Photo caption: Pictured with soccer signee Charlie Hislop are: back row (l to r) brother Wesley, dad Andy, sister Rebecca; front row (l to r) mom Suria, Charlie, grandmother Sheila

Ottumwa -- The chance to play alongside a former teammate was cited as one reason why Charlotte (Charlie) Hislop signed a letter of intent to play soccer for Indian Hills. IHCC coach Stephanie Gale announced the signing of Hislop, a left/right wing and midfielder from Manchester, England and former teammate of Hannah Mitchell, currently a freshman at IHCC.

Hislop played four seasons with the Manchester United Girls and also boasts playing experience with the Liverpool Ladies Centre of Excellence, Crewe Alexandra Centre of Excellence, Manchester City Ladies, Stockport County Ladies and Cheadle Town Ladies. She successfully trialed for the England Centre of Excellence, but chose to remain with the Manchester United Girls FC.

When asked why she chose to come to Indian Hills, Hislop said, "I see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to take my football to the next level and experience life away from the UK. Indian Hills looks great and the facilities are amazing. I like the way coach Gale has future plans that seem exciting for the team I am about to join, and that football is more of a passion than a pastime."

"The chance to play alongside like-minded people that have a passion for football also appeals to me," Hislop added. "I like the chance to be super fit and be coached by a top quality coach that has experienced the high standard expected. I will get the chance to play with Hannah Mitchell, my friend, and make new friends, hopefully for life, from all over the world. I will get the opportunity to live the dream I've had since I was six or seven to play football in the USA."

Coach Gale said that 'Charlie' will join the IHCC program with a wealth of experience, having played for some of the top clubs. "She has had the ability to grow and learn from top coaches from these clubs," Gale said, "and playing on our team will only help her improve her game to reach the next level after Indian Hills. Charlie has an amazing, supportive family who without a doubt fit right into the family here at IHCC, where family members of the players are a key part of this journey and the success of the program."

The Indian Hills coach likes Hislop's 'ability to pick out passes, knowing when to take on players and when to connect passes. She said the IHCC signee has confidence in herself to take on players one-on-one. "Charlie is a team player and on the field always looks for the best outcome to get the ball in the back of the net. Her ability to read the game is very advanced."

"Charlie's passion for the game has never been in question, whether she reaches her goals or faces challenges along the way. She is looking for ways to improve as a player and she always asks questions. Off the field she is an outgoing young lady who cares very much about her academic success."