Huskers Add Nine in 2010 Signing Class

Lincoln - The Nebraska soccer coaching staff has announced the addition of nine student-athletes for the 2010 signing class. Each student-athlete submitted her national letter-of-intent last Wednesday and will begin their careers this August.

The new Husker class includes four in-state prospects, in addition to signees from Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arizona and Washington.

The 2010 class looks to help continue the long line of success in the Nebraska soccer program. The Huskers lost six seniors to graduation in 2009, but return eight starters this fall that are seeking another high finish in the Big 12 Conference and a return to the NCAA Tournament.

2010 Nebraska Soccer Signing Class
Hannah Dittmar
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Gretna, Neb.
High School: Gretna High School Dragons
State Classification: B
Club: Omaha Football Club

Hannah Dittmar was an immediate contributor in the midfield for the Gretna Dragons, earning Class B all-state honorable mention honors as a freshman (2007). She exceeded expectations again in 2008, helping the Dragons to a state semifinal appearance while gaining a spot on the Lincoln Journal Star's Class B all-state team and her second straight selection to the EMC All-Conference squad. Dittmar started every game in her first two seasons, as the Dragons qualified for the state tournament both years. She was absent from the field last spring due to injury, but made a healthy return in the fall of 2009 for her Omaha Football Club team, Aresenal 91-92. After a season away from high school soccer, Dittmar is aiming to end her prep career on a strong note this spring.

In the classroom, she holds a 3.92 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Coach Walker: "Hannah is a true central midfielder. She is good at receiving the ball under pressure and distributing to her teammates. She's good with both feet."
Club Coach Alex Mason: "Hannah has been an outstanding role model. She joined our club around seven years ago and has taken part in every program offered that develops players to the next level. Hannah has played for the Fulham Academy, Nebraska ODP, Xplosive Edge and been part of two select programs. Her work rate and dedication was clear to see and her energy level encourages others to play at a higher level. She is a sincere player on and off the field."
Hannah Dittmar on why she chose Nebraska: "There are several reasons why I chose the Huskers. Not only is Nebraska a great school and the Huskers are an outstanding soccer team, but Lincoln is also close enough to home that my family can come watch me play. My parents also attended school at UNL and everyone in my family is huge Husker fans."

Maddie Hanssler
Position: Forward
Hometown: Parker, Colo.
High School: Ponderosa High School Mustangs
State Classification: 5A
Club: Colorado Storm/REAL Colorado

Playing in one of Colorado's toughest leagues, forward Maddie Hanssler was the leading scorer in the Continental Conference in 2009. Hanssler's efforts led Ponderosa High School (12-2-3) to the Class 5A state semifinals as she received first-team all-conference honors for the second straight season. She has been the Mustangs' leading scorer the past two years and was a first-team All-Colorado selection as a sophomore. A team captain as well, Hanssler is a member of the National Honor Society.

On the club level, Hanssler has been a part of state cup and Disney Showcase champion teams, while playing for the Colorado Storm and REAL Colorado.

Coach Walker: "Maddie is a very well rounded player who combines good athleticism with good soccer abilities. She is versatile in that she can play as a forward anywhere in the midfield and she sees the field well."

Club Coach Eric Jensen: "Every once in a while a special player comes along that instantly makes a team better by her ability and work ethic. Maddie is one of those players. She can instantly change a game and make practice better by her ability to lead by example, along with her competitive spirit. Nebraska soccer should be very excited about this recruit."

Club Coach Neil Payne: "Maddie is a player of the highest quality and Real Colorado is proud that she will be attending such a prestigious school like Nebraska. Maddie will not only bring a winning mentality, but will also bring a range of skill that separates her from most. She is a creative attacking player whose biggest attributes lie in her ability to score goals, her distribution and her composure on the ball. In addition, Maddie is a wonderful person with a fantastic family. I have no doubt she will play an integral role in the program and will be a great success at Nebraska."

"Maddie Hanssler on why she chose Nebraska: "I chose to be a Husker because I loved how comfortable I felt when I visited. The team and coaching staff were very welcoming and showed great support for one another. It makes me even more excited to be a part of it because now I know what it means to be a Husker."  

Maritza Hayes
Position: Defender
Hometown: O'Fallon, Mo.
High School: Francis Howell High School Vikings
State Classification: 3
Club: St. Louis Scott Gallagher

Maritza Hayes helped Francis Howell High School to the 2009 Gateway Athletic Conference South championship, leading the team in assists and ranking second in goals. She was named to the 2009 St. Louis Today All-Metro team and also earned first-team all-conference honors. In the classroom, Hayes has a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Hayes is part of the St. Louis Scott Gallagher club program. She has a pair of state cup championships (2006, 2007) and was named to the Olympic Development Program state squad in 2007. Hayes has also been selected to two-straight Region II teams (2008 and 2009).

Coach Walker: "Maritza is a terrific athlete who has great speed and agility. She is an excellent individual defender - someone who will have a chance to make an impact for us immediately."
Club Coach Mark Bayens: "Maritza is an extremely athletic back, whose strengths are her speed and her ability to disrupt an opponents' offensive attack. Her anticipation to the ball is exceptional and she is a vocal leader in the backfield.  She also has the skill set to jump into the play and lead an offensive attack.  Maritza is very well-liked by her teammates and keeps things fun when off the field.  She will make a great teammate and an immediate impact on the Husker women's soccer team."
Maritza Hayes on why she chose Nebraska: "I chose Nebraska because when I visited campus the coaching staff, current players and really everyone that I came in contact with were so kind and welcoming. It was just a feeling I experienced. It hit me like 'This is it. This is where I'm supposed to be.'"

Ashley Hick
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
High School: Millard North High School Mustangs
State Classification: A
Club: Omaha Football Club

Ashley Hick has helped lead Millard North to the Class A state tournament every year, including a state championship in 2008. She has started since her freshman year, although was held out of competition most of the 2009 season due to injury. As a freshman and sophomore, Hick earned all-state honorable mention honors. She played high school soccer with current Huskers Molly Thomas and Colleen and Katie Goetzmann.

Hick has participated in the Olympic Development Program since 2007 and has been selected to three straight Region II teams. In 2008, Hick was a starting defender for the Region II 92s and was invited to the European Tour (Germany) and Inter-regional Tournament (Florida). She plays at the club level for the Omaha Football Club, with her Elite 1 team winning five state cup championships.

Coach Walker: "Ashley is a natural left-footed player, but can play as wide a midfielder or left back. She has good vision and passing ability and crosses the ball very well."
Club Coach Doug Trennery: "Ashley is one of the hardest-working kids I've had, especially in the sense that at one point in time she was kind of just an average player. She took that to heart at about 14 years old and said 'I want to be better.' She and her dad did extra work on her their own and she developed into a wonderful player. She's very skillful, but her biggest strength is to be able to read the game and anticipate where to be and where her teammates are going to be."
Ashley Hick on why she chose Nebraska: "I was blown away the first time I toured the academic and athletic facilities at Nebraska. I knew at that moment Nebraska was where I wanted to go for college. The athletic facilities are really nice and they have top-notch equipment. The players and coaches are all-around great people, and I feel that I will be very comfortable. I know I will succeed academically at Nebraska also."

Kylie Kusleika
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
High School: Omaha Westside High School Warriors
State Classification: A
Club: Toro Soccer Club

Kylie Kusleika helped the Warriors reach the Class A state finals in 2007 and 2008, while advancing to the semifinals in 2009. As a starting midfielder, Kusleika has accounted for 42 assists over the past three years. Last spring, she had 15 assists and nine goals on the way to the Warriors' runner-up finish.

She is part of the Omaha Football Club with Toro Deportivo, winning several regional tournaments, including the 2009 Minnesota College Showcase title.

Coach Walker: "Kyle is a strong passer, is comfortable on the ball and circulates it well to teammates. She has lots of potential. She will need to improve her strength, but her best soccer is ahead of her."
Club Coach Matt Briggs: "Kylie is a fantastic technician, very clean and comfortable on the ball. She is capable of beating a player 1v1 as well as bringing others into play with her great range of passing. She is a very committed athlete who trains well and has a massive appetite for the game. Kylie has been a pleasure to coach over the past four years, not just because of her great abilities, but also because she is a tremendous young lady with a great personality."
Kylie Kusleika on why she chose Nebraska:  "I think it was just the overall drive of every player on the team. They work so hard on and off the field and I really wanted to be a part of that teamwork and discipline."

Megan Merrill
Position: Forward
Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
High School: Millard West High School Wildcats
State Classification: A
Club: Omaha Football Club

Megan Merrill led Millard West to the 2009 Class A state championship by netting 28 goals last season, including one in the title win over Millard West. For her efforts, she was named to the Lincoln Journal Star's Class A first-team super-state team, a year after an all-state selection in 2008. She was named honorable mention for the 2009 ESPN Rise All-America team, along with current Husker Stacy Bartels.

In the summer of 2008, Merrill led Nebraska's 1991 Olympic Development team to the Region II championship when she scored six goals to earn the Golden Boot Award. After her performance, she was invited to the adidas elite soccer camp.

Coach Walker: "Megan is an explosive, attacking player. She is powerful, strong and plays with a physical edge. She can play as a striker or wide player and has dangerous 1v1 ability."
Club Coach Alex Mason: "Megan has played for our club for several years. Her natural ability to score goals is a joy to watch. When Megan is playing, there will not be game lost due to her work rate and desire to score goals."
Megan Merrill on why she chose Nebraska: "For me, the choice was easy. I've grown up watching the Huskers and am excited to be representing the school. After visiting the campus, meeting the coaches, and seeing everything the program has to offer, I was very confident in my decision."

Mallorie Monhollon
Position: Goalkeeper
Hometown: Topeka, Kan.
High School: Shawnee Heights High School Thunderbirds
State Classification: 5-1A
Club: Topeka Select

Mallorie Monhollon is one of the best goalkeepers in the state of Kansas, posting 27 shutouts during her first three seasons at Shawnee Heights High School. A two-time all-state selection, Monhollon helped lead the Thunderbirds to a Class 5-1A state runner-up finish as a freshman in 2007. Her early success was the beginning of three straight years in which she earned a spot on the all-region, all-conference and all-city teams.

Monhollon holds a 9-1 record in penalty kick shootouts during her club time with Topeka Select. Her squad has qualified for four state cup semifinals and ranks No. 3 in the state of Kansas. Individually, Monhollon has been on the Olympic Development Program state select team the past six years. In 2008, she was a member of the Region II squad that claimed the Inter-regional Tournament title in Coral Springs, Fla.

Coach Walker: "Mallorie is an energetic and brave goalkeeper. She is also a good shot stopper and communicates well."
Club Coach Matt Slimmer: "Both of Mallorie's parents coach at the high school and junior high level.  With that said, Mallorie knows what it takes to be a leader on and off the field. She has been very determined to succeed at the highest level. She is hands down the top keeper in the state of Kansas and I would put her up against anyone in our region."
Mallorie Monhollon on why she chose Nebraska: "I fell in love with the atmosphere that surrounded the Nebraska soccer program. The facilities were great and they have a good education program. I also really liked the coaches when I worked with them at camps."

Ari Romero
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Surprise, Ariz.
Club: Sereno SC

Ari Romero has been heavily active in club soccer for Sereno SC in Surprise, Ariz. The midfielder/defender has helped the Sereno 92 Golden Eagles to five state championships and three Region IV semifinal appearances. Additionally, her squad has won 13 tournament titles and was a finalist at the Disney College Showcase. Individually, Romero was on the 2009 Arizona Olympic Development Program team that advanced to the semifinals of the Regional IV Championship.

Romero has not participated in high school soccer, instead putting her focus and time toward her club squad. Academically, she has a 4.0 GPA at Willow Canyon High School.

Coach Walker: "Ari is a highly skilled player who can play most positions on the field. She has excellent skills, great field vision and dangerous 1v1 ability. She is also extremely versatile."
Club Coach Dave Simeone: "Ari has been a huge part of the success that our Sereno 92 girls team has experienced. She has consistently demonstrated a unique combination of uncanny skill, athleticism and the heart and determination that only belongs to players who are difference makers. I'm looking forward to watching her college soccer career unfold at the University of Nebraska and in the Big 12 Conference."
Ari Romero on why she chose Nebraska: "It was definitely the coaching staff, academic support, state-of-the-art facilities and the team! I immediately felt comfortable with the entire staff. After visiting the campus and experiencing game day, I wanted to be a Husker!"

Amy Swearer
Position: Goalkeeper
Hometown: Lincoln, Neb./Vancouver, Wash.
High School: Lincoln Lutheran High School Warriors/Skyview High School Storm
State Classification: B/4A
Club: Toro Soccer Club

Swearer moved to Lincoln from Hilton Head, S.C., where she was the starting goalkeeper on the high school team in her seventh and eighth-grade years. She recently moved to Vancouver, Wash., with her family, but will return to Nebraska this fall to begin her collegiate career. In 2009, she was named to the Lincoln Journal Star's all-class Super State team, earning second-team honors while gaining outright Class B all-state recognition. In her freshman season (2007), she was Class B all-state honorable mention. After moving to Vancouver, Wash., where girls' soccer takes place in the fall, Swearer and Skyview High School won the 2009 Greater St. Helens League and district championship. Individually, she gained second-team all-conference accolades

For her club squad, Swearer was ranked the fourth-best goalkeeper in the Heartland region by Top Drawer Soccer. She was involved with three Olympic Development programs, including the Inter-Regional in November 2008, starting for the Region II 92s with future Husker teammate Ashley Hick. 

Coach Walker: "Amy is a vocal, physical goalkeeper. She has good hands and commands the penalty area well. She has lots of potential."
Club Coach Matt Briggs: "Amy is one of the best female goalkeepers I have seen in youth soccer in this area. She is technically very clean and also very athletic, Amy has the ability to single handily keep her team in games. She is a great trainer and hard worker. These are just a couple of her fantastic attributes that have made Amy a pleasure to coach."
Amy Swearer on why she chose Nebraska: "I have lived in five states, but when I walked on that campus it felt like home. I loved the facilities, I loved the coaching staff, and I loved the tradition."