POCATELLO, Idaho – Four future Bengals signed National Letters of Intent today and will join the ISU women's soccer team in 2012. The signees are
Kaitlin Flynn,
Sheridan Hapsic,
Lauren Bermudez, and
Vanessa Cabilan.
“Our staff is extremely excited about the quality and potential of this 2012 freshman class,” ISU Head Coach
Allison Gibson said. “Although the smallest class we have signed in the past six years, the level is very strong and academically significant. These four young ladies bring a wealth of experience from different areas of the western region and all have known success at each level they have played.”
Here is a closer look at the 2012 signing class.
Lauren Bermudez is a 5-6 midfielder from Canyon Country, Calif. She currently attends Golden Valley High School and has been a member of the varsity soccer team there since her freshman year, lettering all four years. Bermudez's accolades include being named All Foothill League and MVP offensive player. Academically, Bermudez has been a scholar athlete and member of the honor society all four years of high school and maintains a 3.65 GPA.
“Lauren is a solid player and does a great job holding the middle of the field,” Gibson said. “She does all the things that a midfielder needs to do. She connects passes, dominates the air game and goes into and wins tackles on defense. She also has exceptional vision and makes great decisions on and off the ball. Lauren will be a key contributor to the midfield this year.”
The next signee,
Vanessa Cabilan, hails from Waipahu, Hawaii and is a senior at Kamehameha Schools at the Kapalama Campus. Cabilan, a 5-2 defender, has been a member of the varsity soccer team all four years of her career. She was named all-state second team during the 2009-10 season and all-state honorable mention during the 2010-11 campaign. Cabilan helped lead the Warriors to a first-place Interscholastic League (ILH) finish in 2008-09. The Warriors were a state finalist that same season. Kamehameha finished third in the ILH during both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.
“Vanessa is an exciting player and has the ability to make an immediate impact in our back line,” Gibson said. “She dominates her opponents in the air and on the ground through her aggressive and tenacious play. Her two-way play will bring a lot to the offensive side of our game as well. She has the ability to make dynamic runs out of the back and has exceptional service ability. Vanessa will add a flare to our team through her exciting style of play.”
Kaitlin Flynn, a Sandy, Utah native, will also be joining the Bengal ranks next season. Flynn is a 5-6 midfielder from Juan Diego Catholic High School where she has been a member of the varsity soccer squad since her freshman year. During her tenure, the Soaring Eagles have won the state championship twice, in 2009 and 2010. Individually, Flynn was named second team all-state her freshman season and has been selected first team all-state in her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. She has served as team captain and is the all-time assist leader for the Soaring Eagles. Flynn has also been named to the honor roll all four years of high school and currently maintains a 3.43 GPA.
“Katie is the type of player that makes a coach's job easier,” Gibson said. “She has such a strong presence in the midfield through her ability to connect passes consistently and accurately. Her unselfish play was demonstrated by becoming an all-time assist leader at her high school. Katie will be called upon to be a quarterback like distributor, orchestrating our offensive attack.”
The final signee,
Sheridan Hapsic, is from San Clemente, Calif., and is a senior at San Clemente High School. Hapsic, a 5-7 goalkeeper, is a four-year letterwinner at SCHS. In her freshman season, the Tritons earned a South Coast League Championship, a CIF Southern Section D-1 Championship and a CIF Southern Section Regional Championship. The team was also a South Coast League champion and a CIF Southern Section D-1 finalist in both her sophomore and junior seasons.
“Sheridan will be a tremendous addition to our program,” ISU Goalkeeper Coach Stephanie Beall said. “She brings a natural presence and athleticism, which will be a huge asset to the position. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to work with her during her time here at Idaho State.”
Hapsic was named South Coast League Honorable Mention her sophomore year and second-team all-league her junior year. Hapsic is an honor roll student and maintains a 4.0 GPA.
“Sheridan is an outstanding goalkeeper and quality individual,” Gibson said. She plays the game with the same level of commitment and dedication that she lives her life. Not only does she excel in the classroom, she has been on numerous championship teams. We are excited for Sheridan to bring that high level of achievement and positive attitude to both the field and the classroom.”
The four signees will join a veteran Bengal squad that will feature 20 returners, including six seniors as well as Big Sky Newcomer of the Year
Amanda Ellsworth who will enter her sophomore season in 2012.
“Signing day is always an exciting time for the staff, current players and of course the incoming class,” Gibson said. “It is one step closer to having them on the field with us. They all have great personalities and a tireless work rate, two of the most important aspects of our program. They will be welcomed additions as the team takes the field for the 2012 season.
We Are Your Bengals
