Feb. 7, 2003

Los Angeles, CA (Feb. 7) - The Loyola Marymount University women's soccer team announced today the signing of four high school seniors to national letters of intent. Joining the Lions in the fall of 2003 will be Alicia Lloyd, Tana Smotherman, Amy Sauer and Whitney Temple.

"We are excited about the future of our program with the addition of these outstanding players," said Head Coach Gregg Murphy. "All four bring a great work ethic and have been very successful at the high school, club and ODP level."

Lloyd, a defender from Lake Forest, Calif., will graduate this spring from El Toro High School. She earned all-league and All-CIF honors and is a member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) 1984 Regional Team.

"Alicia is one of the top defenders in Southern California," said Murphy. "She is a left-footed player who should have an immediate impact on our team." Lloyd plays for the WCFC Stingers on the club level.

At midfield is the 5-6 Smotherman, who comes to LMU from San Jose, Calif. She will graduate from Valley Christian High School this spring and plays for the club team DeAnza Force, the Northern Cal state champion.

Smotherman is an all-league performer who is also a member of the ODP 1985 regional pool. "Tana will also have an immediate impact for us," said Murphy. "She has great scoring ability and a solid work ethic."

Also at midfield is Sauer from Scottsdale, Ariz. Sauer will graduate from Cactus Shadows High. An all-region player at Cactus Shadows, Sauer is a member of the two-time state champion club soccer team, the Sereno Eagles.

"Amy has had a successful club and high school career and will also have an immediate impact for us," said Murphy. "She is exceptionally strong in the air and has the ability to attack from the back." Sauer will also see time on defense for the Lions.

Temple, a 5-6 midfield/forward is from Piedmont High School, who won the league championship in women's soccer. Temple was an all-league performer for that team. She plays for the club team DeAnza Sharks and was a member of the ODP Cal North State Team. "Whitney will add great depth for us at the midfield position," said Murphy. "She is a true team leader."

- GO LIONS -