Allendale, Mich. -- Grand Valley State women's soccer coach Dave DiIanni announced the signing of six student-athletes for the 2006 season. Irie Dennis (New Albany, Ohio), Katie Johnson (Petoskey, Mich.), Lauren King (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer), Ciara McClellan (Columbus, Ohio/Worthington Kilbourne), Natalja Stanski (Tecumseh, Ont./St. Anne), and Brandi Victory (Caledonia, Mich.) will join the Lakers in the fall.

Dennis, a 5-5 forward, led New Albany to two Mid-State League Championships and two district final appearances. She was a three-time all-conference selection and all-district honoree. Irie was the 2005 Mid-State League Player of the Year. She has played soccer for the Blast FC Select Soccer Club since age eight.

"Irie has pure speed and is extremely fast," DiIanni said. "She will compete immediately for playing time next fall because of her ability to be dynamic offensively."

Johnson, a 5-7 midfielder, led Petoskey to three straight district championships and two regional finals. She was a two-time all-district, all-region, and all-state honoree. Katie broke the school single-season records for goals (26) in 2004 and assists (21) in 2005. Johnson played club soccer for the 81/86 club team in Traverse City, placing third in the state and 28th in the region. In 2004, her club team travelled to Sweden and reached the quarterfinals of the Gothia Cup.

"Katie has the physical ability to step in and play right away," DiIanni said.

King, a 5-4 defender, led Ann Arbor Pioneer to two district championships and a semi-final appearance in 2003. Lauren was a first team all-conference selection in 2005 and was awarded the Southeastern Conference Sportsmanship Award. She was a member of the Vardar III Soccer Club from 2003-05 which captured the State Cup Championship in 2004 and 2005. She played for the Michigan Hawks during the 2005-06 club season.

"Lauren is a true defender who has played at the highest level of anyone in the class," said DiIanni. "Playing at the highest level has provided her with a lot of experience."

McClellan, a 5-7 defender, led Worthington Kilbourne to four consecutive conference championships and three straight district finals. She was a two-time all-Ohio Capital Conference selection and a second team all-district honoree in 2005. Ciara was a member of the Blast FB Select Soccer Club for the past 10 years. She was also a part of the Olympic Development Program state team in 2000 and 2001.

"Ciara is a tall, strong athlete who is very technical," DiIanni added. "She is a great athlete who will have the ability to get on the field at multiple positions."

Stanski, a 5-8 midfielder, has led St. Anne to three consecutive city championships and two regional championships. She was a three-time first-team all-city honoree. Has been a member of teams that have captured three city championships, two regional championships, an Ontario Cup Championship, and a Michigan State Cup Championship.

"Natalja is a tall, athletic girl who will make an impact in the middle of the field for us," DiIanni said.

Victory, a 5-9 midfielder, has been a member of the The Kalamazoo Outfit soccer club, Grand Valley Premier club, and is a part of the Michigan Hawks team this year. She spent three years with the ODP team which was coached by GVSU's DiIanni.

"Brandi is one of the hardest workers that I've come across during my time at the college level. She has a unique love of the game that drives her to succeed on the field," said DiIanni.

"Our main focus was to become more athletic as a team and I believe we have done that with this class," said DiIanni. "Not only are these girls great athletes, they are also great students. The girls recognize our ultimate goal is to win a National Championship and are excited to contribute towards that goal."