Seattle Sounders Women News Release -- www.sounderswomen.com
Thursday, March 21, 2013
TUKWILA, Wash. – The Seattle Sounders Women have signed Shannon Woeller, a defender with Canadian National Team experience, for the 2013 W-League season. The 23 year old has made 16 appearances for Team Canada including starts in 2012 Olympic Qualifiers.
“I had the privilege of coaching Shannon for two W-League seasons in Vancouver," Sounders head coach, Hubert Busby Jr., said. "She has a great attitude towards the game and is very coachable. More importantly, she is always willing to do what is best for the team.”
“The Sounders have always had some of the best fans in the league, and they make Seattle a really intimidating place to play for opponents," Woeller said. "I am very excited to now have the opportunity to have these fans on my side and to get a chance to play for them. It should be a lot of fun.”
Before appearing in every Olympic Qualifier in 2011-12, Woeller was a part of the 2008 U-20 CONCACAF Championship winning team for Canada.
“Shannon brings a wealth of international experience,” Busby Jr. said. “This experience will prove valuable in the most competitive conference in league. She knows what it's like to play in meaningful games.”
Woeller will graduate from Rutgers University this summer. In her final season there, she captained Rutgers to a 2nd round run in the NCAA tournament and was named BIG East Scholar Athlete of the Year.
“I am very excited to be signing with the Sounders,” Woeller said. “This is a new experience in a new city for me, and I think it is a great place to begin my post college career. I can’t wait to get to Seattle and get started.”
With Woeller’s International, W-League, and NCAA experience, she will be looked upon to help lead the Sounders Women from the back line. It’s a role she’s familiar with and eager to fill.
“I am hoping that I can bring a lot of experience and leadership on and off the field for the younger players,” Woeller said. “My first few years in the W league I had some great older players to look up to and learn from and that helped me with my development. I would like to be able to set a positive example and help these younger players learn in a competitive environment.”
Following last weekend’s Open Tryouts, the Sounders Women have invited local players to continue to train with the club for an extended trial during the Sounders preseason. The Sounders Women will continue to announce signings for the 2013 W-League season on the club’s website. Single match and season tickets are currently on sale on SoundersWomen.com.