Valparaiso University head women's soccer coach Stephen Anthony has announced the signing of four individuals to National Letters of Intent to play for the Crusaders beginning in the fall of 2007.

Joining the Crusader roster are Sarah Melhorn, Samantha Olson, Lynnea Pappas, and Kylie Revelle.

Melhorn is a 5'6" defender from White Bear Lake, Minn. An All-Conference selection for White Bear Lake High School, Melhorn helped lead her school to a fourth place finish in the state championships during the 2004 season. She plays club soccer for Saint Croix Eclectic.

?Sarah will make an impact in 2007 by providing versatility and depth to our backline," Anthony said. ?Her ability to play in the middle or out wide in addition to her aggressive style of play will strengthen our team defense."

"I put a lot of emphasis in picking a school that would challenge me academically, while allowing me to play a high level of soccer," said Melhorn. "After my first visit I could picture myself being a Crusader."

Olson is a 5'6" midfielder from Buffalo Grove, Ill. An All-Conference and All-Sectional selection for Buffalo Grove High School, she also plays club soccer for the Chicago Eclipse.

?Samantha brings an aggressive style of play that will certainly strengthen our midfield," Anthony stated. ?Her ability to be a ball winner along with the ability to get forward in the attack will provide a lot of options for us and will provide depth in our midfield line."

"I chose Valpo because I think it's a good atmosphere for me to develop as a student and an athlete," said Olson. "It has smaller classes which I'd rather have than be in a lecture hall for every class with 500 other students so I can ask more questions."

Pappas is a 5'8" midfielder from Parma, Ohio. A Third Team All-Ohio selection for Holy Name High School as a junior, she led her school to the Division II state championship in 2006, a season in which she was named First Team All-State. Twice she has been invited to the Super Y League National Camp, while being named to the Super Y National Team in 2006. She plays her club soccer for the Cleveland Whitecaps.

?Lynnea will contribute immediately to our midfield," said Anthony. ?Her creativity and athleticism will elevate our midfield play and allow us to possess and play through our midfield."

"Valparaiso met all my needs as an athlete, a student, and a person. It was just the right size and made me feel right at home," said Pappas for choosing Valpo. "Valpo's excellent academics were a major part in my decision, but what sold me on Valpo were the coaches. I felt a sincere commitment by them to make me four years better not only in soccer, but in preparation for life beyond college. Strong player-coach relationships and team chemistry are what separates the good teams from the great, and I believe I found that at Valpo."

Revelle is a 5'8" defender from Olathe, Kan. She led Olathe South High School to the 2006 6A state championship. She also helped her team win the USYSA Kansas State Cup championship playing for the KC Metro Dynamos.

?Kylie's ability to play centrally in the back addresses a need for our team due to graduation," Anthony said. ?Her ability in the air, athleticism, and club experience makes for a perfect fit for Kylie with our program."

"I think Valpo was an all-around good fit for me," said Revelle. "I like the athletic and academic opportunities that Valpo has given me and I like what the university as a whole stands for. I'm excited to experience all of the things that Valparaiso has to offer over the next four years and also to be a part of the Crusader family."

?I am very excited about our 2007 recruiting class because the student-athletes will strengthen our program on and off of the field," Anthony said of the incoming players. ?Our incoming freshmen are individuals with outstanding personalities, character, and integrity. They are committed to seeing Valpo soccer move forward and they are excited about the new challenge of competing in the Horizon League. I believe they fit in well with our goals and mission and will elevate our program due to their overall technical ability, athleticism, and club soccer experience."