Feb. 20, 2008

GREELEY, Colo. -- University of Northern Colorado women's soccer coach Tim Barrera today announced the signing of three to National Letters of Intent. All three will enroll in classes in the fall of 2008.

"All three players are athletic, competitive, and great students," said Barrera. "We feel fortunate to be adding them to the roster and hope to sign one or two more in the coming weeks."

Ariel Cook and Kimmie Feidler

Ariel Cook, 5-8, F/M, Gilbert, Ariz. (Gilbert)

Cook helped lead Gilbert to four straight Region 5A Championship titles... She was the Offensive Player of the Year in the Fiesta Region in 2007, as well as a two-time second-team all-state selection and two-time first-team all-region pick... Led the team as a senior with 26 goals... Plays club soccer for AZFC '90 Hammers along with signee Kimberly Feidler.

"Ariel is a hard-working forward that also can play wide in the midfield," said Barrera.  "She has great speed, a high work-rate and is very good around the goal.  She is very comfortable with her back to goal, passes the ball well and is great in the air.  We feel that Ariel will fit in very well with the attacking players that we have returning."

Kimberly Feidler, 5-6, M/D, Gilbert, Ariz. (Mesquite)

Feidler earned Fiesta Region first-team honors and all-state second-team honors in 2006... Is a member of the national honor society as well as the socideda honoraria hispanica... Plays club soccer for AZFC '90 Hammers along with signee Ariel Cook... Was also the team MVP in 2006 and was an honorable mention all-region selection as a freshman and sophomore.

"Kimmie is extremely fast, a good passer, strikes it well with both feet and is a very good tackler," stated Barrera.  "Kimmie's versatility will be a big asset for us.  She will fit in well with the current players we have and we will look at her at a variety of positions."

Kirstin Salminen

Kirstin Salminen, 5-7, GK, Lynden, Wash. (Lynden)

Salminen started all four years at Lynden and was a three-time first-team all-Northwest Conference goalkeeper... Also plays basketball and softball... Is a member of the national honor society...Team captain of the soccer team as a senior... Involved with student government.

"Kirstin is very athletic, fast off her line, fearless, and a good communicator," said Barrera.  "We were looking to add a goalkeeper and wanted someone who could come in and compete right away with our current goalkeepers.  She loves to train and compete and is a well-rounded goalkeeper.  She is a good shot-stopper and does well with breakaways."

These three join nine returning starters from the first-ever team at Northern Colorado to advance to the championship game of the conference tournament