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Published: February 04, 2009 11:46 pm   

COLLEGE ROUNDUP (Feb. 4): Raepple signs with NU

Grand Island’s Jamie Raepple, the 2008 Niagara Gazette Girls Soccer Player of the Year, signed a letter of intent Wednesday to continue her career at Niagara.

“I was always looking to stay local because I’m very close with my dad,” Raepple said. “It just so happened that the coach (Peter Veltri) was interested.”

Raepple was a two-time all-Niagara Frontier League selection, and earned fifth-team all-state honors as a senior.

“While her accomplishments and accolades speak for themselves, Jamie also gave the team confidence and leadership that were more valuable than can be measured,” GI coach Dave Bowman said.

“When the 2009 season arrives, Jamie will be missed greatly, but as she plans to attend Niagara University in the fall I know she will have an immediate impact for the Purple Eagles.”

Raepple said she’s aware that Niagara’s top striker, Stephanie Gartley, is set to graduate.

“That’s the position I’m going to play,” she said. “So hopefully, I can work my way up to a starting position and replace here, because she is an amazing player.”