Buffalo women's soccer announces signees
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York women's soccer head coach Shawn Burke announced the signing of four student-athletes to his 2015 class. Joining the Bulls for the 2015 season will be Rebecca Bramble, Brianna Shingary, Kayla Hospodka and Rachel Villalta.
"Although another small class, these four future Bulls are expected to contribute right away," said head coach Shawn Burke. "Coupled with our two transfers, this group will provide depth and an attacking mentality to our program for years to come."
Rebecca Bramble – Brampton, ON – St. Thomas Aquinas - Forward
Bramble joins the Bulls from nearby Brampton, Onatrio where she starred for the Brams United club along with St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School as a forward. Bramble was named high school Athlete of the Year as a freshman and was named soccer team Most Valuable Player as a sophomore. Bramble has been a member of the Ontario Provincial team since 2011. At the club level, Bramble was a key factor in her teams' three national titles, from 2011-13. During the 2011 and 2012 campaigns, she led her club team to a #1 ranking to go along with League Championships and Ontario Cup Championships.
Burke on Bramble: "Becca brings the total package up front. She has the ability to get in behind defenders while excelling at holding the ball up through possession. Her versatility and playmaking ability will be a great addition to our attack."
Brianna Shingary – Medina, OH – Medina HS – Forward
Shingary comes to the Bulls following a four-year career at Medina High School for head coach Doug Coreno. The two-year team captain had a dynamic senior campaign, which saw her accumulate a career-best 19 goals and 11 assists as she led Medina to a 13-3-3 overall record. Ranks in the top-25 in school history in goals and assists and was named first team All-Conference as a freshman and senior. As a junior she was named second-team All-Ohio while garnering first team All-Ohio recognition as a senior. She also led her team to back-to-back district championships and a conference championship during her final season. Shingary was also very successful at the club level, currently playing for Ambassadors FC. She formerly played club soccer for the multiple State Cup winning Cleveland FC, a club that produced three Bulls from their 2014 MAC Championship squad.
Burke on Shingary: "Bri might be the most versatile player of the group. Left footed with pace, Bri will no doubt make an impact on the flanks for us and will be very dangerous going forward."
Kayla Hospodka – Rockville Centre, NY – South Side HS – Defender
Hospodka comes to UB following a standout career as a defender at South Side High School for head coach Shannon McEntee. Hospodka played four years while leading the Cyclones to three county titles and four state championships. The hard-nosed defender helped lead her squad to a 15-4-1 record during her senior campaign and their fourth-straight state championship. She also had a successful club career playing for both the Albertson Fury and the Long Island Fury.
Burke on Hospodka: "Tough, aggressive outside back who has the ability to get up and down the flanks. Coming from such a quality club setting as Albertson, Kayla's soccer IQ and ability to play on both sides of the ball should pay immediate dividends."
Rachel Villalta – Godfrey, ON – Shattuck St. Mary's - Midfield
Villalta comes to Buffalo following a successful high school career at Shattuck St. Mary's for head coach Joe DeMay. After a strong junior campaign in 2013, Villalta was named Most Improved Player for Shattuck St. Mary's as she demonstrated great determination and ability at the holding midfield position. She led her team to the State Cup finals in 2013 and helped lead her team to the Mayor's Cup championship in Las Vegas during her senior campaign.
Burke on Villalta: "One of the best characteristics of Shattuck's graduates is there maturity and how quickly they adapt to the college game. Rachel is no different and will look to make an impact in the central midfield immediately. Her simplicity of play and decision making will help bolster our midfield group."
This group of four newcomers and two transfers, Carissima Cutrona and Moira Petrie, will join 17 retruners from the 2014 MAC Championship squad. With these additions, the Bulls are poised to make a run at their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
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