TicketsCINCINNATI - Neil Stafford, head coach of the University of Cincinnati women's soccer program, has announced his 2018-19 signing class, a group that includes seven young women that are set to join the program this fall to continue their academic and athletic careers. The group is comprised of three players from Ohio, one each from Illinois, Missouri and New Jersey and one from China.
The class includes Ashley Barron (Toledo/Notre Dame Academy/Pacesetter SC), Abby Delprincipe (Avon/Avon HS/Team Challenger FC) and Maddy Pittman (Harrison/Harrison HS/Total Futbol Academy) from Ohio; Kendall Battle (St. Louis/Pattonville HS/Lou Fusz SC Elam) from Missouri; Julia Flake (Sparta/Sparta HS/Matchfit Academy) from New Jersey; Rachael Lutter (Sugar Grove/Kaneland HS/Campton United SC) from Illinois and Han Tang (Chengdu/Chinese National Team) from China. A versatile group, the trio of Barron, Battle and Pittman are listed as forwards and defenders while Delprincipe is a midfielder, Flake a goalkeeper, Lutter a defender and Tang a forward.
All seven individuals have competed at a high level throughout their careers. Aside from Tang's experience with the Chinese National Team, the six American players have helped their club sides to national tournaments and numerous state cup titles along with other honors. Pittman, from nearby Harrison, Ohio, not only helped her team compete in national tournaments, she finished the 2017-18 USYS National Tournament as the top scorer among all players and was named to the USYS National Tournament Best Eleven in 2018.
Most of the new class of Bearcats also were standouts in multiple sports, and not just high school and club soccer. Barron recently helped her high school team to the Ohio Final Four this year while Battle was a four-time all-conference player in field hockey and member of her school's state runner-up 4x400m relay team.
More information on each of the signees can be found below.
2018-19 SIGNING CLASS • ROSTER
Ashley Barron • Toledo, Ohio • Notre Dame Academy/Pacesetter Soccer • F/D
Kendall Battle • St. Louis, Mo. • Pattonville HS/Lou Fusz SC Elam • F/D
Abby Delprincipe • Avon, Ohio • Avon HS/Team Challenger FC • M
Julia Flake • Sparta, N.J. • Sparta HS/Matchfit Academy • GK
Rachael Lutter • Sugar Grove, Ill. • Kaneland HS/Campton United SC • D
Maddy Pittman • Harrison, Ohio • Harrison HS/Total Futbol Academy • F/D
Han Tang • Chengdu, China • Chinese National Team • F
2018-19 SIGNING CLASS • BIOGRAPHIES
Ashley Barron
Toledo, Ohio • Notre Dame Academy/Pacesetter Soccer • Forward/Defender
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Notre Dame Academy (Toledo, Ohio) and will graduate in 2019… four year member of the varsity soccer team, scoring 62 goals and adding 28 assists for 152 career points… three-time All-Ohio First Team selection and twice named United Soccer Coaches All-Region… twice named the district Player of the Year to go along with being named the Three Rivers Athletic Conference Player of the Year three times… four-time All-District honoree, including three selections to the first team, while also earning four selections at All-TRAC First Team… helped her team to the state Final Four as a sophomore and a spot in the regional finals twice (1-1)… three-time district champions and one-time TRAC champion (three-times runner-up)… on the club level, played for Pacesetter Soccer (Sylvania, Ohio)… helped the team to back-to-back OYSAN State Cup titles… 2017 MRL Champions… 2018 team were regional runners-up and made an appearance in the national tournament… along with soccer, played for the varsity basketball team four years and ran track for two years… in basketball, twice named all-district and all-conference… helped team to the state Final Four as a sophomore… comes from an athletic family as her mom, Tara, played volleyball at the University of Charleston.
Barron on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"I chose the University of Cincinnati because of the welcoming and supportive coaching staff, great team chemistry and the atmosphere. It is such an inviting campus and there is so much to explore. They also have an amazing business school, which is what I plan to major in."
Ella Walsh (coach at Pacesetter) on Barron:
"I am absolutely delighted for Ashley as she continues to pursue her academic and athletic career at the University of Cincinnati. Ashley is a tremendous athlete and wonderful person; she has been a joy to coach at Pacesetter. Ashley demonstrates competitiveness, desire, and enthusiasm in abundance. I wish Ashley all the very best for her collegiate soccer career!"
Danny Fisher (coach and Executive Director at Pacesetter) on Barron:
"I have known Ashley and coached her for nine years whilst at Pacesetter SC. She has always had a great passion for the game and has always thrived to get better. As she got older, it was apparent that she was going to be an excellent athlete in whichever sport she chose and we are happy at Pacesetter that she chose soccer and happy for the University of Cincinnati as well. We wish Ashley all the best for the future."
Stafford on Barron:
"Ashley is an outstanding athlete who has great ability. She can cover a fair amount of ground and is imposing and difficult to deal with, especially in the air. Her versatility offensively and defensively is an asset and will help her settle into her role at the college level. Ashley has great character, is competitive, driven and has a passion for the game. We are looking forward to Ashley's contributions as a freshman as I think her physical abilities allow us to mix things up with our playing style."
Kendall Battle
St. Louis, Mo. • Pattonville HS/Lou Fusz SC Elam • Forward/Defender
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Pattonville High School (Maryland Heights, Mo.) and will graduate in 2019… has played three varsity seasons for the Pirates with her senior campaign taking place in Spring 2019… twice selected all-state, including a first-team selection as a junior after earning second team as a sophomore… three-time all-region first team honoree and three-time all-Suburban XII-South Conference honoree, including two first-team accolades… was the top scorer for the Pirates as a freshman and junior… named her team's MVP twice and Offensive Player of the Year once… also tabbed as the conference player of the year after her junior season… selected for all-academic honors three times as well… at the club level, plays for Lou Fusz Soccer Club Elam (St. Louis), the top-ranked club side in Missouri… 2017 and 2018 State Cup champions… 2017 CASL Champions… 2017 Disney Showcase finalists… serves as the team captain as well… academically, was a 2019 DECA National Qualifier... in other sports, was a four-time first-team all-conference selection in field hockey and competed in track & field as well, earning district titles in the javelin and 4x400m relay and placing second in the state in the 4x400m relay.
Battle on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"Cincinnati was my top choice for several reasons. One was the incredible business program, the others being the positive energy and the sense of family between the players and coaching staff."
Michael Elam (coach at Lou Fusz SC Elam) on Battle:
"I am extremely proud of Kendall and happy to be a small part of her development into the player and young adult she is today. KB was an athlete that played multiple sports, juggling the schedules and demands of the teams effortlessly. She was sought after by a multitude of college programs from coast to coast and I was very happy when she chose the Cincinnati soccer family. Being close to Saint Louis, I hope to take in a game or two, and, being an Ohio boy, makes it even sweeter. I wish her and the Cincinnati soccer program success in the years to come."
Stafford on Battle:
"Kendall is a confident and fierce competitor who has been prolific on both sides of the ball. She possess a fantastic left foot and is explosive. She has great leadership capabilities as she's demonstrated for both club and high school. Kendall knows what it's like to find the back of the net as she was her team's leading goal-scorer two of her four years. She is a gifted multi-sport athlete who will also provide versatility for us."
Abby Delprincipe
Avon, Ohio • Avon HS/Team Challenger FC • Midfielder
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Avon High School (Avon, Ohio) and will graduate in 2019… four year member of the varsity soccer team… selected All-Ohio Second Team as a junior… three-time All-Lorain County selection, including two first-team honors… four-time All-Greater Cleveland honoree as well… three-times named All-South West Conference… as a freshman, earned her team's 12th Player Award before twice being named its Offensive MVP and Golden Boot (top scorer) recipient… helped her team to a 47-16-12 record along with two district titles… at the club level, competed for Team Challenger FC (Avon, Ohio)… team was semifinalists at the 2017 OYSAN State Cup… helped her team to the 2013 Nike Challenge Cup title.
Delprincipe on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"I chose to attend the University of Cincinnati because I fell in love with the campus and felt as if it could be my second home. The academic and athletic facilities both attracted me and are very outstanding. The coaching staff of the soccer program welcomed me from the start and have always been so kind, which made it even easier to choose this school. I am beyond excited to start my soccer and academic career in the fall of 2019 at the University of Cincinnati."
Attila Csiszar (head coach at Avon HS) on Delprincipe:
"Abby has been the anchor for the Avon Lady Eagles soccer program. Not only is UC getting a fantastic player, but a student-athlete that represents Avon with the highest integrity. We are excited for Abby as she takes it to the next level at the University of Cincinnati."
Stafford on Delprincipe:
"Abby will be a midfielder that's had plenty of experience scoring goals at the club and high school level. Abby is an inquisitive young woman who strives to get better and has a great head on her shoulders. She has a true passion for the game and is a young woman of integrity and character. She is an excellent student-athlete and has great leadership skills that will be evident on and off the field."
Julia Flake
Sparta, N.J. • Sparta HS/Matchfit Academy • Goalkeeper
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Sparta High School (Sparta, N.J.) and will graduate in 2019… played on the varsity team all four years and competed for the basketball and track teams one year each… earned third-team all-state honors as a senior… team built a record of 54-22-6 during her time, capturing three NJAC National Division conference crowns… the conference title won her freshman season as the first for the school in 15 years while their sectional finalist finish as a junior was the best in program history… named All-Herald three times, including first team as a junior and senior while also being tabbed the Hearld Player of the Year as a senior… selected first team all-conference all four years and was named her team's MVP as a senior… at the club level, played for PDA Splash before joining Matchfit Academy… with Matchfit, the team competed in the 2016 ECNL National Playoffs… with PDAS, team won the 2014 New Jersey State Cup… added titles at the 2014 Eclipse Tournament, 2015 Jefferson Cup and 2015 ECNL National Playoffs.
Flake on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"I chose the University of Cincinnati because I fell in love with the campus, the coaching staff, and everything the school had to offer. As I overlooked Gettler Stadium, I felt like I belonged at UC and that this could be my new home. The school has outstanding academics, especially for my major, a competitive soccer atmosphere, and great opportunities for internships in the city of Cincinnati itself."
Caitlyn Botti (coach at Sparta HS) on Flake:
"Julia is an absolute competitor. She has compiled just under 600 saves over the course of her four-year high school career. She is extremely hard working and dedicated to her role and we are excited for her as she continues her career at such a storied program."
Stafford on Flake:
"Julia will make an immediate impact by competing with our returning goalkeepers and increasing the intensity of our training with her athleticism and presence. She has great potential as a goalkeeper, she is extremely driven and has a work rate that will fit right in with our program athletically and academically. I'm excited for her to get on campus and join the Bearcat family."
Rachael Lutter
Sugar Grove, Ill. • Kaneland HS/Campton United SC • Defender
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Kaneland High School (Sugar Grove, Ill.) and will graduate in 2019… four year member of the varsity team and has played three seasons with her senior campaign taking place in Spring 2019… in her first three years, three-time All-Interstate Eight Conference selection… named the IEC Defender of the Year as a freshman before being named the IEC Offensive Player of the Year as a junior… led the league with 14 goals and 14 assists her junior season… helped the Knights to the regional title her freshman season… at the club level, competed for Campton United SC (St. Charles, Ill.)… National League champions in the 2017-18 league… runners-up at the 2018 National Championships… team won the State Cup four times… named a team captain for both the 2014-15 and 2018-19 seasons.
Lutter on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"I chose Cincinnati because it made me feel at home. The campus is very beautiful and urban, the coaching staff and girls are so welcoming, and with the access to so many nearby hospitals, I knew my academic career would thrive."
Scotty Keena (coach at Campton United SC) on Lutter:
"I am delighted for Rachael on signing for UC; she is a fantastic addition to the program. Rachael is a fierce competitor, a fantastic player, and a leader. I foresee that she will be an impact player from Day One. I am very proud of Rae and excited to see her in action at the next level."
Stafford on Lutter:
"Another cultured left foot we've added to the program, Rachael is a fantastic leader and a fierce competitor who does not shy away from a challenge. She possess a composed personality under pressure with and without the ball which will serve her well at the college level. Rachael has always lead by example on and off the field and in and out of the classroom and will be a great fit for our Culture of Excellence."
Maddy Pittman
Harrison, Ohio • Harrison HS/Total Futbol Academy • Forward/Defender
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Harrison High School (Harrison, Ohio) and will graduate in 2019… three-year member of the varsity team… accumulated 196 points on 82 career goals and 32 assists… twice named All-Ohio, including first team as a senior and second team as a junior... earned All-Region honors in 2018… three times selected All-Southwest Ohio Conference First Team… named the conference player of the as a junior after being named the SWOC Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore after leading the league with 16 goals and 8 assists... came back her junior season and tallied 82 points on 34 goals and 14 assists to break the school and conference season scoring record… twice named all-city first team and was selected a LaRosa's MVP Featured Athlete her senior season… at the club level, competed for Total Futbol Academy (Cincinnati)… top scorer in the USYS National Championships, Regional and the National League for the 2017-18 season… advanced to the USYS National semifinals in 2016 and 2018… captured the State Cup in 2012 and 2017… USYS National League Champions in 2018… earned the USYS National Championship tournament Best Eleven Award in 2018… comes from an athletic family as her father, Roger, played baseball at Mount St. Joseph and her uncle, Steve Nuckols, played football at both Morehead University and Thomas More University.
Pittman on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"I chose the University of Cincinnati because it felt like home. The atmosphere of the coaching staff and team was something you can't find anywhere else. I have a lot of pride in being able to represent my home town with wearing Cincinnati across my chest."
Jay Kiley (coach at TFA Elite) on Pittman:
"I have had the pleasure of being Maddy's coach since she was an energetic U10. Maddy has been a natural leader from the very beginning, on the field and off. Her heart, tenacity and desire to be the best has been infectious and has helped rise her and her teammates to a level that they might not have reached without her example. Maddy will definitely be missed but I am excited to see what this next chapter in her life will bring."
Stafford on Pittman:
"Maddy is a fantastic local prospect, a versatile player who has been a great leader at her club and high school. Technically very sound and is influential on both sides of the ball, Maddy's had plenty experience leading the attack and also anchoring the defense. She understands the game well and has a good soccer IQ. She also has excellent habits off the field and leads a very disciplined lifestyle that will allow her to be a big success in college."
Han Tang
Chengdu, China • Chinese National Team • Forward
PRIOR TO UC: Has been a member of the Chinese National Team system since 2014 when she was selected to join the U14 side... has played with the U14 (2014 and 2015), U15 (2016), U16 (2017) and U18 (2018) teams in her career... started and played much of the five matches of the 2015 U14 Asia Cup in which China took second to North Korea... China won the 2016 U16 Weifang International Invitational Tournament, defeating the U.S., 5-4, in the final match to claim to the trophy... she scored in the 9' to give China an early 1-0 lead... team finished 2-0-1 in the event, drawing Japan (2-2) and defeating Canada (3-1) in the event... scored the fourth-most goals in the 2017 U16 Asian Cup in Thailand as China placed fourth overall... scored in the 90'+3' to give China a 2-2 draw with South Korea to open group play... added one against Laos in a 7-0 group win before netting twice in a 6-1 win over Thailand to close group play at 3-0-0... lost to North Korea (1-0) in the semifinals before falling to Japan (1-0) in the Third Place Match.
Stafford on Tang:
"Tang has fantastic technical ability to complement her awareness and vision which will add an extra dimension to the UC attack next season. As a starting striker on the youth national teams, she has proven her ability to create and score goals at the highest level internationally. Tang understands and sees the game a bit different than our traditional players which will bode well for our development as a program. She is a tireless worker with and without the ball, a fantastic trainer and we look forward to the impact she will have on our program."
The class includes Ashley Barron (Toledo/Notre Dame Academy/Pacesetter SC), Abby Delprincipe (Avon/Avon HS/Team Challenger FC) and Maddy Pittman (Harrison/Harrison HS/Total Futbol Academy) from Ohio; Kendall Battle (St. Louis/Pattonville HS/Lou Fusz SC Elam) from Missouri; Julia Flake (Sparta/Sparta HS/Matchfit Academy) from New Jersey; Rachael Lutter (Sugar Grove/Kaneland HS/Campton United SC) from Illinois and Han Tang (Chengdu/Chinese National Team) from China. A versatile group, the trio of Barron, Battle and Pittman are listed as forwards and defenders while Delprincipe is a midfielder, Flake a goalkeeper, Lutter a defender and Tang a forward.
All seven individuals have competed at a high level throughout their careers. Aside from Tang's experience with the Chinese National Team, the six American players have helped their club sides to national tournaments and numerous state cup titles along with other honors. Pittman, from nearby Harrison, Ohio, not only helped her team compete in national tournaments, she finished the 2017-18 USYS National Tournament as the top scorer among all players and was named to the USYS National Tournament Best Eleven in 2018.
Most of the new class of Bearcats also were standouts in multiple sports, and not just high school and club soccer. Barron recently helped her high school team to the Ohio Final Four this year while Battle was a four-time all-conference player in field hockey and member of her school's state runner-up 4x400m relay team.
More information on each of the signees can be found below.
2018-19 SIGNING CLASS • ROSTER
Ashley Barron • Toledo, Ohio • Notre Dame Academy/Pacesetter Soccer • F/D
Kendall Battle • St. Louis, Mo. • Pattonville HS/Lou Fusz SC Elam • F/D
Abby Delprincipe • Avon, Ohio • Avon HS/Team Challenger FC • M
Julia Flake • Sparta, N.J. • Sparta HS/Matchfit Academy • GK
Rachael Lutter • Sugar Grove, Ill. • Kaneland HS/Campton United SC • D
Maddy Pittman • Harrison, Ohio • Harrison HS/Total Futbol Academy • F/D
Han Tang • Chengdu, China • Chinese National Team • F
2018-19 SIGNING CLASS • BIOGRAPHIES
Ashley Barron
Toledo, Ohio • Notre Dame Academy/Pacesetter Soccer • Forward/Defender
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Notre Dame Academy (Toledo, Ohio) and will graduate in 2019… four year member of the varsity soccer team, scoring 62 goals and adding 28 assists for 152 career points… three-time All-Ohio First Team selection and twice named United Soccer Coaches All-Region… twice named the district Player of the Year to go along with being named the Three Rivers Athletic Conference Player of the Year three times… four-time All-District honoree, including three selections to the first team, while also earning four selections at All-TRAC First Team… helped her team to the state Final Four as a sophomore and a spot in the regional finals twice (1-1)… three-time district champions and one-time TRAC champion (three-times runner-up)… on the club level, played for Pacesetter Soccer (Sylvania, Ohio)… helped the team to back-to-back OYSAN State Cup titles… 2017 MRL Champions… 2018 team were regional runners-up and made an appearance in the national tournament… along with soccer, played for the varsity basketball team four years and ran track for two years… in basketball, twice named all-district and all-conference… helped team to the state Final Four as a sophomore… comes from an athletic family as her mom, Tara, played volleyball at the University of Charleston.
Barron on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"I chose the University of Cincinnati because of the welcoming and supportive coaching staff, great team chemistry and the atmosphere. It is such an inviting campus and there is so much to explore. They also have an amazing business school, which is what I plan to major in."
Ella Walsh (coach at Pacesetter) on Barron:
"I am absolutely delighted for Ashley as she continues to pursue her academic and athletic career at the University of Cincinnati. Ashley is a tremendous athlete and wonderful person; she has been a joy to coach at Pacesetter. Ashley demonstrates competitiveness, desire, and enthusiasm in abundance. I wish Ashley all the very best for her collegiate soccer career!"
Danny Fisher (coach and Executive Director at Pacesetter) on Barron:
"I have known Ashley and coached her for nine years whilst at Pacesetter SC. She has always had a great passion for the game and has always thrived to get better. As she got older, it was apparent that she was going to be an excellent athlete in whichever sport she chose and we are happy at Pacesetter that she chose soccer and happy for the University of Cincinnati as well. We wish Ashley all the best for the future."
Stafford on Barron:
"Ashley is an outstanding athlete who has great ability. She can cover a fair amount of ground and is imposing and difficult to deal with, especially in the air. Her versatility offensively and defensively is an asset and will help her settle into her role at the college level. Ashley has great character, is competitive, driven and has a passion for the game. We are looking forward to Ashley's contributions as a freshman as I think her physical abilities allow us to mix things up with our playing style."
Kendall Battle
St. Louis, Mo. • Pattonville HS/Lou Fusz SC Elam • Forward/Defender
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Pattonville High School (Maryland Heights, Mo.) and will graduate in 2019… has played three varsity seasons for the Pirates with her senior campaign taking place in Spring 2019… twice selected all-state, including a first-team selection as a junior after earning second team as a sophomore… three-time all-region first team honoree and three-time all-Suburban XII-South Conference honoree, including two first-team accolades… was the top scorer for the Pirates as a freshman and junior… named her team's MVP twice and Offensive Player of the Year once… also tabbed as the conference player of the year after her junior season… selected for all-academic honors three times as well… at the club level, plays for Lou Fusz Soccer Club Elam (St. Louis), the top-ranked club side in Missouri… 2017 and 2018 State Cup champions… 2017 CASL Champions… 2017 Disney Showcase finalists… serves as the team captain as well… academically, was a 2019 DECA National Qualifier... in other sports, was a four-time first-team all-conference selection in field hockey and competed in track & field as well, earning district titles in the javelin and 4x400m relay and placing second in the state in the 4x400m relay.
Battle on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"Cincinnati was my top choice for several reasons. One was the incredible business program, the others being the positive energy and the sense of family between the players and coaching staff."
Michael Elam (coach at Lou Fusz SC Elam) on Battle:
"I am extremely proud of Kendall and happy to be a small part of her development into the player and young adult she is today. KB was an athlete that played multiple sports, juggling the schedules and demands of the teams effortlessly. She was sought after by a multitude of college programs from coast to coast and I was very happy when she chose the Cincinnati soccer family. Being close to Saint Louis, I hope to take in a game or two, and, being an Ohio boy, makes it even sweeter. I wish her and the Cincinnati soccer program success in the years to come."
Stafford on Battle:
"Kendall is a confident and fierce competitor who has been prolific on both sides of the ball. She possess a fantastic left foot and is explosive. She has great leadership capabilities as she's demonstrated for both club and high school. Kendall knows what it's like to find the back of the net as she was her team's leading goal-scorer two of her four years. She is a gifted multi-sport athlete who will also provide versatility for us."
Abby Delprincipe
Avon, Ohio • Avon HS/Team Challenger FC • Midfielder
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Avon High School (Avon, Ohio) and will graduate in 2019… four year member of the varsity soccer team… selected All-Ohio Second Team as a junior… three-time All-Lorain County selection, including two first-team honors… four-time All-Greater Cleveland honoree as well… three-times named All-South West Conference… as a freshman, earned her team's 12th Player Award before twice being named its Offensive MVP and Golden Boot (top scorer) recipient… helped her team to a 47-16-12 record along with two district titles… at the club level, competed for Team Challenger FC (Avon, Ohio)… team was semifinalists at the 2017 OYSAN State Cup… helped her team to the 2013 Nike Challenge Cup title.
Delprincipe on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"I chose to attend the University of Cincinnati because I fell in love with the campus and felt as if it could be my second home. The academic and athletic facilities both attracted me and are very outstanding. The coaching staff of the soccer program welcomed me from the start and have always been so kind, which made it even easier to choose this school. I am beyond excited to start my soccer and academic career in the fall of 2019 at the University of Cincinnati."
Attila Csiszar (head coach at Avon HS) on Delprincipe:
"Abby has been the anchor for the Avon Lady Eagles soccer program. Not only is UC getting a fantastic player, but a student-athlete that represents Avon with the highest integrity. We are excited for Abby as she takes it to the next level at the University of Cincinnati."
Stafford on Delprincipe:
"Abby will be a midfielder that's had plenty of experience scoring goals at the club and high school level. Abby is an inquisitive young woman who strives to get better and has a great head on her shoulders. She has a true passion for the game and is a young woman of integrity and character. She is an excellent student-athlete and has great leadership skills that will be evident on and off the field."
Julia Flake
Sparta, N.J. • Sparta HS/Matchfit Academy • Goalkeeper
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Sparta High School (Sparta, N.J.) and will graduate in 2019… played on the varsity team all four years and competed for the basketball and track teams one year each… earned third-team all-state honors as a senior… team built a record of 54-22-6 during her time, capturing three NJAC National Division conference crowns… the conference title won her freshman season as the first for the school in 15 years while their sectional finalist finish as a junior was the best in program history… named All-Herald three times, including first team as a junior and senior while also being tabbed the Hearld Player of the Year as a senior… selected first team all-conference all four years and was named her team's MVP as a senior… at the club level, played for PDA Splash before joining Matchfit Academy… with Matchfit, the team competed in the 2016 ECNL National Playoffs… with PDAS, team won the 2014 New Jersey State Cup… added titles at the 2014 Eclipse Tournament, 2015 Jefferson Cup and 2015 ECNL National Playoffs.
Flake on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"I chose the University of Cincinnati because I fell in love with the campus, the coaching staff, and everything the school had to offer. As I overlooked Gettler Stadium, I felt like I belonged at UC and that this could be my new home. The school has outstanding academics, especially for my major, a competitive soccer atmosphere, and great opportunities for internships in the city of Cincinnati itself."
Caitlyn Botti (coach at Sparta HS) on Flake:
"Julia is an absolute competitor. She has compiled just under 600 saves over the course of her four-year high school career. She is extremely hard working and dedicated to her role and we are excited for her as she continues her career at such a storied program."
Stafford on Flake:
"Julia will make an immediate impact by competing with our returning goalkeepers and increasing the intensity of our training with her athleticism and presence. She has great potential as a goalkeeper, she is extremely driven and has a work rate that will fit right in with our program athletically and academically. I'm excited for her to get on campus and join the Bearcat family."
Rachael Lutter
Sugar Grove, Ill. • Kaneland HS/Campton United SC • Defender
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Kaneland High School (Sugar Grove, Ill.) and will graduate in 2019… four year member of the varsity team and has played three seasons with her senior campaign taking place in Spring 2019… in her first three years, three-time All-Interstate Eight Conference selection… named the IEC Defender of the Year as a freshman before being named the IEC Offensive Player of the Year as a junior… led the league with 14 goals and 14 assists her junior season… helped the Knights to the regional title her freshman season… at the club level, competed for Campton United SC (St. Charles, Ill.)… National League champions in the 2017-18 league… runners-up at the 2018 National Championships… team won the State Cup four times… named a team captain for both the 2014-15 and 2018-19 seasons.
Lutter on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"I chose Cincinnati because it made me feel at home. The campus is very beautiful and urban, the coaching staff and girls are so welcoming, and with the access to so many nearby hospitals, I knew my academic career would thrive."
Scotty Keena (coach at Campton United SC) on Lutter:
"I am delighted for Rachael on signing for UC; she is a fantastic addition to the program. Rachael is a fierce competitor, a fantastic player, and a leader. I foresee that she will be an impact player from Day One. I am very proud of Rae and excited to see her in action at the next level."
Stafford on Lutter:
"Another cultured left foot we've added to the program, Rachael is a fantastic leader and a fierce competitor who does not shy away from a challenge. She possess a composed personality under pressure with and without the ball which will serve her well at the college level. Rachael has always lead by example on and off the field and in and out of the classroom and will be a great fit for our Culture of Excellence."
Maddy Pittman
Harrison, Ohio • Harrison HS/Total Futbol Academy • Forward/Defender
PRIOR TO UC: Currently attends Harrison High School (Harrison, Ohio) and will graduate in 2019… three-year member of the varsity team… accumulated 196 points on 82 career goals and 32 assists… twice named All-Ohio, including first team as a senior and second team as a junior... earned All-Region honors in 2018… three times selected All-Southwest Ohio Conference First Team… named the conference player of the as a junior after being named the SWOC Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore after leading the league with 16 goals and 8 assists... came back her junior season and tallied 82 points on 34 goals and 14 assists to break the school and conference season scoring record… twice named all-city first team and was selected a LaRosa's MVP Featured Athlete her senior season… at the club level, competed for Total Futbol Academy (Cincinnati)… top scorer in the USYS National Championships, Regional and the National League for the 2017-18 season… advanced to the USYS National semifinals in 2016 and 2018… captured the State Cup in 2012 and 2017… USYS National League Champions in 2018… earned the USYS National Championship tournament Best Eleven Award in 2018… comes from an athletic family as her father, Roger, played baseball at Mount St. Joseph and her uncle, Steve Nuckols, played football at both Morehead University and Thomas More University.
Pittman on selecting the University of Cincinnati:
"I chose the University of Cincinnati because it felt like home. The atmosphere of the coaching staff and team was something you can't find anywhere else. I have a lot of pride in being able to represent my home town with wearing Cincinnati across my chest."
Jay Kiley (coach at TFA Elite) on Pittman:
"I have had the pleasure of being Maddy's coach since she was an energetic U10. Maddy has been a natural leader from the very beginning, on the field and off. Her heart, tenacity and desire to be the best has been infectious and has helped rise her and her teammates to a level that they might not have reached without her example. Maddy will definitely be missed but I am excited to see what this next chapter in her life will bring."
Stafford on Pittman:
"Maddy is a fantastic local prospect, a versatile player who has been a great leader at her club and high school. Technically very sound and is influential on both sides of the ball, Maddy's had plenty experience leading the attack and also anchoring the defense. She understands the game well and has a good soccer IQ. She also has excellent habits off the field and leads a very disciplined lifestyle that will allow her to be a big success in college."
Han Tang
Chengdu, China • Chinese National Team • Forward
PRIOR TO UC: Has been a member of the Chinese National Team system since 2014 when she was selected to join the U14 side... has played with the U14 (2014 and 2015), U15 (2016), U16 (2017) and U18 (2018) teams in her career... started and played much of the five matches of the 2015 U14 Asia Cup in which China took second to North Korea... China won the 2016 U16 Weifang International Invitational Tournament, defeating the U.S., 5-4, in the final match to claim to the trophy... she scored in the 9' to give China an early 1-0 lead... team finished 2-0-1 in the event, drawing Japan (2-2) and defeating Canada (3-1) in the event... scored the fourth-most goals in the 2017 U16 Asian Cup in Thailand as China placed fourth overall... scored in the 90'+3' to give China a 2-2 draw with South Korea to open group play... added one against Laos in a 7-0 group win before netting twice in a 6-1 win over Thailand to close group play at 3-0-0... lost to North Korea (1-0) in the semifinals before falling to Japan (1-0) in the Third Place Match.
Stafford on Tang:
"Tang has fantastic technical ability to complement her awareness and vision which will add an extra dimension to the UC attack next season. As a starting striker on the youth national teams, she has proven her ability to create and score goals at the highest level internationally. Tang understands and sees the game a bit different than our traditional players which will bode well for our development as a program. She is a tireless worker with and without the ball, a fantastic trainer and we look forward to the impact she will have on our program."