LEXINGTON, Va. - VMI women's soccer announced its 2016-17 incoming class on Monday, according to information made available by head coach Chris Bergmann. The class contains 11 players from six different states.
"We are very excited about the 2016 recruiting class," said VMI head coach Chris Bergmann. "We are adding depth and athleticism which is essential to building a strong foundation. Chemistry is also important and these ladies are team focused and make our entire team better. These new players will have an immediate impact on the team. They are looking forward to joining a tremendous returning group that has worked extremely hard this offseason to get ready for the 2016 campaign."
Individual athlete capsules appear below. The 2016 VMI women's soccer schedule will be released in the upcoming weeks on VMIKeydets.com.
McKayla Beal, F, Ashburn, Va./Briar Woods - Loudoun SC
Two-year letterwinner at Briar Woods HS...team captain...also played for Loudoun 98 Red club program...intends to major in international studies.
Coach's Quote: “McKayla is an impressive athlete, who loves to battle for the ball and is a great point person in the attack. She battles for every ball and will have an immediate impact winning the ball in the air. McKayla is highly competitive and pushes her teammates to the next level."
Sierra Brewer, D, Orangevale, Calif./Oakmont – San Juan ECNL
Intends to major in psychology.
Coach's Quote: “Sierra is a tremendous player and will have an immediate impact as a flank player. She has a very strong soccer pedigree and has competed at the highest level for several years. Sierra is quick and looks to take players on and attack the goal. Her work rate is outstanding and her versatility can allow her to play as a central midfielder as well."
Kiley Cropper, F, Greeley, Colo./Greeley West - Northern Colorado Soccer Club
Four-year letterwinner at Greeley West...Andy Borg MVP and Sam Chuenchit MVP...scored 30 points her junior year and 15 in her first four games of her senior season...honor roll...intends to major in economics and business.
Coach's Quote: “Kiley is a super athlete. She played five sports in HS, and will bring an explosive, physical presence and a nose for the goal mentality to our front line. She is also very versatile and will bring depth to our overall team."
Sam Franklin, M, Woodbine, Md./South Carroll HS - SAC Premier
Four-year letterwinner at South Carroll HS...First Team All-County and All-Conference...played club soccer for Soccer Association of America...on honor roll all four years of high school...intends to major in Modern Language and Culture.
Coach's Quote: “Sam is a central player with a tremendous work rate. She is a true 'box-to-box' midfielder who fights for the valuable space. Her work rate is contagious and she will have an immediate impact on our team.”
Ashley Kassolis, D/M, Parkton, Md./Hereford - Pipeline Soccer Club
Four-year letterwinner at Hereford HS...also played for Pipeline Soccer Club, Baltimore Soccer Club and Baltimore Bays...lettered one year in lacrosse and played club for TLC...honor roll...National Technical Honor Society....brother wrestled for Maryland...intends to major in electrical engineering.
Coach's Quote: “Ashley is a great left-sided player. She brings both speed and physical play to our team. She is a player that will compete for everything and her work rate is unmatched."
Julianne Knoblett, F, Fulton, Md./Reservoir - Maryland United
Four-year letterwinner at Reservoir HS...team captain and honorable mention all-county...played for the regional championship program...Plays club for Maryland United Red…National Honor Society...Girl Scouts Bronze and Silver award...honor roll...also lettered four years in track...intends to major in biology.
Coach's Quote: “Julianne is a strong attacking player who loves to go to goal. She is confident with both feet and has the speed to beat players. She never backs down to a challenge and will sharpen her teammates to always bring their best."
Katelyn Lauziere, F, Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional - Warren United
Four-year letterwinner at Warren Hills Regional...two-time First Team All-Conference and one-time Second Team All-Conference...All-Group III NJGSCA Third Team...ranks second in school history in goals scored...also played for Warren United Club Team...intends to major in psychology.
Coach's Quote: "Katelyn is a true goal scorer. She plays well with her back to goal and also loves to take players on and battles for every opportunity in the box. Katelyn is a strong athlete and a great addition to the team."
Amanda Leber, GK, Pennington, N.J./Hopewell Valley Central - New Jersey Rush
Three-year letterwinner and two-year starter at Hopewell Valley...team won 2015 conference title and was state semifinalist...posted an 0.48 GAA and had 14 shutouts...team captain and All-State honoree...made 2015 NJGSCA Central NJ Top 20 Team...2014 and 2015 Times of Trenton All-Area Team....two-time First Team All-Colonial Valley Conference...holds N.J. Youth Soccer "F" Coaching License...National Honor Society...made High Honor Roll all four years...intends to major in civil engineering.
Coach's Quote: “Amanda is a great shot stopper and quick off her line to control the box. She has a tremendous work ethic and will add a lot to the depth of our goal keepers."
Madalyn Messier, M/F, Fork Union, Va./Fluvanna County - SOCA
Four-year letterwinner at Fluvanna County HS...two-time First Team All-Conference...all-district...played for Soccer Organization of Charlottesville Area (SOCA)...VA ODP State Team...United Soccer League W-20 league with the N. Virginia Majestics...also lettered four years in swimming and placed at states three times...Beta Club...Governor's School (BRVAS)...Class of 2016 Officer.
Coach's Quote: "Maddie is an explosive player who is very versatile and adds a ton to our overall attack both as a forward and a midfielder. She has the speed and technical skill to play anywhere on the forward line, but can also give us depth in the midfield. Maddie has a strong attacking personality and looks to shoot at all times."
Carissa Reese, M, Haymarket, Va./Battlefield - VSA Heat
Played club soccer for VSA Heat and USA Courage programs...three-year academic letter and three years in JROTC...four-year letterwinner at Battlefield HS in field hockey, where she was a two-time First Team All-Conference goalie...intends to major in biology.
Coach's Quote: "Carissa is a true winger and is a great addition to our attack. She has the speed, a strong 1v1 technique and loves to hit the shot or go for the cross. She plays at a very high tempo and looks to get behind the opponent and create goal scoring opportunities."
Carina Rodriguez, D/M, Pinecrest, Fla./Gulliver Prep - Kendall SC United
Four-year letterwinner at Gulliver Prep...Second Team All-Dade County on regional and district championship winners...state semifinalists...team MVP and captain...Kendall SC United Coalition club programs...also lettered three years in water polo, two in cross country and one in track and field...National and Spanish Honor Societies...Was a member of the Puerto Rican U17 National Team
Coach's Quote: "Carina is a great addition to our midfield. She has a very strong technical foundation and can play with the ball in tight spaces. She will bring great depth in helping us to improve our team possession. She has excellent vision and is a true competitor."
