Wayne State College head women's soccer coach Molly Grisham announced today that Elizabeth Israelsen and Darian Mochizuki (pronounced mo-cha-zoo-key) of Western Wyoming Community College will transfer to Wayne State College and play soccer for the Wildcats in the 2010 season. The junior college transfers increase the size of the 2010 Wildcat recruiting class to nine members, joining Audrey Asplund of New Castle, Colorado, Heather Feltes of Lincoln, Nebraska, Macy Hagen of Bellevue, Nebraska, Kayli Hopper of Norfolk, Nebraska, Kelly Lange of Omaha, Nebraska, Norma Volkmer of Lincoln, Nebraska and Ryan Wells of Arlington, Texas.   Both players will have two years of eligibility with the Wildcats.

            Elizabeth Israelsen is a 5-4 defender from Smithfield, Utah that scored three goals with two assists last season at Western Wyoming CC.  She earned All-Region honors and was Academic All-Region last season helping Western Wyoming to a 7-6-1 record.  Israelsen was named the team's Most Valuable Player in the 2008 season.  In high school at Sky View High School in Utah, she was an All-State selection her senior season and was a two-time All-Region performer.

            “Liz will be a great addition to our team,” remarked Coach Grisham.  “I believe she will play a positive role in our back line or central midfield.  She not only has the physical traits needed to contribute to our team but also has two years of college experience.  Her comfort level with the ball will serve her very well within our style of play.”

            Darian Mochizuki is a 5-2 defender from Kearns, Utah and was named the Most Valuable Player at Western Wyoming Community College last fall, earning Region IX First Team All-Region and Academic All-Region honors with two goals from her defender position.  In high school at Kearns Senior High in Utah, she was a three year standout in both soccer and track and field.    

            “I believe Darian has the skills to earn immediate time in our back line or in our central midfield,” commented Grisham.  “She brings two years of playing experience and leadership to our team and her work in the classroom is also outstanding.  Darian is very calm on the ball and she knows when to clear under pressure and when to possess.  I am very excited to add Darian to our team.”

            Wayne State College is an NCAA Division II school located in Wayne, Nebraska and competes in the 14-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.  The Wildcats finished the 2009 season with a record of 4-15-1 overall and 1-11-1 in the Northern Sun Conference.