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April 2, 2003
CHARLOTTESVILLE – The Virginia women’s soccer team announced the four newcomers Wednesday who will comprise the Cavaliers’ 2003 recruiting class. Head Coach Steve Swanson announced that Christina de Vries (Westlake Village, Calif.), Shannon Foley (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), Becky Sauerbrunn (St. Louis, Mo.), and Ariel Thompson (Salem, Va.) will enroll at UVa for the 2003-04 academic year and take the field for the Cavaliers this fall.
Foley and de Vries both come from southern California where they were teammates on the West Valley Samba club team, the 2002 national champions. A midfielder and forward, Foley was selected as a Parade and NSCAA All-American in 2002 and 2003 while leading Santa Margarita Catholic High School to the CIF Championship in 2001 and 2002. Foley was a member of the U.S. U-16 national team from 2000-2002 and is currently a member of the U-19 national team. A goalkeeper, de Vries won the Golden Glove Award as the top keeper at the 2002 National Championships with West Valley Samba. Also a member of the U-17 Region IV ODP pool, de Vries led Westlake High School to three consecutive league championships.
Sauerbrunn is also a member of the U.S. U-19 national team. She played for the U.S. U-16 national team in addition to playing for the Missouri and Region II ODP teams. A defender and midfielder, she was selected as a 2002 Parade All-American and a 2003 NSCAA All-American. Her J.B Marine club team won consecutive state championships and was regional champions in 2000. In addition, she led Ladue High School to a conference championship in 2001.
Thompson is a veteran of the Virginia ODP and has twice been named All-State for her play at Salem High School. A versatile player who can play forward, midfield or defense, Thompson was the district and regional Player of the Year in 2002. She is a member of the Roanoke Star club team, while also guest playing for HBC Fury from New York.
“We are excited about this years class and look forward to welcoming them to the team in August,” said Swanson. “Given the fact we return most of our players from last year it was important for us to fill specific needs in this class. So although the quantity is less then previous classes, the quality of the players is exceptionally strong. I am confident each of these student athletes will leave their mark at the University of Virginia academically and athletically during the next four years.”
The four newcomers will join 19 returning lettermen from last season’s team. The Cavaliers are coming off a season where they made their four consecutive run to the NCAA Round of 16 and their 17 consecutive season ranked in the top 20 of the final NSCAA poll.