June 17, 2004

Memphis, Tenn. - University of Memphis women's soccer coach Brooks Monaghan announced the commitments of three more prep athletes and a transfer from Christian Brothers University to give him seven new players that will dress for his team in the fall of 2004. Shoko Mikami, a standout for CBU as a freshman last season, and prepsters Halley Jo Sullivan, Elaine Sedgewick and Kelsey Irish will join Carla Scanniello (Boulder, Colo.), Caroline Barrett (Augusta, Ga.) and Natalie Haerens (Lake Mary, Fla.) as new additions to the 2004 squad.

"These four athletes really make me feel good about the class that we have signed for 2004," Monaghan said. "We are still looking to add one more international player, but the seven girls I have coming in are going to really help this team reach its goals."

Mikami (Chiba, Japan) blossomed for the Lady Bucs last season leading the NCAA Division II ranks in goals (33), goals per game (1.65) and points per game (3.80). She helped guide CBU to the Gulf South Conference championship and was named the league's player and rookie of the year.

"Shoko is going to add a lot to our offensive attack," Monaghan said of his new forward. "Her vision on the field is tremendous and she hopefully will be a big-time goal scorer for us like she was for CBU last season. We are looking forward to having her on the squad next season."

Sullivan (Anchorage, Alaska) prepped at Dimond High School under the guidance of head coach Joe Danicic. While there, she led the team to back-to-back runner-up finishes as the state tournament in 2001 and 2002. Sullivan also earned team MVP honors in 2002 and 2003.

"Halley Jo will be a center-midfielder for us," Monaghan said. "She has a good awareness of the game and that will allow her to contribute immediately next season. She is technically sound and will be a big part of our future here at Memphis."

Sedgewick, who is six-foot tall, is the latest recruit from England to join the Lady Tiger squad. A native of Durham, England, she played on the Under-17 National Team and will be add depth to the Memphis back line.

"Her size should really help us out in the middle of the field," Monaghan said. "She is strong in the air which is an area that we were looking to add to the team. Elaine is going to help us out right from the start and we're excited to have her at Memphis."

Irish comes to Memphis from Hudson, Mass., where she prepped at Worcester Academy under the direction of Tara Galante. She is the school's all-time assist leader and will add depth to the outside midfield spots for the Lady Tigers.

"Kelsey is a hard worker who has the potential to become a key part of our team," Monaghan said. "She is going to walk-on for us, but she has the talent and ability to contribute right away."