Women's Soccer Has Seven Student-Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent for 2008-09

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany head women's soccer coach Mary-Frances Monroe announced on Wednesday, Feb. 27 that seven student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2008-09 academic year.

Makenzie Baratta, a midfielder from Manalapan, N.J. (Red Bank Catholic H.S.), Nicole Berard, a midfielder/forward from Wakefield, R.I. (The Prout School), Katie Grant, a defender/midfielder from Darthmouth, Novia Scotia (Auburn Drive H.S.), Annika Hanson, a midfielder from Seattle, Wash. (Seattle Prep), Kendra Harrell-Vigil, a midfielder from Avondale, Ariz. (Westview H.S.), Chrissy Klepper, a midfielder/forward from River Edge, N.J. (River Dell H.S.) and Katie Norwood, a defender from Rockville Centre, N.Y. (South Side H.S.) each made her commitment to the UAlbany program.

"With these seven players in addition to our returning players I am excited for the upcoming season," said Monroe, who recently completed her second season as head coach. "I am thrilled to have an opportunity to work with such a dynamic set of individuals. I have been able to get to know these student-athletes through the recruiting process. This is a special group that will excel both on and off the field and help our program achieve success."

Baratta captained Red Bank Catholic to a 12-5-1 record and an appearance in the NJSIAA Non-Public A semifinal round. Her team won the 2005 New Jersey state title and captured the 2006 state sectional crown. Baratta played for the Wall Strikers, a club program that won the 2007 New Jersey State Cup and was a Region I semifinalist. She twice was in the Olympic Development Program's state pool.

Berard, who scored 25 career goals, was a first-team All-Division II South selection on two occasions by the Providence Journal. Berard, who totaled seven goals and led the state in assists with 16 as a senior, led her squad to a 15-2-2 record. The Prout School garnered the state championship in 2005 and advanced to the finals in 2006. Berard, who also captains the boys' tennis team, is a member of the Rhode Island Rays club team and participated in the Olympic Development regional camp.

Grant has both national and international playing experience. Besides playing for her high school team, Grant is a member of the Canadian National Training Centre. She has competed with the Nova Scotia Provincial All-Stars from 2003-06 and attended the Atlantic Under-15 and Under-16 championships. Grant was also a member of the Boston Renegades Super Under-20 squad that won a conference championship and has played with the Dartmouth United club team.

Hanson, who earned honorable Class 3A all-state recognition, was a first-team All-Metro League Mountain Division selection. Seattle Prep placed second in the Class 3A state tournament in 2006 and 2007. A recipient of the WIAA Sportsmanship Award, Hanson was a district and league qualifier as a track athlete in the 400-meter dash and 800- and 1,600-meter events.

Harrell-Vigil was named the Class 5A-Division II Desert West Region Player of the Year after scoring 14 goals. As a four-year starter and team captain, she led Westview High to a 12-3 record and a No. 3 ranking in the region. She earned a combined 14 varsity letters as a scholastic athlete. Harrell-Vigil, who overcame several injuries during her career, played for the Southbank Ladybugs Soccer Club and was a four-year member of the Olympic Development state team.


Klepper was twice named second-team all-state in New Jersey's Group 2 and to the All-Bergen County first team. An All-Bergen County Scholastic League choice, she totaled 12 goals and 15 assists as a senior. Klepper, who had 40 career goals and 53 assists, led River Dell to the Group 2 state championship in 2006 and a combined 72-8-1 record over her four years with the program. She has played club soccer for the Arsenal Blast, the 2007 state cup semifinalist. Klepper has also won varsity letters in basketball and outdoor track.

Norwood led South Side High to its fourth consecutive Class A state championship with a 20-0 record. The Lady Cyclones, who have won 27 consecutive playoff games, were ranked No. 1 nationally. Norwood, a three-time team captain, was voted Class A MVP in Nassau County and earned All-Division honors twice. Norwood, an Exceptional Senior All-Star Game participant, was a member of three league championship club teams with the Long Island Rough Riders.

2008 University at Albany Women's Soccer Signings

Name, Pos., Hometown (High School)

Makenzie Baratta, Mid., Manalapan, N.J. (Red Bank Catholic)

Nicole Berard, Mid./For., Wakefield, R.I. (The Prout School)

Katie Grant, Def./Mid., Darthmouth, Novia Scotia (Auburn Drive)

Annika Hanson, Mid., Seattle, Wash. (Seattle Prep)

Kendra Harrell-Vigil, Mid., Avondale, Ariz. (Avondale Westview)

Chrissy Klepper, Mid./For., River Edge, N.J. (River Dell)

Katie Norwood, Def., Rockville Centre, N.Y. (South Side)