Tech soccer inks four on national signing day

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Tech soccer coach Becky Fletcher has signed her second recruiting class as coach of the Golden Eagles. Four standout high school seniors signed National Letters of Intent to play soccer at Tennessee Tech in the fall.

The four girls that Fletcher and assistant coach Ronda Brooks inked include Taylor Hicks, a forward from Cumberland, Maine; Ellen Iaciofano, a forward from Loveland, Ohio; Rebecca Toler, a goalkeeper from Collierville, Tenn.; and Shannon Rountree, a midfielder from Tamarac, Fla.

"We are excited that each of these young ladies is joining the Tennessee Tech family," Fletcher said. "The addition of these quality student athletes will allow us to build upon the late season success that we accomplished last fall. The character and competitiveness that each of these student athletes brings to the program will enable us to continue to progress towards our goal."

Hicks comes to Tech from Greely High School in Cumberland, Maine. She played her high school soccer for coach Michael Kennedy and was a member of National Honor Society. Hicks also played club soccer for Maine Coast United under coach Jon Meek.

"Taylor is technically sound and has the athleticism and work rate to create offensive opportunities for our team," Fletcher said. "Her versatility will provide depth for us at a few positions.  She will bring a competitiveness to practice each day."

Iaciofano played her club soccer for the CSA Panthers under coach Greg Fallon, and earned three varsity letters in soccer for coach Todd Kelly at Loveland High School in Loveland, Ohio. In 2009 she scored 13 goals and added seven assists, earning FAVC first-team honors and the team's Tiger award. As a junior, Iaciofano was named FAVC second-team and earned the team's Best Offensive Player award. Iaciofano was also a standout on the basketball court as a four-year varsity player.

"Ellie is a strong, athletic forward that has the ability to dominate in the air," Fletcher said. "She will bring a physical presence to the front line. Ellie does a very good job of keeping possession of the ball.  She also possesses the vision that enables her to distribute to her teammates."

Toler is the only Tennessee product in the class, coming from Collierville High School in Collierville, Tenn., where she played for coach Bill Gillespie. The goalkeeper posted a 64-16-3 career record with a goals against average of 0.51. She finished her career with 16 shutouts and 32 combined shutouts in 87 games played. In 19 games as a senior Toler allowed only 18 goals and racked up seven shutouts, earning Memphis Best of Preps honors. Toler also led her club team, the Stones River Strikers, to two state championships, and was a member of the Tennessee State Olympic Development Program from 2004-08.

"The addition of Rebecca will instantly create a competitive atmosphere amongst our goalkeepers," Fletcher said. She is athletic, organizes well, has very solid hands and has good range. Becca has the ability to come in and make an immediate impact."

Rountree, a product of Coral Springs Christian Acadmey in Coral Springs, Fla., played four years of soccer for coach Alexis Sasso. She was named team MVP her junior year, and helped her team to the district championship in 2006. She also excelled in the classroom, earning a spot on the Headmaster's Honor Roll all four years. Rountree made three consecutive club final fours with the Parkland Predators, and also played club soccer for the Coral Springs Renegades under coach Steve Burgess. Rountree was also a four-year member of the Florida State ODP team.

"Shannon is a very smart player tactically and very technically sound," Fletcher said. "She reads the game very well and does a very good job of switching the point of attack. Shannon brings an incredible work rate and a positive attitude that is contagious."

Individual photos in order: Taylor Hicks, Ellen Iaciofano, Rebecca Toler, Shannon Rountree.