ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western soccer coach Chad Edwards announced his 2017 signing day class on Wednesday.
The class will consist of 12 student-athletes, all coming to Missouri Western directly from high schools in three different states.
“It’s really cool to see kids fulfill their dreams of playing collegiate soccer,” Edward said. “For us to be a part of that process and for us to be able to provide an opportunity at such a great institution, is really cool. We’re looking forward to having these 12 kids on campus. They’re going to be program-changers, and really help us get to where we want to go.”
Edwards’ 2017 signing class includes:
Ally Barb
Goalkeeper| Ozark, Mo.| Ozark HS | Sporting Springfield
2x All-Region Team, 3x All-Conference Team
2016 Team Captain, MVP
15 shutouts, .63 GAA, and 128 saves as a Junior
“Ally is a tremendous goalkeeper who possesses all the attributes that you like in the position,” Edwards said. “She will challenge for the starting spot this fall.”
Ava Blessie
Midfielder | Papillion, Neb.| Mercy HS | Gretna Soccer Club
2016 All-State
Three-year varsity letter winner, Academic All-State
Sister of current Griffon, Bridget Blessie
“Ava is a versatile, athletic, hard working player that has the ability to play multiple positions,” Edwards said. “Being a Blessie, we know she is a tireless worker that has a tremendous love for the game and Griffon Soccer.”
Brooke Howe
Midfielder| Blue Springs, Mo. |Blue River Community College
NJCAA All-Region XVI 1st Team
Team captain at Blue River
Scored four goals and had three assists in her one year at Blue River
“Brooke is an extremely athletic, technical midfielder that had immediate success at Blue River and we expect that from her this fall,” Edwards said. “Coach Owens and Childers are quality coaches there that I know will have her ready to make an impact right away.”
Jayme Jackson
Midfielder| Lansing, Kan. | Lansing HS|
Two-time KVL Champion, Regional Champion
Three-year varsity starter
Powerlifter
“Jayme is an under the radar type player,” Edwards said. “She is very athletic and has a tremendous work ethic that will easily carry over to the collegiate level.”
Jordan Jennings
Defender | Kansas City, Mo. | Lee’s Summit North | FC Kansas City
2016 High School District Champion
Multi-sport letter winner
National Honors Society member
“Jordan is an extremely hard working player that gets forward well and is a tenacious one-on-one defender,” Edwards said. “She will definitely add strength to our, already top class, back line.”
Madelyne Lupercio
Forward| Omaha, Neb. | Lincoln Pius X HS| Elite Girls Academy
Has scored 38 goals with 22 assists in high school
Most goals and points in a season at Millard South HS
Five-time club state champion, 2016 regional champion
“Madelyne is a strong, physical and athletic player that has the ability to play multiple positions and score goals, Edwards said. “She has experienced much success at a high level, which will enable her to transition smoothly into the college game. ”
Ashley Mathis
Forward | Lee’s Summit, Mo. | Lee’s Summit West HS | KC Select Soccer Club
Four-year letter winner
Missouri ’98 ODP Team
National Honors Society member
“Ashley has a motor that doesn’t stop and is an awesome leader,” Edwards said. She will contribute in multiple ways; we are looking forward to her having a huge impact on the program.”
Anika Nobs
Defender | Creve Coeur, Mo. | St Joseph’s Academy | Scott Gallagher Soccer Club
Led High School team in goals as a freshman
Team captain
Multi-sport athlete-1st team All-Conference in Track & Field
Gymnastics state champion
“Anika is a super athletic, multi-dimensional player that has the pace to run by anyone,” Edwards said. “She comes from a fantastic club background that has her prepared at the highest level.”
Mackenzie O’Neill
Midfielder | St Louis, Mo. | Oakville HS | Scott Gallagher Soccer Club
Four- year varsity starter
Four-year Scholar-Athlete award recipient
Honored by her teammates with the Role Player Award
“Mack is a physical, smart and technical midfielder with great vision. She is a natural leader on and off the field,” Edwards said. “Mack is also a versatile player that has the ability to play in multiple positions.”
Taylor Schwartzkopf
Forward | Farmington, Mo. | Farmington HS | Scott Gallagher Soccer Club
2x All-State, 3x All-Conference
2016 Regional Radio Spring Sports Dream Team
Has tallied 69 goals and 17 assists in her high school career
“Taylor is a super athletic, pure goal scorer that has the ability to get vertical really well,” Edwards said. “She competed and had success at the highest level of club soccer. We are looking forward to Taylor having an immediate impact on our front line.”
Madison Utley
Forward| Bridgeton, Mo. |Pattonville HS | Scott Gallagher Soccer Club
Has amassed 96 points her high school career on 31 goals and 34 assists
2016 All-State selection
Multi-sport athlete
“Madison is a tenacious, gritty player that has a knack for scoring goals but also contributes to a lot of goals as well,” Edwards said. “She comes from a great club, high school and family background that will have her more than ready to have immediate success.”
Danny Walsh
Defender | Omaha, Neb. | Skutt HS | Gretna Soccer Club
2016 All-State
2016 high school state champion
Four-year Academic All-Conference
“Danny’s work ethic, determination and physicality will help her become the outside back we want in the program,” Edwards said. “She will be a great addition to one of top back lines we have ever had.”
— MWSU Athletics —