Boston Renegades News Release - www.masspremiersoccer.com

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

WALTHAM, MA -- The MPS Boston Renegades continue to increase the strength of their 2008 squad with the news that two standout players from the University of Illinois have agreed to join the W-League side.

Mary Therese McDonnell and Danielle Kot each garnered several individual honors during the 2007 college season and were both members of the Fighting Illini women's soccer side which reached last seasons NCAA College Cup 2nd round.

"The University of Illinois is a high profile program in the Big Ten Conference and we are delighted to secure the services of two of their top players," said Head Coach Darren Gallagher. "We expect both Mary Therese and Danielle to play a huge part in our assault on the 2008 W-League."

McDonnell joins the Renegades after completing a stellar four year career in the collegiate ranks where she was an ever-present in the Illinois backline. The defender capped her senior season in 2007 as she collected All-Region honors from the NSCAA and Soccer Buzz while she also earned a place on the Big Ten All Conference second team.

"Mary Therese comes to us with a wealth of experience after contributing to her college squad for the past four seasons," said Gallagher. "She possesses the leadership qualities that we look for in our defenders and we are we are excited to see her impact on the W-League."

Joining McDonnell is Danielle Kot who has just completed a breakout freshman campaign in the collegiate ranks. Kot lived up to her billing as a top 75 recruit coming out of High School as she exploded onto the college scene in 2007 and collected rookie honors from the NSCAA, Soccer Buzz and Top Drawer Soccer.

"Danielle is a player with a mature head on young shoulders," said Assistant Coach Mark McDevitt. "She had an outstanding freshman campaign and we will be looking for her to bring that fine form to the Renegades and into the W-League."

The Illinois pair will make their debuts when the MPS Boston Renegades kick off their 2008 W-League campaign against Jersey Sky Blue at Bowditch Stadium, Saturday 10th May. Kick off for the game is slated for 4pm.

Mary Therese McDonnell
University of Illinois
• Soccer Buzz All Great Lakes Region First Team (2007)
• NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region Third Team (2007)
• All Big Ten Second Team (2007)
• Soccer Buzz All Great Lakes Region Third Team (2006)
• Illinois Tournament Defensive MVP (2006)
• Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2004)
• Soccer Buzz All Great Lakes Region All-Freshman Team (2004)

Danielle Kot
University of Illinois
• Soccer Buzz All Great Lakes Region All-Freshman Team (2007)
• Top Drawer Soccer All-Rookie First Team (2007)
• Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2007)
• Listed as Top 75 recruit by Soccer Buzz
• NSCAA/adidas Youth All-America (2005, 2006)