July 28, 1998

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - University of Miami head women’s soccer coach Jim Blankenship announces the signing of midfielder Katherine Sund (Oslo, Norway) and defender Lene Ostergard-Hansen (Lynjey, Denmark) to national letters of intent.The pair become the fourth and fifth signees of the University of Miami’s inaugural women’s soccer program which begins play this fall.

Sund, a 5’7" center midfielder, comes to Miami after spending her freshman year at the University of Mobile, the 1997 NAIA national champions. A second-team NAIA All-American, Sund was also named to the NAIA All-tournament team.Sund, who enters the fall as a sophomore, is also a member of the Kolbolten club team in Norway’s first division.

"Katherine is a physically dominant player who we expect to make an immediate impact as a starter," said Blankenship."She is a great defensive midfielder who is both strong on the ball and dominant in the air.Katherine can also be a dangerous force in the opponent’s penalty area."

Ostergard-Hansen, a 5’7" sweeper, will enter the fall as a junior. A member of the Danish Junior National Team, she has also competed for Vejle Boldklub, a club team in Denmark’s highest division.

"We expect Lene to start and be the anchor of our defense," said Blankenship."Her experience playing at the highest level in Denmark makes her a natural leader for University of Miami."