June 29, 2005
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- University of New Mexico women’s soccer head coach Kit Vela has announced the addition of two more players to the 2005 recruiting class. Midfielder Megan Herber (San Diego, Calif.) and forward Asha Richardson (Salt Lake City, Utah) will join the other seven newcomers this fall to boost the New Mexico roster to a total of 29 players.
Herber was a three-year letterwinner at center midfield at Rancho Bernardo High School. As a sophomore she helped the Broncos advance to the semifinals in the California Interscholastic Federation. She was also a member of the PQ Premier club team for four years. During her freshman and sophomore years, she helped PQ Premier finish as semifinalists at the CAL South State Cup tournament and as a senior finish as quarterfinalists. Herber is the fifth player from Southern California to join this season’s freshmen class.
“Megan is a very versatile player who has the experience of playing against many other top Southern California players,” said Vela.
Richardson, who will be the first Utah native to play under Vela, lettered in soccer and track at Judge Memorial High School. As a senior she led the Bulldogs with 23 goals and was rewarded with first team all-state honors. Richardson also led her squad to a second place finish at the state championships. In track, she helped the Bulldogs finish second in state as a senior. At the championships, she finished second in the 100 meters and was on the winning 4×100 relay team.
“Based on Asha’s track background, she brings a lot of speed to the soccer field with the bonus that she has a great foundation as a soccer player,” said Vela.
The addition of Herber and Richardson brings the recruiting class to a final total of nine players.
“Both of these players add to our depth,” said Vela. “They are both outstanding young players to round out a top-notch recruiting class for us. Both add speed and a strong work ethic to an already fantastic class. I am looking forward to seeing them get plenty of playing time in the fall. They both have great futures ahead of them.”
The Lobos return 19 letterwinners to this season’s roster. First game of the season will be at home against Montana on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.
2005 NEW MEXICO WOMEN’S SOCCER RECRUITING CLASS
| Name | Pos. | Height | Hometown (High School) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrie Aversano | MF | 5-5 | Lakewood, Colo. (Bear Creek HS) |
| Samantha Bevis | D | 5-5 | Lakewood, Colo. (Green Mountain HS) |
| Tabitha Bunch | F/MF | 5-1 | Riverside, Calif. (Arlington HS) |
| Hannah Hand | F | 5-9 | Los Angeles, Calif. (Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy) |
| Megan Herber | MF | 5-3 | San Diego, Calif. (Rancho Bernardo HS) |
| Kaci Paetz | MF | 5-6 | San Pedro, Calif. (San Pedro HS) |
| Krista Peterson | D | 5-6 | Fountain Valley, Calif. (Fountain Valley HS) |
| Asha Richardson | F | 5-5 | Salt Lake City, Utah (Judge Memorial) |
| Kiani Wong | GK | 5-10 | Honolulu, Hawai’i (Iolani HS) |