Gardner-Webb and head women's soccer coach Mike Varga announced Friday, that ten women's soccer student-athletes have committed to play soccer for the Runnin' Bulldogs.

The 2015 recruiting class consists of student-athletes from six different states (Georgia, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas), as well as Canada.

"The class of 2015 will add a lot to the women's soccer program at Gardner-Webb University. Not only are these young ladies exceptional student-athletes but they are quality individuals and they will represent all that the University stands for," remarked Gardner-Webb head women's soccer coach Mike Varga. "I look forward to the fall where these new signees can blend their talents with our outstanding group of returning team members."

Hierholzer joins the Runnin' Bulldogs from Heath, Texas where she where was four-year starter at Rockwall High School under the direction of head coach Marco Duran.

Hierholzer is a three-time all-conference selection as a midfielder and is member of the national honor society.

"Bailey has been a four year starter at Rockwall High School and is currently a team captain. She has an outstanding work ethic both on the field and in the classroom," said Rockwall High School head soccer coach Marco Duran. "She is a great leader and will be a great asset to GWU."

The native of Heath, Texas currently plays club soccer for the Sting Soccer Club under head coach Trini Borunda, She helped guide the Sting to the 2013 North Texas State Cup Championship and the Piano Labor Day Championship in 2012. Hierholzer was named a four-star player to watch by TopDrawer Soccer.

The incoming freshman chose Gardner-Webb over Houston Baptist, Liberty, and St. Mary's.

Born in Dallas Texas, Hierholzer is the daughter of Scott and Michele, and has a sister named Ashton who plays soccer at Oklahoma State University. While playing for the Runnin' Bulldogs, Hierholzer intends to major in Elementary Education.

Hannah Watkins (Conyers, Ga.) lettered all four years as a forward at Salem High School under head coach Andre Johnson.

During her four years at Salem, she started every game of her high school career and led the team in scoring in both her sophomore and junior seasons.

"Hannah is a dedicated student athlete who is capable of setting a solid example with her efforts on and off the field. She never complained about anything, making her a very coachable player, and came to training to improve individually and also as a team player," said Salem High School girls soccer coach Andre Johnson. "Hannah's commitment to any activity presented is one of her finest qualities. I have also seen her portray the discipline and commitment necessary to become a successful player at the next level. She would be a great asset to any school."

Watkins received the offensive award, and was a recipient of the Superintendent's Academic top 10-scholar award during her sophomore, juniors and senior years.

Outside of the soccer field, Watkins is a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars.

The native of Conyers, Ga, Watkins play club soccer for Rockdale Youth Soccer Association under the direction of head coach Champ Young, where she led her team in both goals and assists during her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.

"Hannah is a great kid who refuses to be outworked. She has grown as a leader over the past few seasons and has welcomed the lofty expectations that I had for her," commented Rockdale Youth Soccer Association soccer coach Champ Young. "She has dealt with numerous nagging injuries but never missed a game due to injury and always performed at a high level."

Watkins is the daughter of Delmas and Chantsy and has a younger sibling named Delmas. While playing for the Runnin' Bulldogs, Watkins intends to major in Exercise Science.

Brittany DeLoach (Newnan, Ga.) played soccer at Northgate High School under the leadership of Bryan Hicks. DeLoach led the team to the Georgia 4A state championship her sophomore year, and helped lead the Vikings to the championship game as a junior.

In the offseason, DeLoach plays club soccer for SSA Chelsea 97G Elite under head coach Ben Parks. The incoming freshman led SSA Chelsea 97G Elite to two state championships (2012,2013).

"Brittany has a great work ethic. At every practice session she goes all out during the entire time we are practicing," remarked Northgate High School head coach Bryan Hicks. "Brittany takes no days off, and is constantly working to get better at the game of soccer."

Away from soccer, DeLoach is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, a Georgia Merit Recipient, and will graduate in the top 5% of her high school class.

"Off the field, Brittany is a great student. Her academics are outstanding. She is a great teammate and will be a team captain this season," said Hicks.

The daughter of William and Beth DeLoach, Brittany has two siblings Taylor and a sister Lauren, who plays softball.

The native of Newnan, Ga. Chose Gardner-Webb over Troy University.

Kaitlyn Bailey (Fredericksburg, Va.) is a four-year letterwinner at Massaponax High School under head coach Tim Fetner. Bailey is a two-time offensive Player of the Year and was named First-Team All-Conference and All-State during her junior year.

"Kaitlyn waited vey patiently, and wore many hats during her freshman and sophomore years before settling in at her true position up front last year. I think by playing those other positions Kaitlyn gained a appreciation for the game as a whole, and that has helped in her development as a player," stated Massaponax head girls soccer coach Tim Fetner. "As humble as Kaitlyn is; she will graduate high school as one of the most decorated players to ever play soccer at Massaponax, and we are so proud of her."

During her three-years for the Panthers, Bailey tallied 28 goals and 22 assists,and was selected as the offensive Player of the Year as a junior.

Bailey plays club soccer for Fredericksburg FC and Fredericksburg FC WPSL team under head coach David Shaw.

"Kaitlyn has been involved with the FFC WPSL Squad since the team was formed in 2014. Kaitlyn mainly played as a Forward, but showed how dynamic and flexible she is when she was asked to play other attacking positions within the team," commented Fredericksburg FC WPSL women's head coach David Shaw. "She contributed with both scoring goals, and with assisting goals for other players on the team. This is something that she brings to our team, and I have no doubt she will continue to show this when she attends Gardner-Webb in the Fall of 2015."

Throughout her three-years for her club team, Bailey has totaled 35 goals and 36 assists, and reached the U 17 Virginia State Cup Finals.

Born in Hampton, Va. Kaitlyn is the daughter of Dave and Rochelle Bailey and has two younger siblings, Trent and Gabe.

Maggie Everett (Medina, Ohio) is a four-year starter and letterwinner at Highland High school.

Everett is a recipient of the Ohio High School State Athletic Associations (OHSAA) Scholar Athlete Award and the Freshman Pride Award for Character.

While away from her high school team, Everett plays club soccer for the Internationals Soccer Club '96 Red ECNL under the direction of head coaches Zdravko Popovic and Keri Sarver.

"I've coached Maggie for the past six years. She is a great teammate and is eager to learn everyday," commented Internationals Soccer Club head coach Keri Sarver. "She has improved tremendously over these past six years, and I look forward to following her for the next four years at Gardner-Webb."

Under the direction of Popovic and Sarver, Everett has excelled, leading the Internationals to the semifinals of the 2012 Super Y National Championship and a second place finish in the ECNL Mid-Atlantic Conference

A dedicated student in the classroom, Everett is a member of the National Honor Society and is an OSSCA Scholar Athlete.

Everett chose Gardner-Webb over American University, Cal Poly, High Point, and USC Upstate.

The daughter of Smokey and Nancy, Everett has two siblings, Molly who played softball at Thiel College, and a younger brother Kurt who is a high school sophomore. While playing for the Runnin' Bulldogs, Everett intends to major in journalism and communications.

Samuelle Grove joins the Runnin' Bulldogs from Ottawa, Canada where she is homeschooled. Grove plays her club soccer for the Toronto Lynx under head coach Ian MacIver and the Harrison Soccer Academy for head coach Tony Harrison.

"Sam is a tremendous attacker with exceptional pace and great vision," commented Toronto Lynx Soccer Academy Technical Director Ian MacIver. "Gardner-Webb is getting a very exciting player and focused student over the next 4 years. I look forward to watching some spectacular goals from her for GWU just as I have witnessed here at the Lynx."

While playing for the Lynx, Grove advanced to the U17G Super Y National Finals and won the U17G Woodbridge Soccer Tournament.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Sam since she was 12 years of age. Sam loves the game of soccer. She is always wanting to know how to improve." articulated Harrison Soccer Academy head coach Tony Harris. "She is, dedicated, determined and deadly in her application of what she has practiced."

In July of 2013, Grove advanced to the W-20 USL National Finals in Bradenton, Fla. and won the U16G Ottawa Futsal League Championship in March 2011.

Grove is the daughter of Carl and Nancy, and plans to major in communications and new media at Gardner-Webb.

The eighth member of the GWU women's soccer class of 2015 is Erin Shamleffer (Huntingtown, Md.) who played four years of varsity soccer at Huntingtown High School under head coach Jill Tweeten.

During her high school career, Shamleffer guided the Hurricanes to the state playoffs in three of her four years, and led Huntington High School to the State title during her freshman year.

The native of Huntingtown, Md, tallied 28 goals and 14 assists during her high school career, and was voted team captain in both her junior and seniors seasons.

Shamleffer plays club soccer for Maryland United Soccer Club ECNL under head coaches Williams Morris and Danny Villagren.

"Erin started playing for me in U13. She was a ball of energy, and may not have been the best player fundamentally. Fast forward to today, she is great fundamentally and has a tremendous work ethic," commented Maryland United Soccer Club ECNL head coach William Morris. Erin's ability to get forward and attack from the wing positions at the back will be a tremendous asset going forward. "

Off the field, Shamleffer is a three-time recipient of the Scholar-Athlete Award and was honored with the Hungtintown High School Athletic Achievement Strong Foundation Award.

The daughter of Ed and Kathryn, Shamleffler has a younger brother named Brett, and plans to major in nursing.

The eighth signee to the class of 2015 is Sam Stoney (Mooresville, N.C.) who played goalkeeper at Lake Norman High School under the direction of Nick Brown.

Stoney has been a starter since her freshman year at Lake Norman, where she led the Wildcats to the State Quarterfinals during her freshman and sophomore year. As a freshman, Stoney posted an incredible 22 wins, had 14 shutouts and allowed just 0.68 goals per game.

"Sam is a good player and a great person. She's has faced a lot of adversity in the past couple of seasons with her knee injury and has not allowed that to deter her from her from achieving her goals," stated Lake Norman head girls soccer coach Nick Brown. "She's given everything she has since she has returned from injury being in the gym both before and after school as well as attending extra keeper training sessions. She is currently setting a great example for her younger teammates to follow and has a being future ahead of her."

The native of nearby Mooresville, N.C. has played the last two club seasons for the Lake Norman Soccer Club Eclipse Premier team for head coach Stephen Chaconas. As the starting goalkeeper for Lake Norman Soccer Club, Stoney led the 96 Eclipse team to a Premier Division title during her junior year.

"Sam is a great kid and fantastic teammate. She helped her Lake Norman Soccer Club team achieve constant and significant success through her years as the starting goalkeeper. Sam is a technically sound goal-keeper with a great work ethic who has always been motivated to play at the next level," commented Lake Norman Soccer Club Premier Team coach Stephen Chaconas." "We look forward to watching her continue that success at the college level."

Born in Bel Air, Md. Stoney is the daughter of Patrick and Tanya and has two siblings Mackenzie and Dulaney.

While playing for the Runnin' Bulldogs, Stoney intends to major in Exercise Science and Physical Therapy.

The incoming freshman chose Gardner-Webb over James Madison, UNC Greensboro, East Carolina, and UNC Charlotte.

The ninth signee to the class of 2015 is Abbey Smith, who played four years of high school soccer at J.F. Webb High School under the direction of Mary Robinson.

"Abbey has excelled both athletically and academically at JF Webb. Her exceptional talents and outstanding character are visible on and off the field. Abbey has excelled both athletically and academically at JF Webb," remarked JF Webb head girls soccer coach Mary Robinson. "Her exceptional talents and outstanding character are visible on and off the field. She is a great teammate, student, and leader. I have no doubt that she will have an outstanding career at Garder-Webb."

Smith is a four-year starter for the Warriors where she has compiled 46 career goals.

The incoming freshman defender is a two-time All-Conference and All-Region selection, and was named the MVP during her freshman season.

For her efforts in the classroom, Smith is a two-time Academic All-Conference selection and has the unique distinction of being selected as a Wendy's H.S. Heisman Award Winner.

Along with her high school team, Smith plays club soccer for the Triangle Futbol Club Alliance under head coach Tom Misuraca. During her tenture with her club team, Smith guided the squad to three North Carolina State Cup Titles, and won the 2014 Disney Championship.

"Abby is a strong, dynamic, and intelligent soccer player who excels both athletically and academically," said Trinagle Futbol Club Alliance head coach Tom Misuraca. "It's been an honor to coach her the past four years. I have no doubt Abby will be successful in all endeavors."

A native of Oxford, N.C., Smith is the daughter of Timothy and Michelle and has three siblings; Katelyn, Timothy, and Matthew.

Smith plans to major in Exercise Science at Gardner-Webb.

The final signee to the class of 2015 is Keely Brown (Finneytown, Ohio) was a four-year letter-winner at Cincinnati Christian under head coach Shawn Pence. Brown is a three-time First-Team All-MVC selection and recorded an impressive 22.5 career shutouts and totaled 719 saves during her four year playing career for the Cougars.

The native of Cincinnati, Ohio plays club soccer for Ohio Elite under head coach Scott Sievering, where she has totaled 23 shutouts in just three seasons. She helped the Ohio Elite reach the finals in the 2013 Disney Showcase.

A standout student, Brown is a member of the A&B honor roll. The incoming freshman goalkeeper chose Gardner-Webb over Liberty, Winthrop, and Charleston Southern.

The daughter of Rick and Tammy Brown, Keely has an older brother Nick and plans to major in Youth Ministry.