MARSHALL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State head soccer coach Amy Olson has announced the signing of two student-athletes for the 2010 season.  Kylin Duffy and and Autumn Hayes from La Crescent, Minn., have both signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at SMSU.

The two join Liana Hart from Marshall, Whitney Borstad from Coppell, Texas, Kate Chandler from Eagan, Minn., and Kiley Fink from Harrisburg, S.D., in the 2010 signing class.

Duffy, a 5-foot-4 defender/midfielder, is currently a senior at La Crescent High School, where she was a four-year letterwinner.  A first team all-conference selection, she was part of a team that made three state appearances.  Duffy also captained her squad and was a four-time Conference Scholar Athlete honoree.  She also excelled in track at LHS.

“Kylin brings a versatility to our team with her ability to play midfield or back line,” said Olson.  “She has a strong academic record and should have no trouble adjusting to the classroom.”

Hayes, a 5-foot-11 midfielder, is also currently a senior a LHS, where she was a five-year letterwinner.  She was a two-time first team all-state selection and four-time all-conference pick.  This past season, Hayes was selected to participate in the Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches Association Senior Classic.  During her senior season she scored 12 goals and recorded 22 assists.  Hayes also earned letters in hockey, softball and track.

“Autumn will fit in extremely well at SMSU,” Olson said.  “She was very successful on her high school team, and I expect that it will carry over to her college career. She is a smart and hardworking player and will bring depth to our midfield.”

SMSU finished the 2009 season with a 2-14-0 overall record and 2-11-0 in the NSIC.  The Mustangs were 12th in the final conference standings.

Southwest Minnesota State University, located in Marshall, Minn., is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.