TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - University of Alabama head soccer coach Todd Bramble announced that 10 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play soccer for the Crimson Tide. The class is the first true signing class for coach Bramble as he enters his second year at the helm of the Tide soccer program.

“Having graduated eight players – six of whom were starters – this class comes in with big shoes to fill,” head coach Todd Bramble said.

“Fortunately, through the efforts of our coaching staff and current student-athletes, we have attracted a talented group to the Capstone that is capable of continuing to move this program forward.  Of particular interest in this class is that four of the 10 signees hail from the far west region.

Not only are we excited to be adding such a talented group to our team, these players must be awfully excited about the opportunity they have to make such significant contributions so early in their playing career.”

The class includes student-athletes that hail from seven different states including two from California and two from Tennessee. The signees also hail from the states of Colorado, Michigan, North Carolina, Alabama, Texas and Utah.

Katie Woolbright

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Attended Tesoro High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California … played fullback for the SoCal Blues soccer club under coach Dido … was a 2006 Slammers College Showcase Finalist … was a 2006 Nomads College Showcase Champion … helped lead club squad to the 2006 Nike Invitational title … was a 2005 NHB cup finalist ... played for Tesoro High School and maintained a 4.0 GPA … daughter of Matthew and Shelly Woolbright.

“Katie’s SoCal Blues Club is consistently ranked as one of the top five club programs in the nation,” coach Bramble said. “The coaching she has received along with training and competing with some of the best players in the nation has prepared her well for the college game.”

“Katie Woolbright is a dynamic player whose versatility anchors the center defense while providing attacking options from the back,” coach Dido said. “She is technically and tactically sound and extremely resilient."

Josie Rix

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Attended Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tennessee … played for Coach Dave Barrueta … was a member of the ODP team for six years … was a two time Region III ODP team pool player … was a three time TSWA All-State Team selection … a two time TSCA All-State team honoree … was a three time Best of Preps selection ... named to the 2005 All Regional team … a 2005 TSSA State Semi-Finalist … was the 2006 GPS leading goal scorer … a 2006 All-Region Team member … a 2006 TSSA State Quarter Finalist ... was a 2006 U16 D1 State Semi-Finalist ... played club for coach Matt Yelton on the East Ridge Express 91 … has served on numerous community service projects … was recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Servant Award … earned the prestigious GPS Battle Award and was the McCallie School Autumn Queen … daughter of Scott and Cindy Rix … was also recruited by Indiana, Ole Miss, Belmont, Murray State, Georgia Southern, and Tennessee Tech.

“Having lost two-thirds of our center midfield to graduation, Josie has the perfect opportunity to see significant playing time as a freshman,” coach Bramble explained. “She can really cover some ground in midfield and is comfortable and intelligent with her distribution.”

“Josie is a player who I have a great deal of admiration for,” coach Yelton said. “She is a very technically gifted player and is incredibly versatile in her ability to play in midfield or anywhere in defense. I also believe that Josie has really pushed herself to develop her individual game and because of her hard work she should be a great player for the Crimson Tide.”

"I knew Alabama was the right choice for me the moment I met the coaching staff because I immediately felt as though I had known them for years,” Rix said. “Everything on the campus was so familiar and I was so excited by the realization that I was going to be able to play for such an athletic powerhouse."

Kelsey Breaugh

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Prepped at Walled Lake Northern High School in Michigan … played central defender for coach Demir Muftari … has won the State Cup Championship five times … was Region II Semi-Finalist in 2007 .. 2008 Region II Finalist … led team to a 2008 Midwest Regional League Championship … was a 2008 Michigan State Cup Champion … was a 2007 Michigan State Cup Champion ... led squad to 2007 Region II semi-finals … was a 2006 Manchester United Cup Finalist … helped team to the 2006 Vardar Nike Cup Championship ... was a 2006 Michigan State Cup Finalist … played center midfield in high school for coach Drew Drummond … was a team captain … was an All-Conference selection … was on the Academic All State Team … is the daughter of Lisa and Jim Breaugh.

“Kelsey is an intelligent player that brings a blue collar attitude to the field,” coach Bramble said. “She is a tough, hard working player who loves to train, compete and has become accustomed to winning with her Michigan Hawks Club Team.  She is a great addition to the program.”

"When I was ready to commit it came down to the University of Alabama and the University of Michigan,” Breaugh said. “I chose the University of Alabama because I really liked the family atmosphere and felt comfortable with the coaching staff."

Megan Petersen

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Prepped at Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista, Calif. … played for San Diego Surf Soccer under coach Ada Greenwood ... was on the Cal South ODP State pool from 2005-2008 … was on the Cal South ODP State team from 2007-08 ... helped lead San Diego Surf to the 2007 and 2008 Surf Cup Super Group titles … was the 2008 Red Bull National League Champions … was the team captain at Rancho Buena Vista for two seasons … daughter of Joe and Shelley Peterson … also recruited by Northwestern, Purdue, and Florida State.

“Signing Megan is a huge step for our program towards becoming a school that can get quality players from any region of the country,” coach Bramble said. “She certainly has all the tools to become a great defender in the SEC and continues to get better every time we see her play.  She is fast, strong, good on the ball and has an aerial presence that will be welcomed on our team.”

“I chose Alabama because the school has a great academic reputation and a long and respected athletic tradition,” Petersen said. “I wanted to go to school somewhere outside of California and when I visited and had a chance to meet the team and the coaches, my decision was made.”

Tia King

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Prepped at Lake Norman High School in Mooresville, North Carolina … played midfield for the Greensboro Twisters under Mike Thorn … was a North Carolina ODP starting midfielder from 2003-08 ... was on the 2005 Region Pool ... a 2008 Regional ODP Pool invitee … an All-Conference and All-Region selection for Lake Norman …daughter of Wes and Maria King … sister Kelly currently plays for the Crimson Tide soccer team … was also recruited by Auburn and Charlotte.

“Tia continues a legacy within the King family and will be joining her sister Kelly on our squad,” coach Bramble said. “Her strength is her technical ability on the ball and she will contribute to improving our team in that area.”

“Tia is a hard working skillful midfielder that is always trying to make the game simpler and easier for her teammates,” coach Thorn said. “She is very passionate about the game and always seems to have a smile on her face when she is on the field.  I was very excited when I heard she was going to be part of the Tide and coach Bramble's squad.”

“I chose Alabama because I want to play against SEC competition at some of the nicest soccer facilities I've seen,” King said. “I've gotten the chance to watch my sister Kelly play for Alabama and have gotten to know most of the girls on the team.”

Lindsey Sillers

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Prepped at Briarwood Christian School in Birmingham, Ala. … played for Birmingham United under Eric Dade … was 2007 and 2008 State Champion … was a State Runner-Up … led team to the 2008 U18 Disney Tournament title … also led team to the Region III Premier League Central title … was a member of the Alabama ODP State Team for five years … was Region III ODP Pool member … played midfield in high school … was a Southern Shootout All-Tournament Team selection … a Briarwood Team MVP... was a 5A State Champion ... named to the All-Metro Team … was named the Briarwood Team MVP Offensive player … led the team in goals and assists … daughter of Dr. Michael and Becky Sillers.

“Lindsey is an in-state product who comes to us as a highly decorated youth player,” coach Bramble said. “As a standout player for Briarwood Christian Academy, Birmingham United Soccer Association and the Alabama Olympic Development Program, we are hopeful that her success at the youth level will translate into a successful SEC career.”

"Lindsey is tremendous athlete which allows her to be dangerous on the field in many ways,” coach Dade said. “The combination of her speed, strength and technical ability separates her from others. Even more important is she's a fabulous young lady that will represent the program well."

“I chose Alabama because I've always wanted to attend the University for college,” Sillers said. “So when I was offered a soccer scholarship, I immediately accepted.”

Amanda Ortegon

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Prepped at Rio Grande Valley High School in South Texas … has been a key ingredient in the rise of the Lonestars `91 team under the guidance of Coach JD Cochran … was on the 2009 Mexican National Team pool … was a member of the 2008 Mexican U17 National Team … was a 2006 US Region III Regional Pool Player … was on the STYSA State team from 2004-08 … was a member of the 2008-09 Lonestar ’91 Girls Red Team Regional Qualifier … daughter of Jorge and Patricia Ortegon … was also recruited by the University of San Diego, Virginia Tech, University of Houston, St. John's, UCF, Baylor, Rice,  and UNCW.

“Amanda comes to us with soccer in her blood as a natural part of her heritage,” coach Bramble said.  “Her abilities have been discovered by the Mexican National Team Program as she has been a regular member of the Under 17 National Team over the last year. She is a dynamic left sided attacking player who can turn the corner and whip dangerous crosses into the penalty area.  She has the potential to emerge as a fan favorite in this class.”

“I chose the University of Alabama because along with Alabama being a beautiful state, I feel like the University is a great fit for me both academically and athletically,” Ortegon said. “I first visited the campus my junior year in high school and fell in love. Its sports facilities and its rich athletic history played a big part in my decision.”

“Amanda’s left foot and 1v1 skills are difference makers on the field,” coach Cochran said.  “She has the creative flair to beat anyone in the final third of the field.”   

Kaitlyn Smith

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Prepped at Franklin Road Academy in Franklin, Tenn. ... played for the SRFC Premier Lady Strikers under coach Ken McDonald … was the 2006-07 Tennessee State Champions ... was Region III Regional Quarter Finalist in 2007 ... was a four year member of the Tennessee State ODP team and Region III camp … was named to the 2007-08 All-Mid-state Team in High School … four time All-Region, All-State, and All-District selection … was District MVP in 2008 … a three time All-State tournament team selection … was a 2008 State Finalist … named team captain as a senior in 2008 … named Offensive Player of the Year … named team MVP in 2007 and 2008 … daughter of Lynn and Karen Smith … was also recruited by Belmont, Memphis, Western Kentucky, Louisville, and Vanderbilt.

“Kaitlyn is a naturally gifted athlete that will immediately add to the depth of our team on the defensive half of the field,” coach Bramble said. “She is a powerful player that has good 1 v 1 defending attributes.”

“I chose Alabama because I fell in love with the campus and the people that I met,” Smith said. “It seems to be a great place to get a good education and play soccer.”

Kylee Brown

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Prepped at Juan Diego Catholic High School in Salt Lake City, Utah … played forward/midfielder for the Utah Avalanche under coach Gabe Smart and Jimmy Powell … was the Utah State Cup Champions in 2003, 2006-08 … lettered four years at Juan Diego Catholic under coach Jamie Schock … was a State Finalist in 2006 and 2007 … was a three-time All-State team member … led team in assists in 2006 ... was the leading scorer in 2007 … daughter of Darrin and Debi Brown and Bill and Patty Phillips.

 “Kylee is an attacking player who we feel is a “diamond in the rough” in this recruiting class,” coach Bramble said. “Having suffered an injury during the crucial part of the recruiting process she has flown under the radar as it relates to her ability.  She is good on the ball, has great pace and more importantly is fast with the ball.”

Ashley Willis

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Prepped at Coronado High School in Colorado and Trabuco Hills High School in California … in Colorado played for Gary Evens at Pride Soccer Club … was in the 2004-07 Colorado ODP … was a 2003-05 State Cup Runner Up … led team to a 2004 Surf Cup Runner Up finish … helped squad to the 2005 Elite 3 League title … played for Rusty Scarborough and Jay Howell at CASL in North Carolina … was a member of the 2006 USYS Region III Premier League East Division Champion … was the 2006 North Carolina U16 State Cup Champion … was the 2007 USL Super Y-League South Atlantic U16 Champion … was the 2007 USYS Region III Premier League East Division Champion … played for Ryan Hopkins at Irvine Strikers in California ... was a 2008 Pleasanton Rage College Showcase Finalist Super Group 1 … was a California Premier League State Championship Finalist … was a Rocky Mountain Newspaper and Denver Post All- State 5A honorable mention selection … was a Colorado Springs Gazette 2nd Team selection … was a Rocky Mountain and Denver Post Player to Watch for 5A-C … was a Colorado Springs Gazette Player to Watch and player of the week-peak performer in March, April, and May … was a Colorado Springs Gazette First team All-City selection … named to the Rocky Mountain Newspaper and Denver Post First Team All-State 5A team … was a Denver Post 5A Top 10 points leader … was a Top 10 points leader for the city of Colorado Springs … named the Coronado High School MVP and Co-Captain … was on the Orange County Register Player of the Week List … daughter of Sandi Masters

“Ashley is the wild-card of this class,” coach Bramble explained. “Every time I see her play she is in a different position with her club team.  She can play on every line of the team and her biggest asset is her pure speed.  Although I can’t predict where she will play in college, I do predict she will make it very difficult for our staff to keep her off the field altogether.”