Women's Soccer Announces Signees for 2015 Season

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's soccer team has signed four players for the 2015 season, head coach Ken Miller announced this week.

Leah Hairfield (Willis, Va.), Julia Johnson (Charlotte, N.C.), Haley Stewart (Swansboro, N.C.) and Jessica Zedek (Jacksonville, N.C.) have signed National Letters of Intent and will join the program in the fall.

"We are extremely excited about the players that have committed to attend Mars Hill University and be an integral part of our women's soccer program," Miller said. "I am excited about the great character and athletic ability of Leah, Julia, Haley and Jessica. Their personalities and athletic ability will mix well with the already committed and successful players currently in the program. We look forward to these players and our current returning players to building a great foundation and establishing a new era for our program."

Hairfield, an outside defender, was home schooled and earned Virginia Association of Christian Athletics (VACA) All-District, All-Region and All-State honors. She has eight siblings and plans to major in Athletic Training

"Leah is a versatile outside back and outside midfielder," Miller stated. "She likes to attack down the flank and is a good dribbler from deep positions. We are excited about her ability to defend in 1 v 1 situations and give our program a great attacking threat from a defensive position. Leah has a great opportunity to compete right away and improve our defense that does not have many returning players."

Johnson, a defender, attended Lake Norman Charter High School where she was a member of the student council and played on the 2013 NCHSAA 1-A state champion. Johnson's club team, '96 Burgundy, experienced success at the state and regional level. She has chosen to major in Athletic Training.

"Julia is a versatile defender who has the ability to play both center and outside back," Miller commented. "She is a very composed player in possession and makes good passes and crosses from the back line. Julia is a great addition to our program and are excited that she has the ability and opportunity to compete for playing time right away and improve our defense.

Stewart, a defender, attended Swansboro High School, a perennial state power. She was a member of the 2013 NCHSAA 2A state champions and has earned All-Conference and All-Region honors. She is a Class Marshall and will be a student in the Nursing program. 

"Haley is a strong, athletic, commanding center back. We are excited about her ability to build play out of the back and be an exceptional defender. We look forward to Haley competing right away and strengthening our defense.

Zedek, a center midfield, competed in soccer as well as cross country and track at Southwest Onslow High School. Zedek earned All-Conference and All-Region honors in all three sports and was part of the 2A state runner-up 4X800 meter relay team. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is an honor roll student. Zedek has elected to study Criminal Justice at Mars Hill.

"Jessica is a hard working, tenacious defensive midfielder. She has great ability to break up counter attacks and provide defensive cover for midfielders and defenders. She will look to compete immediately and strengthen our midfield unit."

The 2015 women's soccer schedule will be announced at a later date.