University of Connecticut Athletics
Women's Soccer Announces 2005 Freshman Class
5/4/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
STORRS, Conn. (May 5, 2005) - The University of Connecticut women’s soccer staff adds seven newcomers to their 2005 team as announced by head coach, Len Tsantiris. All seven players have youth experience as forwards and midfielders, but each adds versatility and can fit in anywhere on the field. They hail from Connecticut (2), Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts and New York.
Jessica Diakun is a native of Glastonbury, Conn., and attends Glastonbury High School. She is a forward/midfielder with good athleticism and strong technical skills. Diakun was selected as the Hartford Courant Player of the Year after leading her team in scoring with 29 goals. She also plays for the Yankee United premier team and was a member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Region 1 pool. Diakun has the ability to make an immediate impact on the program.
Elizabeth Eng, a native of Lake Zurich, Ill., was named an NSCAA/adidas High School All-American for her play at Lake Zurich High School. She is an attacking player who uses her body well to beat opponents. Eng, a member of the ODP Region 2 team, has the ability to make an immediate impact at UConn as an attacking player.
Shauna Musser is out of Saguaro High School and a native of Mesa, Ariz. She is an intelligent midfielder with good physical size and deceptive touches on the ball. Musser was named to the Arizona State Team and was a member of the ODP Region 4 pool. The talented midfielder will be a competitive addition to the squad.
Ashley O’Brien is from Broad Brook, Conn., and attends East Windsor High School. O’Brien is a smart, technical and athletic midfielder who was named to the Connecticut State Team. She also competes with the Oakwood soccer club and has the ability to contribute during her freshman year with the Huskies.
Maria Picard is a native of Upton, Mass., and attends Nipmuc Regional High School. A hard working, quick midfielder, Picard gained experience playing at the ODP Super Y Regional level. She is also a member of the Boston Renegades club team. Picard, a driven player, will add competition to the midfield position.
Brittany Taylor is a NSCAA/adidas High School All-American out of Washingtonville High School in Campbell Hall, N.Y. Taylor is a technical player who can be dangerously strong at both the forward and midfield positions. She has experience with the US Under-17 National Team and the ability to make an immediate impact with the program.
Brittany Tegeler is a native of Baldwin, Md., and attends McDonough High School. She is an NSCAA/adidas High School All-American with regional team and national experience. Tegeler is also a member of ODP National Championship Maryland State team and the Bethesda Excel, a two-time Regional Championship team as well as 2003 National Finalists. The athletic forward has the ability to make an immediate impact as a freshman.
