El Paso Native Olivares Signs with St. Mary’s Women’s Soccer

Flower Mound native Davis; Apex, N.C., native Edwards; Grapevine native Jenkins; Carrollton native Kirch; San Antonio native Martin; Colleyville native Martin; El Paso native Olivares set to join the Rattlers next season

SAN ANTONIO—St. Mary’s University women’s soccer coach Corwyn Ritch announced on Friday the signing of seven student-athletes to national letters of intent to join the Rattlers, starting with the 2009-2010 season. Flower Mound native Brin Davis; Apex, N.C., native Mari Edwards; Grapevine native Averie Jenkins; Carrollton native Kirch; San Antonio native Carolyn Martin; Colleyville native Lauren Martin and El Paso native Annia Olivares will join the Rattlers starting in the fall.

Davis (5’4”, Fr., Flower Mound) was a three-year letterwinner as a midfielder for coach Wendy Flaherty. She earned first team all-district honoree and defensive player of the year. Off the field she was a member of the Honor Roll and Future Farmers of America. Davis played for coach Quen Willis’ Texas Spirit Soccer Club. She plans to be a pre-veterinary major at St. Mary’s.

Edwards (5’10”, Fr., Apex, N.C.) was a four-year letterwinner for coaches Danny Baker, Joshua Dear and Kevin Todd at Cypress Falls (Houston) High School and Apex High School. She had a 0.50 goals-against average as the starting goalkeeper last season. She helped lead Cypress Falls to a district championship and two regional championships. Off the field she was a member of the Honor Roll. She plans to major in general business.

Jenkins (5’3”, Fr., Grapevine) was an honorable mention all-district honoree as a midfielder for coach Ryan Davis’ team at Grapevine High School. She helped lead Grapevine to a district championship and two playoff appearances. Off the field she was a member of the Honor Roll. She plans to major in communications at St. Mary’s.

Kirch (5’7”, Fr., Carrollton) was a three-time all-district honoree at forward and midfielder for coach Eric Ramirez at Hebron High School. She earned first team all-district honors and was the team captain as a senior. Kirch was a three-sport standout, competing in soccer, cross country and track and field. She helped lead Hebron to three regional finals appearances. For the cross country team she was an all-state honoree and finished ninth at the state meet in 2005. She plans to major in nursing.

Carolyn Martin (5’9”, Fr., San Antonio) earned all-district honors twice as a defender for coach Erin Braun at Winston Churchill High School. She was also a two-year team captain. Off the field she was a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society and was an Academic All-District Honoree. She plans to major in Biology at St. Mary’s.

Lauren Martin (5’2”, Fr., Colleyville) was a two-sport athlete at Grapevine High School, competing in soccer and cross country. For coach Ryan Davis’ soccer team she was named first team All-District 5-5A as a midfielder/forward her senior year. She also received the leadership award. Martin helped lead Grapevine to three regional appearances, including two trips to the regional finals. Off the field she was a member of the Honor Roll, the Student Council and Students Standing Strong. She plans to major in marketing.

Olivares (5’6”, Fr., El Paso) was a four-sport standout at Loretto Academy, competing in soccer, basketball, track and field and volleyball. She served as the team captain for coach Marion Benett’s soccer team. She was an all-city pick in volleyball. Off the field she was an Honor Roll student and received an academic scholarship to Loretto Academy. She plans to major in pre-med at St. Mary’s

The Rattlers finished the 2008 season with a 5-12-2 overall record and 4-7-1 in Heartland Conference play, but over their last seven games they went 4-2-1, including a 1-1 tie against seventh-ranked Incarnate Word.