Niagara University’s women’s soccer team will gain a valuable addition Thursday, when Kenmore resident Bre Catipovic signs her national letter of intent to become a Purple Eagle.

In the fall, Catipovic became the all-time leading scorer at Mount St. Mary’s, finishing her career with 147 goals and 33 assists. She recorded 47 goals during her senior season, earning Tonawanda News Player of the Year honors.

In addition, Catipovic garnered All-Western New York and second-team Class B All-New York State recognition while being named co-MVP of the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association. Additionally, Catipovic has played six years with the Empire United Soccer Academy of Buffalo, leading the team to a New York State Cup Championship this past summer.

Playing both travel and scholastic soccer helped Catipovic develop different aspects of her game, she said. At Mount St. Mary’s, she learned how to be a team player, while the Empire United club experience honed her on-field skills. “It’s definitely a different level than high school,” she said Monday. “It’s better competition. That has made me become the player that I am today. I learned so much from that.”

After an outstanding high school career, Catipovic hopes to make her mark at the NCAA Division I level with the Purple Eagles, who advanced to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship match this past fall.

Catipovic fielded offers from a couple of schools, but Niagara was the only one she pursued. “After visiting the campus and meeting with coach (Peter) Veltri, I felt Niagara was a perfect match for me,” she said, adding that she’ll likely play forward next fall.

Niagara finished the 2009 season 10-10-1 overall, but advanced to the MAAC Championship game, where the Purple Eagles fell 3-2 to Loyola (Md.), despite taking a 2-0 lead in the first half.

At Niagara, Catipovic will join fellow Mount St. Mary’s graduate Caitlin Long, who will be a senior next fall, and Town of Tonawanda resident Gabrielle Wilson (Holy Angels).

“I can’t wait,” Catipovic said of playing D-I soccer. “I hope I can contribute as much as possible.”

Catipovic will be joined at Thursday’s signing by her parents, Richard and Joanne Catipovic, Mount St. Mary’s Principal Dawn Riggie and Athletics Director Patricia Hartnett.

Contact reporter David J. Hill at 693-1000, ext. 115.