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3 Badin seniors continue careers at D-I soccer schools

3 Ross soccer players also headed to next level.

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1:11 AM Thursday, February 2, 2012

Staff Report

HAMILTON — Three Badin High School seniors signed letters of intent on National Signing Day to continue their soccer careers with Division I programs.

Kim Golden (Morehead State), Ashley Mahoney (Kent State) and Lauren Mathews (Miami) are the latest in a long line of Rams who will play at the next level.

“Our girls soccer program has been outstanding for the past two decades, and these young women have added to the legacy,’’ said Badin Athletic Director Sally Kocher. “They have helped keep Badin girls soccer in the spotlight.”

Golden, Mahoney and Mathews all committed to their schools as juniors.

“These girls are not just outstanding soccer players, but they are fine students and fine people,’’ said Badin head coach Steve Tabar. “When you have three D-I players in your program, you’re going to be very competitive.” Mathews missed her senior season because of a knee injury she suffered in club soccer, but the RedHawks honored their scholarship offer. Mathews is playing basketball this winter for Badin. Golden and Mahoney helped lead the Rams to their seventh consecutive district championship game, where the Rams fell to eventual Division III state champion, Summit Country Day, 1-0.

• On the heels of the best season in program history, the Ross girls soccer team also is sending three players to the next level.

Goalie Nikki Hall will play at Western Kentucky, while midfielder Taylor Ahrens and forward/midfielder Courtney Young will continue as teammates at Rio Grande.

The three seniors helped the Rams post a 17-2-1 record this fall while winning a third consecutive Fort Ancient Valley Conference championship. The team also won sectional and district championships and advanced to the regional semifinals, equalling the deepest tournament run in school history.

• Fairfield also will be sending athletes to play in college, including girls soccer players Julia Wood (Central Michigan) and Holly Sparks (Indiana State). They helped the Indians go 10-4-3 overall and win their first outright Greater Miami Conference championship since 1998. Two other FHS athletes, Melissa Deitzer and Danielle Harding, gave verbal commitments to continue their track careers at the University of Cincinnati.

They will sign their official letters during the spring.

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