Women’s Soccer Adds Three

MARS HILL, N.C.-The Mars Hill women's soccer team has added three new members to its 2012 recruiting class. Nicole Hebert, Rachel Blong and Abby Spitler are set to join the Lions in the fall of 2012.

Hebert comes to Mars Hill from Emerald Isle, N.C. Hebert played for the state championship team at Croatan High in 2008. She earned both All-Region and All-State honors in her time at the school. Hebert has volunteered with many charity organizations and is planning to major in Pre-Med at Mars Hill.

"Nicole has the ability to play center back or outside back in a four-back formation," said Mars Hill Head Coach Ken Miller. "We are excited about her strength, pace, and technical ability in regards to the game of soccer. We are looking forward to Nicole coming in and competing for playing time within our defense and helping to solidify a back line. We are excited to add quality defenders to our young defensive core, in hopes of creating a very stingy defense who give up limited goals and opportunities to score. I am excited to help Nicole improve as a defender and player. She brings great character and determination to our program. "

Blong comes to Mars Hill from Covenant Day High School in Seneca Falls, N.Y. While there, Blong was an established offensive threat with 56 goals and 32 assists in her career. Blong was named Offensive Player of the Year and MVP. She played club soccer with the Webster Soccer Association and Charlotte Soccer Academy.

"Rachel is a quick and agile forward who has a knack for finding space and scoring goals," said Coach Miller. "Rachel is a very technical player and active forward with a lot of potential. We are excited to have Rachel be a part of our program and help score goals for our team. Scoring goals was minimal last season and we have added several forwards who have the potential to score goals for our team. Rachel has the ability to play either as a forward or outside mid. We look for her to come in and compete right away for playing time. Rachel has great integrity, character and will be a positive and great addition to our team and Mars Hill College."

Spitler joins Mars Hill from Cumberland County High School in Crossville, Tenn. While there, Spitler was a team captain for three years and All-Around Team MVP three times. She earned All-District recognition four times, including three first team selections. Spitler totaled 37 goals and 48 assists in her high school career.

"Abby has the ability to play anywhere in the midfield," said Coach Miller. "She is a technically sound player with a good understanding of the tactical aspects of soccer. We are excited to have Abby join our program and help our team score goals. Abby's personality and character are a perfect fit for our team. We are looking forward to her coming in and competing for playing time right away."

Hebert, Blong and Spitler join Hannah Russell, Tori Stajduhar and Aerial Ellis as members of the Lions 2012 recruiting class.