April 27, 2015
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State women's soccer head coach Mike Friesen announced the addition of two new players to its program, Gemma Craine and Danielle DeRosa. Craine signed a National Letter of Intent and DeRosa inked a Grant-in-Aid. Both will be eligible to play in 2015 for the three-time defending Mountain West champions.
A native of England, Craine spent her freshman and sophomore years playing for Monroe College (N.Y.), the 2014 NJCAA Women's Division I National Champions. The 5-4 midfielder joins the Aztecs as a junior for the 2015 season with notable stats. As a sophomore, Craine (Derby, England/Lincoln Minster High School) scored six goals and tallied 16 points, both of which ranked fourth on the team. She also recorded four assists with the Mustangs en route to earning NJCAA Second-Team All-America honors. During her freshman season, Craine scored 13 goals in only 11 games for 26 points, the second-highest totals for each category that year.
"Gemma will add a great attacking presence in the midfield for us," Friesen said. "She has the ability to cover a lot of ground, is a very good on the ball, and is a good finisher. Gemma has a drive to be a great player and win at the highest level. We are excited to have her in our program."
DeRosa, a 5-5 forward/midfielder from Rocklin, will be a sophomore in 2015 and had an impressive freshman season with Louisiana. Tying for the team high with seven goals and leading the Ragin' Cajuns with 18 points and four assists, DeRosa (Rocklin, Calif./Rocklin High School) will add depth to the Aztecs' roster. She led the team in scoring, including game-winners (2), despite starting just five games. Prior to arriving at Louisiana, DeRosa helped Rocklin to league titles in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and was an all-league selection as a senior. She played her club soccer with Cal Blues Strikers.
"Danielle is an athletic, skilled player who we believe will contribute right away," Friesen said. "She will be able to play in the midfield and up top. It is nice to have a transfer who scored seven goals last year in limited minutes. We are excited to see what she can accomplish with a lot of great support around her here."
Both players join an SDSU squad that is coming off its third straight NCAA tournament appearance and has won the last three MW regular-season and tournament championships.