Rees

JACKSON TWP — Ashley Rees carved herself a comfortable niche while playing for the Seneca Valley girls soccer team over the last four seasons.

She's now aiming to do the same at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

The SV senior midfielder and Cranberry Township resident, who ended her varsity career with nine goals and 16 assists, recently decided to take her talents to the Division II school, located in Buckhannon, W.Va.

Rees was thinking about playing Division I soccer, but that all began to change after West Virginia Wesleyan coach Glenn Francis saw her at a talent showcase last summer in Erie.

"I noticed that she had a killer instinct and was very strong physically," said Francis, who will be entering his second season as head coach of the Bobcats next fall. "She can roll up her sleeves and get dirty, but can also be a finesse player when she needs to be. It's like having two players in one."

Rees visited the college last fall and liked what she saw.

"I just felt at home down there and Coach Francis really made me feel comfortable," said Rees.

Rees has put together quite a resume after picking up soccer at age 3.

She's played for two club teams, helping Northern Steel reach the national semifinals last year. She was an all-section pick three consecutive years for the Raiders, was named MVP of the WPIAL All-Star game last fall and a was a member of the Butler Eagle's Elite 11 All-Star Team as a senior.

"Soccer has been such a big part of my life," said Rees. "I can't imagine not playing it. I love staying in shape, but even more than that, I just love the game."

"She's got a lot of athletic ability," said SV coach Dave Sylvester. "But she's also got a great heart and is a coachable kid."

"Club soccer is where I learned the basic skills of the game," said Rees. "And, playing for Coach Sylvester, he made sure we were in shape and played as a team.

"The club season begins about four weeks after the high school season is over," she added. "So, I've basically been playing soccer year-round."

The Bobcats, who are coming off a 3-15 season, are two deep at every position heading into the 2006 campaign.

"I'll have to work to get one of those spots," said Rees. "But I have faith in myself that I'll be able to get the job done."

"The possibility of her seeing playing time is up to her," said Francis. "We're not going to just give her a spot, but she certainly has the ability to get on the field as a freshman."