Index of Sports Press Releases

Jan. 7, 2008

DWU Women’s Soccer Signs Five

MITCHELL, S.D. — Dakota Wesleyan University head women’s soccer coach Dale Roden has announced the signing of five players to join the DWU women’s soccer program. Samantha Massey from Elk Point-Jefferson High School, twin sisters Kayla Pahl and Skye Pahl from Rapid City Central High School, Kasha Roberts from Rapid City Central High School and Teagan Aguinaga from James Madison High School (San Antonio) all have committed to play for the Tigers during the 2008 soccer season.

“We are very pleased to make a commitment to these student-athletes. In meeting with each of them individually, it was important to me that they understood the leadership opportunity, as well as the challenge that they will be faced with as incoming freshmen this fall,” Roden said. “Each of them welcomed the challenge, and they are all capable of making an impact individually. Furthermore, as they combine their talents, it is exciting to contemplate the overwhelming effect they will have on our program.”

Massey (5-2 defender) was a 2007 All-State Second-Team selection as a senior. Off the field, she is a member of the National Honor Society, an honor roll student and an academic letterwinner for grades 9-11.

“Sam is extremely consistent in the defensive third. We anticipate that she will have a huge impact as we define our defensive stand during the 2008 season,” Roden said. “She is a versatile and hard-working student-athlete, and is someone who will bring a new level of athleticism to our defensive third.”

Kayla Pahl (5-4 striker) was also a 2007 All-State Second-Team selection as a senior. Her team voted her the team MVP, best offensive player and best all-around player. She is a four-year letterwinner in soccer and track.

“Kayla brings so much to the table, and she has the potential to dramatically change our attacking philosophy this fall,” Roden said. “Kayla will be a cornerstone that we base many of our tactical decisions around regarding our formation.”

Skye Pahl (5-4 midfielder) was an All-State First-Team selection as a senior and an All-State Honorable Mention as a junior and sophomore. She was a four-year letterwinner in soccer and track. She was voted best all-around player and best defensive player by her team.

“Skye is talented and possesses an unmatched work ethic. We anticipate that she will be a mainstay in our midfield throughout the future,” Roden said. “She is extremely dedicated and has exceptional leadership abilities.”

Roberts (5-5 striker/midfielder) was a 2006 All-State Honorable Mention selection as a junior. She was voted best all-around player and golden boot by her team, and is a four-year letterwinner in soccer.

“Kasha is a true competitor and a very tenacious defender,” Roden said. “Her combination of strength and mobility provides teams with a confident demeanor in the most challenging situations capable of revolutionalizing our defensive third.”

Roberts and the Pahl twins all played for the Rushmore Soccer Club in Rapid City, S.D. “I believe that DWU has obtained three of the finest athletes that Rushmore Soccer Club has to offer,” said Luis Usera, director of coaching for the Rushmore Soccer Club. “It is exciting to see that these three have been given a great opportunity to become leaders at the college level right from the start.”

Aguinaga (5-9) was an All-District 26-5A First-Team pick and an All-District Academic honoree as a senior. She was voted a team captain and most valuable player as a senior. Off the field, she is a member of the National Honor Society.

“Teagan is one of those players who possesses the ability to dramatically boost those around her,” Roden said. “We will look for her as an incoming freshman to provide us with a new level of presence and composure on the ball that will boost our midfield.”

With these commitments, the women’s soccer program has six signees for the 2008 recruiting class.