BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Five players from Kentucky will join the WKU Lady Topper soccer team in 2010, head coach Jason Neidell has announced. Kelsey Burnette from Bowling Green, Katrina Ott of Versailles, Torrie Lange from Florence, Lexington's Chelsea Smith and Kayla Steber of Danville will arrive at WKU in 2010.

"This is a strong and deep recruiting class from the state of Kentucky," Neidell said. "Among the many assets that this group brings to our team is the simple fact that they have played with and against each other for many years and have already formed a strong bond as a group. We are excited that these student-athletes have decided to continue their careers at WKU."

Burnette, a 5-8 midfielder from Bowling Green, was a two-time high school region player of the year. She was also a member of the 2009 All-State Second Team following an honorable mention nod in 2008. She ranks seventh in KHSAA Girls Soccer history with 61 career assists, and she has scored 101 career goals. Burnette was also a Wendy's State Heisman Award winner in 2007 and 2008. Her club team, SKY, is coached by WKU assistant coach Chris Tinius. Her father, David, was a player on the WKU men's soccer team.

Burnette was a four-year soccer letterwinner and starter at Warren Central High School, and she also lettered three times in basketball.

"Kelsey is a physically strong and gifted athlete who was the leader and go-to player on the field for Warren Central High School," Neidell explained. "It has been fun watching her grow and develop in the soccer community here. Her Hilltopper roots run deep, and it is always a bonus to get a student-athlete who was born and bred with such love and pride for this university."

Ott, from Woodford County High School in Versailles, was part of the Region II Olympic Development Program (ODP) Team from 2008-09 and a member of the Kentucky State ODP Team from 2005-09. Her LFC Premier club team won the State Cup in 2008 and was the runner-up in 2009. In addition, she was the captain of her club team in 2008 and 2009. Ott was also the 2008 Eurosport Female Player of the Year, as well as a three-time first-team all-state player at Woodford County High School.

Ott lettered four years in soccer in high school and was a four-year starter. She also lettered twice in basketball.

"Katrina has tremendous athleticism and soccer instincts," Neidell said. "She is another player who we had been actively watching and scouting for several years, so we were obviously excited when she expressed strong interest in our program. With three senior defenders graduating, we expect her to compete for playing time in the back right away."

Hailing from Florence, Lange was a member of the Kentucky State ODP Team from 2006-09 and was also named first-team all-state in 2009. Her Classics Hammer club team earned the 2008 Midwest Region League championship, and the 5-7 midfielder was an ESPN R.I.S.E. Athlete and Cincinnati Enquirer All-Star in 2009.

Lange earned four soccer letters at Notre Dame Academy, while starting all four seasons.

"Torrie is not only a great soccer player, but an individual with contagious energy," Neidell explained. "Her presence brightens up a room, and she is a strong-willed and eager competitor. We pride ourselves on great team chemistry, and we believe Torrie will be an incredible asset in that regard, as well as a significant addition in the midfield."

Smith, a 5-8 forward from Lexington, was a member of the Kentucky State ODP Team from 2006-09. Along with fellow WKU newcomer Lange, Smith played on a Classics Hammer club team that finished third in the Midwest Region League in 2009. Her high school career was filled with accolades, as she was named first-team all-state in 2008 and 2009 and was named to the NSCAA/adidas High School Girls All-Region Team in 2009.

Smith earned four soccer letters at Lexington Catholic High School and also picked up two in tennis.

"Chelsea is a speedy and athletic forward who has a knack for scoring opportunistic goals," Neidell said. "She will play as a winger for us and has the potential to become an incredible threat attacking 1v1. We are eager to see how she blends with our midfielders and other attacking players. She is a welcome addition the Lady Topper front line."

Steber, a Danville native, was a part of the Region II ODP Pool in 2006 and a member of the Kentucky State ODP Team from 2003-09. As a part of the LFC Premier club team, she earned State Cup runner-up finishes in 2006 and 2009. The 5-7 defender also was named to the All-State Second Team in 2009. Steber currently plays alongside fellow signee Ott on the Central Kentucky Soccer Club (CKSC) Lightning.

Steber started and lettered all four seasons at Danville High School. She also lettered once each in basketball and cross country.

"Kayla is another great talent who had her heart set on coming to WKU from day one," Neidell explained. "She is a relentless worker who just goes about her business and gets the job done. She is a silent leader on the field, and we are anxious to help her find a more commanding voice. She certainly has the athleticism and defensive prowess to become a force for our team in the back."

The five in-state players join Laura Ray and Chrissy Tchoula as additions to the Lady Toppers for the 2010 campaign.