Monmouth College coach Barry McNamara will welcome 15 new women’s
soccer players this month, and he’s hoping that the large influx of
talent will mesh with 12 returners to give the Fighting Scots a
playoff-caliber squad.
Leading the newcomers is IHSSCA All-Sectional stopper Becca Baur
of Jacksonville. The three-time first team all-conference selection
helped the Crimsons break single-season records last spring for
victories, goals, assists, shutouts and fewest goals allowed.
"The stopper position was one we really needed to address due to
graduation, and we expect Becca to jump right in and do an
outstanding job there for us," said McNamara, who is 35-25-4 in four
seasons at Monmouth.
Another IHSSCA-honored player, Katie Zeter (Springfield
Southeast), will vie for playing time on defense along with Brittney
Parker (Warren Township), Hillary Broms (Peoria Richwoods), Berenice
Martinez (Jones Prep), Claire O’Brien (Oak Lawn) and Natalie Rotz
(East Moline).
"I’m very pleased with the additions to our defense," said
McNamara. "This is going to give us a lot of depth in our back four,
and some of these players can also help in other areas. Brittney
Parker, for instance, is a very versatile player who could move up
to forward if necessary."
One recruit who should win a spot on offense is Niki Sue Williams
(Immaculate Conception). The Monmouth basketball recruit had a
breakout season on the soccer field this spring, scoring 32 goals.
"The buzz-word these days in sports is talking about an athlete’s
‘motor,’" said McNamara. "It’s safe to say that Niki Sue has a great
motor, and I think she’s going to get some goals for us on effort
alone."
Another player that falls into the strong motor category is
York’s Megan Meeke, who used to play club ball with Williams.
"Megan is a leading contender to win an outside mid spot for us,"
said McNamara. "If she does, I envision her playing right behind
Niki Sue and picking up on the chemistry they had together from
their younger days."
Another player with a connection to Williams
twins Jessie
and Lisa Fetherling (Manteno) and Ashley Swenson (Johnsburg). The
three athletic midfielders did not play at their previous colleges.
Also new to the roster is junior Kari Sippel, who is going out for
the team for the first time after a solid prep career at Peoria
Central.
"A few of our recruits are returning to soccer after a layoff,
and we’re hoping for some pleasant surprises," said McNamara. "If
they come back fit, they could find their way into our lineup."
Concluded the coach, "This was one of the those seasons where we
needed both quality and quantity from our recruiting class, and we
feel we have both. I’m looking forward to the start of practice (on
Aug. 20) to see how it all comes together."
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