Category Archives: Recruiting

Juniors & Seniors – Register For Midwest Indoor College Showcase

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College Coaches at 1st Showcase

College Coaches at 1st Showcase

Returning for the 4th year is the Midwest Indoor College Showcase, the one day event is an opportunity for High School juniors and seniors to showcase their skills in front of regional college coaches.

What: Midwest Indoor College Showcase
When: Monday, January 17, 2011
9:00 am – 5:00 PM on the Martin Luther King Holiday
Where: Lake Country Soccer Indoor Dome
2334 East Pythian Street, Springfield, MO 65802-6506

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!
HOW: Register online at www.springfieldsportsclub.com
COST: $60 per player which includes t-shirt and contact information for college coaches
Questions? email springfieldsc@gmail.com

Download the SSC College Showcase Flyer

Sponsored by Springfield Soccer Club but Open To Everyone – Why come to Springfield?
* Numerous College Coaches from all collegiate levels
* Over 100 players will be in attendance
* Play in a minimum of 2 games
* 6v6 including keeper so your ability will be on display
* Continuous play with walls and nets surrounding the field

College Coaches that attended in the past: Missouri State University, Drake University, University of Central
Arkansas, Drury University, Missouri Southern State University, Missouri S&T, Lyon College, William Jewell College, William Woods, Westminster, Fontbonne, William Baptist University, Loras,Wartburg, Butler County CC, John Brown, Neosho County CC, Missouri Valley, Hendrix, Crowder College and many others.

MIAA Soccer: Altman Ends Career With Win Over SBU

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Southwest Baptist Bearcats – 0
Missouri Southern Lions – 3
Southern got two goals from freshman forward Kelly White and one goal from sophomore midfielder Alicia Vonderheid. Vonderheid’s goal was assisted by sophomore midfielder Corrine Tebbs. Both of White’s goals were unassisted and came in the 39th and 43rd minute marks while Vonderheid’s came in the 62nd minute of play.

The Lions were led on defense by junior goalkeeper Randi Russell as she saved five Baptist shots and moved to 5-7-5 for the season.

The Lions win over Southwest Baptist moves Southern to 5-8-5 overall and 5-6-5 in the MIAA. Missouri Southern is currently sitting in fourth place in the MIAA awaiting the outcome of tonights match against #2 Central Missouri and Washburn.

With the loss, SBU ends their season at 6-9-3, and 5-8-3 in the MIAA. Freshman forward Ashley Creason finished the year with eight goals, tied for the conference lead. Brittani Ready has nine assists on the year, the most by a Bearcat since Nicola Cousins’ 10 assists in 2008.

Lindsay Altman, Missouri Southern Lions (2011)

Lindsay Altman, Missouri Southern Lions (2011)

The final regular season game for these two local MIAA squads, it will include senior recognition for Lindsey Boden (#3) and Emily Hamilton (GK) of the Bearcats. It is also the last game for Sarah Evers (#2) and Lindsay Altman (#12) of the Lions. Altman is a former Joplin Eagle four year starter and All-District selection and member of the 2007 All-Stars.

Altman has been a regular for the Bearcats from day one. She has started all games this season while as a junior, she started 14 of 19 and 4 of 17 as a sophomore. As a freshman, she played in 16 games and scored two goals, including the game-winner at Emporia State (9/27/07) while notching her first-career goal came in season-opening 6-0 win over Delta State (8/25/07).

Lindsay also earned an MIAA Presidential Scholar selection as a sophomore. In high school, she was a four-sport athlete for the Joplin Eagles.

The Missouri Southern Women’s Soccer team fell 4-3 in double overtime to the visiting Bearcats of Southwest Baptist University the last time these two teams met.

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Cassville Wildcats Have 4 Sign To Play College Soccer

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Cassville Soccer logoThe Cassville Wildcats are sending four 2010 graduates onto the college soccer ranks.

Jesus Rivera # 13: 3 year soccer player at Cassville, 2 year starter. In 2008 scored 10 goals with 2 assist and was named as a district honorable mention. In 2009 scored 14 goals with 5 assists and was named 1st team all-district and received regional honorable mention. Jesus will play for Neosho County Community College in Chunte KS.

Josh Dyer GK: 4 year soccer player at Cassville, 2 year starter. In 2008 split goal keeping duties and in 2009 played goal keeper in all games with a 1.01 goal against average and 2nd team all-district award. Josh will play for Neosho County Community College in Chunte KS.

Caleb Wilbanks #27: 4 year soccer player at Cassville, 3 year starter. In 2007 as part of the final four team scored 1 goal playing defensive mid-field. In 2008 at left defensive back scored 1 goal and was named district honorable mention. In 2009 moved to sweeper and was named 1st team all-district, 1st team all-region and will play on the all star team. Caleb will play for Neosho County Community College in Chunte KS.

Neosho County CC Panthers 6-4-1 Region 6 record. Region 6 tournament qualifiers. Recent alumni include Matt Saner (West Plains) and Chris Hernandez (Joplin).

Bryan Schroeder #6: 4 year soccer player at Cassville, 3 year starter. In 2007 as part of the final four team scored 5 goals with 1 assists named district honorable mention. In 2008 scored 8 goals with 2 assists and was 2nd team all-district. In 2009 scored 9 goals with 5 assists and was 2nd team all-district. Bryan will play for NEO in Oklahoma.
Bryan Schroeder (mid-field) will play for NEO where he’ll join a Lane Chapman (Kickapoo) and Nathan Massey (Nixa) among a large local contingent.

Missouri Elite FC Sending Six To College Playing Ranks

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Six players from Missouri Elite F.C. ’92 girls’ team, coached by Lindsay Paulsell, have made commitments to play college soccer this fall. All the girls have played together for seven years, some even longer, dating back to their elementary school years.

Missouri Elite would like to also recognize our additional seniors graduating this year that had soccer offers but have chosen to pursue academic paths in college. Lauryn Young (Kickapoo), daughter of Larry and Debbie Young, will be attending Missouri State University and majoring in Nursing; Ashlyn Robillard (Nixa), daughter of Keri Robillard, will be attending College of the Ozarks; Stephanie Murray (New Covenant), daughter of Steve and Jo Murray, will be attending Oklahoma State University and majoring in education with emphasis in elementary special ed; Hilary Carr (Kickapoo), daughter of Greg and Sarah Carr, will be attending OTC; Taylor Jordan (Ozark), daughter of Sid and Teresa Jordan, will be attending University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and playing collegiate volleyball.

Elle Aston

Elle Aston, Republic Tigers (2010)

Elle Aston, daughter of Brian and Angel Aston, will attend college and play soccer for Drury University in Springfield, Missouri. The Drury Panthers are NCAA Division II and compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Elle is a center mid-fielder for Missouri Elite. She attended Republic High School, which does not have a high school girls’ soccer program. She is a multi-sport athlete who played varsity volleyball, basketball, and was a state qualifier in three track events her freshman year. Elle’s best soccer moment from coach Lindsay Paulsell: Elle has been our top goal scorer for years but one goal stands out in my mind. Elle collected a ball in the flank and started tearing towards the goal in a match in the TSC Showcase. As she placed the ball so beautifully in the corner pocket just past the keeper with 30 second to go, she turned to her bench, fell to her knees and gave such an amazing shout of accomplishment. It was a real Brandy Chastain moment.

Ashley McWilliams, Glendale Falcons (2010)

Ashley McWilliams, Glendale Falcons (2010)

Ashley McWilliams, daughter of Brad and Kathy McWilliams, will also attend school and play soccer for Drury University in Springfield, Missouri. Ashley is a central defender for Missouri Elite and played for Glendale High School. During her sophomore year of high school McWilliams was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year for Class 2 District 11 and the Southwest Region. She was also a member of the All-Region, All Conference, and All-District first teams. Ashley’s best soccer moment from coach Lindsay Paulsell: Ashley is known for her intense tackles of opposing attackers but this one tackle from a Little Rock showcase had to be the best. The attacker got loose and was heading towards goal when Ashley hunted her down, gave an amazingly fluid tackle, came up with the ball and distributed to an Elite attacker which eventually scored.

Emelie Schrier, Glendale Falcons (2010)

Emelie Schrier, Glendale Falcons (2010)

Emelie Schrier, daughter of Chris and Lori Schrier, will attend college and play soccer for Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. The Hendrix Warriors are NCAA Division III and compete in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. Emelie is a defender for Missouri Elite and played soccer for Glendale High School. During Schrier’s Sophomore year, she earned Honorable Mention All-Academic All Conference recognition for soccer. Emelie’s best soccer moment from coach Lindsay Paulsell: Emelie is a strong back that is given the task of shutting down attackers each and every time the ball met their foot but in a match in Memphis filled with rain and mud, Emelie stepped up to the attacking plate winning a ball at midfield and taking it all the way to the goal for a score. And if that was not enough, she did it again 5 minutes later.

Megan Jenisch, Ozark Tigers (2010)

Megan Jenisch, Ozark Tigers (2010)

Megan Jenisch, daughter of Andy and Monica Jenisch, will attend college and play soccer for Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. The Missouri Southern Lions are a NCAA Division II program that competes in the Mid America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Conference. Jenisch is a central defensive back for Missouri Elite and played for the Ozark Lady Tigers. During high school she was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year in Class 2 District 12 as a sophomore and was also honored as a member of the Southwest Region team and the Springfield News-Leader’s All-Ozarks Girls Soccer Team in 2008. Jenisch was named as a member of the all-conference first team in the Central Ozarks Conference and the all-district second team in Class 3 District 11 as a junior. Megan’s best soccer moment from coach Lindsay Paulsell: Megan, known to us as Jenisch, is a force to be reckoned with in the back. She is probably one of the most consistent players I have ever coached so it is difficult to pick just one moment. Therefore, I am going to go with my favorite quote; Being one I can always count on, there comes a time when she miss hits the ball sailing it out of bounds and then I get the silly look from her and a “My bad”. It cracks me up every time!

Megan Gunnels, Ozark Tigers (2010)

Megan Gunnels, Ozark Tigers (2010)

Megan Gunnels, daughter of Mike and Laura Gunnels, will attend college and play soccer for Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. The Westminster Blue Jays are a NCAA Division III program that competes in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Gunnels is a forward for Missouri Elite and played for the Ozark Lady Tigers. During high school she was recognized as a member of the all-district first team for Class 2 District 12 as a freshman and as a sophomore. She also received honorable mention honors in the Southwest Region as a sophomore. Gunnels was named as a member of the all-conference first team in the Central Ozarks Conference and the all-district second team in Class 3 District 11 as a junior. Megan’s best soccer moment from coach Lindsay Paulsell: Megan has been our top playmaker for as long as I have coached the team. She is constantly making plays that make me gasp but one stands out in my mind. It was our first State Cup experience and again, it was a big mudfest. Megan collected a ball in the attacking third and placed a brilliant shot in the upper corner. It was just the spark we needed to get going.

Alysan Burgbacher, New Covenant Academy (2010)

Alysan Burgbacher, New Covenant Academy (2010)

Alysan Burgbacher, daughter of Shawn and Karla Burgbacher, will attend college and play soccer for John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. The John Brown Golden Eagles are a NAIA program currently ranked #23 in the nation and play in the Sooner Athletic Conference. Alysan is the Missouri Elite goalkeeper and went to New Covenant Academy, which does not have a girls’ team. Her senior year, Burgbacher played as a defender for the varsity boys’ soccer team at New Covenant. Alysan also coaches the Missouri Elite 2000 girls’ team and was named the Missouri Youth Female Referee of the Year in 2009. Alysan’s best soccer moment from coach Lindsay Paulsell: This was an easy one for me. We were 4 days away from a huge showcase tournament and our goalkeeper backed out. Rather than scramble for a guest player, Alysan offered to step up and play keeper for the weekend. She was incredible in the net using her vocals as a field player to direct traffic and her keen sense of reading plays to save goal after goal. It was one of the most amazing weekends as a coach to see a true leader emerge. She has been the Elite keeper ever since that weekend.

Megan Jenisch and Latea LaRue Sign With Missouri Southern Lions

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Megan Jenisch, Ozark Tigers (2010)

Megan Jenisch, Ozark Tigers (2010)

Joplin, Mo. – Missouri Southern head women’s soccer coach Trevor Wachsman has announced the signing of nine newcomers that will compete on the pitch for the Lions during the upcoming 2010 season. The signees are: Ashley Bechtold, Kayla Bell, Beth Hammons, Megan Jenisch, Latea LaRue, Lindi Spilchen, Kelly White, Dana Wilhelm and Samantha Zoltanski.

Jenisch is a defender that played four years for the Ozark (Mo.) HS Tigers. While at Ozark, Jenisch earned first-team All-Conference, All-Region and All-Ozarks honors. As a sophomore, Jenisch helped the Tigers win a District title. She is the daughter of Andrew and Monica Jenisch and will be a Pre-Dental major at MSSU.

Bechtold is a goalkeeper from Oklahoma City, Okla. and played four seasons for the Putnam City North HS Panthers. She started all four years and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. Bechtold is a two-time All-Conference performer and a two-time All-Big City selection. She was also an All-District pick in 2007. She is the daughter of Linden and Carolyn Bechtold and is undecided on her major at Missouri Southern.

Latea Larue, Camdenton Lakers (2010) at Jeff City, March 2009

Latea Larue, Camdenton Lakers (2010) at Jeff City, March 2009

LaRue is a three-time All-Conference and All-District selection that competed as a midfielder for the Camdenton HS Lakers. LaRue earned All-Region honors as a junior and was selected as a team captain during her junior and senior campaigns. She also received the Coach’s Award as a junior and was honored with the Heart and Hustle award during her sophomore season as well as being selected as the team Offensive MVP as a freshman. LaRue will be an Education major at MSSU and is the daughter of Steven and Lauwanna LaRue. NOTE – Larue has been sidelined this season with an ACL injury suffered playing basketball. She was featured in the Lake Sun-Leader for her on-going role with the Lady Laker soccer team recently.

Bell is a junior transfer that comes to Southern after playing two years at Neosho County Community College. While at NCCC, Bell earned a second-team All-Conference mention in 2008 and a second-team All-Conference nod following the 2009 season. Prior to arriving at NCCC, Bell started two seasons for the Fort Gibson (Okla.) HS Tigers as a defender. In 2008, she was given an All-State award. Bell is the daughter of Danny and Laurie Bell and is undecided on a major at MSSU.

Hammons competed four seasons in the net for the Smithville (Mo.) HS Warriors. She has been a three-time first-team All-conference selection and a two-time first-team All-District performer. She earned second-team All-State Class II honors as a junior in 2008-09 and also received first-team nods from the St. Joseph News-Press and The Northland Sun Tribune following the 2008-09 season. Hammons has been selected as Varsity Co-Captain for the past three seasons and has helped lead the Warriors to three straight Conference championships, a District runner-up and a State Class II runner-up finish in 2008-09. While still playing her senior season, Hammons currently owns all-time career goalkeeper records in saves (537), goals allowed (54), minutes (5584) and assists (5). The daughter of David and Jonel Anderson Hammons, she plans on majoring in Secondary Education/Spanish at MSSU.

Spilchen is a transfer to MSSU from Graceland University, an NAIA school located in Lamoni, Iowa. Spilchen was second on the Graceland Jackets in scoring as a sophomore with six goals and also dished out one assist. She helped the Jackets advance to the NAIA National Tournament in 2008. Spilchen plans to major in Dental Hygiene at MSSU and is a native of North Bay, Ontario. She is the daughter of Robert and Charlene Spilchen.

White comes to MSSU after a four-year playing career for the Rogers (Ark.) HS Mounties. White has started three seasons, while seeing time as a forward and a midfielder for the Mounties. She has been named the Rogers HS Offensive Player of the Year and Goal Scorer of the Year. She also earned All-State and Honorable Mention All-Conference honors. She is the daughter of Rick and Tracey White and plans on majoring in Physical Therapy at MSSU.

Wilhelm was a defender for four seasons for the Notre Dame (St. Louis, Mo.) HS Rebels. Wilhelm was an All-Conference and All-State performer all four seasons at Notre Dame, in addition to being a three-time All-Metro selection. She helped the Rebels to a third-place State finish in 2007, a runner-up finish in 2008 and a fourth-place finish in 2009. Wilhelm was teammates at Notre Dame HS with soon-to-be MSSU teammate Michelle Dimza. She is the daughter of Mark and Joan Wilhelm and will major in Education at MSSU.

Zoltanski is a four-year starter as a defender for the Pattonville (Mo.) HS Pirates. Zoltanski was a first-team All-Conference performer in 2009 and earned All-Conference Honorable-Mention honors in 2008. She has helped lead the Pirates to three consecutive Conference championships, along with a District title and a third-place State finish in 2009. She was also a teammate at Pattonville HS of current Lion Candis Clark. The daughter of Tom and Nina Zoltanski, she plans to major in Mass Communication at MSSU.

“MSSU soccer is excited to be adding this group of talented student athletes,” said Wachsman. “As always, our group has high expectations, and I expect these players will bring both experience and depth to our team to help us reach our goals.”

Southwest Baptist Bearcats Prospects Camp

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Do you want to play college soccer? Are you in high school or entering high school in 2010? Would you like to experience what college pre-season is really like? Well now is your chance!

Southwest Baptist University, one of the premier NCAA Division II Programs in the Midwest, will be hosting its annual Prospects Camp. This is a great place to experience college soccer and to find out what you need to do in order to play in college. Here is what you will get:

The camp takes place for 4 days and 3 nights on the campus of Southwest Baptist University in beautiful Bolivar, Missouri. The camp will be run like a typical college pre-season program. You will be placed in college training sessions, have classroom sessions designed to teach you tactics and systems of play, will be introduced to the NCAA Clearinghouse Eligibility Program, will learn about the recruiting process and will compete on a daily basis against other players wanting to play in college. The best part is that the entire camp is run by college coaches who will be looking at you for the future! The staff will include the following coaches (based upon availability):

Robert Podeyn (Head Women’s Soccer Coach- Southwest Baptist University)- Coach Podeyn is one of the most decorated coaches in the country holding coaching licenses from the USA, England, Brazil and Holland. He holds a USSF National ‘A’ License, an NSCAA National Youth Diploma, an NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma, a UEFA Coaching License, an English Football Association Preliminary Badge, a Brazilian Coaching license, and a Dutch Advanced Tactics Diploma.

Dean Grey (Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach- Southwest Baptist University)- Coach Grey holds a USSF National ‘D’ License and an English Football Association Preliminary Badge. He has played semi-professional soccer in England, and has coached youth to amateur for the last 5 years.

Jason Massie (Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach- Southwest Baptist University)- Coach Massie is a former Under 17 National Team Player from England having come through the highly regarded Liverpool system. He also holds his USSF National ‘D’ Coaching License and English Football Association Preliminary Badge. He still plays professional soccer in the USL Second Division for the Harrisburg City Islanders.

Marcia Oliveira (Head Women’s Soccer Coach – University of South Dakota)- a Former professional coach for the Brazilian National Teams, Marcia has coached NCAA Division I for the last 12 years in the United States. She still serves as an Ambassador to the Brazilian Football Federation coordinating with various dignitaries in US Soccer. She holds a USSF National ‘A’ Coaching License and a Brazilian Professional Coaching License.

The price of this camp has been set low because we are not interested in using this as a moneymaker. All campers receive an SBU Soccer T-Shirt and food and lodging for the four days. A certified trainer will be in attendance to meet any medical needs or training needs. We will, however, be restricting the numbers to the first 72 registrants who complete the form and return it with payment. In the past this camp has filled up by June 1st. Don’t be caught on the outside of this fantastic experience! This is not a summer soccer camp. This IS a PROSPECTS CAMP! We hope to see you this summer at SBU.

Download the SBU Prospects Camp 2010 Flyer

Robert Podeyn
Head Women’s Soccer Coach
Southwest Baptist University
1600 University Avenue
Bolivar, MO. 65613
(0) 417-328-1739
rpodeyn@sbuniv.edu
www.sbuniv.edu

Drury Announces Lady Panther Signees Including Sprouse, McWilliams and Aston

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Ashley McWilliams and Lindsey Sprouse, Glendale Falcons (2010)

Ashley McWilliams and Lindsey Sprouse, Glendale Falcons (2010)

Drury women’s soccer coach Alf Bilbao has announced an 11-member recruiting class to join the Panthers’ program for the first time this fall.

“We are very excited to have all of these young ladies become a part of our Drury Soccer family,” Bilbao says. “They all have excelled, on and off the field, for their respective high school and club teams. They all exhibit great character and many of them will be counted on to contribute immediately to our team’s success this fall.”

The new Panthers for Bilbao’s squad, which finished 13-6 overall and reached the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament for a third straight year last season, are:

*Lindsey Sprouse, 5’8 forward, Glendale High School (Springfield, MO): Lindsey was named her squad’s best offensive player from 2007-09, earning First Team All-Ozark Conference and First Team All-District honors all three seasons and picking up Second Team All-State accolades last year, when she was also named the Offensive Player of the Year for the southwest region. She’s a member of the Springfield Soccer Club.

There is a video interview with Ashley and Lindsey available at the bottom of this report

*Ashley McWilliams, 5’5 defender, Glendale High School (Springfield, MO): Ashley missed the 2009 campaign due to injury, but as a sophomore, was named First Team All-Ozark Conference, All-District, All-Region and was also selected as the Defensive Player of the Year for the Southwest Region. She’s a member of the Missouri Elilte Soccer Club.

*Elle Aston, 5’8 midfielder, Republic High School (Republic, MO): Elle, a three-sport standout at Republic (basketball, volleyball and track), which does not offer prep soccer, was honored as a Southwest Missouri Soccer All-Star and is a member of the Missouri Elite Soccer Club.

*Brittany White, 5’8 defender, St. Dominic High School (O’Fallon, MO): Brittany was an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection last season and plays for the Lou Fusz Strikers – Mannion club team.

*McKenna Feltes, 5’9 defender, Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School (Cedar Rapids, IA): McKenna helped her squad to state runner-up finishes in both 2007 and ’08 and a state championship in 2009. She’s a member of the Eastern Iowa United Soccer Club.

*Jennifer Rogers, 5’6 forward/midfielder, Lee’s Summit Community Christian (Lee’s Summit, MO): Jennifer was her team’s captain and a First Team All-District choice who set her school’s record for goals and assists. She plays for the KCFC Freedom club team.

*Elle Kekec, 5’5 defender, Ladue High School (St. Louis, MO):Elle was a Third Team All-State choice and was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the Suburban East Conference last spring. Her prep team’s captain, she also plays club for the Lou Fusz Strikers – Mannion.

*Ashton Allcorn, 5’9 defender/midfielder, Applewood Christian High School (Cole Camp, MO): Ashton is playing prep soccer for the first time this spring as it just became an option at her high school; she also plays club for the KC Select Scream.

*Kara Steiner, 5’6 midfielder, Jefferson City High School (Jefferson City, MO): Kara was the District and Central Region Co-Player of the Year as well as 3rd Team All State. She’s a member of the Columbia Pride Soccer Club.

*Kinsey Shouse, 5’10 defensive midfielder, Jefferson City High School (Jefferson City, MO): Kinsey was selected to the All –District 2nd Team in 2009 and was a member of Sectional Championship team. She has been the leading scorer for the Carerra Soccer Club.

*Kate King, 5’11 defender, Central High School (Ft. Worth, TX): Kate is a member of the DFW Tornados club team.

Justin Bowenschulte Part of 12 Drury Panther Signees

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Coming off the most successful season in the program’s history, the Drury men’s soccer Panthers have added a dozen new faces – all from the high school ranks – to begin play in the 2010 campaign.

Second-year Drury head coach Ryan Swan, who guided the Panthers to a 21-2 record and their first Great Lakes Valley Conference championship and NCAA-II Sweet 16 berth last fall, says he’s excited about the 12-member incoming freshman class.

“All of these players have been standout performers for the high school and club teams,” Swan says. “I expect several of these players to come in and challenge for playing time immediately and for all of them to help Drury University soccer to new heights over the next four years.”

The new Panthers are:

*Justin Bowenschulte, 5-10 midfielder, Catholic High School (Springfield, MO): Justin was named to the First Team All-Conference, All-Region and All-State squads and is a member of the Springfield Soccer Club U-18 team.

*Michael Yuede, 5-8 midfielder, St. Dominic High School (O’Fallon, MO): He was the Class 2 state player of the year after leading his team to a state championship, earning First Team All-State and Second Team All-Metro honors. Yuede also was a number of the ’09 Missouri state champion Scott Gallagher Soccer Club team.

*Matt Baker, 5-10 forward, Hickman High School (Columbia, MO): Matt helped lead Hickman to a district championship and an appearance in the state’s Class 3 Final Four, earning All-Region honors. He’s a member of the Columbia Pride Soccer Club.

*Alec Nagel, 5-11 midfielder, Jefferson City High School (Jefferson City, MO): Alec was a First Team All-Region, First Team All-State and Central Region MVP selection who also played for Missouri club state champion Scott Gallagher.

*Brendan Langford, 5-11 defender, Central Catholic High School (San Antonio, TX): He was a First Team All-District selection who was also named the district’s Offensive Player of the Year, garnering First Team All-State and Academic All-State honors along the way. Brendan plays club soccer for the Classic Elite soccer club.

*Jesse Williams, 6-2 midfielder, Castle High School (Evansville, IN): Jesse was named his team’s MVP along with earning First Team All-Conference and All-District accolades. He plays club with 2009 Indiana state champion FC Evansville.

*Thomas Davis, 5-11 forward, Aledo High School (Fort Worth, TX): Thomas set the Aledo school records for season and career goals scored. He was a 2009 All-Conference and All-District selection who plays club with the Solar SC.

*Dakota Stevens, 5-10 defender, Central High School (Fort Worth, TX): Dakota is a member of the Solar Soccer club as well.

*Brandon Reed, 6-2 defender, Owasso High School (Owasso, OK): Named his prep team’s Most Valuable Player, Brandon also plays club with the Tulsa Thunder Soccer Club.

*Logan Ream, 5-8 defender, St. Dominic High School (O’Fallon, MO): Logan helped his St. Dominic squad to back-to-back state championships, earning First Team All-State and All-Metro honors and being named the Missouri Player of the Year. He plays club with Scott Gallagher SC.

*Matthew Hutchison, 6-0 forward, CBC High School (St. Louis, MO): Matthew helped CBC and his Scott Gallagher club team both to state championships in 2009. He was named to the First Team All-Conference, All-Metro and All-State squads, and is playing club this spring with the Gallagher Academy.

*Adam Heiligenstein, 5-10 defender, Hazelwood West High School (Florissant, MO): Adam was named the Suburban North Conference MVP in addition to earning Second Team All-State and Third Team All-Metro honors. He plays club for the Scott Gallagher Illinois SC.

All of the above recruits will join a 2010 Panthers squad that was ranked as high as No. 2 nationally in D-II last season and features several top returnees, including Second Team All-America junior goalkeeper Stephen Conner and senior defender Ben Taylor as well as Third Team All-America senior forward Micah Whorton and Honorable Mention All-America senior defender Peter Higgins, in addition to All-GLVC honorees Blake Wilson, Grant Bowden and Conner McClellan, all defenders and seniors for the upcoming season.

Missouri S&T Miners Sign Jaclyn Standfast, 6 Others

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Jaclyn Standfast, Rolla Bulldogs

Jaclyn Standfast, Rolla Bulldogs

(Rolla, Mo.) – Missouri S&T women’s soccer coach Jon Kiester has announced the signing of six student-athletes to national letters of intent plus another one that plans to walk on and play for the Lady Miners in the upcoming 2010 campaign.

The newcomers are Leilah Saadi, Audrey Barnard, Kirstin Kurilla, Kimberly Ekholm, Jaclyn Standfast, Nicole French, and Kelsey Salzman.

“We are always looking to build our depth,” Keister said. “A majority of our starters are going to be seniors this year which is exciting and we need to provide them with some depth not only for competition but also to give us something coming off the bench.”

Below are bios on all seven of the signed players.

Jaclyn Standfast – 5-6, senior, Rolla High School. Standfast played at Rolla High for head coach Mike Howard. She plays center midfield and has earned all-conference, all-district and all-southwest Missouri region honors. Standfast led the Bulldogs in scoring last season with 11 goals and eight assists for a total of 30 points.

Leilah Saadi – 5-5, junior-college transfer from Hutchinson Community College. Saadi competed for two seasons at Hutchinson Community College as a forward. In her two seasons there she scored 24 goals and had 19 assists for a total of 67 points in a total of 32 contests. Last season she scored 13 goals and had five assists for a total of 31 points in 12 games. Saadi had five multi-goal games including a pair of three-goal games against Allen County and Garden City Community Colleges. As a freshman she appeared in 20 games scoring 11 goals and dishing out 14 assists for a total of 36 points and was a second team all-region selection. Saadi scored in six different games with three multi-goal games. Saadi, a native of Topeka, Kan., played at Topeka West HS for head coach Chris McGinnis. She was the team’s most valuable defender in 2007 and 2008. She plans on majoring in civil engineering.

Audrey Barnard – 5-6, senior, Raytown High School, Raytown, Mo. Barnard is a two-year letter-winner for the Blue Jays heading into her senior season. Last season she was an honorable mention all-conference selection and helped her team to a conference championship. She is a “Wendy’s High School Heisman” nominee. Barnard is also a member of the KC Select United club team and plans on majoring in mechanical engineering.

Kirstin Kurilla – 5-5, senior, Edwardsville High School, Edwardsville, Ill. Kurilla earned all-state honorable mention as a midfielder last season at Edwardsville High School. She plays for the club team St. Louis Scott Gallagher. Her older sister Kelsey has been a goalkeeper the past three seasons for the Lady Miners.

Kimberly Ekholm – 5-6, senior, Cypress Springs High School, Houston, Texas. Ekholm, a center midfielder, has been an all-district selection each of the last two seasons and served as one of the team captains. She is a member of the club soccer team Albion Hurricanes FC. Her sister Shelly is also a member of the women’s soccer team at Missouri S&T.

Nicole French – a senior midfielder at Oakville High School scored a pair of goals and had an assist last season for the Tigers. One of her goals was a game winner. She also plays midfield for her club team MC United.

Kelsey Salzman – 5-5, senior, Notre Dame de Sion High School, Kansas City, Mo. Salzman has played for three years at Notre Dame de Sion. During her time there she has been a part of three straight Missouri Final Four teams. As a freshman in 2007 she helped her squad to a second place finish in Missouri Class 1. In 2008 she was a member of the team that won the Missouri Class 1 state title 1-0 over Notre Dame (St. Louis). Last season she helped her team to third place finish in Missouri Class 2. Salzman is also an exceptional runner competing in the Missouri State High School Cross Country Championships all four years, finishing second in 2007 and fourth in 2008. She plays club soccer for the Chili Peppers in Kansas City. Her older brother Daniel was a member of the Miner soccer team for four years from 2005-08. She plans on majoring in nuclear engineering.

The Lady Miners finished the 2009 campaign with a 5-9-1 overall mark, 5-8 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Megan Melugin Commits to Southwest Baptist Bearcats

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Megan Melugin, Kickapoo Chiefs (2010)

Megan Melugin, Kickapoo Chiefs (2010)

The Bearcats have added a fourth local recruit with last weeks signing by Kickapoo Chiefs midfield Megan Melugin. She joins Springfield SC teammate, goalkeeper Paige Hemphill (Ozark) along with Haden and Marcotte. Megan, like her brother Heath who plays for the Missouri State Bears, has a solid focus on her education and plans to enroll in the Physical Therapy program offered at SBU while continuing her career with the Division 2 MIAA squad based in Bolivar.

A 2nd Team Ozark Conference pick last year, she will be the Chiefs most experienced midfielder where she’ll be likely partner with Marin Gelsheimer and Katie Lynn. While not a prolific goal scorer, she can be dangerous as when she scored all 3 goals in a late season win over Camdenton. More details will have to follow since the Kickapoo Chiefs website seems to have erased all of the previous girls statistics.

I had a chance to chat with Megan following the Springfield SC annual Banquet, the day she signed officially.