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RedStorm women bring Lien into the fold
Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm women's soccer program has added one to its 2010 recruiting class with the signing of Amy Lien of South Point High School to a national letter of intent.
Lien, who also plays softball, is pleased to be able to concentrate on her favorite sport as she heads to the next level. "I'm excited and happy to continue playing my favorite sport," Lien said. "I'm going to try my best and see where it goes from there. Right now I'm going to concentrate on soccer."
Lien had offers from some other schools, but after one visit to the Rio Grande campus, she was convinced that it was the place for her. "I really liked the university, the coaches and the players made me feel welcome," she said.
Lien plans to major in elementary education.
"I am very excited to be adding Amy to our 2010 RedStorm roster," said Rio Grande head coach Amber Oliver. "Amy is a very talented player that reads the game very well."
Lien has also played on boys team throughout her career and Coach Oliver believes that will make the transition to the college game a little smoother for her. "Amy has a great advantage coming into the season -- because she played on a boys team throughout high school, she is accustomed to a faster, more physical game -- which will help to make the transition to collegiate soccer easier for her. I look for great things from Amy -- she will be a great addition to our defense," Oliver said.
Both Rio assistant coaches Callum Morris and Chris Skarratt believe that Lien is the type of player that that program needs. "We're looking to improve after last season. We'll be mostly sophomores and freshmen. (Amy) will help the left side of the defense," said Morris. "We need to improve the quality of the team and Amy fits that bill."
"We have to take steps and Amy is part of those steps," said Skarratt.
Her goals while playing at Rio Grande are two-fold. "I want to play to the best of my ability and work on technique with my left foot," she said.
Amy is the daughter of Richard and Linda Lien of South Point.
She joins Ashley Gilley of Northwest High School, Mary Schramm of Marietta High School, Cassie Kyle of Waverly and Alexandria Davis of Teays Valley High School as the current members of the Rio Grande recruiting class.