Indiana University Athletics
Women's Soccer Inks Six for 2006 Season
2/2/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Feb. 2, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana women's soccer team inked six student-athletes for the 2006-07 season announced head coach Mick Lyon on Feb. 1. The class includes a handful of local talent that boasts multiple laurels from high school, club and Olympic Development Program participation.
"I am excited to bring these six young women to the IU Bloomington campus to help the Hoosiers compete for the Big Ten title," Lyon said. "They bring size, speed, skill and a high level of experience. Coupled with their academic prowess and wonderful personalities, they will play a huge role next season."
The 2006-07 recruiting class includes Kristin Arnold (Beavercreek, Ohio/ Beavercreek), Jessica Boots (Carmel, Ind./ Carmel), Taylor Fallon (Newport Beach, Calif./ Corona del Mar), Christie Kotynski (Hudson, Ohio/ Hudson), Natalie O'Bryan (Greenwood, Ind./ Center Grove) and Kathryn Zachman (Fort Wayne, Ind./ Homestead).
Arnold is a versatile player who joins Indiana after multiple selections to the ODP Regional Team in 2002 and 2003. The Beavercreek, Ohio native also attended national camp and the ESP Camp in 2002 and 2003. During her junior year, Arnold participated in the European Tour with Lyon. Arnold's commitment to Indiana is contributed to the recruiting of assistant coach Ian Rickerby.
"Arnie is going to be that link player who can play the long diagonal ball from midfield or play quick possession passes to set up the front runners," Lyon said. "Arnie has a deep package of skills and experience, and she is a player who is ready to explode onto the college scene. A few injuries have kept her under the radar, but I expect her to be a key ingredient in the Hoosiers' future success."
Another pivotal signee to the Hoosiers in 2006 comes in the hardworking attitude and athletic frame of Boots. Boots garnered a selection to the ODP Regional Pool in 2003 and participated on the ODP State Team from 2000-03. While at Carmel High School, Boots was a four-year starter and helped lead Carmel to back-to-back Indiana state championships in 2002-03.
"Jessica is another fine athlete who will be an impact player on the back line," Lyon said. "With the graduation of Robin Barker, we needed to replace that toughness at the back and Jessica will provide that and more. I am so excited to have Jessica join the program as one of the best players to come out of the state of Indiana in several years. Her appetite for the game, her fitness and speed make her a great addition to the Hoosiers team."
A great addition to next season's Hoosiers, Fallon brings with her a high level of playing experience through high school and club soccer. Fallon was a member of the ODP Regional Team in 2002 and started all four years at Corona del Mar High School. Fallon also led her Slammers FC soccer club to a national championship in 2003 and 2005 and a other tournament championships in 2005. While at Corona del Mar, Fallon earned first team all-league her senior campaign. Fallon's commitment to Indiana is contributed to the recruiting of assistant coach Erika Flanders.
"Taylor came into the recruiting process late but fell in love with IU on her visit," Lyon said. "Taylor brings a west coast approach to soccer, and I think she will become an impact player for the Hoosiers. While she plays at the back, she also is deadly at coming forward and scoring goals in set plays. We will need her to continue that in Bloomington. Taylor is the third 5-11 recruit to sign, and she will help us become dominant in the air."
Kotynski arrives in Bloomington after a very successful ODP career. The Hudson, Ohio native earned a selection to the 2004 ODP Regional Team and served as a member of the ODP State Team from 2001-2004. Kotynski also participated in student government and the Leadership conference (2003) while being selected to the honor roll and as a scholar athlete during her high school campaign.
"Christie is going to bring an array of skills to the IU team," Lyon said. "She has been coached by the magical tactics and skill development of Sean McNamara of the Cleveland Cobras, and I expect her to have an immediate impact on the team. Along with her skill, there is an athletic body that will do very well in the Big Ten. Christie has the scoring threat that will make her a potential Big Ten Freshman of the Year candidate."
Also joining the Hoosiers in 2006 are the talented O'Bryan and Zachman. O'Bryan, sister of graduating senior Courtney O'Bryan, earned the coveted MVP award at the Indiana soccer camp as a senior and started all four years at Center Grove high school. O'Bryan will be looked for added depth at the midfield position.
"Natalie is another excellent athlete from the state of Indiana," Lyon said. "Natalie has a bright future with the Hoosiers. Her strength in the midfield to distribute over distances and win tough battles with opponents will make her a competitor from day one. Natalie is a soccer junkie who loves to play soccer and compete. She is a fine addition to the 2006 class."
Zachman joins the Hoosiers after a four-year starting stint at Homestead High School. While at Homestead, Zachman led her team to a state finals appearance, a semi-state championship in 2003 and a regional championship in 2002-03. Zachman grabbed the eyes of the Indiana coaching staff at the IU girl's soccer camp in 2005. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native had a very successful week at camp and impressed the Hoosier staff with her appearance in the All-Star game.
"Kathryn is a fantastic student-athlete who has both speed and endurance," Lyon said. "She has the potential to be a great front runner in the future. Kathryn lacks some experience in playing in big time games, but she has a great desire for the game of soccer and a willingness to work hard. The future is bright for this young star, and I expect Kathryn to give immediate depth to the front line as she pushes for playing time."
