San Antonio – Tara Sparks of McAllen, Texas; and Meredith McDowell of Newport News, Va.; will become members of the Trinity University Tigers women's soccer team in August.              

“These players bring a commitment and a passion for success in all that they do,” said sixth-year Tigers coach Lance Key.

Sparks, a midfielder from McAllen High School, was named to the RGVSports.com All-Valley First Team, for the second straight year. She scored 20 goals during the season, including 15 in district play, along with double-digit assists. Sparks has scored 57 goals in her high school career. She has been a member of the Lady Border Bandits club team. An outstanding student, Sparks will graduate in the top 5 percent of her class.

“Tara is a gifted athlete who will bring pace to our wide play,” coach Key said. “I expect she will be a handful for the opposition, as she will cover a lot of ground over the course of 90 minutes.”

McDowell, from Menchville High School, was named to the All-Peninsula District First Team as a forward (2008) and midfielder (2009). In addition, McDowell was selected for the Eastern Region Honorable Mention Team for two years. McDowell served as captain of the Newport News FC Phoenix, and was the team's leading scorer. A versatile student-athlete, McDowell was captain of the Menchville girls cross country team. McDowell will graduate fifth in her class, and is currently president of the Menchville National Honor Society.

“Meredith is a clever player with the ball at her feet,” coach Key added. “ Her ability to pass and receive will enable her to be an important connector in the midfield.  She is a very bright mind that will see tremendous success in the classroom, as well as on the field.”

Coach Key led the team to a perfect 16-0-0 regular-season record, and won a fourth Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship this past fall. He was elected SCAC Women's Soccer Coach of the Year for the third time. 

After finishing 18-0-1 and advancing to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals last year, the Tigers will return three of its top four scorers in 2010.  All-American and SCAC Defensive Player of the Year Danika Wright will lead the Tigers next fall, following a year in which the team was the top-ranked defensive team in Division III.  Wright will be joined by seven other returning All-SCAC performers, including SCAC Newcomer of the Year Lindsay Euers.