March 1, 2006
IOWA CITY – University of Iowa Head Soccer Coach Ron Rainey has announced the incoming class of six student-athletes who will attend the University of Iowa in the fall of 2006. The recruits include Erica Clausen, Kelsey McCarron, Alexandria Seydel, Nicole Slevin, Kathleen Smokowski and Ashley Trudell.
“We are excited to announce our 2006 class,” Rainey said. “Our hope is that these athletes will combine with the current players to help raise our level of play in both practices and games next fall.”
Clausen, a goalkeeper from Portland, OR, is a four-year starter and letterwinner at Sunset High School. She was a three-time all-metro selection and was named first team all-state as a sophomore after allowing only one goal in league play. She led her high school team to a conference championship in 2003 along with a semifinal berth in the class 4A state tournament. Clausen is currently in her eighth year of Premier Soccer and plays for the LOSC Rain Devils. She has led her club team to numerous state final appearances, including a state championship in 2001. She has also been a member of the ODP ’87 team since 2001.
McCarron, a native of Delray Beach, FL, has played only one year of club soccer. She helped her team to a state championship and was named first team all-county after scoring 16 goals and recording four assists. McCarron played varsity basketball and led her team to two-straight state titles and is also an accomplished gymnast, placing first on vault at the 2002 AAU National Meet.
Seydel is from San Diego, CA, and was named team captain all four years of high school. She is a three-time all-CIF selection and was named league player of the year as a sophomore. Seydel was awarded the Coca-Cola Golden Kick award and led her team to a conference championship as a junior. She has been a member of the PQ Premier club team for nine years and the San Diego Surf SC for two years.
Slevin is from San Pedro, CA, and is a two time all-league selection. She tallied 10 goals on only 19 shots with 18 assists as a junior to earn team MVP honors. Slevin scored 12 goals and recorded 20 assists as a senior. She has been a member of the Palos Verdes Breakers Soccer Club for five years.
Smokowski is a midfielder and forward from Silverado, CA. She attends Santa Margarita Catholic High School and plays for the So Cal Blues club team. She is a second team all-league selection and has been named offensive player of the year for the Blues.
Trudell, a native of Orono, MN, is a four-time all-conference pick and was named both rookie of the year as a freshman and conference MVP as a senior. She is a two time all-state selection and participated in the Minnesota Senior Classic held in the Metrodome. She started all but three games in her high school career and scored 23 career goals and recorded 28 career assists. Trudell led her team to three state tournament appearances and two conference championships. Her team never finished lower than second place in her four years. She also guided her club team to three Snickers State Cup finals appearances, including a state championship in 2002.