Feb. 26, 2008

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri State soccer head coach Heather Nelson has announced the recent signings of Missouri All-State players Abbie Albietz (Wentzville, Mo.) and Chelsea Dale (Jackson, Mo.) to National Letters of Intent to compete for the Redhawks starting with the 2008-09 school year.

Albietz and Dale join fellow 2008 signees Katie Snelson (St. Louis, Mo.), Taylor Thomas (Fenton, Mo.), Shona Goodwin (Calgary, Alberta) and Nikki Edwards (Calgary, Alberta) as freshmen who will arrive on campus in August for preseason workouts with the Redhawks.

Albietz is a four-year all-conference and two-year all-state honoree as a midfielder for Timberland High School. She has led THS in goals and points to go along with being a three-time all-conference selection in softball for the Wolves. Albietz was also named to the all-district team on the diamond and is a member of the M.C. United soccer club where she was a teammate of current Southeast freshman and 2007 OVC Newcomer of the Year, Ashley Runion.

"Abbie plays the game with a high level of sophistication, understanding, and sense of determination that makes her effective in any role," Nelson stated. "She can set play from the midfield, score goals in the attack or lead defensively by her ability to read the game and win 50-50 balls. Her development will be quick because of her determination and passion to make a difference. Abbie's mentality and the discipline she brings to training will make an immediate impact in our program and will maintain the culture of excellence that has become a key element of our success."

Albeitz's club coach Dennis St. John looks forward to seeing her compete this fall for the Redhawks. "Her size and athleticism at the central midfield position provides her with great opportunities in the offensive third. Her determination and quickness compliment her abilities on the defensive side of the ball, St. John stated. "Off the field, she is one of the friendliest people you could meet, but between the lines she has a passion to compete and a relentless desire to succeed."

Dale, a standout soccer and volleyball player at Jackson High School, claimed first team all-state soccer honors last fall in leading the Indians to a 13-2-2 season record. She also earned first team all-conference and all-region recognition in volleyball for Jackson in addition to playing club soccer for the Southeast Missouri Soccer Club.

"Chelsea will play a dual role as both a forward and defender. She possesses great pace, is two-footed and fearless when it comes to winning balls," Nelson added. "As a front-runner she will cause problems for the defense and create scoring opportunities. Her pure speed and explosiveness allows her to get in behind defenders, and compliments our other attacking personalities. The combination will make our entire attacking unit more effective. As a defender she is a natural ball winner, has the ability to man-mark players out of the game, and is always a threat to join in the attack."

Dale was also recognized for her academic success as she was awarded the President's Scholarship, the Leadership Award and a MAP Achievement Scholarship at Southeast.

"Southeast is a Division I school and I like the coach a lot and it's close to home," Dale said. "The coaches are just really personable, understanding and knowledgeable about sports. I'm looking forward to being a part of them winning OVC championships every year."