The University of Mississippi Athletics
Soccer Inks Four for 2003
2/11/2003 | Soccer
Feb. 11, 2003
OXFORD, Miss. - Drawing from the states of Tennessee, Texas and California, the Ole Miss soccer team has received national letters of intent from four high school seniors for the 2003 season, as announced Tuesday by Rebel head coach Steve Holeman.
"As a whole, we're excited about the players we've added," Holeman said. "They provide us with depth and add to a talented returning squad. They are all very athletic and hard working. Each player has the potential to make an immediate impact with our team."
Ole Miss nabbed two of Tennessee's finest in Emily Brown from Memphis and Ann Shelton from Tullahoma. A 5-2 forward, Brown is a three-year member of the Tennessee Olympic Development program. She helped lead Germantown High School to a 2001 state championship and was awarded offensive MVP accolades in 2002. With the '85 Fury Premier, Brown was also a member of five state title teams.
"Emily has great speed," said Rebel assistant coach Derek Greene. "She brings the same type of skill and quickness as many of our current players. We needed to add some speed to our lineup, and we've done that with Emily."
A 5-7 goalkeeper, Shelton was named All-South in 2002 and All-State in 2001. She is a three-time honoree on the All-State Tournament team, having helped Tullahoma High School to a state runner-up finish in 2002 and semi-final finishes 1999-2001. Shelton, an ODP Region III team selection, was also a member of the Tennessee Futbol Club '85 squad that captured a 2002 state championship.
"We can't say enough about Ann's development over the past two years," Greene said. "She has proven to be one of the top goalkeepers in the nation, and we think she will do great things for us all four of years at Ole Miss."
Katy, Texas native Elise Karlowicz is also pointed toward Oxford. A 5-9 defender, Karlowicz helped guide James E. Taylor High School to a top-10 national ranking on two separate occasions. Each of the last five years, she has been a member of the South Texas ODP Team, while aiding the '85 Challenge to five straight South Texas state championships. Karlowicz also attended the Adidas ESP Camp in 2001.
"Elise has great size and a wonderful ability to read the game," said Greene. "With the graduation of Kristin Chapman, we believe Elise has a chance to compete in our defense right away."
Kaela Kelly comes to Ole Miss from Hisperia, Calif., where she was a first team all-league selection at Sultana High School. Kelly played three years for the Cal-South ODP team, which traveled to ODP Nationals as well as competition in England. She also helped the Slammers Futbol Club to a Cal-South state title.
"Kaela is a tireless worker, and she is very gifted with the ball at her feet," Greene said. "She brings another great attacking dimension to our central midfield. We look for her to compete for a starting spot right away."
These signees join a Rebel team that is coming off its most successful season, finishing it off with their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance. With a 13-5-2 record, Ole Miss registered its best single-season winning percentage (.700) and ranked top three in the SEC overall standings for the first time.
