North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Soccer Welcomes 2006 Signing Class
2/8/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Feb. 8, 2006
RALEIGH, N.C. - NC State head coach Laura Kerrigan has announced the 2006 Wolfpack women's soccer signing class. Next season, nine newcomers will suit up in Wolfpack red and white. Nadia Aboulhosn (Midfielder/Raleigh, N.C./Triangle Football Club), Gia Cipollini (Forward/Cary, N.C./CASL), Briana Cunningham (Forward/Missouri City, Texas/Texas Eclipse), Chantelle Dugas (Forward/Ontario, Canada/Dixie Dominators Club), Kelly Estes (Defender/Midlothian, Va./Richmond Strikers), Kendall Irby (Midfielder/Woodbridge, Va./PWSI Cardinals), Sydney Little (Goalkeeper/Garner, N.C./Triangle Football Club), Meredith Parilla (Wyckoff, N.J./Parsippany), Katie Ruiz (Forward-Defender/Seaville, N.J./Match Fit Dolphins) will join the program for the 2006 season set to begin in late August.
The 2006 class includes three local players, including one each from Raleigh, Garner and Cary, N.C., two from neighboring Virginia, two from New Jersey, and the remaining two hail from Texas and Canada.
"We are excited about the athleticism in this year's class," said NC State head coach Laura Kerrigan. "We believe that they will help us take our team to the next level."
Aboulhosn is an All-CAP 6 midfielder from Millbrook High School in Raleigh, N.C. and plays for the Triangle Football Club, along with future Wolfpack teammate Sydney Little.
"Nadia is a quick and aggressive midfielder who can get around the outside and create goal-scoring chances." - Kerrigan
Cipollini is a three-year member of the North Carolina ODP State team and was a member of the 2004 US Club National Championship semifinalist and 2003 US Club National Championship teams. She earned all-state honors the last two seasons at Cardinal Gibbons HS in Raleigh, N.C. and was the 2005 Region I Player of the Year for North Carolina Public and Private schools.
"Gia is a quick forward with great scoring ability." -Kerrigan
Cunningham is a National College Soccer Scout All-American defender who plays for the Texas Eclipse. She is currently a member of the South Texas 1988 ODP State team and was a three-time member of the Region III pool from 2001-04.
"Briana is an explosive forward or back who has the speed and talent to blow by defenses on the front half and shut down opponents on the back half." -Kerrigan
Dugas, a forward from Ontario, Canada, has extensive experience with the Canadian Development teams for several years, including the U-16 and U-17 teams. Additionally, she has played with the Ontario U-17 squad and also plays with the Dixie Dominators Club team.
"Chantelle dominates both in the air and on the ground. She is both an excellent ball winner and goal scorer." -Kerrigan
Estes is a two-time all-district team member and earned first team all-regional honors as a junior. She is in her fourth season with the Richmond Strikers, a team that made it to the finals of the Jefferson Cup last season.
"Kelly has a strong defensive presence. She wins 50-50 balls and is a great tackler of the ball." -Kerrigan
Irby, a midfielder on the PWSI Cardinals, led her squad to a 2005 College Showcase crown. She is ranked 49th in the country. A three-time member of the Virginia State ODP squads and spent one season with the DC United Super Y Team. In 2004 she participated with the Washington Freedom reserve team in an International Friendly vs. an English Premier team.
"Kendall is a crafty and aggressive playmaker who can create scoring opportunities as well as finish them." -Kerrigan
Little is a two-time North Carolina All-State team member and has been a member of the North Carolina Region III ODP State team since 2001. Has a Southeast Raleigh Varsity school record of 19 shutouts.
"Sydney is a strong goalkeeper. We've watched her develop over the years and believe she will be a real presence in goal for us." -Kerrigan
Parrilla is a member of the Super Y Mid-Atlantic U-17 team on the Parsippany Soccer Club. Her 15-under squad won the Championship in 2003. She was also a four-time all-state, while helping Ramapo HS to two state sectional championships and county title.
"Meredith is a tall, strong player who is known for her ability to score on headers and dominate in the air." -Kerrigan
Ruiz is a member of the 2005 New Jersey State Team and Region I Pool, Super Y League Divisional ODP team and the Super Y League North American Finals ODP Select team. Her Match Fit Academy Dolphins won the 2005 Super Y League National Championship.
"Katie is a fast, athletic player who plays up front for her club team and in the back for the ODP regional team...she will make a difference wherever she is on the field." -Kerrigan
