Feb. 17, 2006

Stony Brook women's soccer head coach Susan Ryan is pleased to announce the addition of seven players to the program for the upcoming 2006 campaign. Brittany Downs, Alexandra Teti, Marisa Viola, Michelle Striefsky, Kelly Grant, and Marissa Shibley have all signed National Letters of Intent to suit up for the Seawolves next season. Aria Tanzi joins the squad as she has transferred from North Carolina State.

Downs, a native of Orlando, Fla., played at Dr. Phillips High School and for the Countryside Lightning Club team. While on the Lightning, Downs led the squad to the Florida State Cup Final Four twice. A fierce competitor, she lettered four years at Dr. Phillips High as well.

"Brittany is a very athletic player who has exceptional strength, power, and size. The characteristics she posseses will be a great asset for our team," said head coach Susan Ryan.

Teti hails from Dowington, Penn, played at Dowingtown High School under coach Beth Hart. As team captain, she was named Ches-mont League MVP in 2005, along with being named to the All-Southeastern Pennsylvania All Star Team, All-Area First Team, All Ches-mont First Team. She netted 15 goals to go along with 29 assists in her career and was also a two-time Ches-mont Seond team selection and Coaches MVP pick.

"Alex is a smart player who has great field vision. Her ability to distribute and come forward out of the back will be a welcome addition for us," said Ryan.

Viola comes to Stony Brook from nearby Mattituck, where she was a four-year starter at goalkeeper. In 2005, she led the Tuckers to a league and state championship, making 17 shutouts. She was honored as an All-County, All-Long Island, and All-State selection, while she was NYS Class B Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, and MVP Goalkeeper at the State Final.

"We anticipate Marisa to step up and compete for the starting spot at goalkeeper. Marisa has the tools to fill this role and make an impact," said Ryan.

Striefsky played at North Penn High School in Lansdale, Penn, and was a member of the club team YMS Spirit. A two-time captain, she was named to the All-Suburban One team twice and defensive MVP. She excelled in basketball and was a three-time Keystone State All-Star. Striefsky was honored for her work in the classroom as well, picking up the Honor Roll Recognition Scholar Award twice.

"What is great about Michelle is her versatility. We will be able to play her anywhere on the field and she will be effective. With Michelle, we now have more depth on our flanks," said Ryan.

Grant hails from Fairfax, Va., and looks to add depth to the Seawolves defensive half. She was a defender who lettered four years at Paul VI Catholic High School and who anchored the defense for the VISTA United Club team.

"Kelly is a consistent and steady defender who just doesn't get beat. She is the type of player that reads the game and has been successful through her intelligent play on the field," said Ryan.

Shibley is a native of Clifton Park, N.Y. and will provide a spark to the Seawolf offense. A member of the Shenendehowa High School squad, she was a two-time Suburban Council Honorable Mention pick and is a member of the National Honor Society.

"Marissa is a student of the game and will outsmart you on the field. He has a great deal of tactical knowledge and is a welcomed addition as we look to increase our offensive output this year," said Ryan.

Tanzi returns to Long Island after spending the last two years at North Carolina State. A junior transfer, she brings increased maturity and an ability to find the back of the net. A native of Smithtown, N.Y., she saw action in 19 games for the Wolfpack. In high school, she had 127 points off 54 goals and 19 assists and was a member of the Eastern New York ODP team. Tanzi was named First team All-State, League Player of the Year and is a two-time All-League, All-Conference and All-County honoree.

"With Aria, we now have a player that has a knack for scoring goals. We are anticipating her score a lot of goals for us this year," said Ryan.

"We are excited to welcome all our newcomers to our Seawolves family. I believe this is a very strong class who will make contributions to our success right away," said Ryan.