2010 Women's Soccer

"We are excited about this group of girls.  I think several can help us right way," said Elliott, who is set to begin his 10th season as the program's coach.  "Our goal was that we needed some help in the midfield and back this year and I think we did that.  I think this is a good group that will work hard for us." 

Katie Hillis prepped at Colliersville HS in Colliervile, Tenn., a suburb of Memphis.  Her club team, the '92 Lady Lobos, placed second in the state in 2006, 2007, and 2008 and won the Region 3 Premier League championship in 2009.

"Katie is someone that we are really counting on this year," Elliott said.  "She has played for a great team at Collierville and a tremendous club team.  She is skilled on the ball and has great field vision and knowledge of the game.  She will contribute right away."

Jodi Curtis, a native of Smithville, Tenn., joins the Lady lions after prepping at Dekalb Co. HS. 

"Jodi is a talented midfielder who is a good ball winner and plays aggressive on and off the ball," said Elliott.

Rounding out the new midfielders is Clare Gallagher of York City, England.

"Clare is going to help us right away in the midfield," Elliott said.  "She is an aggressive player and a good ball winner.  I would look for her to help us this year."

Chelsea Jones prepped at Madison Academic HS in Jackson, Tenn., where she was an all-district selection in 2009.  She played her sophomore season at Jackson North Side and sat out most of her junior season after transferring to Madison.  She also played club ball with Rush Soccer Club.

"We are glad that Chelsea has chosen to join us," said Elliott.  "I think she will develop into a solid defender here.  She has a good defensive mindset and field awareness."

Kelsey Pittman joins the team from Jacksonville, Fla., where she played club ball with Greater Arlington Soccer Club and high school ball with the First Coast Buccaneers.  She was twice nominated to represent the United States in the people-to-people ambassador program.

"Kelsey is a quality defender," Elliott said.  "We are glad she is coming as she will make a great addition to our team and to the student body."

The lone forward joining the program is Morgan Walls of Lexington, Tenn.  She was named all-district following her senior season at Lexington HS after scoring nine goals with six assists.  She also received the leadership award as a senior and the hustle award as a junior.

"Morgan is an excellent addition to our program," said Elliott.  "She can play in different positions and help our team in several ways.  We look for her to play up top or in the back for us."

The recruiting class rounds out with Abbey Adkins, a native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., who prepped at Riverdale HS and played club ball with the Riverdale Warriors.  She helped lead her high school team to the state tournament in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

"Adding depth at the keeper position was a goal of this recruiting class and we have done that with Abbey," Elliott said.  "She is talented and has played at a high level.  Her work ethic and desire to succeed will really help here while she is here."