March 23, 2006

PITTSBURGH--Pitt women's soccer coach Sue-Moy Chin announced the signing of nine student-athletes for the 2006-07 season. The Panthers signed two goalkeepers and seven field players from seven different states including Pennsylvania, N.J., Md., N.Y., Ga., Ill. and Delaware.

"We are really excited about the incoming class," Chin said. "This class is very balanced in terms of positions with a good mix of attacking players and defenders. We lost 10 players, so we will be young, but the new recruits coming in are very talented. I think they will complement and blend with the rest of the team very well. Our staff is excited for the upcoming season."

Katelyn Bakanowsky (Gibbsboro, N.J./Eastern) and Emma Stapleton (Grove City, Pa./Grove City High School) are two goalkeepers who will fill the void caused by the departure of senior goalkeepers Pelusi and Lailah Issac.

Bakanowsky comes to the Panthers fresh off a state championship victory during her senior year. As a junior, Bakanowsky led her team to the Olympic American Conference Championship. In 2005, she was honored with numerous awards including All-Group First Team, South All-State, All-South Jersey Third Team, Courier Post Player of the Week and All-Conference Second Team.

Stapleton was a three year varsity letterwinner who recorded 23 shutouts. Her Grove City High School team won the MCAC Championship during her freshman and sophomore years. As a junior, she led her team to the Region I Championship title. Stapleton was named MVP of her high school team in 2005 and was named to the Butler County Elite-11. A member of the North Stars Soccer Club for six years, Stapleton led her team to three PA West State Championships, one U.S. Club Soccer Championship and one WAPS League Championship. She also earned a varsity letter in track and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Laura Armanios (Marietta, Ga./St. Pius X) will contribute as either a midfielder or forward. Armanios enjoyed a successful high school career, leading her team to three regional titles. Armanios' team won the state championship and concluded the season with a record of 20-3. Her high school finished third in the state her sophomore year and second her junior year. Competing in club soccer for the Norcross Magic Blue, Armanios led her squad to the Norcross Magic Cup Championship. Armanios additionally was co-captain of the volleyball team. She is a three-year member of the National Honor Society and is active with Student Ambassadors.

Amanda Bradley (Sykesville, Md./Century) comes to the Panthers after earning four varsity letters at Century High School. Bradley helped Century to two state championships. She was a four-time all-county and all-area honoree. Playing for SAC United Premier Soccer Club for four years, Bradley led her team to the Orange Classic Finals, State Cup Finals, WAGS tournament title and won the prestigious Jefferson Cup. Also an active member of the student body, Bradley was on the SGA executive board and achieved honor roll status throughout high school.

Sisters Maura and Kathleen Caslin (Commack, N.Y./St. Anthony's) join Pitt's midfield. As juniors, the duo led its team to the Long Island Catholic High School finals and advanced to win the New York State Championship as seniors. Maura and Kathleen both played club soccer for the Commack ISA Emeralds.

Coming to Pitt with 24 goals and 12 assists is Molly Griganavicius (Elmhurst, Ill./York High School). Griganavicius was named a two-time all-conference and all-section selection. Those same two years, her team won the York Soccer Tournament. At the club level, she competed for the NSA Flames for eight years and helped lead the Flames to three State Cup titles and the President's Day Cup. Griganavicius also played hockey and was awarded High Honor Roll status.

Forward Ashley Habbel (Phoenixville, Pa./Phoenixville Area High School) who registered 71 career goals and 25 assists joins Pitt's offense. Habbel received numerous awards her senior year including, first team all-league, All-Southwestern Pennsylvania, All-State, NSCAA/Adidas All-Region and PAC-10 Player of the Year. She competed for the successful club team FC Delco, which finished second in the state in 2005. Habbel also played lacrosse and was a distinguished honor roll member throughout high school.

Hailing from Delaware is Megan Watson (Hockessin, De./St. Mark's High School). Watson was a member of the prestigious Delaware ODP State Team in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Watson is no stranger to success, as her team captured the state championship her freshman year and were two-time conference champions. Following a seven-goal and eight-assist year, Watson was named first team all-state and first team all-conference as a junior. While playing with the club team DSB Kickers, Watson demonstrated her leadership skills, being named team captain all seven years she was with the team. She led the Kickers to State Championships in 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005. In 2005, she registered 10 goals and 16 assists. An all-around athlete, Watson also was a member of the high school basketball team in 2002 and 2003 and competed in winter track in 2004 and 2005. Watson was also named Who's Who Among American High School Students in 2005 and was also a member of National Honor Society.

Pitt begins its season in August with two exhibition games and will then head into regular season play. The Panthers are coming off a successful season, earning a Big East Tournament berth for the first time since 1998.