Santa Clarita Blue Heat News Release -- www.scblueheat.com
Friday, February 10, 2012
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Santa Clarita Blue Heat General Manager Carlos Marroquin has announced Marisha Schumacher-Hodge, Taryne Boudreau and Danielle Bitonti as the newest additions to the third-year Western Conference squad.
Former Atlanta Beat (WPS) midfielder Marisha Schumacher-Hodge has an impressive background, playing with the Boston Breakers, Boston Aztecs and earning America East Midfielder of the year accolades in 2006 and 2008 while attending Boston University. With significant international experience in Sweden and Finland, Schumacher-Hodge is currently on the 2012 UEFA Women’s Champion League Thor/KA team from Iceland.
Canadian midfielder Taryne Boudreau was named the Louisiana State University Player of the Year in 2011. One of the more accomplished young players in Canada, Taryne earned extensive international experience while competing with various Canadian teams, including the Vancouver Whitecaps. She competed with the U-20 Canadian National Team for more than a year and represented her country in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in 2006 and 2008.
Finally, Danielle Bitonti is a Southern California native who has also recently signed with the Blue Heat for 2012. Graduating in 2011 from California State University, Fullerton, Danielle appeared or started in a total of 71 matches from 2007 through 2010 in the midfield. She received All-Big West Conference honorable mention in 2009.
“I am honored that players of this caliber have agreed to join the Blue Heat,” said Marroquin. “We are looking forward to their positive impact upon team development in the upcoming season.”