FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Evan O’Kelly Director of Communications O: (406) 657-2130 E: evan.okelly@msubillings.edu Friday, February 12, 2016 Krakowiak announces 2016 recruiting class
The Yellowjacket women’s soccer program will add 10 new faces for the 2016 season, as MSUB head coach Wojtek Krakowiak announces his signings for next year on Friday. BILLINGS, Mont. – Ten new players will join the Montana State University Billings women’s soccer team for the 2016 season, as Yellowjacket head coach Wojtek Krakowiak unveiled his full class for next season on Friday. Five of MSUB’s newest players are from Washington, three are from Montana and two hail from California. Among the new players are six midfielders, two defenders, a forward and a goalkeeper, as the Yellowjackets bolstered their depth in all aspects of the game with this year’s signings. MSUB finished the 2015 season with a record of 8-7-2, and earned a berth in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Championships for the second year in-a-row with a mark of 6-5-1 in conference play. “We are extremely excited to welcome this class to our university and the MSUB soccer family,” Krakowiak commented. “They are all wonderful individuals and great soccer players, and this is a balanced class on the field and in the classroom. We feel that each of these players can contribute right away and will grow tremendously during their time in our program. We are looking forward to working with them starting in August.”
2016 MSUB Women’s Soccer Recruiting Class Name Position Mackenzie Breeden Midfielder/Defender Clancee Ferrin Goalkeeper Alexa Graddy Forward Amanda Hemmen Midfielder/Defender Alexa Iacolucci Midfielder Erin Reynolds Midfielder Kalin Sandow Defender Courteney Shovlin Defender Claire Tevaseu Midfielder Alexa Torbert Midfielder
Hometown Bonney Lake, WA Billings, MT Eatonville, WA Renton, WA Lake Forest Park, WA Lancaster, CA Murrieta, CA Great Falls, MT Seattle, WA Billings, MT
High School White River Billings Senior Eatonville Liberty Shorecrest Quartz Hill Vista Murrieta Charles M. Russell Holy Names Academy Billings Senior
Mackenzie Breeden Bonney Lake, Washington White River High School 5’6” – Midfielder/Defender Intended Major: Pre-Professional Medicine Breeden was a four-year letterwinner at White River High School and helped the Hornets to a cumulative record of 37-19 under head coach Charlie Carlier. Playing primarily as a midfielder and defender, Breeden earned first-team all-state honors as a senior and was the Class 2A South Puget Sound League co-MVP. Serving as a senior captain in the fall of 2015, Breeden was picked as most inspirational by her teammates, and was a second-team all-area selection on top of her all-state honors. She was a three-time scholar athlete award winner, and earned first-team all-SPSL honors in her sophomore through senior seasons. Coach Krakowiak on Breeden: “Mackenzie is a versatile player who will help us in many different facets. She has the ability to play on the outside or through the middle. She has a great shot and to this day I remember the goal she scored the first time I watched her play. Her quickness and aggressiveness make her hard to cover, and we are looking forward to seeing Mackenzie’s versatility in the fall.” Breeden on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because it is out of state, but still close to home, and it is important to me to share my college soccer experience with my family. I can tell that it is very important for Coach Krakowiak to develop not only great athletes, but great humans. He believes strongly in giving back, which is also something I aspire to do in my life. I am happy to be a part of a team that reaches out to the community. Lastly, the size of MSUB is a great fit for me. I immediately felt a sense of family on my visit and am looking forward to a very successful career at MSUB.” Clancee Ferrin Billings, Montana Billings Senior High School 6’1” – Goalkeeper Intended Major: Nursing Ferrin will join the Yellowjackets after a being a three-sport athlete in soccer, basketball, and track and field at Billings Senior High School. As a goalkeeper for the Broncs, Ferrin helped her
team to a cumulative record of 37-3-4 over three seasons as a letterwinner under head coach Meghan Parish. Ferrin was part of two state championship teams and one state runner-up squad, and was picked as her team’s most inspirational player as a senior. She was also a three-time academic all-state selection, and was a member of the National Honor Society from 2013-15. In basketball, Ferrin was team captain and team defensive player of the year, and was a four-time academic all-state honoree. Competing in a variety of track and field events, Ferrin helped the Broncs to a pair of team state titles. Coach Krakowiak on Ferrin: “Clancee has a great presence on the field and can be dangerous in so many areas. Her physicality is a valuable asset as a goalkeeper, especially on set pieces and corners. With more training, hard work, and dedication, she can become a very competitive goalkeeper.” Ferrin on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because it allowed me to stay close to my family and it satisfied my goal of obtaining higher education in the nursing field. I specifically felt that MSUB women’s soccer had the high expectations and standards I wanted to be held to as a student-athlete, not to mention the success of the program in years past. Overall, I feel that MSUB is a good fit for me and will help me grow as a person and build strong relationships with others.” Alexa Graddy Eatonville, Washington Eatonville High School 5’6” – Forward Intended Major: Pre-Pharmacy Graddy was a four-year letterwinner at Eatonville High, and was a two-time first-team allEvergreen League selection. Finishing her high-school career with 50 goals and 30 assists, Graddy will enter MSUB’s program with a chance to be an effective attacking player right away. Graddy helped the Cruisers to a 2012 league championship, a 2013 district title, and three appearances in the state playoffs. She was also a three-time scholar athlete. Graddy earned three letters as a sprinter on EHS’s track and field team, serving as team captain and breaking the school record as part of a 4x100 team with a time of 50.28. Coach Krakowiak on Graddy: “Alexa is an athletic, attacking player who can help us out wide or through the middle. She is a very strong player who is ready for the physicality of the college game. Her movement off the ball shows that she is someone who is always looking to influence the game. Alexa will help strengthen our attack and will be very dangerous in the final third. We are looking forward to showcasing her talent on the field.” Graddy on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because of the competitive soccer program and the educational opportunities that are offered. It was very reassuring while making a decision that I would not only go somewhere with a great soccer program but also where I know I will receive a great education. The small class sizes and campus size at MSUB were very appealing on my campus tour. While visiting, the coaches and college administrators helped me feel very welcome and made my decision an easy one. I am very excited to be part of the competitive program at MSUB.”
Amanda Hemmen Renton, Washington Liberty High School 5’10” – Midfielder/Defender Intended Major: Undecided Hemmen earned two letters as a defender and midfielder under head coach Tami Nguyen at Liberty High School. She was an honorable mention all-Kinco League pick in both 2013 and 2015 for the Patriots. Hemmen also competed for the Pacific Northwest Soccer Club. Coach Krakowiak on Hemmen: “Amanda’s physicality and ability to win balls in the middle make her a very lethal player. She can easily break down the attack and disrupt dangerous balls in the middle third. She also has great vision on the field, which allows her to complete penetrating passes in the final third.” Hemmen on choosing MSUB: “MSUB will give me the opportunity to pursue the medical field while playing collegiate soccer. I am excited to play in a competitive league, and to have games near my family in Washington. The coaching staff and soccer program are very welcoming, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish as a team.” Alexa Iacolucci Lake Forest Park, Washington Shorecrest High School 5’7” – Midfielder Intended Major: Undecided Iacolucci was a four-year letterwinner in soccer at Shorecrest High School, leading the Highlanders to an impressive four-year record of 70-2-12 under head coach Mindy Dalziel. A second-team all-state pick as a senior, Iacolucci was selected as her team’s most valuable player three years after winning the rookie of the year award as a freshman. Leading the Class 3A Wesco League in scoring as a freshman, Iacolucci earned first team honors in 2012 and 2015 and second-team honors in 2013 and 2014. She was also a member of the National Honor Society for three years and helped her team compete in the state tournament all four seasons. Coach Krakowiak on Iacolucci: “Alexa has a lot to offer, and is a versatile player who can play multiple positions. Her soccer I.Q. makes her stand out on the field, she makes good decisions on the ball, and makes the players around her much better. I like that she is a crafty and creative player who can do some amazing things with her left foot. We are really excited to call her a Yellowjacket.” Iacolucci on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because I wanted to pursue my passion for soccer and enjoy my last couple of years of playing the sport I love. I also chose it because it is away from home and I will be able to grow and become independent while I’m attending MSUB. It should also give me the chance to further my education and help me decide what career I want to pursue.”
Erin Reynolds Lancaster, California Quartz Hill High School 5’6” – Midfielder Intended Major: Biology Reynolds was a four-year letterwinner at Quartz Hill High School, where she helped the Rebels to a record of 79-8-11 under head coach Charles Gordon. Playing as a midfielder and defender throughout her career, Reynolds was picked as her team’s captain as a senior. She received her school’s academic letter in 2013 and 2014, and served as the ASB Leadership Girls Sports Commissioner from 2015-16. Coach Krakowiak on Reynolds: “Erin is a very technical, skillful, and clever player, who is very comfortable on the ball and can easily get out from tight spaces. Her vision on the field allows her to read plays before they happen, and it makes her a smart defender. Erin not only possesses the ability to win the ball and tackles, but she can also be creative on the ball and connect passes. She definitely has the ability to transition from defense to offense.” Reynolds on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because of the campus size and the opportunity to continue my soccer career. MSUB also gives me everything I want in a university: A beautiful campus, small classes, and being close to family members. It is the best place for me to earn my degree.” Kalin Sandow Murrieta, California Vista Murrieta High School 5’7” – Defender Intended Major: Psychology Sandow earned two letters with the Broncos at Vista Murrieta High School, playing mainly as a center back under head coach Ryan Heise. In two seasons, Sandow helped her team to a combined record of 31-5-7 and was an all-Southwestern League pick both years. As a senior, Sandow was picked as her team’s captain, and has been a scholar athlete the past two years. Sandow even contributed a goal and two assists, playing on the defensive unit in all of her team’s games last season. Coach Krakowiak on Sandow: “Kalin is a very intelligent defender who will come in and help strengthen our back line. She reads the game very well and has the technical ability to help us keep the ball. Kalin has good awareness on the field and is able to make good decisions under pressure. She has an awesome attitude and impressed everyone during her recruiting trip. We are excited to have her join our program.” Sandow on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because when I came to visit the school it was everything I was looking for. The campus was small, but still inviting, and provided a lot of help for students. The students seemed friendly and nice, and the city reminds me a lot of my hometown. The soccer team was also very kind to me and made me feel very welcome on my visit. MSUB has a competitive soccer team and I could tell that every one of them had a want to win which is something that I value strongly. MSUB is a place where I can grow athletically, academically, and personally.”
Courteney Shovlin Great Falls, Montana Charles M. Russell High School 5’7” – Defender Intended Major: Political Science Shovlin was a three-sport standout for the Rustlers in high school, competing in soccer, basketball, and track and field. Helping her team to a state title in soccer in 2014, Shovlin was an all-state pick during both the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Her free kick in the final 10 minutes of the title game helped her team capture the Class AA state crown. She was a defensive MVP as a junior and senior, and served as team captain as a senior. Earning a pair of letters in basketball, Shovlin was captain and defensive MVP playing as a forward and small post. Academically, Shovlin was an all-state, honor roll, and National Honor Society selection all four years. In track and field, Shovlin placed fifth at the state meet along with her 4x400 team. Coach Krakowiak on Shovlin: “Courteney is the ultimate competitor, and is a hard-nosed defender who possesses great athleticism. She is very strong in one-on-one situations, and we have always been impressed with her dedication to selfimprovement and attitude. We love that Courteney is from Montana, and she and her family have been tremendous supporters of the Yellowjackets.” Shovlin on choosing MSUB: “I picked MSUB because of its great atmosphere both academically and athletically. It also helped that Billings is relatively close to home and my parents will be able to attend games. That is a huge bonus for me since they have been my supporters since day one. MSUB is a place where I feel comfortable, and the coaches and the players are all very welcoming. I am excited for a chance to play college soccer, and I look forward to starting a new chapter of my life here in Billings.” Claire Tevaseu Seattle, Washington Holy Names Academy 5’6” – Midfielder Intended Major: Undecided A four-year letterwinner as a center midfielder at Holy Names Academy, Tevaseu was a firstteam all-Metro League selection as a senior in 2015. She also served as co-captain and helped her team reach the quarterfinals in the Class 3A tournament. Tevaseu also won her team’s coach’s award, and was a second-team all-league pick as a junior. Also competing in the Olympic Development Program, Tevaseu helped her team to the Region IV ODP Championships semifinals in 2014. As a member of the Pacific Northwest Premier Soccer Club, Tevaseu reached the 2015 Washington state finals after her team won the Washington state title in 2013 and 2014. Coach Krakowiak on Tevaseu: “Claire is a very intelligent player who possesses great technical ability. We love Claire’s ability to do all the simple things right on the field and be a very consistent player. She is coming off of a successful club career and will add a lot to our midfield depth. Defensively, she reads the game extremely well, which allows her to win a lot of balls in the middle third. Off the field, Claire has impressed us with her commitment to school work, and she will fit in perfectly with our Yellowjacket family.”
Tevaseu on choosing MSUB: “I made my decision to attend MSUB after the feeling of belonging I experienced during my visit. The small class sizes, the coaches’ vision for my future here, the friendliness of my future teammates, and the opportunity for my family to see me play games in Washington were other positive factors that made my decision easy.” Alexa Torbert Billings, Montana Billings Senior High School 5’7” – Midfielder Intended Major: Health & Human Performance A three-sport standout at Billings Senior High School, Torbert competed in soccer, basketball, and track and field for the Broncs. Torbert helped her squad to a pair of state titles, and was her team’s offensive player of the year and team captain. She was also an all-conference pick, and an academic all-state selection. Coach Krakowiak on Torbert: “Alexa is a player with a good understanding of the holding midfielder role. She has the ability to win balls, make tackles, and be aggressive when needed, and her physicality allows her to be tough and smart. She is a technical player who can possess the ball and keep things simple, and she will make our team better in the midfield area.” Torbert on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because it was a great fit for me academically as well as athletically. The soccer team is like a second family and provides all the support necessary to survive college. Being close to home allows my family to come to games and support me as an athlete. Overall, MSUB had everything I was looking for in a college.” --@MSUBSports | #JacketNation--