Feb. 7, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis women's soccer program has signed Heidi "Nikki" Unland of Mt. Juliet, Tenn. to a national letter of intent. Unland is the first Tennessee native of the 2008 signing class to sign with the Lady Tigers.

Unland plays club for the Metros F.C, coached by Obed Compean.

As a goalkeeper, Unland lettered for Mt. Juliet High School. Under Coach Jonathan Stricklin, Unland was a two-time All-District, All-District 9-AAA, and District Defensive Most Valuable Player. She helped her team to a District 9-AAA semi-finals showing, the farthest in school history.

Unland will graduate in the spring with top honors, as she is in the Top 25 of her graduating class and is a member of the Tennessee Scholars.

"Nikki is a goal keeper with a huge upside. She is somebody that we believe can develop into an excellent goalkeeper over time, with working with our goalkeeper coach Sebastian Vecchio," said Head Coach Brooks Monaghan. "One of the things that really caught my eye with Nikki is her communication skills. She is technically very sound, brave and athletic. She has a lot of the traits that you look for in a goalkeeper. We are extremely happy to have Nikki and she will push the other goal keepers in regards to playing time next season."