SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah College of Art and Design women's soccer coach
Andy Williamson announced the signing of five players – Eliza Balen,
Nikki Capizzo,
Ciara Thomas,
Rachel Walker and
Molly Werner - to grants-in-aid to play for the Bees next season.
“I am so excited to have these young ladies join our program,” said Williamson. “We have spent a lot of time getting to know them and their families. I believe they are a perfect fit for our program and I think they will get us back into the Top 25 where we have been the last few years. They have a lot of talent and the drive to be successful.
“I also love the fact they come from some of the biggest clubs in the country,” added Williamson. “Their experience is invaluable. We have never brought in a class as experienced and mature as this one. It is going to be fun coaching them.”
Balen, a 5-foot-7 midfielder from Boise, Idaho, played soccer for two seasons at Boise High School for coach Chris Siegenthaler. Balen helped the Braves capture the Idaho High School Activities Association Class 5A state title in 2009. Balen was also named to the Class 5A All-Star team in 2009. In addition to the success on the field, the Braves were also named the IHSAA's State Academic Champion for Class 5A in women's soccer in both the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Balen also has played club soccer for the Boise Capitals Soccer Club. The Capitals won the 2007 Idaho state championship.
“Eliza can play in midfield or defense,” said Williamson. “She has good size, strength and athleticism. She is fearless in the tackle and has a really good shot. I think she is going to be an important contributor and will get a few goals from midfield or from set pieces. Her versatility gives us so many options and will make us hard to defend.”
Capizzo, a 5-4 midfielder from Grosse Point Woods, Mich., played soccer for four seasons at Grosse Pointe North High School for coach Jen Nedeau. Capizzo was a three-time all-district performer during her career and was once named an honorable mention all-state pick. She helped the Norsemen in 2008 to the Michigan High School Athletics Association Division 1 title match. She has also competed in cross country and hockey at Grosse Point North. Capizzo also played club soccer for three seasons with the Bloomfield Force. She was selected to the ODP team from 2004-09.
“Nikki can play anything we need her to play,” said Williamson. “She is so skilled, aggressive and determined that she will be successful wherever we play her. The first minute I saw her play I was certain we had to get her to SCAD. I am so excited she is joining us.”
Thomas, a 5-9 goalkeeper from Lexington, Ky., played soccer for four years at Lexington Catholic High School for head coach Terry Quigley. Thomas helped the Knights to a 19-5-1 record in 2009 as they were semifinalists in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association state tournament for the second time in three seasons. She registered 12 shutouts in 2009 for the Knights as she was named the district's most valuable player. She was also honored as a second team all-city and all-region selection last year. Over the past three seasons, Thomas has tallied 34 shutouts for the Knights. Thomas has also played club soccer since 2006 for the Javanon Soccer Club and was named to the Kentucky ODP team in 2006.
“Ciara is a big-time keeper. She has great hands, reactions and dominates her goal box. She is the type of person that gets better as the stakes get higher. She has been very successful for her club and high school and I expect her to be successful here. She sets high standards for herself and I am eager to find out how good she will be in four years.”
Walker, a 5-7 defender/midfielder from Carrollton, Texas, has played soccer for four seasons at Hebron High School for coach Eric Ramirez. Walker has been named to the all-district team twice for the Hawks. She has also played for the Sting '92 club team for the past eight years. She helped her team claim three consecutive North Texas State Cup Championships from 2005-07 and win the 2008 USYS Region III Premier League West Championship. The Sting also have been the Red Bull National League semifinalist, and the USYSA Southern Regional champions.
“Rachel comes from one of the most famous clubs in the nation,” said Williamson. “Her team has competed against the best competition in the United States and has had tons of success. She has the perfect resume. You can tell she has an excellent background by the way she plays. She is very smart and makes few mistakes. She is a solid defender that can play in all four positions. I expect her to have a big impact.”
Werner, a 5-3 midfielder/forward from Massapequa, N.Y., has played soccer for three seasons at St. Anthony's High School for coach Dave Prutting. She helped the Friars claim the 2007 New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association championship. Werner also played club soccer for the Massapequa Power and were Eastern New York state champions from 2002-2006.
“Molly probably has the best touch and individual skill of the group,” said Williamson. “She isn't flashy so she may go unnoticed at times, but she is the type of player that makes those around her better. She is very good at finding the open player and will make our attack much more potent.”
SCAD is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and The Sun Conference.