Feb. 4, 2009

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Bemidji State University soccer coach Jim Stone announced today the signing of three additions to the BSU soccer program for the 2009 season. The incoming players have all signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Beaver program, and they include two Minnesotans and one California native that will each begin their eligibility at BSU next fall.

Stone will look for his new recruits to help build on one of the most successful seasons in school history, as the 2008 squad tied the record for most wins (12), while going undefeated (7-0) in non-conference play. The Beavers (12-7-1, 5-7-1 NSIC) placed ninth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and narrowly missed out on a playoff berth despite ending the season on a three-game win streak.

Bemidji State lost three seniors and one sophomore from last years’ team that tied the school record for least goals allowed (19) and finished second in school history with eight shutouts.

The 2009 signing class includes one center midfielder, one outside back and one who can play either center mid or center back.

"I think this class brings the obvious things that we always desire in our recruits: character and talent," Stone said. "I think what makes this class unique is that it fits our specific needs and desires for 2009 so well. We feel like we have a great nucleus returning and we just needed a little bit of seasoning here and there to give us a shot at being our best next season.

"This class was the frosting that finishes off what I hope is going to be a great cake in 2009."

• Mallory Kay Lowe (OB, Fr-HS); Lino Lakes, Minn. (Centennial HS)

Played in the North Suburban Soccer Association for two years...Played for Bangu Premier Team one year and Bangu Select Team two years...Went to Centennial High School and earned four letters, while playing in the Northwest Suburban Conference...Was varsity co-captain senior year...Member of National Honor Society...Part of mentor program and was a peer leader...Member of senior class committee...Earned the Outstanding Athletic Academic Achievement Award four times...Plans to major in education at BSU...High school coach was Ginger Flohaug.

Stone on Lowe:
“Mallory is a good athlete and she is a solid player that will be able to contribute here in time. She knows how to play at a good speed because she played at a good club level. What attracted us most to her was that she really wanted to be a Beaver. She has such a positive attitude, and a player like her will be able to add to our team chemistry.

“She will be able to do some things on the field that will make us that much better. We are excited she chose BSU.”

• Alexandria Lee Petes (CM, Fr-HS); Yorba Linda, Calif.
(Esperanza HS)

Played for Esperanza High School, which is in the Division I California Southern Section (CIF-SS) and competes in the Sunset League...Lettered all four years...Named team Defensive Player of the Year (2007)...First Team All-Sunset League (2007)...Second Team All-Sunset League (2006)...Named Most Inspirational Player (2006)...Was a Division I All-CIF Selection (2007)...HS team was ranked No. 1 in the nation by ESPN Rise (December 2008)...Aliso Cup Champion (2008)...D-I CIF Semi-Finalist (2007)...Sunset League Champion (2006 and ‘08)...Slammers FC team won numerous championships, including the Surf Girls Cup (2002, ‘04 and ‘06), the Surf Cup (2004, ‘05, ‘06 and ‘07), the California South State Cup (2006 and ‘07), the Jefferson Cup (2006), the CSL League Champion (2005), Gothia (Sweden) Youth World Cup (2005), Manchester United Premier Cup (2005) and the CSL League Cup (2004)...Region IV Semi-Finalist (2006)...Plans to earn a degree in childhood education at BSU...High school coach was John King.

Stone on Petes:
“Alex has probably played at the highest level of both club and high school soccer of any recruit we’ve ever had. Because of that, her adjustment period to the college game will be minimal to none. Her club team is one of the best in the country.

“We expect her to come in and make an immediate impact. She’s extremely sound on the ball and she reads the game well defensively. She always seems to be ahead of the play, and she is able to tackle well. She is a great ball winner and a great distributor, which will allow her to keep possession in the midfield. When we brought her in she seemed to hit it off right away with the team. She has that kind of friendly, family-oriented personality that will fit right in to what we have here.”

• Tiffany Rae VanHaaften (CM/CB, Fr-HS); Chaska, Minn.
(Chaska HS)

Played three years of both soccer and basketball for Chaska High School in the Lake Conference...Lettered in both sports all three years...Was named All-Lake Conference (2007 and ‘08)...Captain senior year and was named team MVP...Premier team was regional qualifier (2005 and ‘07)...State Cup Finalist (2005, ‘06 and ‘07)...Basketball All-Conference Honorable Mention (2007-08)...Captain of team that placed fourth at state (2008-09)...Earned an academic letter and was on the honor roll...Plans to major in exercise science at BSU...High school coach was Ryan Meulemans.

Stone on VanHaaften:
“The more we watched Tiffany the more we realized how good she could be at this level and what a big impact she could have with us. She is the type of person that is family-oriented and has the values we want for our program.

“On the field, she has good height and is good with her head. She, like Alex, is a good distributor and will help us maintain possession. She also has a nice, soft first touch and can strike the ball well. She has a chance to make an immediate impact and she is going to bring a lot to our program.”

-bsu-