DePaul University

CHICAGO – DePaul women’s soccer coach John Wilson welcomes four additions to the 2005 squad today, signing four Chicago area student-athletes to National Letters of Intent.  Molly Borchardt, Lauren Holcomb, Dominique Locascio, and Alissa VonderHaar join the Blue Demons in the fall, marking the start of BIG EAST Conference play. 

“This is our first recruiting class that will compete in the BIG EAST as freshmen.  In this class, we have key players in key positions poised to come in and have an immediate impact,” said Wilson.  “This year we’ve tapped into the deep pool of talent that the Chicago area has to offer for all four of our signees.  It is not by design, but it does go to show just how many talented players there are in this soccer hot-bed.  All of the players in this class have extensive club soccer success, from multiple state cup championships to regional championships and national championship appearances.  Some with ODP success and others are multi-sport athletes.  All in all, a great class that I’m proud to have join our DePaul soccer family.”

Molly Borchardt brings winning experience to the Blue Demons, boasting four State Cup Championships and two Indoor National Championships as a captain with her club soccer team, Team Chicago.  Borchardt, who started on Waubonsie Valley High School’s varsity team as a freshman, gets ready to begin her senior campaign at the school in Aurora, Ill.  Successful off the field as well, Borchardt was an IMEA District Selectee and won All-Academic honors.

“Molly is a great student and athlete.  In soccer, the thing that impresses me most is her skills.  She is so crafty with the ball at her feet and is dangerous on the dribble,” Wilson said.  ”She has a great physical presence on the field and can win the physical battles.  She is such a strong midfielder that with her skill and athleticism she can own the middle of the field in a game.”

Lauren Holcomb has been a regular on the Windy City Pride for the last two years.  She led the club team to a runner-up finish at the 2004 National Championship while the Pride has established itself as one of the top club programs in the country.  A four-year member of the Wheaton Warrenville South varsity soccer team, Holcomb has already racked up 22 goals and 34 assists entering her senior season.  As a freshman, she was a member of the Illinois state runner-up squad and garnered All-Area, All-Sectional, and All-Conference honors last season. Additionally, she was also an Illinois State ODP Team member from 2000-2003.

“Lauren fits very well into our versatile, ‘attack with speed’ style of play.  She could fit into a number of different spots for us,” said Wilson.  ”She is skillful, athletic with good speed and very fit.  She is such a good soccer player, leader and person that when recruiting Lauren I just knew we had to have this kid.”

A member of the 2003 Eclipse Select Midwest Regional Championship team, Dominique Locascio has extensive national experience with one of the top club programs.  Eclipse also made an appearance at the club national championships in 2003.  A two-sport standout at Fremd High School, Locascio has started all three years for the women’s soccer team and was a two-year starter on the women’s basketball team. Named the MSL West Player of the Year and Daily Herald Co-Player of the Year in 2004, Locascio also earned IHSCAA All-State honors.  A two-time Daily Herald All-Area choice and two-time MSL All-Conference selection, Locascio has already recorded 39 goals and 44 assists in her high school career.

“I am very proud to have Dom coming to play for us. She is versatile and has been an impact player as both a forward and a defender.  Although she will likely fit into our attack, it is great to have a player with so much experience on both ends of the field,” Wilson said.  ”I also really like the fact that Dom plays basketball.  I think multi-sport athletes bring an athleticism that helps them achieve more in college. The best way to describe Dom is simply dynamic!  She makes things happen and she is a handful for defenders and forwards alike.”

Alissa VonderHaar brings seven years of ODP experience to Lincoln Park.  With international experience, she recently traveled to Europe as an ‘87 Regional ODP team member.  VonderHaar proved to be an integral member of her two-time Regional Champion club team, the Eclipse Select, along with signee Dominique Locascio.  VonderHaar begins her senior season at Naperville Central after earning Daily Herald All-Area honors in 2003.  A two-time All-Conference and All-Academic team selection, VonderHaar was also named an Illinois State Scholar.

“Alissa is a great student and athlete.  She’s taller than most midfielders and therefore brings a size presence to the midfield,” said Wilson.  “She is skillful and athletic, very crafty with the ball at her feet and she can really break down defenses.  I like her on the dribble, running at defenses or in distribution. She will be an impact player for us as a midfielder.”

The 2005 season will be the first for DePaul in the BIG EAST Conference.  The upcoming season will also mark the 10th year of women’s soccer as a varsity sport at DePaul University.