Ottumwa -- "Sophie is an exciting prospect for the program; she will bring in great leadership and, most importantly, she will be a demanding player." That's what IHCC soccer coach Stephanie Gale said about her newest signee, English goalkeeper Sophie Ledger. Ledger has signed a letter of intent to come to Indian Hills and play for the Warriors this fall.

Ledger is the second keeper to sign with Indian Hills. Marta Lopez inked her LOI last month. "I am excited to have two very talented goalkeepers be a part of our program," Gale said. "I feel this will help them, on a daily basis, be competitive as they fight for playing time. It's not very often you have two great keepers in a program so it's a nice 'problem' to have."

Ledger is from Ashford in Kent, in the southeast part of the United Kingdom. She joined a very successful girls team at the age of 10 and the next year was added to the FA Centre of Excellence, where she played for professional clubs including Fulham, Millwall, Gillingham, and, for the last two years, competed for Chelsea. Her playing experience also includes the Kent County team, which she captained her final year. Currently, Ledger is playing for the Gillingham Ladies in the FA Premier League, the third tier in English women's football.

"I have always wanted to live and study in the United States and play a high level of competitive soccer," Ledger said. "After talking to coach Gale and hearing her exciting plans for the new season, I am looking forward to the new season, joining the squad, making new friends and playing my part in the team's success."

"Sophie's experience of playing at a high level for Chelsea will help make us a strong team," Gale said. "She has great vision and is able to distribute the ball to safe areas when under pressure. She also possesses amazing leg strength to be able to clear half the field with her punting. So, she can and will be a source of attack for us."