Women's Soccer Welcomes Six in 2014

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's soccer team has signed six student-athletes for the 2014 season, head coach Ken Miller announced this week.

Heather Bittle (Benson, N.C.), Jade Loftis (Fuquay-Varina, N.C.), Ashley Martian (Columbus, Miss.), Emily Rhea (Canton, N.C.), Breona Tate (Asheville, N.C.) and Taylor Tester have all signed National Letters of Intent and will join the program this fall.

Bittle, a midfielder, attended West Johnston High School where she was named to the All-Conference team as well as the Offensive Player of the Year. Bittle was also a member of the NC Alliance club team. She plans to major in Athletic Training.

"Heather is a skillful, composed outside midfielder who can also play outside back," said Miller.  She is a good passer and combines well with forwards and other players to get in-behind defenders.  We are looking forward to Heather improving our team flank play by being an attacking option who can connect passes and serve crosses."

Loftis, a defender, played with 95 TUSA Gold at the club level. Loftis' accomplishments aren't limited to the field as she was a three-year Academic All Conference member and was part of the Academic Honor Roll her entire scholastic career. Loftis hasn't decided on a major at Mars Hill.

"Jade is a versatile, athletic defender who can play as a center back or outside back," stated Miller.  "She is very composed on the ball and makes solid passes out of the defense.  We are excited about Jade's potential and look forward to her making an impact to improve our defense."

Martian joins the Mars Hill family from Columbus, Miss., where she played at New Hope High School and Tupelo Futbol Club as a center mid. Martian was a Mississippi All-State team member, two-time All-District Select selection as well as a team captain for two seasons. She has elected to major in Zoology.

"Ashley is a quick, elusive center mid who links play very well," commented Miller.  She is very active in finding space to connect passes and is composed while in possession.  We are excited about Ashley's potential to compete in the midfield for playing time."

Rhea attended Pisgah High School in nearby Canton where she was the 2011 and 2012 Offensive MVP. Rhea was a member of the Academic Honor Roll as well as a team captain. She plans to major in Elementary Education.

"Emily is an athletic forward who is composed while in possession," stated Miller.  "She has the athleticism and ability to play as an outside midfielder.  She is active and always looking to find space to receive passes or get in-behind defenders.  We are excited about her potential to help improve our team's scoring ability."

Tate was a center mid/center back for A.C. Reynolds High School and HFC club team in Asheville. Tate currently is undecided on a major at Mars Hill.

"Bre is a strong, hard tackling center mid who can play center back," said Miller. "Bre has a good work rate and is technically sound.  She has good movement finding the passing lanes to help with linking play.  We are excited about Bre's potential to compete for playing time in the midfield and strengthen our midfield and defense. "

Tester attended Staunton River High School and played with the Roanoke Star club team. While at Staunton River, Tester scored nine goals in a game, had a 19 match goal streak and was third in Virginia with 56 goals. Tester has been named First Team All District for all four years, was a First Team All Region selection and was Honorable Mention All State.

Mars Hill begins the 2014 season on Tuesday, August 19 with an exhibition match at Montreat.