Falcons Reload In Hopes Of Fifth Consecutive Final Four Appearance
Senior Kacie Klynstra looks to mentor a stellar incoming class this fall.
Grantham, PA — A stellar recruiting class has expectations again running high in the Messiah College women’s soccer camp, as head coach Scott Frey announced seven newcomers to the 2008 roster Friday.
Four first-year players helped their high school squads to state championships last year while three earned All-State accolades and MVP honors in their respective leagues, leaving Frey excited about the potential of the group.
“Every year I wonder if we can possibly continue to bring in what will allow us to continue to compete at the highest level in D-III,” Frey said. “This year I think we have again put together a class that will continue to help this program continue the level of excellence it has created both on and off the field.”
Messiah reached the NCAA Division III National Championship game for the third time in program history last fall, narrowly falling to Wheaton College by a 1-0 score. It was Messiah’s fourth straight trip to the Final Four and fifth overall; Messiah won the title in the 2005 season.
A detailed look at the Falcons’ seven newcomers appears below. Messiah’s official 2008 roster is also available.
Kelsey Gorman (Manheim, PA/Lancaster Mennonite High School)
“Kelsey is an outstanding all around athlete. She earned First Team All-State honors in volleyball and was a Patriot News Big 11 District selection in girls basketball after helping her team earn a District 3 Championship this past winter. This spring Kelsey helped the LMH soccer team to their first State Championship title at the school. She led the Blazers in scoring with 23 goals and 12 assists. Kelsey was named the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section III Most Valuable Player. Look for Kelsey to help solidify an already talented central mid-field.” - SF
Rachel Loya (Verona, PA/Penn Hills High School)
“Rachel will likely fit into a roll in the back half of the team in either the mid-field or possibly even at center back. Rachel’s strength and solid technical ability and decision making will be great additions in these areas. She led her team team in scoring last fall with 14 goals and 7 assists while playing out of the mid-field primarily. Rachel was named as an All-Section and an All-WPIAL player. Her club team, Penn Forest, was a four time state champion in the PA West area. Rachel played four years on the ODP state team.” - SF
Autumn Reilly (Saint Albans, VT/Essex High School)
“Autumn was the Vermont First Team All-State goalie in 2007. Autumn posted 13 shut outs on the year including ten in a row at the end of the season culminating in the State Championship. Her club team, Nordic Premier, captured the Vermont State Cup in 2005, 2006, and 2008. Autumn has been with the Vermont ODP Team since 2002.” - SF
Olivia Scott (Falls Church, VA/George Mason High School)
“Olivia is a two time First Team All-State selection from George Mason High School. Olivia was named the District and Region B Player of the Year as she help her high school team to the District, Region, and State Championships. She has a great attacking ability from the flank position and will likely find a home on one of the wings this fall.” - SF
Jessica Shirk (Harrisburg, PA/Harrisburg Christian High School)
“Jessica comes to Messiah from nearby Harrisburg Christian school. She is recovering from an ACL tear that occurred last fall and limited her senior high school season to the last half of the year. Jess has the ability to score goals with her combination of strength and speed and will train at our target position. She is a two time selection to the National Christian Schools Athletic Association Girl’s Spring Soccer All-America Team. She was the NSCAA Division 2 Player of the Year in 2007. Jess was the leading scorer in Central Pennsylvania in 2007 and was member of the Patriot News Big 11 in 2006 and 2007.” - SF
Leah Sipe (Ephrata, PA/Ephrata High School)
“Leah was named the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2 Most Valuable Player. She was a four time All-Section All-Star in her career at Ephrata High School. Leah scored 56 goals and dished out 28 assists at Ephrata in her four years. Look for Leah in the attacking area of the field for the Falcons as her strong technical ability along with strength and speed make her a dangerous player around the net. Her club team, Spirit United, advanced to the State Cup Final this spring. Leah follows her brother Derek to Messiah who currently plays on the men’s team.” - SF
Lisa Wingard (Narvon, PA/Lancaster Mennonite High School)
“Lisa teamed with Kelsey Gorman on the LMH girls team to capture the PA State Soccer Championship. Lisa has great potential as a player and will give some great depth to our wing position. She may be the fastest girl we have had in our program and has a very competitive spirit. Lisa played as a defender for most of her career at LMH before this season when she was moved to the target position. The move proved effective as she scored 15 goals this season. Lisa and Kelsey played their club soccer with PA Classics under the coaching of former Messiah All-Americans Matt and Erin Bills (Benedict).” - SF
