Feb. 2, 2005

WACO, Texas- Baylor soccer head coach George Van Linder announced the signing of two student-athletes on Thursday as Amanda McGrath and Mollie Smith each signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Bears next season.

"Amanda (McGrath) is a pure goal scorer. Every time she steps on the field she creates a lot of attention. She will make an impact at Baylor and we hope it starts her first year," head coach George Van Linder said. "Mollie (Smith) is someone who always wanted to go to Baylor and we were thrilled when we heard this. She gives us some needed strength in the air and will compete for the central midfield position."

McGrath, a native of Sugar Land, Texas, is currently the captain of the Texas Premier 86/87 club soccer team and earned numerous awards while playing for St. Agnes Academy. During her career at the club level McGrath, a 5'8" forward, has helped lead her team to five South Texas State Championships and has helped the team reach a ranking as high as No. 8 in the country. During her time with the club, the team has advanced to two Region III Snicker's Cup Tournaments as she has become a member of the South Texas State and Region III Pool of the Olympic Development Program.

While at St. Agnes Academy, McGrath earned all-state and all-district honors her freshman and sophomore seasons as she led the team in scoring both years.

Smith, a 5'8" center midfielder, will come into Baylor after earning three letters in soccer at the Episcopal School of Dallas in Dallas, Texas. Heading into her senior season, Smith has tallied 21 goals and 28 assists during her career.

For her performance her sophomore and junior seasons, Smith was named all-district and all-conference each season. She currently plays club soccer for the Dallas Texans, one of the strongest club teams in the country, and will join former high school teammate Laura Brock on the Baylor roster next year.