From the Joplin Globe: Lauren Copple, headed for a fourth season of soccer at Joplin High School, signed a letter of intent with Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College of Miami on Tuesday. Copple, primarily a goalie as a freshman, will be operating for the third season as a midfielder/forward this spring for Joplin, Eagle coach Ed Miller said.

NEO coach Lisa Bell, who noted that Copple will be a part of NEO’s second season of soccer, came to Joplin for the ceremony. “I have high hopes for our second season,” Bell said. “We should have nine or 10 players returning. Lauren (Copple) is projected as a midfielder,” Bell said. “But her position really will depend on just how well she fits into the mix. She could be one of our first players off the bench.”

Said Copple (who plans to study nursing): “I believe I can cope with about any position to help the team.” “She really got along with our kids during her visit to our campus,” Bell said.

Said Miller: “Lauren has played a lot of soccer and definitely understands the game. She needs to work on becoming faster and quicker at the next level. The teams will be faster. Everything will become quicker-paced. “I’m confident she can make the adjustment,” Mlller said. “She works very hard.”