JOPLIN, Mo. – Missouri Southern State University Women's Soccer Head Coach
Aaron Tilsen announced its addition of 14 players for the 2020 season. The incoming class includes players from Wisconsin, California, Kansas, Missouri, Michigan and Oklahoma. They are bringing in four forwards, four midfielders, five defenders and two goalkeepers to help create depth and energy in the program.
The 14 players represent five states and are:
Midfielder – Jori Hays – Spring Valley, Calif.
Hays attended Steele Canyon High School where she was one of just two players to play for coach Charlie Cleaves on the varsity soccer team all four years. In her junior year, Steele Canyon won the Division 1 Section championship. Hays was named Grossmont Hills All-League twice, and team captain her senior year. She was also recognized as San Diego Section All-Academic Team. She played club soccer for Rebels ECNL.
"Hays brings top level club and high school experience to the Lions. She scores goals and enjoys possessing the ball in all areas of the field," Tilsen explained. "Her high school coached described her as a player who would be willing to do anything to get on the field and stay there. She was a rare four-year player for a California powerhouse"
Defender – Lauren Mark – Canton, Mich.
Lauren Mark attended Canton High School where they were division and district champions. She also played club for the Michigan Hawks for a year and seven years in Plymouth Reign. She was team captain for seven years.
"Mark will make an immediate impact on the defensive line. She has great technical ability and work rate," said Tilsen. "Lauren will fight for everything and it is going to be exciting to see her on the field this fall."
Forward – Mackenzie Scholtz – Louisburg, Kan.
Scholtz attends Louisburg High School under coach Kyle Conley. Where they are three-time regional champions. She was named All-State and All-League in 2017, 2018 and 2019 as well as being named the 2019 Kansas 4A Offensive Player of the Year. She also earned the Golden Boot award for most goals scored in a season in 2018 and 2019.
"Mak is an exciting athletic talent coming to MSSU. She committed early to MSSU and as a coach I was excited to watch her play and find out how lucky we are to have her," said Tilsen. "A high school teammate of current junior
Bailey Belcher the two will reunite on the field here at MSSU."
Forward – Morgan Pettlon – Maryville, Mo.
Pettlon attended Maryville High School under coach Dale Reuter where she scored 98 goals and ten assists through her junior year. Team won districts in 2017, 2018, 2019 and were the Sectional Champions in 2019. She was a Class 2 First Team All-State selection, First Team All-Conference selection in 2019, named Offensive Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019 and named Most Valuable Player in 2019 and All News Press Player of the Year as a junior. She was a member of National Honors Society and earned academic honors all four years.
"Pettlon brings a scoring touch to our front line. Morgan has scored nearly 100 goals in her COVID-cut short high school career and has a knack for finding the net," said Tilsen. "She can create for others and rip shots from all angles into the net. I am excited to see her development and immediate impact."
Forward – Ella Durocher – River Falls, Wis.
Durcher attends River Falls High School where she was a Second Team all-conference and Offensive Player of the Year in 2018. She led the team in points with 29 goals and assists.
"Durocher has an infectious energy and feel to her play. Ella is a speedy wing forward who moves well off the ball and can finish consistently in front of goal," said Tilsen. "Her ability to work hard and finish with get her on the field for the Lions."
Defender – Lariah Boone – Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Boone attended Osseo Senior High School where she was named All-Conference honorable mention in 2019. She was also a lacrosse player where she was named MVP in 2015 and 2019 and All-Conference in 2019. She was also a member of National Honor Society.
"Boone is a gifted defender who has a high soccer IQ and technical ability," noted Tilsen. "Lariah will help us improve our possession out of the back as she grows into the college game."
Defender – Banner Williams – Lawrence Kan.
Williams played at Lawrence High School under Coach Matt McCune where she was named All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2018 and 2019. She also participated in Unified Sports, Tennis, Debate, Forensics team and was named Senior Class President, Student Council Treasurer, Link Crew Member and IPS.
"Williams athletic ability and technical skill will provide us depth in the backline and midfield," Tilsen said. "Banner is a top-notch student athlete and her drive to improve will get her on the field for us."
Midfielder – Karlee Chase – Platt, Mo.
A four-year varsity soccer letter winner, Chase attended Platte County High School where she was selected First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District, Silver Boot Winner (most assists in a season) and MVP Offense.2019. She also received an academic letter all four years, was a member of National Honors Society, Athletic Leadership, Mentoring, and Student Council.
"Chase is an exciting and dynamic midfielder. She may have a small stature but plays big and will make her presence known," said Tilsen. "Karlee will be in the mix early in her career and help add depth to the midfield."
Goalkeeper – Laney Graham – Maryville, Mo.
Graham attended Maryville High School under Coach Dale Reuter where the were 2017, 2018, 2019 District Champions, 2019 Sectional Champions. She was an All-Conference Selection Honorable Mention in 2019, First Team All-District in 2018 and 2019 and 2018 Defensive Player of the Year. She was captain during Junior season.
"Graham impressed me in her visit with us in the fall. She came and worked hard every moment of her time with the team," said Tilsen. "Laney has an ability to battle and brings a toughness to the goal keeping position that we need."
Defender – Courtney Byrd – Liberty North, Mo.
Byrd attended Liberty High School under coach Tyler Nash where they 2019 Missouri Class 4 Girls Soccer State Champions as she was named 2019 Defensive MVP Player of the Year. She was also a member of the tennis team and currently a member of the National Honor Society, Technology Student Association, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
"Byrd is a strong center back who brings a great energy and effort every day," noted Tilsen. "Courtney will develop during her time here and be a great addition to the team."
Goalkeeper – Chloe Sevilla – Steel Canyon, Calif.
Sevilla attended Steele Canyon High School, played for Charlie Cleaves. Here team won CIF D1 for three years after she got brought up as a freshman to varsity to play in the CIF D1 championship. Played varsity all three years of high school was recognized to be in the all-tournament team during preseason of her senior year. She had recognition of a steady 3.3 GPA. She also saved six penalties in her senior year.
"Chloe is an athletic and exciting goalkeeper that will strengthen our depth at the position," Tilson noted. "She plays ECNL and in the top level of CIF high school league in California."
Forward/Midfielder – Maya Greenquist – River Falls, Wis.
Greenquist attended American School in Japan under coach Mary Ghadimi and New Richmond High School under coach Tracey Boyle. She was a four-year letter recipient for athletics and academics. She won the Academic Excellence Award for a 4.0 GPA in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Her team was Conference Champions from 2017 to 2019.She was a First Team All-Conference selection and statistics leader for goals and assists in 2018 and 2019. All-State Honorable Mention, team MVP, and Conference Player of the Year as a junior (2019). She scored 50-plus goals and assists in three seasons despite her senior season being canceled due to COVID-19. She also played varsity basketball for four years, club basketball for three, and was selected to compete at the Taiwan American School Basketball Invitational where she received all-tournament honors.
"Greenquist is a tough nosed hard-working forward who has scored goals all over the world. She is returning from a year of schooling in Japan to compete with the Lions," noted Tilsen. "She will work to make an impact in as an attacking player in midfield and up front."
The group of 14 also includes two transfers.
Forward – Serena Schwartz, Steel Canyon, Calif. – Redshirt senior from South Carolina State
A three-time league champion at Steel Canyon High School, Schwartz led her team to the Division 1 CIF runners up. She scored the double-overtime CIF semi-final game winning goal. Schwartz joins Southern after playing 19 games at South Carolina State University, a Division I school from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference located in Orangeburg, S.C. She had two goals, one assist and took 22 shots during her time as a member of the Bulldog squad.
"Schwartz brings four years of Division I experience to our team and some experience to our front line," noted Tilsen. "Serena's ability to create for others and work to finish chances will add a new dynamic to our attacking play."
Defender – Morgan Alverson – Westville, Okla. – Sophomore transfer from Holy Family College (WI)
Alverson attended Westville High School under Stacie Grooms. Went to first round playoffs all four years of high school soccer. Won Stilwell tournament, and placed second in the tournament. Was named a starter, and a captain for the team. Won the award for Best Defensive Player senior year and was named Honorable Mention All-State player.
"Morgan brings a year of experience at the college level to us and will work to compete for time here at MSSU," said Tilsen. "She is ready to work hard and earn everything she can on the field."
