From Missouri Southern Lions – Missouri Southern’s head soccer coach Alese Woolard announced the signing of six freshmen today that will join the team next season.
“Adding this group of talented players to the roster makes us very eager to start the 2012 season. I believe their positive attitudes and work ethics will mesh well with those of our returners, and I expect to remain very competitive in the MIAA. I look forward to seeing how each one will contribute to our program,” said Woolard.
They join a squad that just graduated 8 seniors, including midfielder Brianna McKenzie (Webb City) and goalkeeper Randi Russell (Joplin) who were both regulars during all four years at MSSU.
Not mentioned in the story is Natascha Lord, who appears on the roster as a senior. Natascha originally signed with Southwest Baptist out of High School but soon transferred to Culver-Stockton where she played soccer and basketball. During her time at Waynesville she paired with Katie Pritchard on the pitch and the hardwood.
Hannah Ishmael
Hannah was a four year starter at center midfielder for Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. As a freshman she earned All-District honors for Coach Caleb Horton and was the Sandites Offensive MVP. As a sophomore she earned an All-Conference nod and during her junior campaign was named All-Conference and All-District Honorable Mention. She is the daughter of Tony and Rebecca Ishmael and has two siblings, Nelson and Brooke. Hannah plans on majoring in Spanish while at Missouri Southern.
Kacie Hulse
Kacie was a three sport athlete for the Pirates of Pattonville High School competing softball, soccer, and swimming. Kacie was a three time first team All-Conference swimmer while earning the 2011-12 Scholar Activity Award at PHS, as well as earning a second team All-Conference nod her freshman year. She was a part of four straight team conference championships in swimming for the Pirates. Kacie was a three year starter on defense for Coach Tom Iffrig helping PHS to a third place state finish in 2009, and a state runner-up finish in 2010. She was also a part of three straight district championships and two conference championships on the pitch. In club soccer Kacie was a member of the 2010 President Cup Regional II champions team that eventually placed third in the nation. She is the daughter of Rodney and Carol Hulse and will join twin sister Kimberly on the Lions squad. Kacie and Kimberly also have two sisters Kristin and Kelli. Kacie plans on majoring in nursing at Missouri Southern.
Kimberly Hulse
Kimberly was a three sport athlete at Pattonville High School participating in soccer, basketball, and cross country for the Pirates. Kimberly was a four year starter on defense for Coach Tom Iffrig while earning a second team All-Conference nod her junior year and a first team accolade her senior season. Kimberly was a two time Scholar Activity Award winner at PHS. She was also a part of three straight district championships and two conference championships on the pitch. In club soccer Kimberly was a member of the 2010 President Cup Regional II champions team that eventually placed third in the nation. She is the daughter of Rodney and Carol Hulse and will join twin sister Kacie on the Lions squad. Kimberly and Kacie also have two sisters Kristin and Kelli. Kimberly plans on majoring in nursing at Missouri Southern.
Kayla Gajewski
Kayla was a four year started at midfielder for Coach Jack Baldwin and the Jaguars of Ft. Zumwalt West High School. While at FZWHS she earned Academic All-Conference honors all four years and was a part of three GAC South Conference Championships on the pitch. In club play was a part of the 2010 and 2009 Presidents Cup Regional II Championships, while helping St. Louis Scott Gallagher to a 2009 second place finish in the Missouri State Cup. Kayla also participated in the 2009 US Youth Soccer National Championships in Lancaster, Massachusetts. She is the daughter of Greg and Gina Gajewski and has one brother Ryan, who graduated from University of Missouri in 2011. Kayla is undecided on her major here at Missouri Southern.
Michaela Altvater
Michaela was a four year starter at outside middle defender for Coach Jackie Haller and the Bulldogs of Kearney (Missouri) High School. While on the pitch at KHS, Michaela earned All-District honorable mention honors in 2009, three second team All-Conference nods in 2009-11, and two second team All-District nods (2010-11). During her senior year Michaela also earned All-District honors for Cross Country and was selected as the Cross Country team captain, while leading the Lady Bulldogs to conference, district, and state championships. She played for the Kansas City Futbol Club Heat Soccer helping them to a State Cup finalist in 2009 and then a State Cup Championship and a third place finish at regionals in 2010. Michaela is the daughter of Steve and Mickie Altvater and has two siblings, Mackenzie and Tommie. She is currently undecided on her major at Missouri Southern.
Karley Thomas
Karley was a four year letter winner for Coach Baldwin and the Jaguars of Fort Zumwalt West High School at forward. She was a four time All-Conference Academic Team member, while earning honorable mention All-Conference her freshman year and second team All-District and All-Conference her senior season. Karley helped the Jaguars to a district championship during her senior season. In club play Karley was a member of the St. Louis Scott Gallagher club and helped SLSG to a two state cup finalist finishes, 2009 and 2010. In 2009, the SLSG were also regional champions and national participants. Karley is undecided on her major here at Missouri Southern and is a native of O’Fallon, Mo. She is the daughter of Keith and Christie Thomas and older sister Kayla played soccer for future MIAA opponent Lindenwood. Karley and Kayla have one other sibling, Kody.
