Soccer Inks Three for 2014 Season

HOUGHTON, Mich. – Three high school seniors have signed National Letters of Intent to play soccer at Michigan Tech under fourth-year head coach Michelle Jacob. Taylor Archibald and Sarah Boyd, both of Green Bay, Wis., and Olivia Smith of Columbus Ind., have committed to play for the Huskies.

Archibald is a midfield/forward at Bay Port High School. She has 39 career goals heading into her senior season. She has been a two-time all-area and two-time first team all-conference selection. The Pirates have been two-time regional champs and sectional finalists.

"Our notes from watching Taylor playing with her high school team were that she was hardest working player on the field, always makes the run, never gives up, always positive, goes after every ball, great skill in receiving, communicates well and provides excellent service from the flank," Jacob said. "Those attributes describe the kind of player that can make an impact at Michigan Tech and we are confident Taylor will do just that.

"She adds to our ability to play the ball wide and get it in front of our opponent's goal while providing a one-on-one threat wherever she has the ball."

Boyd is also a midfield/forward and played at Green Bay Preble High School. She led her team in scoring during the 2011 and 2013 seasons.

"We had several opportunities to watch Sarah play with the Wisconsin Olympic Development Team, FC Green Bay and Preble High School," added Jacob. "She showed great consistency, speed and versatility and a tremendous work ethic. She is dangerous up front where she plays well both back to goal and getting in behind with her speed.

"Her versatility makes her a force to be reckoned with in a defensive midfield role where her fight, speed and strength make a tremendous difference. We look forward to adding those strengths to our team."

Smith played four years at Columbus East High School as a defender. She tallied five goals and eight assists in her career and was a two-time first team all-conference pick. Smith was twice selected to the Indiana Soccer Coaches Association Second Team All-District and ISCA All-Academic Team. She was named Indiana Coaches of Girls Soccer Association Academic All-State Honorable Mention and was also a three-time team MVP on defense, team captain and two-time all-conference honorable mention. Her team  was undefeated all four years in the Hoosier Hills Conference, outscoring opponents 99-0 over the last two seasons.

"Olivia comes to our program having played for very successful high school and club programs," said Jacob. "Her experience playing for Columbus East High School and playing club for Zionsville in the MRL premier league have well-prepared her for the demands of GLIAC play.

"Olivia brings a strong defensive mindset, great speed and skill, plus a nice passing range to connect and combine coming out of the back. She is an intelligent player who is comfortable either wide or centrally on defense. In addition, Olivia adds an aerial threat that we will utilize greatly on set pieces and weak side runs. We are happy she is joining our program at Tech."

The Huskies qualified for their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2013, finishing 14-6-1 overall and second in the GLIAC at 9-2-1.