Bree Rios of Harlingen High and Stefany Strickland of Weslaco High signed Red River Athletic Conference Letters of Intent to join the UTB/TSC women's soccer team during a signing ceremony Wednesday.

The signings are the first two for 2010. Photo Gallery!

"We are very excited about signing both Bree and Stefany as first two signees for our 2010 recruiting class," Scorpion head coach Nik Barjaktarevic said. "Both are top players on their high school teams. We have very high goals as a team for 2010 with only one senior graduating, so we expect a lot from our recruits."

Rios and Strickland played together with the Harlingen Celtics club team.

Rios is a forward for Harlingen High and is one of the team captains. She is expected to play outside midfield or forward.

"Bree is a leader for a young Harlingen team," Barjaktarevic said. "She is an attacking player with a lot of speed, and a very hard worker. Bree has a good feel for the game, has a lot of potential and is comfortable playing in other positions as well."

Rios was selected to the District 32-5A Second Team All-District as a junior. She hopes to major in Sports Psychology.

"I'm looking forward to playing at a higher level and hope to become a better, faster and more aggressive player," Rios said. "I plan to make the best of this experience."

Strickland has played club soccer for 14 years.

"Stefany plays different positions, communicates well, is a very hard worker and is very strong on the ball," Barjaktarevic said. "She'll be able to help us as a defender."

Strickland was a District 32-5A First Team All-District performer as a sophomore and junior, and was All-Valley Second Team last year.

"It was great to find a school close to home that has a strong soccer program," Strickland said. "I'm looking forward to improving in the sport as well as a higher level of competition."