Maryland women’s soccer head coach Jonathan Morgan announced the signing of five women to the program Monday, adding a quality mix of size, speed and talent to the Terrapin roster.

“We are extremely excited to introduce our 2015 class,” Morgan said. “This is a very talented group both on the field and in the classroom. They are all quality young women with a strong passion for the game and huge desire to grow as players.” 

Morgan’s newest class, which is ranked No. 20 in TopDrawerSoccer.com's recruiting class rankings, features a pair of student-athletes from Virginia, as well as women from Michigan, and New Jersey. 

“I believe we were able to answer our needs going into the 2015 fall season and beyond,” Morgan said. “We have players who are versatile and will have the ability to play in a variety of different positions if needed. Very honestly, we expect each one of these young women to compete for playing time on day one. All of these players possess the qualities to be impactful performers at the next level. We can’t wait to get them here and inundated with the current team.”

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Hometown: Woodbridge, Va.
High School: Woodbridge | Club: VSA Heat

Before Maryland:

A first team all-conference and honorable mention all-region selection as a junior…helped lead Woodbridge to the Conference 4 Championship…honorable mention all-conference as a sophomore…played club for VSA Heat, garnering a 21-3-3 record in 2014-15…VSA Heat won 2014 Disney Showcase and WAGS Tournament…also a sprinter on the track team, helping set a school and conference record in the 4x400 meter relay and earning All-America status.

personal:

Born in Richmond, Va….has three younger brothers and three younger sisters…most admires her mother, Kendra…favorite athlete is Michael Jordan…soccer player she most admires is Laurie Schwoy…came to Maryland for its rich soccer tradition, coaching staff and ability to study engineering…intends to major in mechanical engineering.

morgan on Badham:

“Kady was the last of our signees and one we have really high expectations for. I think the potential with Kady is endless. She has physical tools that can’t be taught and she has a thirst to score goals. She’s in two good club environments right now and she’s been getting better every day.  With her commitment to the game and all the work she is putting in right now to be good, we have no doubt Kady will live up to her potential.”

Hometown: Montclair, N.J.
High School: Montclair | Club: MatchFit Academy

Before Maryland:

Won 12 varsity letters as a three-sport star at Montclair (soccer, basketball and lacrosse)…helped guide Montclair to a 78-7-4 soccer record in four seasons, winning four county championships, three sectional championships and one state championships…totaled 20 career goals and 15 assists…named among New Jersey’s top 11 players and the Top Drawer Soccer All-American watch list as a senior, before tearing ACL…three-time All-Essex County…a member of the U-14 US National Team in 2011, a member of U-15 US National Team in 2013, and U-17 US National Pool in 2014.   In addition to the Girls SYL ODP Select Team and New Jersey ODP Team…also starred in basketball and lacrosse, earning US Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American and US Lacrosse Academic All-American honors as a junior…chose Maryland over Georgetown and Virginia.

personal:

Born in Glen Ridge, N.J….three brothers and one sister…mother, Ann, played lacrosse at UMASS…father, Shawn, played basketball at Shippensburg…uncle, Major, was an all-american basketball player at AIC…aunt, Susan, played lacrosse at Boston University…cousins, Kim & Karen, ran track & field at Virginia…cousin, Isaiah, plays basketball at Moravian…a member of the National Honors Society in high school…admires her parents…favorite athletes are David Beckham and Mia Hamm…chose Maryland because it provides the best opportunities and resources to excel in the classroom, on the field and in life.

morgan on jennings:

“Kayla was our first commitment for the 2015 class and she is one of the most competitive players we have ever recruited here at Maryland. She has tremendous technical tools and a very good feel for the game, but it’s her toughness I love most. As a coach you always know what type of effort Kayla is going to bring to the pitch. She was invited to participate with the U20 US National Team in October, but was unable to compete due to a knee injury. She has a dream to play in a World Cup and it’s our hope to prepare her for the next cycle. We expect to see Kayla in our midfield or backline this fall.”

Hometown: Midlothian, Va.
High School: Midlothian | Club: Richmond United ECNL Soccer

Before Maryland:

Starred at Midlothian under head coach Cammie Bennett…began playing with the Virginia state Olympic Development Program team in 2010…member of Washington Spirit U-20 team…previously spent time in Washington Spirit U-17 Academy…played club for Richmond United ECNL Soccer under Rob Ukrop and Jay Howell.

Personal:

Born in Nashville, Ten…daughter of Scott and Lindy…has one brother and two sisters…a member of the National Honors Society in high school…favorite athlete is Brazil’s Neymar, Jr….most admires Ali Krieger for her focus, determination and intensity…chose Maryland because it felt like home…selected Maryland over Miami and South Florida…intends to major in elementary education.

morgan on mills:

“Olivia has wanted to be a Terp for a long time. She’s passionate about this University and we are excited to have her. I love her technical ability. She’s clean with the ball at her feet, an accurate passer, and she has the composure you want to see out of a central player. There isn’t a lot of flash with Olivia but there’s substance and consistency in her quality that makes her extremely valuable. She’s smart and she has a desire to be good. I’m excited to see how Olivia grows in our program and I think she’s going to do fantastic.”

Hometown: Norfolk, Va.
High School: Matthew Fontaine Maury | Club: Beach FC

Before Maryland:

Earned first team all-state and all-conference honors en route to being named Best Female Soccer Player by the Virginia Athletic Council as a junior…named honorable mention all-state as a sophomore and freshman…three-time First Team All-Tidewater…helped guide team to three district championships…scored 32 goals and added 21 assists as a freshman…played three seasons on the Virginia state ODP team…also appeared on the Region One ODP Team in 2013 and 2012…invited to the 2013 National ID Camp in Phoenix, Ariz.

personal:

Born in Norfolk, Va….daughter of John and Katherine…has one older brother and two younger sisters…grandfather, Ted Harrison Brown, played football at Virginia Tech…ranked 10th in high school class of 320 students…member of National Honors Society in high school…most admires her mother…favorite athlete is Lionel Messi for his humility…chose Maryland for its breathtaking campus, challenging academic and family-like team.

morgan on moore:

“We were introduced to Darby through former Terp, Kimmy Francis. Our program has been built off of GRIT and that’s exactly what Darby represents. She has a tenacity and competitiveness that we love. Her technical tools are very good and she’s dangerous in the 1 v 1. I think Darby has a huge upside to be a terrific player for us. We expect Darby to play somewhere in the wide areas for our team.”

Hometown: Ann Arbor, Mich.
High School: Hartland | Club: Vardar/Michigan Hawks

Before Maryland:

Appeared in WSL U-20 National Championship, and in the 2013/14 Women’s National Team U-18 roster pool…member of ’96 ODP National Team in 2013…member of U-15 national pool and U-15 Women’s National Team in 2011…part of Michigan state ODP team from 2009-12 and Region II ODP team from 2010-12…also ran cross country and track & field.

personal:

Born in Howell, Mich….daughter of Tony and Kim…has one brother and two sisters…father played soccer at Michigan State…sister, Kaylee, plays soccer at Michigan State…four-year honor student in high school…favorite athlete to watch is Andres Iniesta…chose Maryland for the coaches, team, facilities, academics and close proximity to Washington, D.C….selected Maryland over Boston College, Notre Dame and Michigan.

morgan on phillips:

“Originally committed to Notre Dame, Cassie decided to open up her search again and we were fortunate to secure her as our second recruit for the 2015 class. I love how clean Cassie is on the ball and her attacking mentality to go forward as a central midfielder.  Most importantly, she really loves the game and wants to be a better player. Having played for two great clubs (Michigan Hawks/Vardar), a pool member of youth National Teams, ECNL PDP and id2 camps, we expect Cassie to be prepared to take the next step sooner rather than later.”