MOSCOW, Idaho - University of Idaho soccer coach Larry Foster announced the signing of five players to national letters-of-intent. Ashley Cox, Melissa Martinazzi, Sarah Melby, Dana Elwell, and Katie Swajkoski will join the Vandals for the 2001 season.

"I am so excited about this group of young ladies," Foster said. "We added five outstanding student-athletes. They should make us a lot stronger and help us continue to build on last season's success. Steve Crum and Arby Busey have done a great job staying on top of things with me not being around much this fall due to my illness.

"We filled every need we identified at the beginning of the recruiting period. We were already excited about the players we have returning, however this class should give us the depth we need to compete for the Big West Conference title next fall."

In three short years, the UI women's soccer program moved from last in the conference to third. With this recruiting class, Foster is hoping to solidify a spot among the conference elite. However, the Vandals have to try to fill the void left by the graduation of Dee DeFord, Tiffany Jensen and Andi King.

"Everyone we have signed has a positive goal-oriented attitude which will fit in well with the rest of the team," said Crum, recruiting coordinator. "All of the signees come from excellent high school and club programs which should prepare them well for the next level. We were already excited with the team we have returning, however this class should give us the depth we need to compete for the Big West Conference title next fall."

The first member of the class of 2001 is Ashley Cox of West Des Moines, Iowa. Ashley is the third player on the Idaho roster from the state of Iowa. She played against current Vandals Jenny Kiebel and Stephanie Burgmeier in the 1999 Iowa State soccer championship game.

"Ashley is a solid defender with a lot of athletic ability," said Crum. "She will add depth to our already solid defense. We have had a lot of success with players from the Midwest."

"We are thrilled to have Ashley strengthen our back line," Foster said.

High school standout Melissa Martinazzi from Bellevue, Wash., joins the Vandals in 2001. Martinazzi plays for the same nationally known soccer club that produced current Vandals Julie Nygaard, Laura Humphreys, and Jenell Miller.

"Melissa is a big-time high school player who we are looking forward to making an immediate impact," Crum said. "She is mentally tough and aggressive and should complement our midfield well. Melissa is a player we had been looking at for quite awhile and are excited she is going to be a Vandal."

"I had the privelege of coaching Melissa in the Washington Olympic Development Program," Foster said. "She is a dangerous player that has a tremendous work ethic, good field vision, and is an intelligent player. Her versatility will be a big asset to the team."

Sarah Melby from Mukilteo, Wash., is the third member of the class of 2001. Melby is a two-sport athlete at Kamiak High School. Melby also was being recruited by Wyoming, Yale, and Gonzaga.

"We are just thrilled to have Sarah come play for us," Foster said. "She is a great kid that will gives us an added dimension in our lineup and another attacking player."

Katie Swajkoski, arguably the top recruit in the state of Idaho this year will stay in-state to play for the Vandals. Katie played on three Idaho State Championship teams, Boise High School in 1997 and Timberline in 1998 and 1999. She was also recruited by William and Mary, Wake Forest, and Louisville.

"Katie is the top recruit from the state of Idaho this year," Foster said. "Our goal has been to keep the top players from Idaho in-state and we feel we have accomplished that in signing Katie. We are looking forward to her filling the vacancy left by the graduation of team captain Tiffany Jensen. I have watched Katie play for a long time. She is a smart, tough defender, who doesn't give up."

Rounding out the class of 2001 is Dana Elwell from Carnation, Washington. Dana played uder assistant coach Arby Busey for the Washington Soccer Club. At Cedarcrest High School, Dana was a second team all-conference selection in 1999 and 2000. She was also recruited by Gonzaga, University of Puget Sound, and Whitman College.

"Dana is a smart and versatile player," said Foster. "She is very focused."

"She is a very good athlete, with a lot of experience at multiple positions which will gives flexibility in our lineup," said Crum. "Arby and I worked with Dana while we coached for the Washington Soccer Club and look forward to coaching with her in the future."