April 4, 2003

Memphis, Tenn. - The University of Memphis head women's soccer coach Brooks Monaghan announced the addition of three new signees Friday to push his number of signees to nine for the class of the 2003. Monaghan rounded out the Lady Tigers' signing class with the addition of Candace Halvorson, Yuiko Konno and Beth Keating.

"To add these three recruits to the six we have already signed really gives me a good feeling going into next season," Monaghan said. "We added some offensive-minded players and improved on the defensive side as well. All of these players should help our team achieve our goals for next year."

Halvorson is a midfielder/forward who prepped at White House, Tenn., High School and played on the Tennessee State Team. Under the guidance of White House head coach Michael Felzien, Halvorson earned all-state honors all four years and finished her scholastic career with 97 goals and 53 assists. She also helped guide the Tennessee Football Club to a state championship in 2002.

"Candace played midfield in high school, but she has the potential to be an excellent front-runner at the collegiate level," Monaghan said. "She will give us depth at the midfield slot, but could easily be a contributor up-top for us. Each time I have seen her play, she does something special. She will be a great addition to our squad."

Keating is a defensive midfielder from Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada who was a member of the Canadian Under-17 National Team. She did not play high school soccer because of commitments to her club teams. Her Southwest United Under-16 and Under-18 club teams were Provincial champions. This past year, Keating's Women's Major League club team finished second in the province.

"Beth will give our team vocal leadership on the field," Monaghan said. "She is a tough defender who is strong in the air. She has a great work ethic and she brings international experience to our team. Beth will come in right away and challenge for a spot in our starting line-up.

Konno is a forward who comes to Memphis from Chiba-prefecture, Japan where she was a member of the Japanese Collegiate National Team. With Japan not able to field university teams, Konno made her mark as a member of the Japanese National Pool and she should bring instant offense to the Lady Tigers.

"I expect Yuiko to contribute right away," Monaghan said. "She brings a lot of maturity and experience to the team. Most of the recruits we signed this year our offensive-minded and Yuiko should lead that pack. She is great technically with both of her feet and she has a knack for scoring goals."

Halvorson, Keating and Konno join Katy Buckner (Germantown, Tenn.), Isabel Briones (Gadsden, Ala.), Madison Cheek (Tigard, Ore.), Amy Clunie (Houston, Texas), Brittany Strung (Westerville, Ohio) and Melissa Savage (Arlington, Texas), who have already signed to play for the University of Memphis next season.