SOUTH POINT — That’s one small step for the Rio Grande women’s soccer program, one giant leap for Amy Lien.

Coming off a 1-16 season, Rio Grande wants to build its program with strong back-to-back recruiting classes. One of the nine players in this year’s group is South Point’s Amy Lien who signed a letter-of-intent Thursday with the RedStorm.

The Lady Pointers’ senior defensive standout knows itwill be quite a leap to play at the next level.

“I know it’s going to be a lot harder. I need to work hard as well as on things such as my left foot and ballhandling. I’m pretty quick and aggressive. I’m excited to help build,” said Lien.

Rio Grande assistant coaches Callum Morris and Chris Skarratt said Lien is what the program needs.

“We’re looking to improve after last season. We’ll be mostly sophomores and freshmen. (Amy) will help the left side defense,” said Morris. “We need to improve the quality of the team and Amy fits that bill.”

Lien had some other offers including Shawnee State, but it only took one visit to convince her Rio Grande was the right place.

“The coaches and the other team members were all really nice and made me feel welcome. I really liked the campus,” said Lien.

The Rio Grande coaches don’t expect the problems to get fixed overnight but they think the program is heading in the right direction.

“We have to take steps and Amy is part of those steps,” said Skarrett.

An outstanding softball player, Lien knows she has to take her own steps to prepare for the NAIA college level, but for now she’s just happy to have the opportunity.

“I’m excited. I’m going to try my best and see where it goes from there. Right now I’m going to concentrate on soccer,” she said.

Lien is glad she will be playing defense in college.

“I played forward until middle school. I went back to defense and I’m more comfortable. I like defense,” said Lien.

Wherever Lien plays, it’s more than likely she’ll take the proper steps to play that position as she begins her walk through college soccer.