Southwest Baptist Bearcats Sign Haden & Hemphill from Ozark, Marcotte from Republic

From the SBU website:
Rob Podeyn, Southwest Baptist University soccer coach, has signed nine recruits.

The recruits include Rachel Haden of Ozark, Paige Hemphill of Ozark, Molly Marcotte of Republic, Brenna Lacillade of Warrensburg, Ashley Creason of Lee’s Summit, Brittney Smith of Overland Park, Kan., Emily Claudell of Overland Park, Kan., Jen French of Lenexa, Kan., and Marene Gomez of South Jordan, Utah.

Rachel Haden (Ozark, Missouri) – Haden is a strong and physical defensive midfield player from the Springfield area. Standing at 5’6”, Rachel is a solid possession player who is not afraid to challenge for the ball. “Rachel was actually the first player I saw and began recruiting when I came to SBU. She plays with a lot of heart and desire, and has that little bit of attitude you want from players in the midfield. I was impressed with her the first time I saw her play,” said coach Podeyn. “Rachel has played three years of varsity soccer at Ozark High School and has played club soccer for the Mambas under coach Brian Russell the last nine years. As a starter the last three years in high school, Rachel has been selected to all-conference, all-district, and all-region teams. “Southwest Baptist University had exactly what I was looking for. I liked the physical therapy program, I was impressed with the soccer program, and I like the academic reputation SBU has,” said Haden.

Paige Hemphill (Ozark, Missouri) – Hemphill is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the state of Missouri. She has been a three-year starter on her varsity soccer team at Ozark High School, and has been selected to the all-state team the last two years. “Being a former goalkeeper I am very particular about how my goalkeepers train and how they are developed. Paige impressed me with her ability to command the area and control the box. She is an excellent communicator and leader in the back. She is a strong technical goalkeeper who is very capable of making the big saves,” said Podeyn. “I chose to attend college at SBU because it is known for its nursing program through the SBU/St. John’s School of Nursing, and nursing is the career path which I hope to pursue,” said Hemphill. “I like the fact that SBU is a private college and the class sizes are smaller. It also has a great campus, and I feel safe being there. I chose SBU to continue my athletic career because I enjoyed the coach and the level of play the team brings to the sport. I felt the team and coach was a good fit for me as a player and student. I like the vision coach Podeyn has for his team at SBU,” Hemphill added.

Molly Marcotte (Republic, Missouri) – Marcotte is a determined and dedicated player with good size and strong technique. At 5’8”, Molly is strong in the air, but also very good at maintaining possession and reading the game. “Molly gives us another defender who is smart, aggressive, physical, and able to challenge the ball in the air. She fits well with our system and how we want to play,” said Podeyn. Molly attends Republic High School where they have yet to begin a girls soccer program; her development has been through year-round club soccer. Her current team, the Mambas, is coached by Brian Russell. He has been instrumental of several players in the Springfield area and has helped to produce many college bound girls soccer players. Molly has become a player who through her determination and hard work has developed into one of the best defenders in the Springfield area. “SBU is a superb university. It offers what I want academically and the soccer program is up and coming. It is also semi-close to home which I like,” said Marcotte.

“I’m excited about these additions,” Podeyn said. “After our season of 7-9-3 last year, I felt like we needed to upgrade and add depth to every aspect of our game. And I think we’ve done that with this recruiting class.”

The Bearcats will open the 2010 preseason with a trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next fall. They will open the 2010 season at home against Quincy University Thursday, Sept. 2.