Feb. 6, 2009

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Edward S. Marcus high school midfielder/defender Bailey Pembroke signed a National Letter of Intent to join the University of Memphis women's soccer program as announced on Friday. She is the second of six signees of the Lady Tigers' 2009-10 signing class.

"Bailey is another signee that is not only a talented soccer player but a great kid," said head coach Brooks Monaghan. "We recruited Bailey to fill a void left by a senior Kate Murphy at left back. She has some big shoes to fill there, but she is definitely a winner. She's a tough and gritty player who is a natural leader."

The Flower Mound, Texas native has lettered three years on the Edward S. Marcus soccer team. She is a District 6-5A All-District defender. She has been selected as team captain for her senior year. In 2007, she helped her team to the semifinals of the 5A State Tournament. In 2006, she earned the Marcus H.S. Midfielder of the Year award.

On the club level, Pembroke has been a member of the Sting Royal '91 team since 2001, and the team captain of her club team since 2004. In 2007, she led her squad to the State Cup Finals and won the Disney Showcase. The Sting Royal was a State Cup semifinalist in 2006 and a Texas Cup semifinalist in 2005. In 2004, she helped them to a State Cup Championship, a Disney Showcase Championship as well as the finals of the Surf Cup and the semifinals of the Southern Regional. In her first year as a team captain, she led the squad to the Texas Cup Championship and the Pikes Peak Championship.

"She has been a captain of her teams in the past," said Monaghan. "That speaks a lot of her character. She plays with great pace and she is exactly what we look for in an outside defender. I believe that she can have a successful career here at Memphis." Pembroke is the daughter of William and Teresa Pembroke.