Bolivar, Mo. - Head Women's Soccer Coach Robert Podeyn announced the initial signing of four area soccer players for the upcoming 2012-2013 Season. “After a tough season last year I felt it was important to sign players we felt would make an immediate impact; players who could push and challenge existing players right away. I think these four young ladies are amazing soccer players and quality people who will help us to get back on track," said Coach Podeyn.
Karla Jamison (Kansas City, Missouri)
Karla plays at Staley High School in Kansas City and for Futura Force in club soccer. For her high school career, Karla has been a 3-year starter and 3-Time All-Conference and All-District performer. In her career she has scored 48 goals and accumulated 23 assists. Her club team has finished in the top 4 teams each of the last three years, twice reaching the State Cup Championship game. She has been their leading scorer in each of the last three seasons. “Karla is a goal-scorer, pure and simple. She knows where the net is and always looks to score when she gets the ball. She has an incredible work-rate and great touch and has the vision to play as a central attacker or as a central midfielder. She will come in and make an immediate impact for us as we look to be more dynamic in our attack next season”, Said Coach Podeyn. Karla will enter SBU as a freshman and plans on majoring in Physical Therapy.
Kate Jamison (Kansas City, Missouri)
Kate plays at Staley High School in Kansas City and for Futura Force in club soccer. For her career, Kate has been a three-year starter and 3-Time All-Conference and All-District performer. In her career she has scored 26 goals and accumulated 46 assists. Her club team has finished in the top 4 teams each of the last three years, twice reaching the State Cup Championship game. She has been their creative force in midfield leading the team in assists each of the last three years. “Kate is a very dynamic midfield player with great vision and awareness. She is quick to recognize her options and does well at creating scoring opportunities. She also has the ability to strike the ball from distance and score from 20-30 yards as she has proven in high school and club. Kate is an exciting player and we expect her to make an immediate impact in our midfield next season”, Said Coach Podeyn. Kate will enter SBU as a freshman and plans on majoring in Physical Therapy.
Taylor Schmidt (Liberty, Missouri)
Taylor plays at the best high school in the state on one of the highest rated programs in the country in Liberty High School. Liberty High School has won the Missouri State High School Championships each of the last two years and was ranked as the #2 high school in the nation last year. Taylor has been a 3-year starter at midfield and forward and is considered one of the top three offensive threats on their team. She also plays club for Futura Force and has been their second leading scorer each of the last three years. Her club team finished in the top 4 teams each of the last three years, twice reaching the State Cup Championship game. “Taylor is a very dangerous attacking player. The first time I saw her play she scored 5 goals in a tournament against the host team. She has incredible speed, great size, and is very good technically. She has the capability of scoring goals in bunches and fills an immediate need for us up top and we expect her to make an immediate impact at forward for us next year”, Said Coach Podeyn. Taylor will enter SBU as a freshman and plans on majoring in Biology/ Pre-Med.
Haylee Thibodeaux (Saint Louis, Missouri)
Haylee plays at Mehlville High School in Saint Louis and for Kolping Kicks and Olympique in club soccer. Haylee has been a three-year starter, two-year captain, and 2-Time All-Conference performer. She was also honored this year by Wendy's as she was awarded the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. Playing primarily as a holding midfielder and central defender, Haylee is known her ability to organize and communicate effectively with her teammates. “Haylee is a very tough competitor. She is aggressive and physical and has a tremendous work-rate. She is a natural leader who is admired not only by her teammates, but by her coaches as well. She is one that truly leaves it on the field. As a holding central midfield player, she is a tremendous weapon to have. We look forward to the impact Haylee will have for us this year”, Said Coach Podeyn. Haylee will enter SBU as a freshman and plans on majoring in Physical Therapy.
"We are excited about the addition of these young ladies to our program," Coach Podeyn stated. "They are players who love the game and exemplify the kind of individual we are looking to bring to SBU. All of these young ladies are very good soccer players, excellent students, and strong in character and faith. We are honored they have chosen us as their home the next four years."
