Four new teams go under the microscope in our college signing season analysis. Let’s take a look.

Texas A&M(w)

Signings: Leigh Edwards (So Cal Blues), Allie Bailey (San Diego Surf), Annie Kunz (Colorado Rush), Renee McDermott (Cleveland FC), Shea Groom (KCFC Alliance), Katie Perry (San Diego Surf), Kelley Monogue (Dallas Texans), Bianca Brinson (Lonestar SC), Meghan Streight (D’Feeters), Jordan Day.
Skinny: The defending Big 12 champion Aggies have proved as successful in the offseason as they were during the season. Texas A&M(w) will welcome three of our Top 25 recruits, in Groom (No. 11 on 2011 Top 100), Perry (No. 15 on 2011 Top 100) and Monogue (No. 24). This trio of attackers is is capable of making a big impact right away. Streight, our No. 20 ranked player in the Texas Region, will bring defensive toughness and the rest of this sizeable class will contribute in a variety of ways.

Iowa

Signings: Abby Zimmerman, Kiley Beck (Rockford Raptors), Katie Brown (Michigan Hawks), Marissa Hurt, Cloe Lacasse (Sudbury, Ontario), Melanie Pickert (Michigan Hawks), Jordan Rakas (Michigan Wolves), Caitlin Schnorbach (Eden Prairie SC), Anne Marie Thomas (FC United), Nicole Urban
Skinny: It’s a big class for the Hawkeyes, who could use a boost in the Big Ten Conference. Three Michigan Hawks players highlight the signing group: Pickert, Brown and Rakas. All three are defenders with experience playing together on the backline – something that should bode well for the program’s chemistry.

Thomas is a fourth defender of the group, while Schnorbach is a goaltender.

Portland

Signings: Rebekah Kurle (Emerald City FC), Malloy Leahy (Emerald City FC), Lorielle McCluskie (Sereno FC), Emily Sippel (FC Portland)    
Skinny: It’s a small group for this national powerhouse, but the Pilots still have time to add and will also bring in a transfer or two. While not overwhelming in quantity, this class is certainly quality. Forward Sippel is our No. 44 prospect on the Top 100 List; she brings speed and good ball-striking qualities. Leahy, our No. 64 on the Top 100, is an exceptional defender and Kurle is our No. 8 ranked player in the Pacific Northwest Region.

Northeastern

Signings: Paige Burnett (West Coast FC), Bianca Calderone, Maria Lanyi (Beadling Soccer Club), Allison Wilson (Seacoast United), Lahaina Zoller (Leahi SC)
Skinny: Burnett is a skilled goalkeeper who has stood out in ECNL play; Lanyi is a great all-around athlete who is physically ready to compete at the college level and Zoller is a quick and dangerous scorer who could be a threat for the Huskies.