Women's soccer team announces '09 recruiting class
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 28, 2009)- - The Bellarmine University women's soccer team announced its recruiting class for 2009 today. The group of seven high school standouts includes striker Alex Kowalski (Gilbert, Ariz.), midfielder Allison Menchak (Troy, Illinois), midfielder/back Chloe Grammer (Louisville, Ky.), back Brianna Simmons (Prospect, Ky.), goalkeeper Amy Kunowski (Milwaukee, Wisc.), midfielder Kaylee Gabhart (Elizabethtown, Ky.), and midfielder/forward Allyson Palmer (Louisville, Ky.).

"We are delighted with the incoming recruiting class," said assistant coach Jonathan Velotta. "We feel the players address the team's immediate needs as well as upgrade the overall depth of the team.

"After losing only three seniors from last year's team," Velotta said, "we return a lot of players from a successful season. However, this group of freshmen will compete for playing time and undoubtedly make the team better. "

Recruit Profiles

Alex Kowalski
Position: Striker
Hometown: Gilbert, AZ
High School: Gilbert High School
Club Team: Gilbert Arsenal
Honors: Honorable Mention All State, 2nd Team All Region, led her high school team in assists with 20
Coach Velotta: "Alex is a gifted attacking player who we expect to make an immediate impact for our team. Technically she is very sharp and has excellent close control. She has the ability to score and set up goals. Her size and athleticism make her hard to defend."

Allison Menchak
Position: Center Midfielder
Hometown: Troy, Illinois
High School: Triad High School
Club Team: St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Honors: AA All-Area Girls Soccer Team, MVC 1st Team All Conference, Rookie of the Year as a Freshmen, Club team Illinois State Finalists
Coach Velotta: "Allison is a complete center midfield player who can do a bit of everything. She is a great passer, playmaker, and also capable of scoring goals. Her understanding of how to play the game coupled with her passion and work ethic makes Allison a very dynamic player who will succeed at Bellarmine."

Chloe Grammer
Position: Left Midfield/Left Back
Hometown: Louisville, KY
High School: Louisville Male
Club Team: Javanon
Honors: All Region Team 2008-2009, All State Honorable Mention 2008-2009
Coach Velotta: "Chloe is a solid athlete who plays with a lot of toughness and heart. Her ball striking ability is excellent and she his great defensively in wide areas. She will upgrade our depth in both the midfield and defensive wide positions."

Brianna Simmons
Position; Center Back/Right Back
Hometown: Prospect, KY
High School: North Oldham High School
Club Team: Javanon
Honors: 2nd Team All State, All Region & District, Captain of Club and High School Team
Coach Velotta: "Brianna is a very consistent defender who demonstrates great leadership ability. Her experience as a captain on both her club and high school team will add a lot to our backfield. In addition, she is comfortable with the ball and will be able to start our attacks out of the back."

Amy Kunowski
Position: Goalkeeper
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
High School: Greendale High School
Club Team: Croatian Eagles
Coach Velotta: "Amy is a consistent goalkeeper that is athletic and capable of making the big save. She has a great work ethic and capable of making a big impact for our program. "

Kaylee Gabhart
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Elizabethtown, KY
High School: Elizabethtown High School Club Team: Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club Honors: All State, All Region, and All District
Coach Velotta: "Kaylee is a very versatile player who can play a variety of roles. She can play any of our midfield positions or an outside back. Her toughness and athleticism will add a lot to our team."

Allyson Palmer
Position: Midfield/Forward
Hometown: Louisville, KY
High School: Presentation Academy
Club Team: NKSA Element
Honors: Team MVP, All-District, 1st Team Academic All-State
Coach Velotta: "Allyson is very gifted technical player. She plays with a lot of flare and creativity. Her ability and comfort level on the ball will add a lot of variety to our attack."

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