Cambridge, Mass- After graduating six players this past season, women's soccer head coach Paul Vasconcelos announced a seven-member recruiting class that will join the Lynx for the fall of 2018. They welcome the additions of defenders Kerrie Larson and Sophie Smurthwaite, along with midfielders Claire Hounslow, Kayleigh Chicas and Tayla Mayberry. Chloe Kouyoumdjian comes in as the lone forward and Remington Hasley at goalkeeper.
"The 2018 class is a dynamic and talented group of young women that we predict will compete immediately and help us reach our goals this upcoming fall," said Vasconcelos, who enters his twelfth season at the helm of the Lynx. "This incoming class is hard-working, driven and committed, and each embody the values of both the University and our soccer program. We have really enjoyed getting to know them and their families throughout the recruiting process and look forward to having them join forces with our returning players. Our staff is eager to see their development as students, athletes and women over the next four years."
Larson joins the Lynx from Bristol, RI where she was a two-time all-conference selection, Rhode Island First team All-Division and two year captain at Mt. Hope High. She played her club ball at NEFC under Matt Jones. "Kerrie is a young lady we wanted early in the process. She is a great addition to our program and can play any of the four back line positions for us. She is smart, athletic and has good size," commented Vasconcelos.
Chicas comes to Cambridge from Chatsworth, CA where she played her club ball at Real So Cal for AdolfoPerez. She graduates from El Camino Real Charter where she was a two-time West Valley All-league selection and was a two year captain at El Camino Real Charter under Coach Eric Choi. "Chicas is a high character young woman who trained at good club system and won a lot in high school. She can play in the back or in the midfield and possesses a great shot that. She can be very dangerous on corners and set pieces," says Vasconcelos.
Mayberry joins the Lynx from down Kingston, MA where she played at Silver Lake High School and was a two-year scholar athlete. She played her club ball at FC Boston under head coach Tim Mason. Vasconcelos says "Tayla is a quick, athletic player that can give opposing defenses problems and marks up well when defending. She trained and played in a strong system, we see her possibly playing on the wings for us."
Smurthwaite is another LA based player coming to Lesley. Smurthwaite played her club ball at Real So Cal for Adolfo Perez and graduates from El Camino Real Charter where she was a two-time West Valley All-league selection and won LA City Championship under Eric Choi. "Smurf is a strong, athletic player who plays tough and with a good work rate. She can play in the middle or on the outside for us. She comes from a winning program and knows what it takes to win," comments Vasconcelos.
The San Diego native in Hasley comes to Cambridge after 4 years at Canyon Crest Academy where she was the starting keeper and captain, and 2nd team All Avocado West selection. She was also the starting keeper under Brian Reed at ECNL club San Diego Surf. Vasconcelos says "Remme was our top rated keeper that we are very excited to have in our program. She is tough, has decent size and is great off her line, we believe she is going to push the rest of our goalkeeper group."
Hounslow joins the Lynx after a 4 year varsity career at Westborough High where she was a two-time Central Mass All-star, three-time all-league selection and two year captain for the Rangers. She played her club ball under Paul Mumby at Best FC. "We were always high on Claire and feel she is a great addition that can develop into a very good collegiate midfielder. She is technically sound and possesses a great soccer IQ," says Vasconcelos.
Kouyoumdjian comes to Lesley from La Canada, CA where she was a First-Team All-Rio Hondo League and All-Area 2nd team selection at La Canada High. She played her club ball under Paul Hennessey on LA Premier FC. Vasconcelos comments that "Chloe is an experienced and athletic outside player that plays with a great motor. She is great on the ball and can get up in the attack and score. She plays with both feet and can swing balls into the box for us."
Lesley Women's Soccer is looking for their 7th NECC Championship and 6th Appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2018. The Lynx report for preseason on August 17th and kick off the regular season on September 1st on the road at Suffolk University.