NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State soccer team announced the signing of eight commitments to National Letters of Intent during National Signing Day. This is the first class for first-year head coach Brad Silvey.
"We are ecstatic to announce that eight incredible young women will be joining the Redbird soccer family for the 2017 season! This is a remarkable class that will afford our program the skill, speed, knowledge and determination to continue our successful trend," said Silvey. "Each has found high achievement within their respective soccer and academic environments. They possess admirable character that will represent our university, program, and team in a positive manner. It is with much excitement and anticipation that we welcome our 2017 class to Illinois State!"
The 2017 class is comprised of two forwards, three midfielders, two defenders and one goalkeeper. The class includes (listed alphabetically):
Jessica Denney | Midfield | Naperville, Ill. | Naperville North HS | Eclipse Select ECNL
Highlights: Played for Eclipse Select ECNL for five years under head coach Rory Dames…team captain for her U15 and U16 teams…Illinois State Cup Champion for U13, U15 and U16 teams…Illinois State Cup Finalist for U14, U17 and U18 teams…ECNL National Championship Playoff Finalist for U16 team…six-time US Soccer Regional Training…attended ECNL PDP Invite.
Silvey about Denney: "An incredibly gifted talent, J will provide us with high-level experience in the midfield. Her skill and knowledge of the game will be invaluable to our team. She is a steady, smooth and threatening addition to our roster."
Sarah LaFayette | Forward | Normal, Ill. | University HS | Illinois Fusion
Highlights: Played all four years at University High under varsity head coach Hayley Sefton…scored 56 goals in her time at U-High, the ninth most in state history…had an 11-game scoring streak in the 2016 season…All-State honors…MVP honors…received Coach's Award in 2015…played 10 years at Illinois Fusion under head coach Don Ideran…played for Illinois ODP and Regional ODP…made Illinois All-State Team with 10 goals at the Region II State Tournament and was a part of the Region II team…also ran cross country in high school, with her team finishing 8th at State in 2013.
Silvey about Lafayette: "A fantastic local standout, Sarah is a talented forward that we are proud to keep close to home. She is equipped with next-level speed and has a knack for getting in behind defenses. She has scored plenty of goals throughout her impressive soccer career, which should quickly transition onto her collegiate score sheet."
Morgan Metcalf | Midfield | Colorado Springs, Col. | Liberty HS | Pride Soccer Club
Highlights: Played three years on the varsity team at Liberty High School under head coach Andy Little then Sara McGillivray…First-Team All-State and Academic All-State freshman year…First-Team All-Conference and Academic All-State sophomore and junior years…played for Real Colorado ECNL and Pride Soccer Club.
Silvey about Metcalf: "Morgan provides our team with an impressive and dynamic wide option. Coming from an extremely talented club, Morgan possess the proper mindset and training habits to quickly acclimate to our competition level. Attending Illinois State this spring due to early graduation, we are already enjoying her contributions to the team."
Sarah Ochitwa | Defense | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Centennial Collegiate | REX Saskatchewan HPDC
Highlights: Played seven years under head coach Terrol Russell for REX Saskatchewan HPDC…awarded Best Youth Female Player in Saskatchewan in 2014 and 2015…played five years under coaches Terrol Russell and Hue Morris for the Saskatchewan Provincial Team…team captain for four years…played four years under head coach Beverly Priestman for the Canadian U15/U17 National Excel Team.
Silvey about Ochitwa: "Sarah is an extremely quick, technical, and disciplined defender. Her training habits and eagerness to improve will set her apart from most. She provides a flare and uniqueness to our backline which will offer flexibility in our style of play."
Alissa Ramsden | Midfield | Wadsworth, Ill. | Warren Township HS | Sockers FC Chicago
Highlights: Played for two years under head coach Ryan McCabe at Warren Township…All-Conference and All-Sectional Honorable Mention freshman year…played for Libertyville 1974 club team for three years under head coach Mike Litvack…team captain…US Club national finalist…MRL Premier first place…played four years at Sockers FC Chicago under head coach Trey Bradberry…ECNL Champions League…played one year for Illinois OPD in 2014.
Silvey about Ramsden: "A dominant and consistent central player, Lissy is equipped to help our team win the midfield. Her ability to read the game and connect the dots will position us to improve ball circulation and retain possession for extended periods of time. Lissy also has an impressive aerial game which will enhance our team set plays."Â Â Â Â Â
Ashley Santos | Defense | Naperville, Ill. | Naperville North HS | Team Chicago Academy
Highlights: Played four years under varsity head coach Steve Goletz…team captain for junior and senior seasons…2014 and 2015 DVC and Regional Champions…2016 DVC, Regional, and Sectional Champs and made it to Final Eight…played three years at Team Chicago Academy (USYSA National League) under coaches Dave Lovercheck and Phil Nielson…State Cup champions in 2016…made National Championships appearance in 2016.
Silvey about Santos: "One of the strongest, grittiest, and positive individuals I have ever met, Ashley is a fierce competitor. Her versatility across the back will provide desirable stability and balance. She has an infectious personality and leadership traits that will quickly be embraced within our team culture."
Jenny Scara | Goalkeeper | Batavia, Ill. | Batavia HS | Strikers Fox Valley
Highlights: Played four years on the varsity team under head coach Mark Gianfrancesco…all-conference honorable mention as a freshman…all-conference sophomore and junior years…all-sectional honorable mention sophomore and junior years…senior captain…played for Strikers Fox Valley for 10 years under head coach Amy Winslow…state cup semifinalist and 6th place in state in 2015.
Silvey about Scara: "A very athletic keeper with a raw talent for the positon, Jenny is another exceptional signee. She will set the bar high and immediately push and contend with those around her. Her personality and competitive edge will be great assets for our team."
Natalie Vaughn-Low | Forward | DeKalb, Ill.| DeKalb HS | Eclipse Select ECNL
Highlights: Played two years at DeKalb High School under head coach Patrick Hamilton…Barb Cup Tournament champions…Tournament MVP…All-Conference and All-Sectional in 2015…played for Eclipse Select ECNL for two years under head coach Rory Dames…played for Northern Illinois Futbol Club for six years under head coach Dan Carl.
Silvey about Vaughn-Low: "Simply stated, Natalie is an attacking threat. Her strength and power will allow her to play the forward position in a variety of different ways. She is dangerous and instinctive near the goal and will integrate into our attack-minded approach seamlessly."
GoRedbirds.com:Â Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
