Alabama Soccer Welcomes Four Early Enrollees to the Capstone
2/1/2019 11:49:00 AM | Soccer
The Crimson Tide 2019 recruiting class ranks No. 12 in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama women's soccer team and head coach Wes Hart welcomed four early enrollees to campus January as the first members of the 2019 recruiting class to arrive on the Capstone. The 2019 recruiting class was recently recognized by Top Drawer Soccer as the No. 12 recruiting class in the nation.
"I'm thrilled to have four of our 2019's on campus and to be training with the team already," Hart said. "They've done great so far! It's a huge advantage for us to start integrating them into the team seven months before the start of the fall season. There's no doubt that these players and our team will benefit from it."
All four early enrollees are enrolled in class officially on campus and are eligible to participate in spring practice and games. The early enrollee class includes, Katarina Baehren, AJ Crooks, Carlee Giammona, and Reyna Reyes.
Cypress, Texas | Cypress Ranch HS/Challenge SC | Defender
"I am looking forward to all the home spring games," Baehren said. "I am excited for the environment and the opportunity to contribute any way possible."
Baehren, a 5-10 defender from Cypress, Texas, spent five-years playing for Challenge Soccer Club for head coach Chris Maravaliei, where she led the team to the ECNL National playoffs. She also recorded the most goals and assists on her team during two national playoffs. While playing at Cypress Ranch High School, Baehren was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-District, and Honorable Mention All-State. She was also named Second Team Greater-Houston Areas and Top-Drawer Soccer Winter State Stars.
Spokane, Wash. | Central Valley HS/Colorado Rush/Spokane Sounders | Goalkeeper
"I am looking forward to helping the team in any way I can, whether that is in training and pushing others, or helping them out in a game," Crooks said. "I will do whatever I can to help us win."
Crooks, a 5-9 goalkeeper from Spokane, Wash., played at Central Valley High School and won First Team All-GSL. In 2018, she was named the Non-High School Female Athlete of the Year at the Spokane Youth Awards. Crooks also brings experience playing at the USA National Team Camps for U15 and U17.
Las Vegas, Nev. | Palo Verde HS/Heat FC | Midfielder
"I am most excited to play in college games with a new team and coaches, it should be fun," Giammona said.
Giammona, a 5-7 midfielder from Las Vegas, Nev. was named the Southwest Conference Player of the Year, ENCL All-American, and MVP, while playing for Heat FC under for Key Reid. At Palo Verde High School, Giammona led the team to All-Sunset Region, All-Southern Nevada, and All-Northwest League title. Giammona was called up to play with the U16 and U18 US Women's National Team.
Garland, Texas | Naamon Forest HS/FC Dallas | Midfielder/ Defender
"I am looking forward to getting out on the field and to play with the team in a game," Reyes said. "I love games, I am so excited for them. I'm ready to put all I have into a game and show everybody what I can bring to the team."
Reyes has an impressive resume as she recently led the U17 Mexico National Team to the U17 World Cup Finals. In the U17 World Cup Quarterfinals, Reyes recorded an assist on the game winning goal against Brazil. In 2018, Reyes was named Best Right Back at the 2018 CONCACAF Under-17 Women's Championship. In 2017, Reyes scored the winning goal to help FC Dallas snag the U16 ECNL National title, 2-1. In 2016, she helped the U17 Mexican National Team capture the bronze medal at the International Women's Tournament of Gradisca in San Valentino, Italy. Reyes was named Midfielder of the Year and a two-time Athlete of the Year under coach Matt Grubb.
Get all the latest information on the team by following @AlabamaSoccer on Twitter and Facebook and AlabamaSoccer on Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.
