MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama head soccer coach Mike Varga announced the addition of sophomore Lauren Arnold to the Jaguars’ 2012 roster Thursday.

“I had the pleasure of coaching Lauren in the Olympic Development Program and we’re not only getting a top level goalkeeper, but a competitive, hard working student athlete,” said Varga. “Lauren is one of the most decorated high school soccer players to come out of the state of Alabama, and it is great to welcome her back to her home state to compete for the University of South Alabama. Lauren is an excellent addition to a roster that I am already very excited about and I look forward to getting our spring training under way as we prepare for next fall.”

Arnold, a native of Hoover, Ala., joins the Jaguar squad after spending the previous two seasons in goal for Clemson. Last season, Arnold recorded 42 saves in 16 games for the tigers.

As a freshman, Arnold led the ACC in saves per game with a 4.94 average. She also tallied 89 saves in 1495:20 minutes in goal.

Arnold was a 2009 ESPN high school All-American, the Gatorade Player-of-the-Year in the state of Alabama and the Alabama state Player-of-the-Year. She was a member of the 2009 6A Alabama high school state championship team at Spain Park High School, where she was named to the Alabama high school all-star team.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).