Western Oregon Signs Sprague`s Horvath

Salem-News.com SPORTS

MONMOUTH - Western Oregon women’s soccer coach Rod Fretz has announced the signing of Sprague High School standout Samantha Horvath to a National Letter of Intent.

Horvath is one of four players that the Wolves have signed since Feb. 7th, the first day that the NCAA allows high school seniors to ink on the dotted line.

Others include Kelsie Blachly of Gresham,Jordann Gilmer from Federal Way, Wash. and Chelsie O’Neill from South Medford.

Horvath was the Central Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the Olympians this past fall.

She was a second team all-state (6A) selection and helped lead Sprague into the state quarterfinals.

She was a first team all-league choice in both 2006 and was a second team All-Valley League choice in 2005.

Horvath is also a starter for her club team, Lake Oswego FC.

“Sammy is a smart, quick defender who can step in and play right away at the NCAA Division II level,” Fretz said.

“She is very strong technically, but also brings good decision making to our defense. It is particularly valuable to bring in a left-footed defender, although Sammy has shown very good skill with both feet.

“We are equally happy with what Sammy brings as a student-athlete and she is a good leader. We feel that she will make our team stronger on and off the field.”

Blachly was a two-time All-Mt. Hood Conference selection at Gresham as a goalkeeper and was the team’s MVP last fall. Gilmer was a second team All-South Puget Sound League pick as a midfielder in both 2005 and 2006.

She was a four-year starter for Federal Way.

Western Oregon plays in the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

The Wolves graduate just three players off a team that finished 9-9-2 in 2006. Coach Fretz will be entering into his 12 season as the Wolves leader in 2007.

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