Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University head women’s soccer coach Gary Curneen announces the signings of ten student-athletes to study and play soccer at Wingate University. The ten student-athletes will join the Bulldogs for the 2010 season. 

The newest Bulldogs include Meaghan Barry (Naples, Fla.), Rachel Eversole (Hollywood, Md.), Taryn Grivois (Murrieta, Calif.), Holly Holsclaw (Matthews, N.C.), Chelsey Horan (Waxhaw, N.C.), Sarah Linhart (Asheville, N.C.), Izabella Miranda (Waltham, Mass.), Chandler Murphy (Pawleys Island, S.C.), Jill Pennigar (Durham, N.C.) and Carson Williams (Kernersville, N.C.). 

“We are really excited with the class that we are bringing to Wingate University,” Curneen says. “Throughout the recruiting process, assistant coach (Faith) Bicknell and I were able to view these players both on and off the field. We feel that we have signed a well-rounded group of talented individuals who represent a wide variety of backgrounds and playing experiences. Collectively, they will strengthen our program and help us to continue to raise the bar.” 

Meaghan Barry is an outside midfielder who can add speed and work rate to the Bulldog midfield. She plays her club soccer for Naples Youth Soccer Club with Coach Chris Palumbo and her high school soccer for Baron Collier HS under the tutelage of Coach Ray Morgan. 

Barry also participated in track and field in high school. “We are delighted to have Meaghan joining the Wingate program,” Curneen adds. “Her speed will help us on both sides of the ball. She is a midfielder who can score important goals as well.” 

Defender Rachel Eversole will be a strong addition to the Bulldog defense. She played her club soccer with the Freestate Hornets and coach Patrick Noel. Eversole won a state championship at Leonardtown High School. Curneen believes she will fit the Bulldogs style of play. “Rachel is a very composed defender and I believe her composure will really help our team in this area,” Curneen notes. “She is comfortable on the ball and can also start attacks with her great range of passing.” 

Taryn Grivois will help strengthen the Bulldogs’ midfield and will give them both an offensive threat as well as a defensive mentality. Grivois was captain of her club team FC Murrieta, where she played for coach Greg Ferringo. “Taryn is a superb passer,” Curneen asserts. “She can pull strings in midfield. Taryn is also a fantastic athlete. This (attribute) allows her to cover every blade of grass which is a coach’s dream for a midfielder.” 

Holly Holsclaw will bring an array of outstanding qualities to the Bulldogs defense. She will join her sister Hannah on the Wingate roster. “Holly is a player who we are very excited to bring to our program,” Curneen acknowledges. “She reads the game well; she is a great header of the ball. Holly will make a big impact on our team.” Holly Holsclaw played her club soccer for Wingate men’s soccer All-Decade team member Adam Denton at Charlotte Soccer Academy. The CSA team earned State Cup championships in 2006 and 2007. At Butler High School, Holly Holsclaw was coached by another Wingate alum, Chip Wiggins. 

Chelsey Horan is a strong defender who can play on the right or left side. Curneen believes she will bring much excitement to the Bulldogs defense. “Chelsey is a great addition to the program,” Curneen states. “She is comfortable on the ball, good in the air and above all, she can defend. The fact that she can play either side too, makes her quite unique.” Horan played her club soccer at Charlotte Soccer Academy and her high school soccer at Charlotte Christian. 

Sarah Linhart is a tough tackling midfielder that will add some steel to the Bulldogs midfeld. Curneen believes her attributes fit the Bulldogs system. “Sarah is a ball winner who can also use the ball well,” Curneen says. “Her skills will give us some depth on the defensive side of midfield.” Linhart plays high school soccer at TC Roberson for coach Rob Wilcher. 

Izabella Miranda joins the Bulldogs as a transfer from Brandeis (Mass.) University. She is an attacking midfielder who will look to help the Bulldogs offensively. “Izzy will bring so much to our team” Curneen enthuses. “She has two great feet and an eye for a pass. She can score goals. I think she will be exciting to watch.” Miranda played her club soccer for coach Darren Gallagher at Mass Premier Soccer, the same club as current Bulldog Casey King. 

Chandler Murphy is another player whose attacking skills will catch the eye. An outside midfielder, Murphy has played for the Coast FA soccer club and former Wingate men’s assistant coach Pat Piscitelli. She also plays for Waccamaw High School. Murphy has been selected for the High School Sports Report All-State team, the All-State (2A) team, Toast of the Coast and All-Region Team in 2009. 

Curneen believes Chandler will be another one to watch during the Bulldog future. “I think Chandler will be an excellent addition to our program,” Curneen says. “She has speed, skill and a fantastic ability to run at defenders.” 

Goalkeeper Jill Pennigar is expected to compete for a starting position next season. Pennigar played her club soccer at Triangle Futbol Club and her high school soccer at Riverside High School, where she is a team captain. “I am excited about Jill joining the program,” Curneen acknowledges. “She has a vocal presence, can play off her line and has the ability to pull off some great saves. I think she will really help us.” 

Carson Williams is a central defender who will add another strong presence to the Bulldog defense. Williams plays her high school soccer at East Forsyth for coach Chad Lorentz. She was named Metro 4-A Co-Conference Player of the Year last year. In addition, she earned All-Region and All State laurels. Curneen is excited about Williams and her future with the Bulldogs. “Carson has all the attributes of an excellent defender,” Curneen states. “She has speed, strength in the tackle and aggressiveness. Carson has a great ability to read the game.” Williams played her club soccer for the Winston-Salem Twins and coach Paul Foster. 

WINGATE UNIVERSITY 

Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a private four-year co-educational institution of 2,159 students offering active learning opportunities through personalized instruction, world travel, career discovery and community service. 

Wingate offers more than 40 undergraduate majors in arts and sciences, business, communication, education, fine arts, music and sport sciences. It also offers graduate degrees in business, education, physician assistant studies and sport administration. In addition, the school awards the doctor of pharmacy and the doctor of education degrees. 

Bulldog student-athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports. Wingate University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past three years. 

Wingate University is ranked number three among NCAA Division II Academic All-America® producing schools in the 2000’s with 34 honorees during this millennium. Only Pittsburg State (Kan.) University and Truman State (Mo.) University have produced more Academic All-America® honorees during this time period. Wingate’s 43 Academic All-America® honorees (lifetime) is tops among all SAC schools.