* Classes weighted by TopDrawerSoccer.com Players To Watch & Top 100 Lists

If its signing class is any indication, the Louisville Cardinals women’s soccer program might be poised to make the same type NCAA tournament run currently experienced by its women’s basketball team.

If not next year, than certainly in the near future.

The Cardinals scooped up a quality class of eight that includes the likes of Emily Cardell, Chelsea Hunter, Ashley Racette and Taylor Vancil (pictured on front).

Vancil is one of the top goalkeeper prospects in the country. Out of Eclipse Select, Vancil commands her area well and has all the attributes Louisville coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes will be coveting in a keeper.

Cardell is a forward from Ohio Elite who thrives off the ball and put herself in good scoring positions, while Hunter brings hard work and stability to the midfield position. Racette is a strong defender who has speed and is good in the air.

Louisville addressed a variety of needs with its class, and could very well reap the benefits sooner than later.

NOTRE DAME   

The Fighting Irish will remain “the hunted” after a stellar regular season in which they went unbeaten. Notre Dame has added a handful of offensive players in the wake of losing Brittany Bock and Kerri Hanks to Women’s Professional Soccer.

Lindsay Brown comes from a strong Slammers FC program and could be a solid contributor with her ball skills.

On the defensive side, Madeline Fox, of Pleasanton Rage, is a good pickup. She’s a smart goalkeeper who plays angles and commands her area well.

She’ll be joined by wing Lauren Amyx, of Ohio Elite SA, Clearwater Chargers SC forward Leah Fisher, and Dearborn Heights SC forward Tereza Stastny.

GEORGETOWN

The Georgetown Hoyas added seven players, including a strong defensive group that includes goalkeepers Kirsten Insana (Internationals SC) and Hannah Monson (Sockers FC) along with defender Catherine Cabot, of the San Diego Surf.

Catherine has great height and athletic ability that should translate well to the college game. She doesn’t back out of tackles and continues to develop her technical ability.

VILLANOVA

Villanova will get much needed help primarily on the defensive side. Michigan Hawks goalkeeper Sarah Banks will bring good handling and vocal leadership to the group, while Carly Edgcomb (FC Bucks) is a player who can thrive on either side of the ball.

Defenders Alexa Carugati (FC Bucks), Samantha Kovarik (Beadling SA) and Heidi Sabatura (FC Bucks) will join the fray as well as FC Bucks forward Heidi Sabatura.

OTHERS

DePaul(W) welcomes a small but talented class that includes notable Eclipse Select defender Chelsea Grant. The team will also get Indiana transfer Erin Chastain, a defender.

Cincinnati has a class of six that should bring depth to a few positions. Forward Christine Brewer, (Cincinnati United Premier) and Kaylee Dakers (Twin City United) are among the new Bearcats.