Twilley signs with Troy in Alabama
February 11, 2011

By David Claybourn
Herald-Banner Sports Editor

Greenville senior soccer player Katelynn Twilley has made her new head coach Ryan Dunlevy's job easier this season.

"She's been like an assistant coach," said Dunlevy. "Really and truly."

Dunlevy said Twilley and the other seniors have helped with "the little things."

"She's been a leader on and off the field," he said.

Twilley will take those leadership qualities with her to Troy University in Alabama after signing a letter of intent with the Trojans. She will receive the Chancellor's Award, a full-tuition scholarship worth approximately $48,000 over four years.

Twilley has led the Lady Lions in scoring in each of the past three seasons, including an 18-goal year in 2010. She was the district's midfielder of the year as a sophomore and the district's most valuable player last season.

Twilley first discovered Troy's soccer program last season while attending a day camp on the Troy campus.

"I really liked it," she said.

What convinced her to sign with Troy?

"Well, the full ride helped," she said with a smile, "and the campus is really good."

Twilley, who plans to major in nursing, is one of five high school seniors who've recently signed letters of intent with Troy. The others include Kelsey Monahan, a goalkeeper from St. Augustine, Fla., Paige McMillan, a forward-midfielder from Red Oak in Texas, Chelsey Williams, a forward-midfielder from Panama City, Fla. and Alissa Jones, a forward-midfielder from Mustang, Okla.

"We are extremely excited about this recruiting class," said Troy coach Chris Bentley in a release posted on the university's website. "They are all high quality athletes, and have been tremendous in the classroom. There is no doubt that they will be fantastic representatives for Troy University. We feel strongly that they will bring us to another level."

Troy went 11-8-1 this past season, the best record in school history.