Monday, April 21

MORGANTOWN, WV – The West Virginia Illusion, a first-year member of United Soccer Leagues W-League, have announced their first thirteen player signings for the 2008 season, pending league approval. Seven are current or former West Virginia University Mountaineers. 

Greer Barnes, Bailey Bryant, Megan Cicchini, Kelsey Fowler, Kendra Graber, Megan Jessee, Marisa Kanela, Nicole Mailloux, Megan Mischler, Michelle Molinari, Ashley Rees, and Christen “Suggie” Seaman will suit up this summer for Illusion Head Coach Giuseppe Dorini.

“Greer is a top-notch player who is very versatile,” said Dorini. “Her experience, both in the W-League and at WVU, will be invaluable.”

From Rye, N.Y., Barnes was a second-team All-American and first-team All-BIG EAST selection at left back for West Virginia University last year as a junior. She played in twelve games for the Boston Renegades in the W-League last year, dishing out two assists.

Kanela, originally from Wantagh, N.Y., is sixth all-time at West Virginia in scoring, finishing her career in 2005 with 28 goals and 20 assists in 85 appearances. Kanela had a knack for coming through in big games, from scoring two goals in a first-round NCAA Tournament win over Hofstra as a senior to tallying the tying goal in the BIG EAST semifinals against Rutgers as a freshman.

“She can change a game with any touch on the ball,” said Dorini. “Look for Marisa to stand out and cause a lot of issues for other teams. She has an impeccable left foot and technical skills. She will be the surprise player to a lot of teams that do not know her.”

Seaman, who will also serve as an assistant coach, resides in Morgantown after playing for West Virginia from 1999 to 2002. She played midfielder and defender for the Mountaineers and was a part of the first three WVU teams to qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

“She is a top quality defender and will solidify the back line,” said Dorini. “She is great in the air and has good leadership qualities. I look for Suggie to be the stabilizer of the team.”

Former Wheeling Central Catholic High School and current West Virginia University standout Kelsey Fowler has played in 43 games for the Mountaineers, primarily as a midfielder, but will make the move into defense this summer.

“Kelsey will see a lot of time as part of our disabling back line defense,” said Dorini of the defender. “She is a player that will run all day and not give up.”

Molinari, from Parkersburg, West Virginia, has appeared 27 times in three years for WVU and was a two-time high school All-American at Parkersburg South.

“Meesh’ will see time in our midfield,” said Dorini. “We will rely on her to control the game. She is a good player that we are hoping will make an impact.”

Mischler, from Moon, Pennsylvania, was a key reserve as a freshman for WVU in their run to the 2007 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.

“Megan impressed me right away when I saw her playing for WVU,” said Dorini. “We will rely on her heart, speed and goal-scoring ability this year. Look for her to make an immediate impact in the W-League.”

Mailloux, from Mississauga, Ontario, has made 16 appearances for the Mountaineers in two years, primarily as a defender, and also made nine appearances in W-League play for the Toronto Lady Lynx in 2006.

“She brings international experience, having played for Canada’s under-20 national team,” said Dorini. “She will also make an immediate impact.”

From Orefield, Pennsylvania, Jessee was one of the premier goalkeepers in the BIG EAST Conference, patrolling the net for the Connecticut Huskies from 2002 to 2005. UConn was an NCAA Tournament participant all four seasons, including a run to the national championship game in 2003.

“We will have a great shot-stopper and top-level goalkeeper to stifle the other team’s attacks,” said Dorini of his goalkeeper.

Rees, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, just completed her sophomore season at West Virginia Wesleyan College and was selected first-team all-WVIAC in each of her two seasons with the Bobcats. She led the team to a conference title last fall, the Bobcats’ first NCAA Division II Tournament bid since 1998.

Graber scored 90 goals at Morgantown High School and was the West Virginia state player of the year in 2002 before playing for Stony Brook University for two seasons.

Bryant, a Charleston, West Virginia native, started all 18 games for the University of Charleston in 2007 after transferring home from Georgetown College in Kentucky. She was an all-WVIAC selection at defender last fall.

Cecchini was a star on and off the field for Washington State University from 2001 to 2004, playing in 64 games and starting 48. She was tabbed as the Cougars’ most outstanding defender as a senior and was an all-Pac 10 Academic Team selection three times.

“She is another player that should surprise opponents,” said Dorini. “Look for Megan to control the defensive midfield area.”

The Illusion begin play on Saturday, May 10 when they host the Charlotte Lady Eagles. Kickoff from Duvall-Rosier Stadium on the campus of Fairmont State University is set for 5 PM. Tickets for the match can be purchased for the special Opening Day price of one dollar.