FIU women’s soccer Head Coach Thomas Chestnutt announced eight signees to his class of recruits as the Golden Panthers look to build on a strong finish to their 2008 campaign.

The 2009 recruits should be great additions to a solid core of young talent and veteran leadership. "This class will solidify the strong foundation already in place. We will have competition and depth at every position,” said Chestnutt. “These incoming student-athletes have played for high level club teams in their respective states. Moreover, they not only played for high-powered club teams but were also impact players for those teams. The quality in this class is a tribute to our staff, current student-athletes and FIU's commitment to excel. It is an exciting time to be a Golden Panther.” 

Last year's class was the highest rated class by Soccer Buzz Magazine in FIU history. Many of the incoming Golden Panthers received significant playing time in the 2008 season. In 2008, FIU used a 4-1-1 finish to their Sun Belt Conference slate to record its best conference record since 2001, as well as its first NSCAA Team Academic Award and numerous Sun Belt Academic Award winners.

Sun Belt Co-Coach of the Year Thomas Chestnutt returns eight players that started 13 or more contests last season led by Kassandra Sorzano and Linn Thune. Seniors Amy Jackson, Marina Pappas and Mayara Bordin will provide veteran leadership to a young yet very talented FIU team.

The Incoming 2009 FIU Golden Panthers:

2009 Recruit Bios