Courtesy: Mississippi State Athletics Sarah Strickland announced six student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent to play for ASU.

BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State University women’s soccer head coach Sarah Strickland signed six student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to complete her first recruiting class at ASU, Strickland announced Tuesday.

“I am really excited about the 2010 class. Hallie Briggs and Lindsay Cobb did an outstanding job identifying excellent players that will be an immediate impact on our program,” Strickland said. “We can’t wait for them to get here to add even more energy and enthusiasm to this program.”

Defender Kara Buono (Valrico, Fla./Bloomingdale), goalkeeper Jordan Hatton (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Preparatory), defender Kimberly Kesler (Moore, S.C./Dorman), midfielder/defender Sonia Sanchez (Houston, Texas/Houston Christian), midfielder Sam Neill (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way Central) and defender Amy Werdine (Tampa, Fla./H.B. Plant) will all join the Mountaineers’ in the fall.

Kara Buono (5-2, Defender, Valrico, Fla./Bloomingdale)
A four-year starter at Bloomingdale, Buono earned all-county honors as a sophomore and she was a state qualifier for track and field in the 800m her sophomore year. She played for the club Real Salt Lake Florida Elite coached by Jim Cote and helped the team to a state championship in under 16 and national runner-up in under 18. Buono plans to major in business with a minor in public relations.

Jordan Hatton (5-9, Goalkeeper, Tampa, Fla./Tampa Preparatory)
Two-time all-county performer, helped her team to a state championship her junior year and to the state semifinals her senior year. Played club for Real Salt Lake Florida Elite, helping them to the state championship in 2008.

Kimberly Kesler (5-6, Defender, Moore, S.C./Dorman)
Was a two-time all-region and all-area performer and earned all-state honors as a junior. A four-year letterwinner, Kesler was named Dorman’s MVP as a junior. Played for the club Carolina FC and helped them to a second place finish in states in 2008.

Sonia Sanchez (5-2, Midfielder/Defender, Houston, Texas/Houston Christian)
A four-year letterwinner in soccer, cross country and track and field, Sanchez was also a four-time first-team all-district performer and was twice named all-state. Named team MVP in 2009 and honored as best defensive player as a sophomore and junior. Played for the club Albion Hurricanes FC. The team was ranked No. 44 in the country and had a .650 winning percentage.

Sam Neill (5-4, Midfielder, New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way Central)
Helped her team to a regional championship as a junior. Earned all-region, section and area honors as a junior and was named team MVP. Scored eight goals and had six assists as a senior. Played for the club Windy City Pride and helped the club to a 2009 Midwest region championship.

Amy Werdine (5-9, Defender, Tampa, Fla./H.B. Plant)
Earned letters in soccer and diving at H.B. Plant. One of three ASU signees to play for Real Salt Lake Florida Elite, joining Kara Buono and Jordan Hatton.