Gus Mota Announces Final Wave of 2016 Class
from Wes Gullett Greensboro College Sports Information Director
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Greensboro College Head Women’s Soccer Coach Gus Mota announced the final part of his 2016 recruiting class Friday.
“The entire Greensboro College women’s soccer staff would like to welcome the 2016 recruiting class to our program,” Mota said. “We are extremely excited about this class as we have had the opportunity to evaluate each of them on multiple occasions, and we are also excited about the attributes each one of them will bring to the team.
“Our main focus with this class was to provide our returners the much-needed depth to compete for a conference title. Our returners are excited to welcome these newcomers to our team, and together we are looking forward to a bright future.”
Taylor Horner
Williamsburg, Va.
Jamestown High School
6 feet, 1 inch
Goal Keeper
Junior
PREP: Horner comes to Greensboro College from Patrick Henry Community College, where she was a member of the Patriots women’s soccer team for the past two seasons. Horner earned All-Conference honors two times, while setting goalkeeper records in career starts (29), career saves (275), and career wins (18). Prior to attending PHCC, Horner graduated from Jamestown High School, where she was a member of the women’s basketball, soccer, and cross-country teams.
Why Greensboro College? “‘All in’ is what Coach Mota said the team philosophy was. Every player earns their position, because as a team every player pushes each other to achieve the next level. There are no ‘bench players’ because we all work as a team; we are to lift while we grow. I cannot wait to be a part of this team, and I am excited to continue my education at Greensboro College. My promise and commitment to the team is to accept my position, both on and off the field, and be ‘All in.'”
Katia Mezey
Carisbad, Calif.
Carlsbad High School
5 feet, 5 inches
Forward
Freshman
Prep: Mezey was a four-year member of the Carlsbad High School women’s soccer team. Mezey also was a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation and received the Sir Robert Ross Scholarship Award.
Why Greensboro College? “After Coach Mota contacted me, I visited the school and fell in love with it. Not only does Greensboro College offer the major that I wanted, but it also offers the extracurricular activities that I want to pursue and a great women’s soccer program with amazing teammates. On top of all that, the school itself cares so much for its students. I instantly felt at home with the friendly environment the city and school present. This is why I want to continue my education and my soccer career at Greensboro College.”
Kaitlyn Onson
Indian Trail, N.C.
Sun Valley High School
5 feet, 6 inches
Defender
Freshman
PREP: Onson was a four-year women’s soccer letter winner at Sun Valley High School. Following her senior season, Onson received All-Conference honors and the team’s coaches’ award.
Why Greensboro College? “My decision to attend Greensboro College was rather easy. I was interested in a smaller school with a great academic reputation and (wanted to) play soccer for a program that would compete for conference titles. Once I visited the college and met Coach Mota, I knew I found the college for me. Also, Greensboro College has a Health Science program that is highly rated with smaller class sizes. Greensboro College also provided me with a coach who is building a winning tradition.”
Anna Rae Porcelli
Wilmington, N.C.
E.A. Laney High School
5 feet, 6 inches
Forward
Freshman
PREP: Porcelli was a four-year member of the E.A. Laney High School tennis and women’s soccer teams. Porcelli earned soccer All-Conference honors four times and tennis All-Conference honors three times. Porcelli was also a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society.
Why Greensboro College? “After visiting Greensboro College, I knew it was going to be my new home. I had worked so hard to keep my academics and sports a top priority in my life. I knew that this was a perfect opportunity for me to be able to perform on the field and in the classroom. Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of combining my love for soccer and become a physical therapist while attending college.”
Meredith Priest
Asheboro, N.C.
Asheboro High School
5 feet, 5 inches
Center Striker/ Midfield
Freshman
PREP: Priest was a four-year member of the Asheboro High School women’s soccer team and was named the school’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Year four times, while also receiving All-Conference honors four times.
Why Greensboro College? “I chose Greensboro College because of the small-campus atmosphere where I will get a more personalized learning environment. I knew after stepping onto campus and meeting the coaches and players that Greensboro was a perfect fit for me. I am excited to start this new journey at Greensboro College playing soccer and furthering my education.”
Alexa Rehling
Columbia, S.C.
Cardinal Newman High School
5 feet, 3 inches
Forward
Freshman
PREP: Rehling was a four-year member of the Cardinal Newman High School women’s soccer team. During her high school career, Rehling earned All-Region and All-State honors, while winning a state championship.
Why Greensboro College? “When I first visited Greensboro College I knew I wanted to further my education and play soccer there. I cannot wait to experience new things, make new friends, and make amazing memories. I am so excited to be a part of the Greensboro College family and the women’s soccer team.”
Kathryn Stevens
Boone, N.C.
Watauga High School
5 feet, 4 inches
Defense
Freshman
PREP: Steven was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year at Watauga High School, while also serving as a team captain her senior season. Stevens also received All-Conference honors and was a member of the National Honor Society.
Why Greensboro College? “As soon as I stepped foot on Greensboro College’s campus, I immediately felt at home. The location, size and strength of the Criminal Justice program makes Greensboro College a perfect fit for me. And the city of Greensboro is so full of life and has so much to offer, I could not be more excited to call it home. Soccer has always been my first love. I look forward to challenging myself, continuing to work hard, and growing as a player under Coach Mota. I know the next four years will be filled with great soccer, great friends, and great memories.”
Rachel Swaim
Waynesville, N.C.
Tuscola High School
5 feet, 4 inches
Goalkeeper
Freshman
PREP: Swaim was a four-year member of the women’s soccer program at Tuscola High School. During her high school career, Swaim was a part of three conference-championship teams. In her senior season, Swaim recorded 11 shutouts, while graduating with records for most career saves (256) and saves in a season (204).For her efforts on the field, Swaim received Honorable-Mention All-Region honors and All-Conference honors.
Why Greensboro College? “Greensboro College offered me everything that I was looking for: a small campus, intimate class size, as well as the opportunity to play collegiate soccer. The array of majors, organizations, and athletic activities really helped me to envision myself as a student who is ready to start the next chapter of my life at Greensboro College. I am looking forward to experiencing Greensboro College this fall as a student and a student-athlete on the women’s soccer team. I am excited to be a part of the team, and I am looking forward to getting to know, playing with, and learning from my teammates.”
For more information on Greensboro College women’s soccer continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.