Weber, Peterson sign with Women’s Soccer

MARS HILL, N.C. - Rachel Weber and Haley Peterson have committed to play for the Mars Hill women's soccer program in the fall of 2011, head coach Ken Miller announced. They join McKay Sharpe, Grace Lancaster and Lindsey Ingwersen in the Class of 2011.

Weber is a defender from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nev. She also plays for the Heat FC club team and serves as a captain for both teams.

"Rachel is a strong, center defender/holding midfielder who is not afraid to get stuck in on tackles," Miller said. "Rachel is a solid technical player and has a good understanding of the game of soccer. She is athletic and her height gives us a strong commanding presence in the back and center of the field. Her personality fits well with our program and ambitions we have at Mars Hill College. Rachel is an outstanding academic student who will fit well into our team's philosophy on and off the field."

Peterson is a defender from Topsail High School in Hampstead, N.C. She was All-Conference, All-Area and All-County for the last three years. Peterson was also named to the All-State first team in 2008 and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Peterson plays club soccer for '92 Hurricanes at Pleasure Island Soccer Association and has played club soccer for '91 Cape Fear Wave at Cape Fear Soccer Association since 2004.

"Haley is an athletic outside defender who is versatile enough to play anywhere in the defense and has the ability to play as an outside midfielder," Miller commented. "Haley is a technically sound player that can execute quality passes from the back and has the athleticism and pace to get up and down the flank. We are excited about Haley's potential to help Mars Hill women's soccer reach our program's goals and objectives. She is an excellent student and her ambitions and personality are a perfect fit for our institution and soccer program."

Mars Hill opens the 2011 regular season at home on September 1 against Tennessee Wesleyan.