The Glendale Soccer website has a story indicating that senior-to-be Alix Opfer has committed to play for the Division 1 Missouri State Bears. Official signing dates are in February 2012.
I wonder if she’ll convince her Falcon’s teammate Molly Brewer to also play for Head Coach Rob Brewer, Molly’s father 
Kelsey Haist, Nixa Eagles (2011)/Missouri Southern Lions
Joplin, Mo. — Missouri Southern soccer coach Alese Woolard has announced the signing of two high school athletes and a Division I transfer to her 2011 signing class.
Joining the Lions from the high school level are Katelyn Roberson (Lee’s Summit N. HS) and Kelsey Haist (Nixa HS), while Abby Risner transfers to the Lions after a year at Mississippi State University.
Roberson is a 5-7 forward that played for coach Dave Wicbenga at LSNHS where she earned three letters and started for two seasons for the Tigers. A second-team All-Conference selection this past season, she helped her team to a district championship in 2009. Roberson also lettered twice on both the tennis and basketball courts. The daughter of Jeff and Carolyn Roberson, Latelyn plans to major in biology at Southern.
“Katelyn is a very physical and competitive forward,” Woolard said. “She is very driven and motivated, and I am happy to have her join our program.”
Haist is a 5-3 midfielder that played for coach Evan Palmer at Nixa High School. A four-year starter for the Eagles, Haist was a four-time All-Conference, All-Districatt and All-Region pick. She helped the Eagles to a district championship in 2010 and finished her career in the top five overall in scoring at the school. The daughter of Mark and Tracy Haist, Kelsey is undecided on her future major at Southern.
“Kelsey is a good addition to the depth of our midfield,” Woolard said. “Her speed and determination will help her come in and compete right away. I look forward to watching her progress in our program.”
Risner transfers to Southern after a year at SEC school Mississippi State. As a freshman at MSU, Risner played in four games, starting three. She accumulated nearly 300 minutes in the net, while recording a 1-1 record with one shutout and stopping 23 shots. Risner prepped at Bentonville High School where she was a four-year starter earning multiple All-State and All-Conference honors and leading her team to two state championships and a pair of runner-up finishes.
She surrendered just 22 goals over her four-year career (just seven her final two years) at BHS where she was named the conference goalkeeper of the year, as well as the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette “best goalie in the state.” The daughter of Chad and Tammy Risner, Abby plans to major in foreign languages at Southern.
“I’m very pleased with the addition of Abby to our program,” Woolard said. “She will bring in more competition to our goalkeeper position, and with her work ethic, she will push not only the other goalkeepers, but the rest of her teammates to be better players.”
Soccer Excellence is very excited to be hosting the annual SuperClubs College Showcase at Lake Country Soccer Complex on July 23rd and 24th. The event will draw teams from all over the Midwest as well as college coaches from the region representing schools from the Junior College level to Division 1.
In conjunction with the College Showcase, there will be a College Combine event on Friday night from 6pm-9pm. This will allow players to train in an environment typical of the college level. Players do not need to be playing in the Showcase in order to participate in the Combine.
For more information, please contact Chad Edwards via phone at 913.851.3431×34 or by email at chad@kclegendssoccer.com.
Download the 2011 SuperClubs College Combine Flyer and the 2011 SuperClubs College Showcase Press Release
Visit our website: http://www.upper90.com/superclubs-college-showcase-july-23rd-24th-2011.html
Crocker Lions, Senior Boys Fall 2010
Aj Imilkowski and Nick Goodrich have both signed their letter of intent to play for the Crowder College Roughriders (NJCAA) next year. AJ is in the black hoodie on the far left while Nick is in blue on the far right in this picture.
Jessie Tart has signed to play for Missouri Baptist Spartans (NAIA) in St Louis. Jessie is in the center of the photo, in all white with jersey #1. The Spartan’s are coached by MBU graduate and former USL and PDL (St Louis Lions) standout Deno Merrick. Merrick is also a member of the Antiguan National team, a member of CONCACAF.
Congratulations boys!
UPDATED – Eight players from the Missouri Elite FC 92 team, coached by Lindsay Paulsell, have made commitments to play college sports this fall. They join five former Elite 92 teammates who graduated and went on to play college soccer in 2010.
McKenzi Payton, daughter of Forrest and Tracy Fay, will attend college and play soccer for Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. The MSU Lady Bears are an NCAA Division I program and compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. McKenzie is a center back for Missouri Elite. She attends Parkview High School. McKenzi was second team All-Conference and honorable mention All-District as a freshman. She was honorable mention All-Conference and second team All-District as a sophomore. She was first team All-District and second team All-Conference as a junior. In addition to being a four year varsity letterman in soccer, she played varsity volleyball her senior year at Parkview.
Jayme Braun, daughter of David and Karen Braun, will attend college and play soccer for Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. The SBU Bearcats are an NCAA Division II program and compete in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Jayme is a left back for Missouri Elite. She attends Ozark High School. Jayme was second team All-District as a freshman. She was first team All-District, first team All-Conference, and second team All-Region as a sophomore. She was recognized as a member of the first team All-District, All-Conference and All-Region squads as a junior.
Kristin Miller, daughter of Mark and Becky Miller, will attend college and play soccer for Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO. The Mo Valley Vikings are an NAIA program and compete in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Kristin Miller is an all-state goal keeper who attends Nixa High School. As a sophomore, Kristin was second team All-Conference and second team All-District. As a junior, she was recognized as an honorable mention All-State goalkeeper in Class 3, as well as the Southwest Region and All-District Defensive Player of the Year. As a junior Kristin was first team Southwest Region, first team All-District, and second team All-Conference.
Courtney Devlin, daughter of Paul and Missy Devlin, will also attend college and play soccer as a Viking for Missouri Valley College. Courtney is a midfielder for Missouri Elite and is a member of the reigning Class 1 state championship team from Springfield Catholic High School, which finished third in state during Courtney’s sophomore year. Courtney was an All-District, All-Conference, and All-State cross country runner her junior and senior year. She was recognized as the Southwest Missouri Runner of the Year her junior year and was a member of the 2010 State Champion team. She was also a member of the varsity tennis team her sophomore year.
Kelsey “KB” Bartell, daughter of Chris and Christine Bartell, will attend college and play soccer for Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama. The Faulkner Eagles are an NAIA program and compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference. Kelsey is a forward for Missouri Elite and is a member of the reigning Class 3 southwest regional championship soccer team from Nixa High School. Kelsey received honorable mention All-District as a freshman. She was second team All-District and All-Conference her sophomore year. She was honorable mention All-District her junior year.
Stevie Heidzig, daughter of Steve and Brenda Heidzig, will attend college and play soccer for Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. The Southwestern College Moundbuilders are an NAIA program and compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Stevie is a center back for Missouri Elite. She attends Logan-Rogersville High School. Stevie was second team All-District and All-Conference as a sophomore. She was second team All-Conference as a junior. As a freshman in Arizona where she participated in the high school boys’ league, Stevie received All-District honorable mention recognition. As a freshman in Arizona, Stevie also qualified for the state track meet in four events (100m, 200m, 400m and the 4x100m Relay).
Courtney Frerichs, daughter of Scott and Kathy Frerichs, will attend college and run cross country for the University of Missouri – Kansas City. The UMKC Kangaroos are an NCAA Division I program and compete in The Summit League. Courtney is a forward and outside midfielder for Missouri Elite. She ran cross country this past fall chalking up many top finishes and plays on the reigning Class 3 southwest regional championship soccer team from Nixa High School with Kristin Miller and Kelsey Bartell. Courtney also was a member of the track team and is a competitive gymnast (level 9).
Anne Pierce, daughter of Joe and Pat Pierce, will attend college and play soccer for Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Fightin’ Engineers coached by Amy Helliwell are an NCAA Division 3 program and compete in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Anne is a defender for Missouri Elite and is a member of the reigning Class 3 southwest regional championship soccer team from Nixa High School.
Missouri Elite would like to also recognize our additional seniors graduating this year that have chosen to pursue academic paths in college. Mollie Killion (Ozark), daughter of Kurt and Roseanne Killion, will be attending Truman University; Anne Pierce (Nixa), daughter of Joe and Pat Pierce, will be attending the University of Minnesota; Olivia Solari (Parkview), daughter of Anthony and Becky Solari, will be attending UMKC; Allie Thomas (Poplar Bluff), daughter of Jim and Margie Thomas, will be attending Missouri State University; Anna Withers (Parkview), daughter of John Withers and Caroline Netzer, will be attending North Park University in Chicago; Andrea Wynn (Parkview), daughter of Jay and Mary Wynn, will be attending the University of Kentucky; Jennifer McArthur (Marshfield), daughter of Bryan McArthur and Cynthia Reese, will be attending Missouri State University; and Kelsey Loderhose, daughter of Chris and Michelle Loderhose has not finalized her decision as to where she will attend.
Joe Curti, Carthage (2011) signing with IASA
The opportunity to move to the UK and play year round came as a result of their ODP activities. Curti and Patillo played in front of RIASA Director of Coaching Mark Ellis against two English Professional Academy Teams when the 93 Missouri ODP squad traveled to the UK in the Summer of 2010. The boys won their game against 2nd Division Marcambe’s Academy 3-2 in a game played at Blackburn Rovers Academy Grounds. The ODP Coach, John Roeslein, is pictured in the signing photos (suit and tie).
Jackson Patillo, Willard (2011) signing with IASA
Joe finishes his carear at Carthage as the all time leader in assists, points, and is tied for most goals. He was a 4 year starter and he has his honors listed in his player profile that I’ve attached. Jackson will be working on an International Business degree and included in his curriculum at RIASA he can graduate with a UEFA Soccer Coaching License.
RIASA players will play a full year round schedule against many of England’s Professional Academy Teams. The team will also play in one of the English Men’s Leagues which can help them qualify for the FA Cup. All RIASA players will receive a student work permit. This will allow some of the very best in the Academy, to move on to some of the professional ranks in England. One this semester at RIASA has signed a pro contract with Carlisle a 1 division team.
The IASA/Richmond Program
The International Academic and Soccer Academy allows students the best of both worlds: a top quality academic program while living and playing in a true soccer culture. The UK is a natural fit for the North American and international soccer players, both culturally and for exposure to the best league in the world. It may provide an exit route into the professional game, for students, as they will be continually showcased against top professional academies. US college soccer provides a very limited experience and developmental opportunity for students to reach their true potential. NCAA and NAIA rules restrict the playing season and times players can play, be coached, and develop their game. At The International Academic and Soccer Academy, IASA/Richmond students can fully develop their playing potential and still receive a top quality professional education.
Campus in Leeds, UK
The IASA site is located in the Metropolitan Area of West Yorkshire near the major cities of Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, and Sheffield and is considered one of the top university areas in all of the UK with over 100,000 students calling the area home. Leeds lies halfway on the train route between London and Edinburgh, Scotland. Leeds and the metro region have well over a million inhabitants and is a thriving cultural destination. Leeds is a city rich in culture, architecture and attractions and is consistently ranked by popular culture magazines as one of the UK’s favorite cities. Leeds is packed with museums, shopping centers, restaurants and a busy night life, which combine to enhance the students’ university experience and make for a perfect setting for university study and world class soccer.
In an article that focused on football – Athletes seek help finding colleges – the writer apparently spent some time talking to players and looking at the question of whether a service is valuable.
Enter college recruiting services, a growing industry where high school athletes and parents can turn for help in gaining exposure and making contact with colleges. The Internet has made such services abundant. Most will set up a profile and offer tips and links to the NCAA information for free, but they also offer packages of paid services — at costs of $750 and up — that can include talent evaluation, video preparation and sending an athlete’s information to coaches around the country.
And that’s the million dollar question: Is it worth it?
Although many college coaches say they don’t look at e-mails from the recruiting services, for families that have already spent money for years for summer leagues, camps and the like, it’s just another investment in pursuing a college scholarship.
The article looks at one young man, a quarterback, who has seen the interest in his skills go up but it was as a result of attending a camp where he was seen by coaches. The article goes on with some money quotes:
Washington University men’s basketball coach Mark Edwards called the unsolicited e-mails he gets from recruiting services “the equivalent of spam. It’s pretty easy to figure out our academic requirements. They’re listed in all the books. What a recruiting service can’t figure out is the type of player we look for.” He estimated that he receives five or six e-mails a day from recruiting services touting a student who isn’t a fit, either athletically or academically.
Lindenwood men’s basketball coach Brad Soderberg agreed that the services can’t pinpoint the right fit the way his own staff can.
The key point? Coaches are looking for a player that fits their needs. In some cases, it could be a player capable of playing a position that needs to be filled. I remember Rolla graduate Sophie Cox describing how TN-Martin saw her play in State Cup following her senior year and signed her because he needed an outside back. She went on to become Captain and help lead the team to their first ever Conference crown. She’s been unique from the beginning however and ranks 3rd on all-time female players coming out of this region (after Anne Felts and Ann Cook).
More frequently it is a combination of skills – academic, athletic, soccer, cultural. Recruiting is as hard for coaches as it is players and losing players to academics or any other factor is a significant cost. They are looking for someone they can establish a relationship with and get to know. After the checklist is done one comment stands out more than any other I’ve heard from a coach in the past six years. Potential.
The number of players that complete their four years of eligibility is much smaller than the number that start in a program. The players who have done well have continued to grow in the game as well as an adult. You may get some good playing time as a freshman if you’re skilled but I’ve seen just as many players who then sat after that because they did not keep pace with the incoming classes. Ask Danny Collins, Adam Peterson and Alex Palmer what the competition is like. Every year at Drury it’s gotten tougher but these three worked as hard, if not harder, then their teammates and were rewarded with playing time, the satisfaction of team success and in the end, the lifelong friends they made playing the game.
So get to work now learning about colleges. Determine what appeals to you (big? small? close? far?). Find someone from this area who’s gone there and can tell you about the realities. Visit.
The Post-Dispatch summarized what they learned here – Some sage recruiting advice — for free I’d like to think their advice is very similar to my recommendations.
They also point to a webinar on the Illinois Coaches Association on recruiting. It’s not a soccer specific site and I haven’t had a chance to watch it myself but the title – NCAA/NAIA/JUCO Eligibility and Recruiting – looks like a useful tool.
Tell me what you think!
College Coaches at 1st Showcase
I’ve also created a new resource page for students and parents who are pursuing college soccer playing opportunities. Check out the articles I have written or that have been contributed by clicking on the Recruiting category link (the black bar above).
Here are some basics:
1. Do NOT pay a recruiting service. The College Coaches I have discussed this with feel that the services do not deliver qualified prospects to them. They would rather hear from your son or daughter directly. That has multiple benefits – the Coach knows you are interested in the school and you establish a direct relationship with them are the two most important things you can do.
2. A recruiting video will not earn you a scholarship. The vast majority offer little value to a Coach who’s time is limited. A WELL CRAFTED LETTER introducing your child to the Coach and offering the information the Coach needs is a great way to begin the relationship.
3. DO complete the Recruiting Form that is available on most college program websites AND follow up that contact with a phone call to introduce yourself. This will give the Coach the information they need to have an informed discussion with your son or daughter, begin establishing a relationship with them and allow for future conversations at Showcases, Camps and other options available for learning more about a program and a school.
4. DO spend your money on attending one or more College Camps. That is the single best environment for your child to learn more about a school, a program and a Coach. It also offers a Coach the best opportunity to see your daughter or son in both practice and playing environments over several days.
The final item is why most coaches suggest it’s never too early for a High School player to begin their college search. I’ll be updating the College Player list, showing players from this region who have gone onto play in college. It’s extensive. It also offers a clear view of the number of players who start, but do NOT finish, their playing careers in college. The Ozarks Conference female Player of the Year in 2010 and 2008 both finished their college playing careers the first week of college of practice and eventually moved to different schools (in one semester and in 3 days respectively). Spend time with your child on college campuses now discussing school, not soccer.
Here are a couple of resources you should check out no matter where you are at in the cycle.
NCAA Student Resource Guide – Excellent starting point for parents and students to learn about NCAA rules. This 24 page document focuses on academic eligibility, background on athletically related Financial Aid and the recruiting process and rules.
NCAA Eligibility Center – a general starting point that will introduce you to the academic requirements and processes. Especially important for D1/D2 revenue programs (football, basketball) but useful for soccer players as well.
Hopefully you’ve made it this far. I’ve got a number of topics I want to cover, in order to understand them better myself and to offer them for you. What specific items would you like to see me cover over the next month as I build on this start?
The annual Midwest Indoor College Showcase is being held again this year on January 17, 2011, sponsored by Springfield Soccer Club. Online Registration HERE. College coaches from throughout the region will be in attendance. Be seen!
WHAT: College Showcase
WHERE: Springfield, MO at the Lake Country Soccer Dome
WHEN: Monday, January 17, 2011 (MLK Holiday) from 9:00am-5:30pm
WHO: High School Juniors and Seniors
WHY: Numerous College Coaches will be in the same place at the same time. With only one field to watch at a time, you are guaranteed to be seen!
COST: $60 per player which includes t-shirt and contact information for college coaches
Questions? email springfieldsc@gmail.com
Aris Nukic, Mehlville (2012)/STLSG Metro Academy
More importantly, as Soccer America noted in their story on the signing:
D.C. United signed Maryland sophomore Ethan White as its fourth homegrown player. The 19-year-old defender is the first college player to bypass the MLS SuperDraft and sign with an MLS team on the basis of his participation in its academy program.
The Development Academy is a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the top youth clubs around the country to provide the best youth players in the U.S. with an every day environment designed to produce the next generation of National Team players. The Academy’s programming philosophy of increased training, less total games and more competitive games is based on U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices utilized by the U-17 U.S. National Team Residency program. I fully expect that within 2-3 years there will be a full-time program that will entail players opting-out of playing for their high school teams and playing year round for the Academy.
There are 3 Academy programs within 250 miles of Springfield – the Sporting KC Juniors as well as the St Louis Scott Gallagher programs in St Louis and Collinsville, IL (SLSG Metro). Former Springfield SC Director Jeremy Alumbaugh is Head Coach for the U18 team at SLSG Metro, a team that has already played 5 games including a win over the Chicago Magic and a loss to the Chicago Fire teams the same weekend as the High School Final 4. The team traveled to Phoenix in early December for the Winter Showcase where they played three games against teams from the East Coast over four days. The photo above is of Mehlville junior Aris Nukic from the opening game loss to the Chicago Fire, who is in his 3rd year with the Scott Gallagher St Louis Academy program.
I’m guessing the 2012 Missouri State Finals will be the last year that includes the approximately 30 Missouri-based kids that play on one of these three teams. Any bets?
