MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 7, 2008)--The West Virginia Illusion, a first-year member of the USL W-League, the highest level of women's soccer in North America, have announced nine player signings for the 2008 season, pending league approval.
Former West Virginia University standout Natalie Cocchi, who tied a school record with 87 appearances, highlights the class.
“Natalie is a great late addition to the team, a very surprising addition. I am very happy that she decided to stick around the area to be part of the team. She has a lot of obligations this summer and will be with us as much as possible. She's definitely going to be a starter when she's here...great size, great mental ability to bring to the game,” said head coach Joe Dorini.
Morgantown, W.Va. native Kaitlin Parsons returns to the Mountain State after spending her freshman year with Morehead State University. Used predominately as a defender by the Eagles, Parsons will likely be a forward for the Illusion.
“She's a strong player, another West Virginia Vision alumni. I'd like to see how she adjusts during sessions and possibly the games,” said Dorini.
Jennifer Ball, of Charleston, W.Va. and Virginia Military Institute, started all 20 games for the Keydets as a freshman.
"Jennifer is going to be joining the team in early July. She was a standout for West Virginia Vision at the club level, and we'll see how she fits in the W-League,” said Dorini.
Melissa Bigg arrives from the University of Cincinnati, where she has appeared in 36 games with four goals and six assists. Bigg also brings previous W-League experience, having logged 12 games with the Toronto Lady Lynx in 2006 in her native Canada.
“She's another player who will make an immediate impact when she arrives in mid-June; definitely a player I can't wait to get in camp and get involved with the team,” said Dorini.
Goalkeeper Andrea Kaminski is the second Cincinnati Bearcat to sign with West Virginia, joining Bigg.
“She'll make an immediate impact and fight for the starting position,”said Dorini. Kaminski joins former UConn 'keeper Megan Jessee as options for Dorini in goal.
Brittany Clark joins Ashley Rees as current West Virginia Wesleyan players on the Illusion roster. Clark, a Parkersburg, W.Va. native, scored five goals for WVWC last season.
“She is a do-or-die type player who will do anything for you; runs through walls if you need her to,” said Dorini. She can fill in as a substitute and, if she performs well, could move into a starting role by the end of the summer.”
Shayna Varner, a Moundsville, W.Va. native, comes back to West Virginia from Harding University, where she has played for the past two seasons.
“Shayna is an in-state product that brings tenacity and energy from her collegiate experience. She will provide depth for us on the attacking end,” Dorini said.
Haley Thaxton is the first Marshall University player to sign with the Illusion. From Charleston, Thaxton appeared in 11 games as a freshman last fall.
“Haley is another Vision alum who comes from us from the Thundering Herd, where she gained valuable experience as a freshman last fall. She gives us another option at defender.”
Jamie Morrison, a Jeannette, Pa. native, comes back east from Penn State University, where she played for the past two seasons.
“Jamie will join us in June. We're looking forward to getting her here and seeing how she reacts to the team,” said Dorini.
The Illusion begin play this 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 p.m.
Tickets for the match can be purchased for the special Opening Day price of one dollar.
