LITTLE ROCK, Ark – UALR head women’s soccer coach Greg Hess announced the addition of a ninth player for the 2007 campaign on Wednesday, adding the services of defender Brittney Simmons (Hurst, Texas/LD Bell HS).

Simmons is the second player from LD Bell High School to sign with UALR, joining midfielder Laura Johnson. A three-year varsity starter, Simmons was a three-time First Team All-District selection at LD Bell. She was named team most valuable player as a junior and served as one of the team’s captains during her senior year. In addition, Simmons helped lead LD Bell to its first district championship and playoff berth since 1996.

“Brittney is an outstanding defensive player whose strongest asset is her intelligence,” said high school coach Corey Rolf. “As a captain her senior year, she led by example and dedication to the team.”

Simmons has competed in the Lake Highlands top 1 and 2 divisions since she was eleven years old, and currently plays for coach Jimmy Elder and FC Dallas Blue90. Over the years, she has helped her club teams to multiple tournament championships including a regional final spot at U14s and a regional quarterfinal spot at U15s.

“We are very excited to have Brittney join our soccer family at UALR,” said Hess. “She has gained valuable experience playing in the Lake Highlands Soccer League out of Dallas over the years. We feel that she will be a good defensive player at the college level. She is a smart, technical player and a very nice addition to our program.”

Simmons’ achievements extend into the classroom, as well, as she maintains a 3.9 grade point average over numerous honors courses. She was a double national honors graduate (arts/academic), who also found time to be the yearbook editor, vice president of the Photoclub, and a member of the National Honor Society.

In addition to Simmons, the 2007 recruiting class consists of defenders Stephanie Schneidau (Bedford, Texas/Trinity HS), Laura Johnson (Bedford, Texas/LD Bell HS), and Courtney Renfro (Hurst, Texas/Birdville HS); midfielder Danielle Dunsworth (Bedford, Texas/Trinity HS); forwards Alex Rustad  (Keller, TX/ HS) and Leanne Mihelich (Duncanville, Texas/Duncanville HS); and goalkeepers Jane Picarelli (North Richland Hills, Texas/Birdville HS) and Taylor Hayes (Rogers, AR/Rogers HS).

One of the signees is an in-state product (Hayes), while the other eight are from the Dallas area. All eight Texas natives have played on teams in the Lake Highlands 1^st Division, which is considered by many to be one of the top leagues in the country.