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June 19, 2005
Highlander Soccer Star Aly Shattls Verbally Commits to University of South Carolina
by Grant Traylor
Huntington News Network Sportswriter
Huntington (HNN) — Huntington got a quick start on next year's recruiting class as Huntington's Aly Shattls verbally committed to the University of South Carolina earlier this week.
Shattls was named the offensive player of the year in 2004 for her efforts in leading the Highlanders to the state title and a 23–2–2 record.
The team finished undefeated against in–state competition with the losses coming to national powerhouse Dublin–Coffman at Columbus Crew Stadium and Lexington (Lafayette), a regional power in Kentucky.
Huntington coach Bob Hogsett has long been trying to gain exposure for his squad which has been the most steady force in West Virginia girls soccer over the last two seasons.
With a senior laden team this year, Hogsett is working harder than ever to get the girls' names out to college coaches and media personnel so that the girls have a great chance to join Shattls in being a Division I player.
Some of Hogsett's efforts have included taking the team to play at Columbus Crew Stadium, where they will travel again this year for an October contest against another Ohio powerhouse.
Also, Hogsett has signed some teams such as Lafayette to come to Huntington to play and give the team a more regional feel.
The Lady Highlanders have also hosted off–season tournaments and most play on different summer clubs to enhance their chances of being noticed while keeping them in playing shape for the season.
Shattls is one such player as she continually works year–round to keep herself at the top of her game. Currently, Shattls is playing for Ohio Premier.
Ohio Premier is also a definite draw for exposure as the team travels to play in national tournaments mostly based on college campuses to grant instant access for coaches.
To date, Ohio Premier has six players on its squad in the class of 2006 who have already verbally agreed to a Division I school. Shattls has landed the highest profile school with the Gamecocks out of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) while teammates have verbally agreed to the MAC's Bowling Green and the Missouri Valley Conference's Indiana State University.
With her college choice already behind her, Shattls can now focus on the 2005 high school soccer season in hopes of leading her teammates to their second straight West Virginia state championship.
