ECU Women's Soccer Adds Three More to Roster

GREENVILLE, N.C. - The East Carolina women's soccer team signed three more student-athletes to National Letters of Intent announced Head Coach Rob Donnenwirth.

The Pirates signed Lauren Church (Hagerstown, Md./Smithsburg HS), Dara Nielsen (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley HS), and Ashley Stopa (Park Ridge, Ill./ Maine South HS).

Church and Nielson, both goalkeepers, will help Michelle Kmiotek replace the loss of Lauren Wolff and Leigh Steigerwald.

Church recorded a 0.40 goals-against-average, 26 shutouts and 569 saves in three years at Smithsburg HS. She was the starting goalkeeper for the Frederick United Express club team, leading them to the Maryland State Semi-Finals and a number three state ranking. She also brings a year of experience in the Olympic Development Program (ODP).

Nielson collected 15 shutouts in 2000 and 2001, combined, and recorded a .7 goals-against-average in 2001. She is also a member of the state champion Pittsburgh Football Club. She notched two wins in the 2001 Raleigh Shootout and led her club team to the 2001 Atlantic Beach Soocerfest Championship.

Stopa is a midfielder/defender who adds two years of ODP experience as she played in 1997 and 1998. She was a member of the varsity soccer team at Maine South HS for four years. She led the Windy City Pride club team to four State Cup Championships (1997-2000).

"We're excited about adding three more talented student-athletes to our program," said Donnenwirth. "We believe their skill level, experience, and personalities will nicely compliment the talent we have in place."