IRVINE, Calif. --- Head Coach Scott Juniper's imposing backline continues to fortify with the placement of freshman Shelby Petty into the Anteater mix.
"Shelby is a central defender who is an extremely driven personality to succeed at the peak of her potential," said a confident Juniper. "At 5'10", she has the athletic build of a Division I center back, and in our environment, we are excited to see her continued development."
Petty has honed her skills as her club's sweeper and defensive director and organizer while playing at South Torrance High School and with Exiles GU97 White club under coach Gerry Pineda within the NOMADS soccer club.
"Every time I'm on the field, I try my best not just to benefit myself, but also my team," voiced Petty. "My height helps me to clear crosses with my head, and I am loud on the field, I elieve I do a great job keeping my defense organized while playing both a flat four and diamond defense."
The defensive unit at UC Irvine, while ever-evolving, has remained a reliable fixture toward their recent runs in the Big West. The veteran presence remains on the squad, while also being infused with players like Grayson Galbraith and Shelby Lee.
"Having the opportunity to be around experienced players such as fifth-year senior captain Kelsey Texiera will be the perfect environment for that development this fall," coach Juniper added.
Petty has put in seven years with NOMADS and Exiles while leading South Torrance to an undefeated league title. She's got her eyes on studying something within the field of biological sciences at UCI, and in addition to her on-field contributions, also has paired with Cakes for Kids and YMCA as a volunteer along with lifeguard duties.
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