Thomas Signs with Husker Soccer

<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Lincoln ?After welcoming a record 14 recruits last season, the Nebraska soccer team will add just one player to its fold this fall. Head Coach John Walker announced the signing of Molly Thomas on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Thomas will join the Huskers this fall.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

A native of Omaha, Thomas is the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year after leading Millard North to a third-place finish at the state championships last year. Thomas, a three-time letter winner, finished the year with 26 goals and five assists as the Mustangs went 15-5. In 2006, Thomas amassed 20 goals and eight assists to lead Millard North to a 19-1 record and a Class A state title.

 

Thomas is a two-time selection to the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska first-team under the direction of John Walsh at Millard North. She was also named to the LincolnJournalStarSuperState first-team, including being named captain of last year’s squad.

 

For the past three years, Thomas has competed for the Elkhorn Inferno club team under the direction of Tom McNeal. Thomas led the Inferno to a state title in 2006 and a Midwest League championship last season.

 

Thomas will be reunited with four other Millard North alums on the Husker squad in senior McKensie Kirchner, junior Anna Caniglia and sophomores Katie and Colleen Goetzmann.

 

Thomas joins a young Nebraska team that lost just three players to graduation and only one starter. Of NU’s 14 freshmen last season, six redshirted and will look to compete for starting time next season. The Huskers also gain the return of Aysha Jamani and Shannon Dickerson, who both were forced to sit out last season with injuries.

 

Thomas on why she chose Nebraska: “Living in Omaha, I’ve been to a lot of Nebraska’s games. I really like the coach, the atmosphere and the players. I feel like their style of play fits my style. I like to run a lot and chase down balls and score goals.”

 

Thomas on rejoining four former teammates: “They love it there and have told me all about it, so it really excited me to go there.”

 

Walker on Thomas: “Molly is a very explosive striker. She will probably be the fastest player on the team next year. She is an aggressive one-versus-one player with high energy. She is someone that will come in for us and make an impact right away.”

 

McNeal on Thomas: “The greatest thing about Molly is her love of the game. You can’t even describe it. I can’t say enough good about her. She is a great student of the game. Her speed is unbelievable. As far as I am concerned, she is the best pure striker the state has ever seen.”