Duffy adds five to latest recruiting class

Posted: Mar 16, 2023

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn.- Carson-Newman head coach Simon Duffy has announced the signing of five athletes that are set to join the Carson-Newman women's soccer program in the fall of 2023.

"We've added five in this first initial part of the recruiting process, and I couldn't be happier," Duffy said. "We've brought in quality and experience that will make us better."

Karli Pettitt – 5'4 – D/M – Kingston, Tenn. – Roane County High School

Pettitt is a 3-time first team all-district and all-region player. The past two seasons, Pettitt has scored 28 goals, while being name district MVP both seasons. She was a key part in her being District champions in 2020 and 2021. The defender/midfielder chose Carson-Newman because of how inclusive and welcoming the team was in the recruiting process. Pettitt will major in education.

"She joins us from Kingston and she's a player we've watched for 3 to 4 years now," Duffy said. "Early in her career, it was evident that she would be a player that could help us in a few different positions."

Aaliyah Douglas- 5'5 – F – Oneida, Tenn. – Oneida High School

Aaliyah Douglas is the other Tennessee native to join C-N in this recruiting stage. Aaliyah played her high school soccer at Oneida. Throughout her high school career, Douglas scored 73 goals and added 60 assists. She holds the Oneida high school record for most career goals. The valedictorian of her class was a first team all-district and all-region member all four years and was a 3-time district offensive player of the year.

"I'm glad to add another in-state product," Duffy said. "She will bolster our front line and is a very fast and exciting player."

Alba Delgado – 5'5 – M/F – Asturias, Spain. – Laude Palacio de Granda High School (UT Martin)

Delgado transfers in from UT Martin. As a freshman, she appeared in 18 games, making two starts. In those 18 appearances, she had two assists and recorded four shots, two on goal. She chose C-N because of the team atmosphere and because of the quality academics.

"She already has experience at the D1 level at UT Martin," Duffy said. "A very spart and technical player that can play in an advanced midfield role, or even in a more attacking one."

Berna Kabakci- 5'8 – GK – Zeddam, Netherlands – Ulenhof College

Kabakci joins C-N from Ulenhof College. She was part of a North Macedonia team that won and promoted in their league two seasons ago. She now plays on the U19 and senior team. She chose Carson-Newman over Bridgeport, Gardner-Webb and Bluefield.

"Berna comes to Mossy Creek with a lot of experience at the club and national level," Duffy said. "She represents North Macedonia at the U19 and senior team. We expect her to make an immediate impact for us."

Honor Norton – 5'5 – F – London, England. – University of Greenwich

Norton comes to Mossy Creek, most recently from the University of Greenwich. Playing on her club team, she has led the team in goals scored for the past two seasons. Norton has scored 43 goals in 36 games. During her time with the U16, she scored 35 goals. She chose Carson-Newman because of the excellent women's soccer program and the exercise science program.

"She's joining us from England, where she has played at a very high level with her club," Duffy said. "She can play anywhere across the front line and is most dangerous with the ball at her feet going at defenders."