Four student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to attend Lees-McRae College and join the Bobcat women’s soccer program, announced head coach Cally Morrillon Wednesday. Morrill’s third recruiting class at the helm of the Bobcats brings some talented players from across the country to build upon the program’s Conference Carolinas championship season this past fall.

Joining Lees-McRae in the fall will be Molly Ames (Greensboro, N.C.), Rachael Nobbs (North Charleston, S.C.), Kaylan Stanley (Bluefield, W.Va.) and Elise Steinmetz (Louisville, Ky.). A link to a photo gallery with signing and action pictures of each incoming freshman is provided at the bottom of this page.

"Our 2012 class is a group of fantastic young women who will help this program vie for another run at the conference title,” said Morrill. “Their ability to perform in the top of their classes academically shows a smooth transition and knowledge of the game on the field. These four incoming freshmen are committed to Lees-McRae whole heartedly. They are going to be a perfect fit for this school and soccer program, and we are extremely excited to have them report in August for pre-season.”

Molly Ames – 5-10 – Midfield/Forward - Greensboro, N.C.

Ames has been a member of the Triad Elite Soccer Club for the past two seasons, guiding her team to two undefeated campaigns in league play. After leading her team with 22 assists, she was named “Midfielder of the Year”. In both of her seasons with TESC, Ames has led her team to a second-place finish in the North Carolina Presidents State Cup. She previously was a member of the Greensboro Twisters.

After leading her Northwest Guilford High School team in assists, Ames earned all-conference honors as a junior. She boasts a 3.9 grade-point-average and is a member of the National Honor Society. In her spare time, she volunteers with the Interact and Senior Citizens organizations. She is the daughter of Rob and Michele.

“Molly is an incredible possessor of the ball,” Morrill said. “Her distribution and strike on the ball will make her dangerous in both assisting her teammates, and being able to hit a solid shot on frame from distance. Her accuracy in the small details on the field will make her stand out in the conference. She recently came back from an injury, and the effort she has put in to find herself back on the field has been second to none.”

Rachael Nobbs – 5-6 – Defender/Midfielder – North Charleston, S.C.

Nobbs has been the captain of the South Carolina United Mount Pleasant 93 Palmetto team for the past two seasons. This past season, she was an offensive force as she claimed six goals for her club team. Her first year with the team she recorded two goals and two assists.

She recorded four goals and 22 assists in two years as a member of Summerville Soccer Club. A three-year captain for Fort Dorchester High School, Nobbs has started all four years and has recorded 15 goals and 27 assists in her career so far. Nobbs has also been a member of South Carolina’s Olympic Development Program and attended Regional Camp.

Currently ranked second in her class with a 4.9375 grade-point-average, Nobbs is the Senior Class Treasurer, as well as Treasurer for National Beta Club and National Honors Society. She is also a member of Habitat for Humanity, First Priority, Link Crew and National Technical Honors Society. She is captain of the Robotics Club, is a Junior Marshall, was named Junior Student of the Year, as well as earning three academic letters and two Board of Trustees Awards. She is the daughter of Kelly and Rick and has one brother, Ryan, who played soccer at USC-Sumter.

“Rachael is an absolute communicator while on the field,” said Morrill. “Her vision as a defender and verbal direction allows her to organize the backline to a T. She’s been a team captain for her high school team the last three seasons. That in itself speaks volumes about the type of player Rachael will be on the college level. It will be a perfect environment for her to learn from our experienced and motivational upper classmen in their role as leaders.”

Kaylan Stanley – 5-6 – Midfielder/Defender – Bluefield, W.Va.

Stanley is a member of the Roanoke Star Soccer Club Elite team, which plays in the Virginia Club Champions League. She has been a four-year starter at Graham High School and was named to the all-Southwest District First team and all-Region IV team in each season. She earned Virginia AA all-state honorable mention honors as a junior. For her career, she has 46 goals and 33 assists, and helped her team to allow no goals during league play as a junior.

Also a member of Graham’s varsity basketball team, Stanley is a student-council representative, the FBLA Vice President and DECA event coordinator – all while maintaining a 3.1 grade-point-average. She is the daughter of Frank Jr. and Pam and has one brother, Ryan.

“Kaylan was a great fit with our team from the moment she stepped on campus for her visit,” Morrill said. “She settled in right away with the current players and dove into the entire Lees-McRae experience. On the field, Kaylan is an all around athlete who will mostly be seen in a defensive minded role for us next season. She’s a focused, driven and motivated player who carries a great physical build. With the proper weight training program over the summer, Kaylan will only increase her strength and athleticism she is able to bring to this team.”

Elise Steinmetz – 5-4 – Midfielder – Louisville, Ky.

As a member of Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club, which plays in the Region II Premier League, Steinmetz has led her team to a Kentucky State Select Championship from 2003-2007, 2009 and 2011, as well as a semi-finalist performance in 2008. Steinmetz led her high school, Dupont Manual, to the state quarterfinals as a junior and earned all-region honors during her junior and senior years. Steinmetz was a member of the all-state honorable mention team as a sophomore and junior. A captain her senior year, she was named Offensive “Player of the Year” and was a member of the 12th District First team.

As a junior, Steinmetz earned Academic all-State Soccer First team honors and honorable mention honors her sophomore year. She is a member of the Art Club and Action for Africa. Steinmetz is the daughter of Bob and Babs and has one sister, Rosslyn.

“Elise comes from a very successful Mockingbird Valley Club team who has won seven state championships in the State of Kentucky,” said Morrill. “Right away she knows what success feels like. That’s a big part of her coming here to Lees-McRae; knowing how to win and how to compete to win. You can see the passion in Elise’s eyes on the field. She’s a worker, she’s focused, and she’s constantly showing for the ball and wanting to distribute. Elise will be a great fit both in our midfield and in our back line next season.”

Lees-McRae (13-5-3) enjoyed one of the best seasons in program history this fall, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history after capturing the program’s first Conference Carolinas regular season and tournament championships since 2000. The Bobcats posted a 13-5-3 overall record while going 11-1 in league play, setting a program mark for most conference wins in a season.

Lees-McRae College, a four-year, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA, is located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina. Being a year-round tourist destination, the area provides the best of a vibrant college community coupled with natural beauty and a rich history. Please see www.lmc.edu for more information.