Feb. 6, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - Miami University head women's soccer coach Bobby Kramig announced today that the RedHawks have signed five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent.

The incoming women's soccer class includes Courtney Clarke (Scarborough, ONT), Krysti Clarke (Scarborough, ONT), Casey Ellerman (Arlington, VA), Jamie Forbes (St. Charles, IL), and Alexandra Karlsson (Malmo, Sweden).

COURTNEY CLARKE

FORWARD - SCARBOROUGH, CANADA

UNIONVILLE-MILLIKEN STRIKERS

The 2007 Senior Athlete of the Year at her high school, Courtney Clarke has earned accolades in each sport she has competed in. Along with being named the MVP of her high school's soccer team, Clarke was also honored as the Most Valuable Player of the school's varsity basketball, track and field, and cross country teams. Clarke is also an accomplished badminton player, earning gold medals during the 2006 and 2007 Metro Championships. Clarke has been on the honor roll list every year since 2005.

"Courtney is a wonderful athlete who has enormous soccer potential. MVP of her school basketball, soccer and track teams she has tremendous speed and great leaping ability........she might be the best athlete we've ever signed."

KRYSTI CLARKE

FORWARD - SCARBOROUGH, CANADA

DIXIE SAINTS U18 TEAM

Hailing from Scarborough, Ontario, Krysti Clarke is currently a forward with the Dixie Saints U18 team. Prior to playing with Dixie, Clarke was a member of the Scarborough United Premier team, netting 23 goals during the 2005 season, the most by any player in the league. Clarke also represented Ontario by being named to the U14 and U15 tournament teams. The daughter of Bryan and Claudia Clark, Krysti is the president of the Student Association Council, and is a level III soccer referee.

"Krysti will be a great addition to our team. She is quick, skillful and very dangerous in the final third. She also possesses excellent leadership qualities....something you can never have enough of on your team."

CASEY ELLERMAN

FORWARD - ARLINGTON, VA.

HOLTON-ARMS HIGH SCHOOL

A four-year starter for Holton-Arms School in Arlington, Virginia, Casey Ellerman is a gifted playmaker, setting the school's all-time record for assists (54) during her career at Holton-Arms. Ellerman played a big part in guiding the school to a 12-2 record, and the Independent School League A Division title. Ellerman plays club soccer with RFC United, and was selected to the Virginia Olympic Development Team. After scoring five goals, and assisting on 10 others last season, she was named to the All-Gazette Girls Soccer first-team.

"Casey is a soccer junkie. The type of player we like to have in our program. She loves the game and loves to train. She is a great competitor who will fit in very well with our team culture."

JAMIE FORBES

GOALKEEPER - ST. CHARLES, ILL.

ST.CHARLES NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

A goaltender from St. Charles, Illinois, Jamie Forbes comes to Miami with many accolades following her name. Forbes was ranked the No. 1 girls goalkeeper in the Chicago-area by the Chicago Sun-Times. Forbes is a member of the Eclipse Select soccer club, the top ranked girls club in the country according to Soccer America and National Soccer Rankings, for 2006 and 2007. Forbes earned two championship titles during the 2007 season while playing with Eclipse Select, winning the GLSA Octoberfest Championship and the NSR Puma Cup. She received her coaching license in 2007.

"Jamie Forbes is a big time player. She was recruited by Florida State and UCLA among others and we are thrilled that she has chosen Miami. Jamie combines great technique with strong leadership qualities."

ALEXANDRA KARLSSON

MIDFIELDER - MALMO, SWEDEN

HUSIE IF SOCCER CLUB

Alexandra Karlsson comes to Miami after spending five years with Husie IF, a soccer club in Malmo, Sweden. She played the last three years with the club's First Division team, one division below the professional level. In 2001, Karlsson won a Swedish National Championship while playing with the indoor soccer club, VVK. While playing with VVK, she also won the 1999 Gothia Cup.

"Alexandra is a tremendously talented soccer player. Skillful, very fit and a great soccer IQ. I believe she will have a tremendously positive impact on our team."

Coach Kramig also announced Wednesday, that senior forward Allie Berkey was named as one of the team's co-captains.

"Allie was an obvious choice as captain. She is the consummate teammate. Respected not only for her ability on the field but for her leadership and genuine concern for the team and her teammates away from the field. She is a great role model for any young girl who is interested becoming a college athlete."