Ottumwa -- Laura Hallissey will become the first player from Ireland on the IHCC women's soccer team when she joins the Warriors for the 2016 season. Coach Stephanie Gale announced the signing of Hallissey, a native of Waterford, Ireland, with experience playing on a host of teams in her home country dating back a dozen years.

Hallissey, a center forward and wing, first started playing organized soccer in 2003, for Bohemians FC, and most recently competed for Kilkenny United FC and Tramore AFC. She also had stints with Piltown FC, Ferrybank AFC and Waterford. The future IHCC Warrior has been a part of teams that have won their league and cup. Among her personal accomplishments were being chosen to play for the Waterford development squad each of the past seven years, for the FAI winter development squad and the southeast team that played Man United in 2013.

"After speaking with coach Gale I just felt a very friendly atmosphere created surrounding the college," said Hallissley, when asked why she chose Indian Hills. "I spoke with one of the girls and my Mam spoke with one of the parents, and we felt it was the best option because everyone seemed very friendly and there was a family ethos about the place. I think it will help me improve on a personal, academic and sporting level."

Hallissey says she's excited about the chance to play soccer in America for a coach who won conference coach of the year honors last season, especially because coach Gale plays the same position as the newest IHCC recruit. She also looks forward to playing with team members who come from several different countries and share her love for the sport.

"Laura brings a brand new perspective to our program," Gale said. "She is an exciting addition -- the first Irish native to play for us. One thing I pride the program on is being diverse and giving each student the opportunity to play with players from all over the world. Last year we had seven different nationalities and I look to add to that total. This is what I believe makes our program exciting to young athletes."

Gale said Hallissey gives the Warriors an edge in the attacking third, she has great movement and vision off the ball and can open up areas for teammates to drive into. She also has the ability "to be a target forward, and look to hold the ball up and then distribute it to her teammates."

"Laura brings something different to the table," Gale said, "and that has me excited about the future of this program after last year's strong season. We are very strong in the attack and that showed last year when we scored 45 goals. Laura has an eye for taking players on one-on-one and finding the best option to attack."

She also has a great, supportive family that I know will watch every game online, and her personality fits into this group of players we are assembling. 2016 is looking to be a very exciting year!"