabbed to the 2010 and 2011 Second Team All Tournament Team G96 at the Region IV ODP Championships … the Cal South Team was a four-time (2010-13) Region IV ODP Regional Champions G96 … took part in the 2008 Cal South Young Olympian Program … has played on the club level with the So Cal Blues since 2005 … member of the 2012 Puma USA Cup U-16 vElite and Players Showcase U-16 championship squads with the Blues … team finished as the U-15 finalist at the 2011 Far West Regional Championships … was a part of four Blues Cup Championship teams (2006, 2007, 2011 and 2013).
Prep & Personal: Poised to graduate this spring from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Santa Margarita, Calif. … fouryear letterwinner … Trinity League first-team honoree (2012 & 2013) … member of CIF Southern California Division II championship team (2012) … CIF-SS Division I semifinalist (2011 & 2012) … three-time Trinity League champions (2011-13) … College Board AP Scholar with Honor (2013) … daughter of Nina and Bernd Klawunder … last name is pronounced KLAV-under … has twin sister, Taylor … hails from the same high school and club program that produced Notre Dame rising senior forward Lauren Bohaboy … one of four Californians in this year’s Fighting Irish incoming freshman class (and seven total on the roster), raising the total number of Golden State residents who will have suited up for Notre Dame to a program-high 35 during the 2014 campaign.
Did You Know?: One of two sets of twins (along with Monica and Sabrina Flores) on the 2014 Notre Dame roster (the first twins ever to play for the Fighting Irish) … part of first set of sisters to appear on Notre Dame women’s soccer roster in same season since 2001 (Kelly and Kate Tulisiak, who were the only sisters in program history to play for the Fighting Irish before the 2014 pair of twins) … enjoys the beach, yoga, creative writing and painting … goal is to study business (finance) at Notre Dame, with a potential minor in English and/or creative writing.
Greathouse on Kaitlin Klawunder…
“Kaitlin is someone who has the ability to play multiple positions. She can hold things down centrally in the midfield, or she can go up and down the flank as an outside back. The one position we’re most excited about recently is up front, where she has
become very dangerous, not only in finishing in front of goal, but in creating opportunities for those around her. She’ll be a great addition to our current front line of offensive talent.”
TAYLOR KLAWUNDER, 5-10, Midfielder (Coto de Caza, Calif./Santa Margarita High School/So Cal Blues)
Awards/Honors/Rankings: Ranked No. 70 in the 2014 Top Drawer Soccer Girls IMG Academy 150 player ratings (four-star ranking; No. 11 in Southern California Region; No. 23 among all midfielders nationally).
ODP/Club Team Highlights: Appeared with the Cal South ODP Team from 2009-13 … member of the 2012 and 2013 U.S. Youth Soccer ODP National Champions G96 (Cal South Team) … competed in both the 2011 and 2012 ODP Thanksgiving Interregional Tournament G96 (Region IV Team), and took part in 2011 ODP National Camp G96 … was selected to the 2011 and 2012 ECNL Los Angeles Player Development Program (PDP) … tabbed to the 2010, 2012 and 2013 First Team All Tournament Team G96 at the Region IV ODP Championships … the Cal South Team was four-time (2010-13) Region IV ODP Regional Champions G96 … took part in the 2008 Cal South Young Olympian Program … has played on the club level with the So Cal Blues since 2005 … member of the 2012 Puma USA Cup U-16 vElite and Players Showcase U-16 championship squads with the Blues … team finished as the U-15 finalist at the 2011 Far West Regional Championships … was a part of four Blues Cup Championship teams (2006, 2007, 2011 and 2013).
Prep & Personal: On track to graduate from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Santa Margarita, Calif., this spring … four-time letterwinner … Second Team Trinity League (2013) … Santa Margarita MVP (2012) … First Team Trinity League (2012) … Second Team all-CIF-SS Division I (2012) … member of CIF Southern California Division II championship team (2012) … CIF-SS Division I semifinalist (2011 & 2012) … three-time Trinity League champions (2011-13) … College Board AP Scholar with Honor (2013) … daughter of Nina and Bernd Klawunder … last name is pronounced KLAV-under … has twin sister, Kaitlin … product of the same high school and club program as current Notre Dame forward Lauren Bohaboy … one of four Californians in this year’s Fighting Irish incoming freshman class (and seven total on the roster), raising the total number of Golden State residents who will have suited up for Notre Dame to a program-high 35 during the 2014 campaign.
Did You Know?: One of two sets of twins (along with Monica and Sabrina Flores) on the 2014 Notre Dame roster (the first twins ever to play for the Fighting Irish) … part of first set of sisters to appear on Notre Dame women’s soccer roster in same season since 2001 (Kelly and Kate Tulisiak, who were the only sisters in program history to play for the Fighting Irish before the 2014 pair of twins) … enjoys the beach and painting … has an interest in studying business (finance) or mathematics at Notre Dame.
Greathouse on Taylor Klawunder…
“Taylor is a skillful midfielder with great vision who has all of the qualities of someone who will flourish in our possession style of play. She has good size which helps her win any 50/50 balls in midfield and an incredible work ethic. She’ll be another great addition to our already-strong midfield that includes 2013 ACC Freshman of the Year Morgan Andrews.”
MEGAN McCASHLAND, 5-7, Midfielder (Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln Southwest High School/FC Dallas/Gretna SC)
Awards/Honors/Rankings: Ranked No. 44 in the 2014 Top Drawer Soccer Girls IMG Academy 150 player ratings (four-star ranking; No. 4 in Heartland Region; No. 15 among all midfielders nationally).
National Team Highlights: Part of the U.S. Soccer Women’s National Team U-18 player pool along with fellow signees Paige Crowley, Monica and Sabrina Flores, Megan McCashland and Lexi Nicholas.
ODP/Club Team Highlights: Member of the Region II ODP Team as a team captain since 2012 … was a part of the 2012 Region II ODP Pool Team … named to the 2013 National ODP All-Star Team as team captain, and also captained the ODP Costa Rica International Tournament Team … spent two seasons with the Toro Soccer (2010-11), winning the 2010 Nebraska state championship and the 2010 GSI Showcase championship titles … played with the Gretna Soccer Club for the past three seasons (2011-13) … as a three-time team captain, has led Gretna to the 2013 Nebraska state team championship and a pair of runner-up finishes (2011-12 and 2012-13) … currently a member of the FC Dallas club team.
Prep & Personal: Will graduate this spring from Lincoln Southwest High School in Lincoln, Neb. … Omaha World and Lincoln Journal Star all-conference (2012 & 2011) … Lincoln Journal Star Super State First Team (2012) …First Team All-State Omaha World (2012) … Lincoln Journal Star First Team All-State and Second Team Super State (2011) … daughter of Courtney and Patrick McCashland … will be the third Nebraska native to suit up for Notre Dame, along with Omaha product Kelly Lindsey (1997-2000) and Elkhorn native Liz McNeil (2009-10).
Did You Know?: Has spent time as volunteer at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln … also serves as volunteer coach for U10 boys team with Sporting Lincoln club program … spending 2013-14 as a discovery player for FC Dallas club program (a regular commute of more than 600 miles from her hometown), playing for former Notre Dame assistant coach Ben Waldrum.
Greathouse on McCashland…
“We were extremely fortunate to discover Megan a little later in the process than everyone else. She is a great student of the game who is extremely passionate about playing. Her technical skills, along with her tactical awareness, fit in perfectly with our possession style, and she is someone who can not only help us keep the ball, but can also break down defenses. She is a true competitor and someone we expect great things from.”
GINNY McGOWAN, 5-7, Defender (Lake Forest, Ill./Lake Forest High School/Eclipse Select)
Awards/Honors/Rankings: Ranked No. 11 in the 2014 Top Drawer Soccer Girls IMG Academy 150 player ratings (five-star ranking; No. 1 in Midwest Region; No. 3 among all defenders nationally).
National Team Highlights: Was a member of of the 2010 and 2011 U.S. Soccer Girls National Team Under-15 player pool … included in the 2013 U-18 Women’s National Team player pool alongside fellow signees Monica and Sabrina Flores, Megan McCashland, Paige Crowley and Lexi Nicholas.
ODP/Club Team Highlights: Took part in the 2013 Nike Chance/ECNL/id2 National Training Camp and “The Chance” World Tour team trip to England … competed with the Eclipse Select club team since 2010 … team claimed the 2013 ECNL U-23 National Championship … attended the 2011 Puma Women’s Showcase, and was a 2011 State Cup finalist and Regional champion … member of the regional pool in 2009 and 2010.
Prep & Personal: Set to graduate this spring from Lake Forest High School in Lake Forest, Ill. … Freshman MVP, all-conference, all-state and all-academic selection (2010) … North Suburban Conference champion, regional and sectional champion (2010) … played field hockey (2012-13) and won back-to-back state championships … daughter of Karen and Michael McGowan … father, Michael, is a 1983 Notre Dame graduate … has two younger siblings (Quinn and Grace) … continues remarkable pipeline of talent from the Chicagoland area to Notre Dame, a group that includes current Fighting Irish defenders Katie Naughton and Sammy Scofield (also an Eclipse Select club product), as well as former Notre Dame All-Americans Brittany Bock, Jen Buczkowski, Jen Grubb and Alison Lester among many others.
Did You Know?: Has played the piano for 10 years … obsessed with the Christmas holiday, the TV show “Gossip Girl” and her dog, Powder … favorite dessert is kolache (pronounced koh-LAH-chay), a Central European pastry often served at wedding receptions.
Greathouse on McGowan…
“Ginny is a tough and tenacious central defender who, like many of the players in our incoming class, has youth national team experience. She’s got great size, athleticism and reads the game very well. She also has all of the leadership qualities you look for in the central spine of your team and is someone who will come in and compete for playing time right away.”
LEXI NICHOLAS, 5-7, Goalkeeper (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley High School/Pleasanton Rage)
Awards/Honors/Rankings: Ranked No. 73 in the 2014 Top Drawer Soccer Girls IMG Academy 150 player ratings (four-star ranking; No. 7 in Northern California/Hawaii Region; No. 9 among all goalkeepers nationally).
National Team Highlights: First involved in the U.S. Soccer youth national team in 2010 after attending U.S. Under-14 Girls National Identification Camp … also spent time took part in a pair of U.S. U-18 Women’s National Team camps in 2013 … named to the 2013 U.S. U-18 Women’s National Team player pool alongside fellow signees Paige Crowley, Monica and Sabrina Flores, Megan McCashland and Ginny McGowan … made two appearances (boths starts) in net with the 2013 U.S. U-18 Women’s National Team, earning one victory.
ODP/Club Team Highlights: Was a part of the Cal State North ODP State Team from 2009-13 … named to the 2011 and 2012 Region IV Championships All-Tournament first teams, and played for the tournament championship squad in 2011 … competed at the Region IV Camp in Moscow, Idaho for four seasons (2009-12) … appeared in the Girls 1996 Region IV Team Boca Ration Interregional Championship tournament from 2010-13, and was the team captain in 2012-13 … on the club level, trained in the ECNL Player Development Program in 2012 and 2013.
Prep & Personal: Preparing to graduate from Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, Calif. … four-year varsity letterwinner … two-time team captain … First Team all-EBAL (2012) … Team MVP (2012) … daughter of Courtney and Jim Nicholas … has a twin sister, Brianna, as well as a younger brother, Zachary …one of four Californians in this year’s Fighting Irish incoming freshman class (and seven total on the roster), raising the total number of Golden State residents who will have suited up for Notre Dame to a program-high 35 during the 2014 campaign.
Did You Know?: One of five players in the 2014 Notre Dame incoming freshman class who is a twin, but the only one of the five whose twin is not also signing with the Fighting Irish … is the older twin sister by two minutes … a self-described “super nerd”, she is a fan of the Harry Potter novels, having read every book in the J.K. Rowling series at least three times in addition to visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios in Orlando … also fan of the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings series, as well as the TV series “Castle” … is bi-literate and bilingual in Spanish, having studied the language since kindergarten and completed AP level Spanish courses in language and literature during high school … has traveled to both Spain and England with her family, and hopes to travel the world in the future … has expressed interest in diverse fields of study at Notre Dame, including business, psychology, Spanish and sociology.
Greathouse on Nicholas…
“Lexi is not only technically very sound and has a great deal of experience in our youth national team system, but she is also extremely competitive and has the athleticism to make the big saves. She is very driven and will certainly come in to challenge our current group of goalkeepers right away.”
KATIE UHLER, 5-9, Midfielder/Forward (San Antonio, Texas/Saint Mary’s Hall/Lonestar SC)
Awards/Honors/Rankings: Ranked No. 39 in the 2014 Top Drawer Soccer Girls IMG Academy 150 player ratings (four-star ranking; No. 4 in Texas Region; No. 14 among all midfielders nationally).
ODP/Club Team Highlights: Played for the Lonestar 96 ECNL for six seasons, and has served as either a team co-captain (2012) or captain (2013 and 2014) in each of the last three … three-time USYS National Cup state champion (2009, 2010 and 2011), and a USYS RegionalII finalist in 2010 … member of the ECNL U-16 (2012) and U-17 (2013) Texas conference championship teams … ECNL U-15 (2011) national chapionship team … Region III ` 95 ODP camp and sub-region camp (2008-12) … South Texas ODP team (2008-12) … ECNL/id2 National Camp (2012).
Prep & Personal: Slated to graduate this spring from Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, Texas … two-time NSCAA High School All-American (2012 & 2013) … NSCAA High School Girls All-Region VI-Southwest (2011-13) … recipient of NSCAA High School Team Academic Award (2011-13) … two-time Southwest Preparatory all-conference team (2012 & 2013) … San Antonio all-area team (2011-13) and San Antonio High School Newcomer of the Year (2011) … currently has 18 career goal and nine assists (as of Jan. 29, 2014) in her final scholastic season … scored 19 goals and added 13 assists as a junior … finished with 11 goals and nine assists as a sophomore … netted 19 goals and dished off 13 assists as a freshman … National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist … AP Scholar (2013) … daughter of Martha and David Uhler … last name is pronounced YOU-ler … mother, Martha, is a 1985 Notre Dame graduate … one of five Texans who will suit up for the Fighting Irish during the 2014 season, making her the 32nd native of the Lone Star State to join the Notre Dame program since its inception (a total second only to California) … just the second player to come from the San Antonio area to play soccer for the Fighting Irish, and the first since the program’s second season (1989), when Beth Brandes, a native of Fort Sam Houston, saw action in one match.
Did You Know?: Has earned straight A’s in every single subject she has taken since kindergarten (currently with 4.35 cumulative grade-point average in high school) … holds the Texas state fly-fishing record for white bass on the Colorado River … intends to focus on a pre-med course of study at Notre Dame.
Greathouse on Uhler…
“Katie has been on our radar for some time now, and it has been a true joy to watch her continue to develop into the player she is now. Technically, she has the talent to play anywhere on the field. She has a tremendous presence on the field, is a great ball winner and has the ability to spray the ball around with great accuracy. Although we’re still evaluating where she can help us the most, there’s little doubt she will be someone who will come in and compete right away.”
2014 NOTRE DAME WOMEN'S SOCCER LETTER OF INTENT SIGNEESNAME POS. HT. HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL/CLUBPaige Crowley D 5-8 Los Gatos, Calif./Saint Francis HS/MVLAMeghan Doyle F 5-11 Niskayuna, N.Y./Niskayuna HS/Quickstrike FCMonica Flores D 5-3 Livingston, N.J./Livingston HS/PDASabrina Flores D 5-3 Livingston, N.J./Livingston HS/PDAKaitlin Klawunder F 5-9 Coto de Caza, Calif./Santa Margarita HS/So Cal BluesTaylor Klawunder M 5-10 Coto de Caza, Calif./Santa Margarita HS/So Cal BluesMegan McCashland M 5-7 Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln Southwest HS/Gretna SCGinny McGowan D 5-7 Lake Forest, Ill./Lake Forest HS/Eclipse SelectLexi Nicholas GK 5-7 Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley HS/Pleasanton RageKatie Uhler M/F 5-9 San Antonio, Texas/Saint Mary's Hall/Lonestar SC
— ND —