Feb. 7, 2007

WACO, Texas -- Baylor soccer head coach George Van Linder announced the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. The class, made up entirely of high school athletes, includes three players from the state of Texas.

"We are very excited with this class. We recruited against some of the top teams in the country to get these kids here. We were able to sign them because of the talented players we have here now going out and telling their friends this is a place you want to be and is a sign we are going the right direction," head coach George Van Linder said. "We didn't have these types of players taking that risk a couple of years ago. We view these players as the missing pieces to the soccer puzzle at Baylor. We aren't done as we hope to add one or two more players to the list."

The signing class includes: Lindsey Johnson (MF/F, 5-11, Martin HS, Arlington, Texas), Courtney Seelhorst (GK, 5-9, Plano East HS, Plano, Texas), Lindsay Smith (MF/F, 5-8, McNeil HS, Austin, Texas) and Lucy Quintana (D, 5-8, St. Pius HS, Albuquerque, N. Mex.)

Lindsay Johnson (MF/F, 5-11, Martin HS, Arlington, Texas)
Johnson signs with Baylor after an outstanding high school career with Martin High School as well as playing club soccer with the Dallas Texans. During the 2006 season, Johnson was the District 7-5A most valuable player while she helped lead the team to District 7-5A championship. As a sophomore, Johnson also earned all-district honors. While playing club soccer for the Dallas Texas, one of the top club teams in the nation, she helped lead her team to an appearance at Nationals.

"We are thrilled to get her. She (and Courtney Seelhorst) plays for the one of the top club teams in the country," Van Linder said. "She is an absolute monster in the air and we think there is a lot there still to be developed as she is a great athlete who is a proven winner against top quality players."

Courtney Seelhorst (GK, 5-9, Plano East HS, Plano, Texas)
Seelhorst signs with Baylor from Plano (Texas) East High School. During her career, Seelhorst was named Goalkeeper of the Year in District 8-5A and is a three-time selection to the all-Collin County team. She is also a two-time all-area selection. Seelhorst currently plays club soccer with the Dallas Texans and helped lead the team to two Nationals appearances.

"With Ashley (Holder) graduating next year, by having Courtney we will be able to continue our tradition of having strong goalkeepers for quite a few more years," Van Linder said. "We will have three very competitive and talented goalies next year in Ashley, Courtney and Gianna (Quintana).

Lindsay Smith (MF/F, 5-8, McNeil HS, Austin, Texas)
Smith signs with Baylor out of McNeil High School in Austin, Texas. The sweeper was the District 15-5A most valuable player following her junior season and was also a member of the first-team all-district squad. A three-time all-district selection, Smith is a regional member of the Olympic Development Program and has been involved with ODP for six seasons. Smith currently plays club soccer with Lonestar Soccer Club.

"We first noticed her as a defensive midfielder, but for the last year she has been scoring quite a few goals and we certainly can use her in that area," Van Linder said. "She will immediately make her presence felt in the air as she is a very strong player in the air."

Lucy Quintana (D, 5-8, St. Pius HS, Albuquerque, N. Mex.)
Lucy, whose sister Gianna is currently a member of the Baylor soccer team, signs out of St. Pius HS in Albuquerque, N. Mex. A defender, Quintana was name New Mexico High School Player of the Year as a junior and was also a first-team all-state selection. Named the team's most valuable player, Quintana plays club soccer with the Albuquerque United.

"We made a pact as a staff that we weren't going to recruit defenders this year," Van Linder said. "However, once we saw Lucy we had to make an exception because she is such a talented player. We look forward to the day when both Quintanas are on the field."

2007 Baylor Soccer Signing Class
Lindsey Johnson (MF/F, 5-11, Martin HS, Arlington, Texas)
Courtney Seelhorst (GK, 5-9, Plano East HS, Plano, Texas)
Lindsay Smith (MF/F, 5-8, McNeil HS, Austin, Texas)
Lucy Quintana (D, 5-8, St. Pius HS, Albuquerque, N. Mex.)