Illinois women’s soccer announced its new signing class on Wednesday. The Illini will add six freshmen for the 2006 season.

The rookies will actually add significant experience to Illinois’ program. Three of the six are former national champions at the Olympic Development and club levels, and five have competed for a national championship. Four of the players are from within Illinois.

“This is not just a collection of great soccer players,” Illinois head coach Janet Rayfield said in a press release. “The class of 2006 is a group of exceptional young women on and off the field whose combined talents will help further the success of our program.

Courtney Bell is a midfielder from Bainbridge Island, Wash. She led her Olympic Development Program team to a national title in 2004, and led her high school team in scoring in both her freshman and sophomore seasons, before concentrating on club.

Brittany Carrett is a defender from Lake Zurich, Ill. Soccer Buzz listed her as a top-150 recruit. She was named to the Chicago Sun-Times All-State team in 2005 when her high school team finished second in state.

Chichi Nweke is a forward from Virginia Beach, Va. She was named a top-75 recruit by Soccer Buzz and helped her Olympic Development team to the Orange Classic Championship in 2004 and 2005. She also led her club team to four league championships.

Christina Sahly is a forward/midfielder from Naperville Central. She has competed in Europe and at the national level. Sahly was All-DuPage Valley Conference, and earned All-Area recognition from the Daily Herald and Naperville Sun in 2004 and 2005.

Jackie Santacaterina is a midfielder from Geneva, Ill. She and Garret competed together for the Eclipse Select club team, where they won back-to-back U.S. Youth Soccer Association national championships in 2004 and 2005. She finished her high school career with 49 goals and 47 assists for the Lady Vikings.

Ashley Varns, from Chatham Illinois, is a forward. She led her high school team to the IHSA championship game in 2005 and a third-place finish in 2004. She was a three-year first team All-Central State Eight selection in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

“All the necessary elements of a team are found in this class – playmaker, ball winner, competitor, goal scorer, speed, ability in the air, defensive pride, and even great names for the announcers,” Rayfield said. “I’m excited to see this class develop in our environment and look forward to the day that they help bring home a national championship.”