Utah Women's Soccer Signs Five Recruits

Feb. 15, 2005

SALT LAKE CITY - Following its third straight NCAA Tournament appearance and second consecutive Mountain West Conference Tournament title, the University of Utah women's soccer team has signed five high school seniors to national letters of intent. The announcement came today from head coach Rich Manning, who has led Utah to a 42-12-8 in three seasons.

Joining the Utes this fall will be Jen Christoffers (Forward - Phoenix, Ariz.), Lynzee Lee (Goalkeeper - Kalispell, Mont./Sandy, Utah), Katy Reineke (Midfielder - Salt Lake City), Emalee Rogers (Goalkeeper - Centerville, Utah) and Danielle Sample (Midfielder - Salt Lake City).

"This is a small but potent group," said Manning. "These five new Utes will have an immediate impact on and off the field. They are excellent soccer players that are experienced and used to winning. They are also bright personalities that will bring a positive energy to our Utah family.

"We know these players very well. Either (assistant coach) Laurel Roderick or myself has coached everyone in the group through the Olympic Development Program. And four of the five (all except Jen Christoffers) attended our camp this past summer. I think this group will make a seamless transition come August. In many ways I feel like they are already here."

The Utes have added three players with Region IV ODP experience in Christoffers, Lee and Reineke. Also, the two club teams those three played for are among the top teams in the country at their age group. Lee and Reineke played for the Celtic Storm, while Christoffers played for the Sereno Golden Eagles.

"We have 18 freshmen and sophomores on our current roster, so we were able to be selective in our recruiting," said Manning. "With just five players we have added another dangerous forward, deepened our midfield, improved our left side, and created an outstanding pool of goalkeepers."

"I really enjoyed recruiting this past year," Mannning concluded. "We have an easy sell. The University of Utah is a great place. When talented youth players from some of the top club teams in the country choose to come here, it reminds me how lucky I am to work at the U. I'm happy for our new players. They are going to have a great experience. I am also excited for our team, as these five are going to make us better."

Recruit Profiles

Jennifer Christoffers - ForwardHometown: Phoenix, Ariz.Parents: Judy ChristoffersODP: Arizona State Team (2002-03), Regional Team (2003)Club: Sereno Golden EaglesClub Coach: Mitch MurryClub Honors: State Cup champions (2001-04),regional finalist (2004)High School: Desert VistaHS Honors: All-state first team (2002-05),Central Region player of the year
"Jen is a dynamic forward. She can score as well as create for others,"says Manning. "She is explosive on the dribble and her speed will putopponents on their heels. She is tenacious and I love her commitment todefending. I got to work with Jen on the Region IV ODP team and feel likeshe is just coming into her own. Her Sereno club team is one of the best inthe nation. She comes to Utah with great experience and will be ready tocontribute right away."
Did you know... Jennifer comes from the same youth soccer club,Sereno Golden Eagles, as current Utah sophomore Michelle Deatherage?
Lynzee Lee - GoalkeeperHometown: Kalispell, Mont./Sandy, UtahParents: Kelly and Scott LeeODP: Montana State Team (2002-03), Utah State Team (2004)Club: FC Bozeman (Mont.)/Celtic Storm (Utah)Club Coach: Ric Plante (FC Bozeman)/Robyn Bretzing (Celtic Storm)Club Honors: FC Bozeman won State Cup (2002-03). Celtic Storm wonState Cup (2004).High School: Flathead (Mont.)/Alta (Utah)HS Honors: All-state first team in Montana (2002-03), all-statefirst team in Utah (2004).
"Lynzee is one of the top goalkeepers in the graduating class," saysManning. "She is an excellent shot stopper. She is good at managing highballs. And she is skillful with her feet. These are three critical areasfor goalies. I would also describe her game as powerful, explosive andfearless. I think she has a presence in goal that is intimidating to theopposition. She will make an impact immediately. With the addition ofLynzee and Emalee Rogers, we will have a terrific foursome of goalies inour program."
Did you know... Lynzee also plays basketball at Alta High School?
Katy Reineke - MidfielderHometown: Salt Lake CityParents: Lawrence and Barbara ReinekeODP: Utah State Team (2000-03), Regional Team (2000, 2003),National Pool (2003)Club: Celtic StormClub Coach: Robyn BretzingClub Honors: State Cup champions (2002-04)High School: EastHS Honors: Class 4A MVP in 2004, all-state first team (2002-04).
"Katy is skillful, versatile and can hammer the ball," says Manning. "Thefirst thing that people will notice is that her left foot is a cannon. Shecan score with it, hit great crosses and is deadly on set pieces. However,I also like that she is a good passer and reads the game well. With greatclub and ODP experience, she is also ready to play right now. If you askedme today, she would play in the midfield because she covers so much ground.But, she can play on any row on the field. Regardless of her position, shegives us a strong left-sided presence."
Did you know... Katy scored the winning goal in overtime of the Utahhigh school 4A championship game this year?
Emalee Rogers - GoalkeeperHometown: Centerville, UtahParents: Vern and Melissa RogersClub: Utah FCClub Coach: Chuck MillerClub Honors: State Cup champions (2004)High School: ViewmontHS Honors: All-state second team (2004), all-region first team (2003-04).
"Emalee is a great shot stopper and a very smart goalie," said Manning."She will pull balls that are sure goals out of the net. She also has greatfoot skills. Her best quality, though, is her decision making. Sheconsistently prevents dangerous situations by making the correct play. Ithink this brings great confidence to her teammates. For this reason, Ithink our players will love working with Emalee."
Did you know... Emalee comes from a family of Utah graduates? Hergrandfather, father and mother are all Utah alums.
Danielle Sample - MidfielderHometown: Salt Lake CityParents: Jay and Chris SampleODP: Utah State Team (2000-04)Club: AvalancheClub Coach: Kevin VandervereClub Honors: State Cup runner-up (2003-04)High School: BrightonHS Honors: All-state honorable mention (2004),all-region second team (2004).
"Danielle is hard working and powerful," said Manning. "She has many of thequalities of a good defensive midfielder. She is good in the air. Hertackling is strong. And she can hit the ball. Her speed is improving and Iam excited about her potential."
Did you know... Danielle has made a strong recovery after tearing theACL in her knee as a high school junior?

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Players Mentioned

Jen Christoffers

Michelle Deatherage

Lynzee Lee

Katy Reineke

Emalee Rogers

Danielle Sample

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