July 14, 2014
DENVER - The University of Denver women's soccer program has added Stony Brook transfer Stella Norman (Lakewood, Colo.) to its 2014 roster, head coach Jeff Hooker announced on Monday.
"I like the versatility that Stella brings to our roster," Hooker said. "She'll be comfortable if we put her in the back, and ask her to go forward, but she can also play outside mid for us. She's an exceptional crosser of the ball, has good speed and is a great ball striker."
Norman, who was a midfielder in her club days with Real Colorado, played outside back in her two seasons with the Seawolves, bringing depth to both positions when she joins the Pioneers this fall. In 2013, Norman played and started in all 19 matches, tallying 16 points on five goals and six assists. Norman was an All-American East First Team honoree in 2013, and was the American East Player of the Week on August 26.
"The last time we saw her play was three years ago (with Real Colorado)," Hooker said. "From what we've found, she's progressed very nicely since we last saw her. It's just a situation where she felt like she needed to go away from home, but now wants to be closer to home. For us to add a quality player from a quality club to our roster is always a good thing for our program."
In her freshman campaign, Norman played in 21 of Stony Brook's 22 matches, combining for six points on two goals and a pair of assists.
Coming off back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, Hooker and the Pioneers return 13 letterwinners from a year ago, including five starters. Hooker has added nine freshmen and Norman after graduating the fifth-winningest senior class in the nation. Denver finished the 2013 campaign 18-2-1 and 7-0-0 in The Summit League. DU returns sophomore keeper Cassidy Rey, who played in 19 of 21 matches a year ago, posting a 15-2-1 record, and keeping a 0.52 goals-against average. The Pioneers also return three defenders with over 55 Caps apiece in Sam Harder (Centennial, Colo.), Shelby Wesley (Aurora, Colo.) and Paige Diamond (Pleasanton, Calif.).
Denver will open the 2014 campaign away from home with matches at Nevada on August 22, and at Colorado College on August 24. The Pioneers 2014 home opener is September 5, when DU plays host to Detroit at CIBER Field at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now. Tickets are $54 for the 18 men's and women's soccer matches at CIBER Field in 2014.
DU will host exhibition matches at CIBER Field against Air Force (Aug. 10) and Texas Tech (Aug. 16). The Air Force match will kickoff the 2014 Colorado Cup.
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