After a down year in 2009 (7-1-1 in the KCAC), the Coyotes are ready to return their game to the level it was through the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons, when Wesleyan went 27-0 in KCAC play, including riding a 31-match unbeaten streak that was snapped on October 21 against Ottawa.

"I'm not going to take anything away from Ottawa," saidHead Coach MikeDibbini, "They are good! We were young and inexperienced, and they took advantage of our tentativeness."

Since coming onboard to coach the Coyotes in 2005, Mike Dibbini is 42-2-1 in KCAC play, both losses coming to Ottawa University (the 2005 season finale, and Oct. 21 this season), and the lone tie coming to McPherson on October 10.

The KWU/Ottawa rivalry is not the only thing Dibbini and staff has concerns about. During Dibbini's tenure, the entire KCAC has become competitive. With good coaching and great talent, the days of easy conference victories are gone. "We're a known commodity now," explained Dibbini. "Other teams know who we are and what we can do and are coming in well prepared. Teams like McPherson and Friends are raising their games to another level."

With that being said, the Coyotes announce the signings of Katie Janes, Katie Hamersky, Makenna Eide and Diana Ravenda, who will all do their part to help Wesleyan return to the elite level they have enjoyed the last few seasons.

Katie Janes (MF/DEF, Fr., Saugus, Calif. / Saugus HS) is a lightning fast wing player with strength and size; she is a great transition player, with an outstanding service on the offensive attack, and the goods to defend anyone.

Also signing with Wesleyan is Janes' teammate, Kaitlyn Hamersky (F/DEF, Fr., Saugus, Calif. / Saugus HS). The coaching staff feels she can stand in as a target player up top, or can fit into any defensive set. Dibbini and Assistant Coach Deedee Sanguinetti see her dominance in the air as a great compliment to a strong and versatile returning defensive unit.

"We are looking for her to give us that powerful force in the center defense, and also want her to get on the end of set plays on the offensive end," Sanguinetti said.

Both Janes and Hamersky drew interest from NCAA Division I programs, but landed at Wesleyan.

Makenna Eide (MF, Fr., Corona, Calif. / Centennial HS), is a player thatKWU West CoastRecruiter Coordinator BT Timmerman has been tracking for a few years. "Makenna has been somewhat under the radar because she played up in age group. She made quite an impression when I saw her with Tustin United, but I almost lost track of her. Fortunately, she contacted us about watching her play with her new team, Eclipse, and I am very excited that we've been able to sign her."

"She's a real baller," exclaimed Coach Dibbini. "She's quick, got great vision and touch, sprays the ball and is not afraid to get stuck in. She'll give our midfield coherence and will be able to connect the dots."

Wesleyan also adds transfer Diana Ravenda (5-3, F, Jr., Laguna Niguel, Calif. / Dana Hills HS / California Baptist) into the mix. Ravenda will come to Wesleyan after spending the last two seasons at California Baptist, where she played in 33 games. Ravenda prepped at Dana Hills High in Dana Point, Calif., for head coach Steve Donoso, graduating in 2008. She led the Dana Hills HS Dolphins to the second round of the CIF playoffs in 2006 as a sophomore. She also played club for the Laguna Hills Eclipse.

The Coyotes are looking for Ravenda to put up big numbers to make up for the loss of three-year All-American Heather Muilenburg, who ended her career as the most profilic scorer in Wesleyan women's soccer history.

"She has the work ethic and the skill level to dominate the field," said Dibbini, "She has two seasons of experience playing at the top levels in the NAIA, so she should hit the ground running."

-- KWU SI --