Ottumwa -- The Indian Hills women's soccer team will benefit this fall by adding a player with experience playing for teams affiliated with Manchester United and Manchester City, the two iconic English soccer franchises. IHCC coach Stephanie Gale says Sophie Woods, a center midfielder from Droylsden, Manchester in England has signed a letter of intent to play for the Warriors.

Woods' playing experience includes stints with the Manchester Centre of Excellence, Manchested United youth teams, Manchester City Ladies Reserves and the Stockport County Ladies.

"I was impressed with Indian Hills' facilities and the opportunities for personal enrichment in Ottumwa," Woods said about her decision to sign with the Warriors. "After speaking to coach Gale and hearing her enthusiasm for the game and her knowledge of coaching and player development, that was influential in my decision. I believe coach Gale will be able to help me develop and progress to the next level as a player. Her experience of being an international player and student herself will help my transition to the USA. The college has a good academic program, expecially around athletic training/coaching, which I am keen to study."

Woods has been playing soccer since the age of five and says she hopes her skills, technique and physicality will help the Indian Hills squad be successful in the coming years. She describes herself as a playmaker and says she loves to attack from her position.

"Sophie is a very exciting addition to our roster," Gale said. "She adds a great strength to the core of the midfield, which leads me to feel very confident in our depth. Sophie has the potential to be a key link to our attacking force when she has the ball. She has a great eye and ability at finding teammates. Her defensive qualities will also show on the field as her main focus is to protect the ball and then play. Sophie's a very outgoing young lady who will bring a great quality at helping this team gel together."