Aug. 28, 2008

TAMPA, FL - United Soccer Leagues announced Wednesday a full list of 128 players who will be participating in the upcoming inaugural USL W-League Combine, and La Salle's Michelle Verzi is one of the invitees.

The first-year event will give the players the opportunity to showcase their abilities for Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) general managers and coaches at the Ed Radice Sports Complex in Tampa, FL September 4-7.

Verzi is just one of two players from the Atlantic 10 Conference invited to the combine (Saint Louis' Meghann Burke) and just one of two from local schools (Villanova's Jillian Loyden). 

"Our staff is very pleased with Michelle's recent accomplishment. It is no surprise that she has been recognized as one of the elite players in our country's top league," said Head Coach Paul Royal. "Her amazing work ethic and commitment to excellence has always been her driving force. We knew that her professionalism and self-discipline would give her an opportunity at anything in her young professional life. The La Salle Soccer family wishes her all the best!"

In her three years at La Salle, Verzi played in 56 games and scored a goal and added seven assists. Last season, the defender was tied for third on the team with five assists.

She also excelled in the classroom, earning a spot on four separate all-academic teams in 2008 and was also honored with the La Salle Academic Excellence Award - after graduating with an overall grade point average of 3.99.