May 13, 2008

DENVER, COLO. - Metro State has signed Michael' Ann Karas, Lisa Jewett, Ashley Nemmers, Taylor Nicholls, Courtney Ryan, Jen Thomas and Laura Wayland to play soccer for the Roadrunners beginning with the 2008 season, Roadrunner head coach Adrianne Almaraz announced Tuesday.

For Almaraz, it is her first recruiting class since being named head coach in March. Karas, Nicholls, Wayland, Ryan and Jewett will be freshmen, while Nemmers will sit out a year after transferring from RMAC foe Mesa State where she played in 20 games as a freshman, including 14 starts, and scored three goals.

"We are very excited about this recruiting class as a whole and to be able to add each one of these players to our program," said Almaraz. "These players have the ability to make an impact on our team immediately."

Included in the group are three forwards, two defenders, a midfielder and a goalkeeper.

Karas is a midfielder, while Ryan and Wayland are both defenders and Jewett is a goalkeeper. All are Colorado natives except for Ryan, who is from California.

Metro State finished 16-4-2 and advanced to its sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament in 2007.

Metro State Signings
Name Position Hometown (Last School/Club Team)
Michael' Ann Karas MF Arvada, Colo. (Faith Christian HS/Colorado Storm)
Lisa Jewett GK Castle Rock, Colo. (Douglas County HS/Real Colorado)
Ashley Nemmers F Arvada, Colo. (Mesa State/Colorado Edge)
Taylor Nicholls F Littleton, Colo. (Heritage HS/Littleton United)
Courtney Ryan D Chula Vista, Calif. (Coronado HS/Nomads)
Jen Thomas F Aurora, Colo. (University of Kansas/Real Colorado)
Laura Wayland D Fort Collins, Colo. (Fossil Ridge HS/FCSC Arsenal)