YSU soccer adds six new players

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State soccer coach Will Lemke announced the signing of six recruits during the late signing period on Thursday.

The Penguins inked defender Heather Coonfare (Hilliard), midfielder Taylor Gapczynski (Wexford, Pa.), forward Kylee Heck (Elizabeth, Pa.), forward Allison Ludwig (Centerville), midfielder Rachel Milhoan (Hartville) and goalkeeper Ali Viola (North Huntington, Pa.).

Coonfare was a two-year letterwinner and team captain at Hilliard Davidson where she earned honorable mention all-conference and was named the defensive player of the year. Coonfare also helped Davidson to a conference and district championship and a regional runner-up finish in 2008.

“Heather is a very good all-around athlete who can also play in the midfield or defense,” Lemke said. “She has exceptional size, strength and athleticism and is an excellent one-on-one defender.”

Gapczynski, who sister Jordan played for YSU from 2006-09, lettered four times at North Allegheny High School and was a two-time All-WPIAL selection as a junior and senior.

Heck was a four-year letterwinner at Connellsville Area and Belle Vernon Area High Schools. She was an All-Fayette County selection and a WPIAL All-Section pick.

Ludwig was a two-time all-conference selection Centerville High School and led her squad in scoring three straight seasons. She was also named third-team all-area in 2008 and 2009 and led Centerville to the state semifinals in 2009.

Milhoan was a two-time captain and a four-year letterwinner at Uniontown Lake High School. A four-year start, Milhoan scored nine goals and recorded nine assists as a senior and was named all-conference and all-county.

Viola was a two-year letterwinner at Norwin High School and led Norwin to the Pennsylvania state semifinals. Viola also earned all-district honors.