Feb. 11, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland women's soccer head coach Brian Pensky welcomes Kayla Clarke to the Terrapin women's soccer program for the 2010 season as part of National Signing Day.

KAYLA CLARKE Gaithersburg, Md. • Midfielder Quince Orchard HS Bethesda Soccer Club A four-year letterwinner at Quince Orchard High School for Coach Peg Keller ... 2009 NSCAA All-Region selection ... 2009 NSCAA Scholar All-Region honors ... named to the ESPN RISE Maryland top players list ... two-time first team all-state ... two-time first team Washington Post All-Met ... second team All-Met as a sophomore in 2007 ... two-time first team All-Gazette ... selected to the Gazette's All-Decade team ... team captain as a senior ... totaled five goals and eight assists for 18 points as a senior in 2009 ... helped lead the Cougars to three berths in the state finals, including the 2007 championship team ... a six-year member of the Region I Girls ODP Program ... twice captained her ODP team to the ODP National Championship ... played club for the Bethesda Soccer Club for coach Kert Maese ... helped lead the Bethesda Blast to the 2005 state club championship ... has a weighted GPA of 4.33 ... four-year member of the Quince Orchard Honor Roll ... four-year winner of the Quince Orchard Scholar Athlete Award and the Maryland State Scholar Athlete Award ... chose Maryland over UMBC, George Washington and American. Why I chose Maryland: "Ever since I was little, I've always wanted to go to Maryland. I love the atmosphere of the school, and the community involvement that goes along with it." Pensky on Clarke: "Kayla will fit in very well here. Like the others in our program, Kayla is a true competitor, looking to get better all the time. She brings a versatility to our team that will serve her well - having the ability to play in midfield and the back line. Kayla's academic record is spotless, so she will have no problems adjusting to the academic rigors of our university. We wish Kayla was here now."