Bowling Green State University Athletics
BGSU Announces 2004 Recruiting Class
February 06, 2004 | Women's Soccer
Feb. 6, 2004
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Bowling Green State University women's soccer coach Andy Richards and his assistant, Ashlee Orr, have announced the addition of four student-athletes to the program. Janie Babich (Ballwin, Mo./Parkway West), Danielle Cygan (North Royalton, Ohio/Padua), Denise Cygan (North Royalton, Ohio/Padua) and Rachael Ross (Perrysburg, Ohio/Perrysburg) will join the Falcons this fall.
"We're very excited about the entire group," said Richards. "Ashlee and I are pleased that Janie, Danielle, Denise and Rachael have committed their futures to the BGSU women's soccer program."
Babich, a midfielder, was a two-year starter at Fargo (N.D.) South High School, before moving to Missouri and earning another two letters. In North Dakota, she played club ball for the Red River Soccer Club, helping that team to state championships in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002. She also has played for the Busch Soccer Club in Missouri. She is the daughter of Bob Babich, who was an assistant football coach at BGSU on the 1991 MAC Championship team. Bob Babich, who was the head football coach at North Dakota State University for six seasons, recently accepted the job of linebackers coach with the NFL's Chicago Bears after holding a similar position with the St. Louis Rams in 2003.
"The Falcons will greatly benefit from Janie's upbringing in a coaching household, and are thrilled for her to join our program," said Richards. "Her work rate is phenomenal, and we are very much looking forward to adding her tough tackling and high energy to the midfield. Janie is a very exciting prospect that will surely blossom in the collegiate environment."
Danielle Cygan, a defender, was a four-year starter for a Padua High School team that won a district title in 2001 and advanced to the district finals in both 2000 and 2002. A three-time all-conference first-team performer, she was her league's MVP in her final season. She played club ball for the Internationals, helping that team to numerous Ohio North State Cup Championships as well as a Region II title in 1999.
"Danielle was a much sought-after recruit, and BGSU is delighted to have her join the program," said Richards. "Her club team is extremely well-regarded through Ohio and the Midwest as a program that consistently produces a high caliber of player. Danielle will bring experience, skill and pace to the Falcons' back line. Her character will make her a popular member of the team, and she will add both talent and depth to our squad."
Denise Cygan, also a defender, is the twin sister of Danielle. Denise was also a part of the Padua teams that won a district title in 2001 and advanced to the finals in both 2000 and '02. A two-time all-league first-team selection, she was named the team's defensive MVP in her senior year. She teamed with her sister on the Internationals club teams that won Ohio North State Cup titles from 1997-2003.
"Denise, like her sister, will bring experience, skill and pace to the back line of our program," said Richards. "The Internationals, coached by Zdravko Popovic, are known as a program that achieves success against the best teams at the most competitive tournaments. Denise was highly recruited by several schools, and Bowling Green was fortunate enough to add her soccer knowledge and ability to the program. Her attitude and personality will add much to the chemistry of the team."
Ross, a defender/midfielder, was a three-year starter and two-time team captain at Perrysburg High School. She earned All-Northern Lakes League and all-district first-team honors as a senior, after earning honorable mention to both teams the previous season. A member of the Olympic Development Program from 2000-03, she has represented the state team at ODP Regional Camp. She plays club ball for the Greater Toledo Futbol Club.
"Rachael is regarded by the BGSU coaching staff as the top prospect from the local community," said Richards. "She has the technical ability and physical prowess to play either on defense or in the midfield, and will add depth and flair to the program. The Falcons are delighted to have Rachael in the program and look forward to watching her career develop over the next four years."
The Falcons finished the 2003 season with an overall record of 8-12-3, including a 5-5-2 mark in Mid-American Conference play. That squad advanced all the way to the championship match of the league tournament for the second time in Richards' four years at the helm. Only two players, senior co-captains Kasey Freeman and Carrie Richards, have exhausted their eligibility from that team.
BGSU WOMEN'S SOCCER NEWCOMERS
Name Pos. Hometown (High School) Janie Babich M Ballwin, Mo. (Parkway West) Danielle Cygan D North Royalton, Ohio (Padua) Denise Cygan D North Royalton, Ohio (Padua) Rachael Ross D/M Perrysburg, Ohio (Perrysburg)
