ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western soccer coach Chad Edwards has announced the signings of seven student-athletes for the 2016 season.
Edwards’ squad has posted the two most successful seasons in program history in each of the last two seasons. The team’s 18 combined wins in 2014 and 2015 were just two less than the previous six seasons combined. Edwards became the program’s all-time wins leader in 2014 and has led the team to back-to-back appearances in the MIAA Tournament and has 16 student-athletes named All-MIAA since 2011, including 12 in the past two seasons. Over the last two seasons, Griffon Soccer has broken or tied more than 25 team and individual records.
Members of the 2016 signing class are as follows.
Sarah Blakley
Defender | Enid, Oklahoma | Northern Oklahoma College
Named first team All-Region at NOC… two-time All-Conference selection at NOC…her mother, Terri, played basketball at the University of Oklahoma.
“Sarah is a tough, hard-working field general that has led NOC to incredible success over her two seasons,” Edwards said. “Coach Smith does a great job with his players and I know she will be ready to make an immediate impact.”
Jamie Cronister
Midfielder | Topeka, Kansas | Allen Community College | Sporting Kaw Valley
Cronister was named KJCCA All-Conference in 2014…was also named to All-Academic Team in 2015…won state championships in 2012 and 2013 at Hayden High School…chose MWSU because it seemed like the perfect fit after meeting with Coach Edwards and the team.
“Jamie is an extremely hard working player and a tenacious one on one defender,” Edwards said. “She also played under the direction of Coach McGinnis and will be ready to add strength to our already top-class back line.”
Tatum Heller
Forward | Olathe, Kansas | Olathe Northwest HS | Sporting Blue Valley Soccer Club
Heller was named First Team All-State in 2015 and Kansas Sunflower League First Team…chose MWSU because it felt like the perfect fit academically and athletically.
“Tatum is incredibly athletic and has the pace to run by anyone,” Edwards said. “She is a pure goal scorer that has competed and had success at the highest level of club soccer. She will be ready to have immediate success.”
Emily Kemp
Forward | Lenexa, Kansas | Olathe Northwest HS | Sporting Blue Valley
Chose MWSU based on the campus and a desire to continue her soccer career.
“Emily is a versatile, athletic, hard-working player that has the ability to play multiple positions,” Edwards said. “She also comes from a fantastic club and high school background that has her prepared for the highest level.”
Madison Massa
Midfielder | Kansas City, Missouri |Park Hill HS | FCKC
Massa was an Honorable Mention All-Conference and All-District selection in 2015…part of conference championship teams in 2014 and 2015…club team won the 2015 Missouri state championship…chose MWSU because of the competition, community and location.
“Madi is a tenacious, gritty player that can play multiple roles,” Edwards said. “She has experienced a lot success throughout her career. She also comes from a great club and high school background that will have her more than ready to have immediate success.”
Emilee Mitchell
Midfielder | Platte City, Missouri | Allen Community College | KC United
Mitchell was named Honorable Mention All-KJCCC in 2015…also earned KJCCC Player of the Week Honors in 2015…three-sport athlete at Platte County High School…chose MWSU because of amazing athletics and proximity to home.
“Emilee is a physical, technical midfielder with great vision,” Edwards said. “After playing two years at Allen under the direction of Coach McGinnis, she will be more than prepared to make the transition.”
Serena Ortiz
Forward | Kansas City, Kansas | Bishop Ward HS| Sporting Blue Valley
Ortiz was named First Team KVL in 2015…said she chose MWSU because of the focus on helping student athletes balance athletics and academics.
“Serena is a super technical, physical central midfielder/forward that is a pure ball striker,” Edwards said. “She comes from a fantastic club program and coach that have prepared her compete at high level immediately.”
— MWSU Athletics —