IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine's wealth of riches continues to grow with a midfielder extraordinaire in Shelby Lee.

Lee earned All-CIF First Team and league player of the year accolades as a senior at Carlsbad High School. She was also an integral in her school's San Diego Section CIF Division I title in 2012.

"I've admired Shelby for a while since first spotting her in Olympic Developmental Pool training," Head Coach Scott Juniper praised. "She can player anywhere, more suitable out wide, but has a wealth of pace and strength in addition to being good with both feet and without a doubt very competitive."

The 5'5" midfielder competed with DMCV Sharks on the club circuit while putting most of her efforts into the Cal South '96 ODP squad taking home Region IV and National titles in 2013 and adding U.S. Youth Soccer National championships in back-to-back seasons, 2013 and 2014. Lee also put in a year with the track team in school, and shares Coach Juniper's admiration for the program.

"There are many reasons that led to my final decision to attend UC Irvine. Most importantly, the amazing education provided by the university will guide me in finding a solid career later in life. In addition, while spending time with the girls on the team, I learned a lot about the program and the school through the student-athlete's eyes and believe I will be challenged both academically as well as on the soccer field."

"She has the potential to be a leader for the program who can effectively connect with all corners of the locker room," praised Coach Juniper about the ASB Vice President in high school. Lee's motivation will transfer from the high school level to UC Irvine where she has her eyes set on being a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse.

The four-year CIF Scholar-Athlete definitely has what it takes to tackle UCI from an academic and athletic standpoint.

"There are so many things that I am excited for on my upcoming journey at UCI, but above all, I can't wait to be a collegiate student-athlete. It is a goal that I had set for myself from a very young age, and I am finally going become just that at UC Irvine. I can't wait to further my education and compete playing the game I love at such a high level while representing the university. This transition to college soccer is a dream come true and I can't wait to wear the university's name on my jersey. To top it all off, the location is unbelievable. I am very excited for the future and all that is coming my way!"