Francis Adds Midfielder to 2012 Squad

March 28, 2012

Soccer Signees
Name	Pos.	Hometown
Courtney Dickerson	F	Peculiar, Mo.
Kaley Smith	D	Albuquerque, N.M.
Ashley Williams	F	Albuquerque, N.M.
Monica Castro	M	Cottage Grove, Minn.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas soccer head coach Mark Francis announced Wednesday the addition of a new midfielder that will join the Jayhawks next year. Monica Castro, of Cottage Grove, Minn., will begin her career at KU beginning in the 2012-13 academic year bringing Francis’ incoming class up to four players.

“We discovered Monica pretty late,” said Francis. “She’s a really good fit for us. She is a technical player and we’re excited about adding a late bonus to the three we already have coming next year.”

At Park High School, Castro was a four-time all-conference selection. In her senior season, the 5-foot-5 midfielder garnered all-state honorable mention accolades and was chosen her team’s MVP after guiding the Wolves to their best record in four years. Castro, who also spent three years with the Minnesota State ODP Team, ended her PHS career under head coach Greg Juba with 19 goals and 17 assists.

Castro also spent four years with the St. Croix Scorpions club team. Under the direction of Dickie Vilme, the Scorpions were ranked as high as second in the state and finished runner-up at the Minnesota State Cup twice. The team also won the U.S. Soccer Region II in Casto’s junior year and placed second at the U.S. National Cup.

“Monica is a technical player who is good on the ball,” Francis said. “She makes good decisions and she has sharp passing skills. She is a consistent passer and she’s very good in the final third of the field. Monica also does a really good job when things are tight, she can get out of pressure. She is a good addition for us.”