Oakland Soccer Inks Two Recruits for 2004

Rochester, Mich. (Feb. 4, 2004) – Oakland University’s women’s soccer team announced the signing of two recruits - Kali Karibo (Rochester Hills, Mich.) and Kristi Mitchell (Troy, Mich.) - on Wednesday to join the Golden Grizzlies in the fall of 2004. Both players are local to the area and have had extensive careers at both the high school and club level.

Head coach Nick O’Shea is pleased with the decision of what he believes are two top prospects from the state of Michigan.

“I am pleased that we have been able to sign two outstanding local players” commented O’Shea. “The success we've had at the conference, state and national levels and the signing of these two top in -state prospects are directly related. Oakland’s women’s soccer program is committed to success and the signing of these two quality players is a major step in securing our future.”

Karibo and Mitchell both play club soccer for Vardar III ’87 – a Michigan powerhouse in club soccer. Throughout their tenure, Vardar III has won two state championships (2000-01, 2001-02) and was 2002-03 State Cup runner-up. Mitchell, who captained the team from 2001-2003 will graduate from Troy high school in June, 2004. Throughout her career she has garnered a total of 34 goals and 34 assists and has won three regional championships and one Division I state championship (2003). As this year’s 2004 captain, Mitchell has been named All-OAA, All-Regional and All-District since she was a freshman; second team All-State (2001, 2001) and first team All-State as a junior.

“Signing a proven goal scorer like Kristi ensures a bright future for women’s soccer at Oakland University” said O’Shea of Mitchell. “She is an impact player gifted with speed and a powerful shot. Her competitive attitude and winning ways make Kristi a welcome addition to our program at OU.”

Karibo is a graduate of Rochester Hills Stoney Creek High School. As captain of the team in both her junior and senior years, she led Stoney Creek in points with 13 goals and 23 assists in 2003 and was named All-League, All-Area, All-District, and All-State. In 2002 she won a Division III state championship with Madison Heights Bishop Foley Catholic High School scoring two goal in the championship game. Karibo has also been extensively involved in Michigan’s Olympic Development Program having participated for five years.

“We are very excited that Kali is coming to Oakland” said O’Shea. “She is a creative player that has a passion and mind for soccer. Her ability to create goal scoring chances for herself and her teammates is the key ingredient for our continued success here at OU.”