LA PLATA, Md. (June 29, 2016)—The College of Southern Maryland signed four players to the 2016 Women's Soccer team, including: Brenna Kelly, forward (Leonardtown High School), Rebecca Ladner, defender (Great Mills High School), Elizabeth Schwenk, mid/forward (Northern High School) and Jazmin Summers, goalkeeper/mid/forward (Chopticon High School).
"Coming out of the strong [Calvert Soccer Association] Travel Program, Elizabeth shows an excellent level of comfort on the ball and a strong understanding of the game. Her speed, agility and attacking mentality will make her an exciting player to watch this season and a fantastic fit in the new offensive system adopted by the Hawks," said Head Coach Barry McGrellis who is in his first season with CSM.
"Rebecca's natural athleticism, strength and positional awareness will allow for a seamless transition to college-level soccer. A product of the St. Mary's travel system, Jazmin exhibits excellent strength, a fantastic work ethic and unparalleled determination. Emerging from the same program as both Ladner and Summers, Brenna is a forward with outstanding footwork, good close control and a cultured first touch. Her natural ability to quickly control the ball and link up with surrounding players is sure to be a key component of the Hawks' offensive approach this season," said McGrellis.
McGrellis is a lifelong soccer devotee. From Scotland originally, he grew up immersed in the sport and, after playing a high level of travel and semi-pro soccer, proudly represented his country at U16 level as the team captain of the Scottish Football Association's Scotland Select at an International Tournament in the Netherlands.
In 2005, he accepted a scholarship to play NCAA Division I soccer at Rider University, in New Jersey. An injury-plagued first year resulted in a lot of time spent on the sidelines with the coaching staff and it was there that McGrellis realized his aptitude for the tactical and structural aspects of the game.
Over the last six years McGrellis has coached professionally in both the United Kingdom and United States, developing his signature tactical approach to the game. He is licensed by the USSF, NSCAA and the Scottish Football Association and brings a wealth of prior experience to his first collegiate position at CSM, said CSM Athletic Director Michelle Ruble.
For a gallery from the women's soccer signing, visit http://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/wsoccer2016signing.
For more on women's soccer, visit http://athletics.csmd.edu/sports/wsoc/index.
CSM Signs 4 to Women's Soccer Team, Welcomes Barry McGrellis as Head Coach
CSM Head Coach Barry McGrellis, left, and Assistant Coach Paul Tarry, right, join four players signed to the 2016 Women's Soccer team, including, seated from left, Elizabeth Schwenk of Owings, Rebecca Ladner of California, Jazmin Summers of Mechanicsville and Brenna Kelly of Leonardtown.
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