July 2, 2007

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Lewis University head women's soccer coach Chris Koenig announced the signing of six student athletes to National Letters of Intent.

The six recruits are: Jessica Summers-Hernandez (Phoenix, Ariz./Pinnacle H.S.), Megan George (Wauseon, Ohio/Wauseon H.S.), Andrea Iossi (Davenport, Iowa/Davenport North H.S.), Ashley Gaurke (Rockford, Ill./Boylan Catholic H.S.), Stacey Underwood (Alto, Mich./Lowell H.S.) and Colleen Kelly (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West H.S.).

"I am very excited about our 2007 recruiting class," Koenig said. "I think we have added depth and quality at several key positions. I fully expect these freshmen to come in and contribute immediately. We have added a great deal of athleticism and speed but more importantly, they all bring a very strong work ethic to the program.

"This group is going to fit in well with our returning players and should play a big role in our team meeting its goals for the upcoming season. I am really looking forward to seeing how these athletes respond to the challenge of playing in the GLVC. They bring a very competitive mentality to this team and that is something that will help them to be successful in our program."

Summers-Hernandez, a forward/midfielder, was a four-year varsity starter in high school. She was an all-region first team selection both her junior and senior seasons and also a coaches pick for all-state first team as a senior. Summers-Hernandez scored 38 goals and registered 27 assists during her high school career, helping her team to four consecutive postseason appearances and the school's first-ever regional championship during her senior season. A four-year honor roll student, Summers-Hernandez was a member of the National Honor Society and the Society of Women Scholars. Summers-Hernandez also has several years of club soccer experience and spent the last four years as a starter for the Olympic Development Program state team in Arizona.

George, a goalkeeper, earned four varsity letters during a decorated prep career. After winning her school's Rookie Award as a freshman, George went to become a three-time all-district selection. She posted a 1.89 goals-against average as a junior and collected 238 saves as a senior, registering 14 shutouts during the two seasons combined. George, a four-year member of the honor roll, also has club experience with the Maumee Express Club team.

Iossi, also a goalkeeper, secured four varsity letters and several accolades during her high school career. Named "Most Improved Player" as a sophomore, Iossi collected three all-conference awards and was named all-state as a junior and senior. Iossi helped her team to a 9-5 record as a junior, finishing second in the conference. She was a four-year honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society. Iossi also has five years of experience with the Quad City United Soccer Club, serving as team captain in 2006.

Gaurke, a defender, earned two varsity letters in high school. She served as team captain of the junior varsity team her sophomore season and won the Most Supportive Player Award as a junior on the varsity squad. As a senior, Gaurke won the Nic-9 Leadership Award and helped her team to a conference championship. Guarke has 12 years of club experience playing for the Sirens Soccer Club and the Rockford United Soccer Club.

Underwood, a midfielder/defender, played three years of varsity soccer in high school. As a senior, Underwood was named all-conference, all-district, all-region and all state honorable mention. She helped her team to its first ever district championship as a junior. Underwood was a member of the honor roll and National Honor Society.

Kelly, a midfielder/defender, joins sister Caitlin on the Flyers' roster. A three-year varsity letter-winner in high school, Kelly was named all-conference as a senior. She made the honor roll all four years, graduated with honors and won an academic achievement award. Kelly also has several years of experience with club teams, including nine years with the Glen Ellyn Lakers traveling team.

Lewis begins the 2007 season in mid August.