NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware women’s soccer team has signed three student-athletes for the 2007 season, head coach Scott Grzenda (at right) announced on Thursday.

Declaring their intention to attend Delaware are Ilyssa Friedman (Malvern, PA/ West Chester East.),, Amy Pickard (Lancaster, PA/ Lancaster Catholic), and Alli Williams (Newark, DE/ William Penn),

Friedman is a central defender from West Chester East High School. She is a three-time first team All-Ches-Mont Selection, and a two-time all-area team member. As a member of the Spirit United Gaels club team, she helped them achieve a national ranking of second. The Gaels were also USYSA national finalists, Region One champions, and Eastern Pennsylvania State Champions. She is also a three-year member of the Eastern Pennsylvania State Team.

“Ilyssa will provide us with instant leadership and organization in the back. She is a great one-on-one defender who can also contribute to the attack and score goals. We are very happy she chose Delaware to continue her athletic and academic career,” said Grzenda.

Pickard, a forward from Lancaster Catholic High School, is a three-time first team all-star recipient and was selected to the all-state team. She was also a two-time section and team MVP. Pickard, who played with the club team PA Classics, was the lone forward on the Eastern Pennsylvania State Team and played in the back on the Olympic Development Regional team. She was also a four-year member of the basketball team at Lancaster Catholic.

“Amy is a very technical, athletic and hard working player. She has the ability to score goals in bunches and the versatility to be an outstanding defender at the same time. We expect Amy to contribute all over the field,” said Grzenda.

Rounding out the 2007 recruiting class is Williams, a talented attacking player from William Penn High School, who has accumulated such honors as, all-conference, and all-state throughout her playing career.

She was voted best offensive player, as well as team MVP. She is a 10-year member of her club team the Kirkwood Phantoms. She has helped the Phantoms remain the reigning Delaware State Champions for the past six seasons. She also was a five-year starter for the Delaware Olympic Development Team.

“Alli is a terrific athlete and one of the best players in the state," said Grenda. "We try to keep the best Delaware players in state, that’s why we’re so happy Alli chose UD. She is an outstanding attacking midfielder who will give everyone we play fits."

Delaware finished its 2006 season 8-8-3 and 3-7-1 in CAA play.