The Alabama State women's soccer team officially signed six players during Wednesday's increasingly popular National Signing Day.
 
The Lady Hornets stocked up on versatile players with championship pedigree by adding three midfielders, two defenders, and a goalkeeper to the squad.  Two of the players also played some at the forward position during their high school career. 
 
"It's always exciting to add new players to continue the growth of the program," said ASU soccer coach Jodie Smith. "The players before them have left a great legacy behind them and now it's become more of a continuation of the program's plan.  Recruiting has become easier because we are more successful and appealing as a program.  Our next step in mind is to be a true mid-major program where we can consistently compete [against the top teams]." 
 
Among the signees include goalkeeper Gianna Guyot of Costa Mesa, CA, midfielder Ashley Gleason of Scarborough, Maine, midfielder/forward Emily Fleming of Halifax, Nova Scotia, midfielder Larissa White of Westphal, Nova Scotia, defender/forward Shyann Cordova of Albuquerque, NM and defender Mooregan Elder of Kennesaw, GA. 

"If we sign players, we expect them to come in and contribute immediately," Smith added.  "These are good, strong players that we know will improve our team.  We are judged by our academic rate too so we need players who understand the importance of academics.  So I'm glad these are going to be mature players who understand that."

Gianna Guyot
Guyot played under coach Jessica Perry at Estancia High School where she was a scholar athlete every semester (3.5 grade-point average or better) and played for an undefeated league champion during the 2012-13 season.  Guyot has also played in the state championship tournament for three consecutive seasons. 

Coach Smith says: "Communication skills, the ability to organize her defense, being technically sound, athletic and good with distribution."

Ashley Gleason
Gleason played under coach Mike Farley at Scarborough High School where she excelled as a two-time First Team All-Conference player and two-time All-State selection. TopDrawerSoccer.com has rated her a three-star recruit.  Playing for Seacoast United under club coach James Blackwell, the club won the US Club Soccer National Cup Premiere Northeast Regional Championship. 
 
Coach Smith says: "Talented midfielder with good vision and distributes the ball very well.  Has a presence." 

Mooregan Elder
Elder played under coach Patrick Fox at Kennesaw Mountain High School where she led the team to a second place finish in the Region including an Elite Eight appearance in the Georgia High School playoffs.  Named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2012, Elder switched positions to the defensive side of the ball and earned the Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2013.  Playing for the Southern Soccer Academy under Mathew Dale, she played in the Region 3 Premier League. 

Coach Smith says: "Strong, physical player who is very versatile."

Emily Fleming
Fleming played under coach Joe Demay at Shattock St.-Mary's School where she led the team to the Minnesota State Cup Finals over the previous two seasons.  Fleming also was a member of the team that won the Midwest Regional League, a top league in the Midwest. 

Coach Smith says: "Great speed.  Can play up and down the plank and opposite side of the field. Attack-minded."

Larissa White
White played under coach M. Jean-Francois Valade at Ecole du Carrefeur Grand Havre where she led the team to the Regional League and Provincial Championship.  White was named the League's Most Valuable Player and the Junior Athlete of the Year.  Playing for the club team Halifax City under coach Ken Wharton, White led the team to six consecutive league championships. 

Coach Smith says: "Dynamic, attacking midfielder who loves to get forward in the attack."

Shyann Cordova
Cordova played under coach Vladi Stanojevic at Sandia High School where she earned back-to-back All-State honors and Academic All-District honors.  Played under coach Mike Erwin for the club team New Mexico Rush and led team to the New Mexico State Cup Finals in both 2013 and 2014. 

Coach Smith says: "Strong leadership, will organize us, makes good decisions with the ball.  Can either attack from the back as a defender or  versatile enough to make moves upfront.  Likely will be a center back."
                                                                                                        #GOHORNETS#

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