BLUEFIELD -– Bluefield State College Women's program celebrates one year since its first-ever national signing day with the launch of the 2022 recruiting class.
After a successful inaugural season, BSC Women's Soccer Head Coach Scott Forster introduced 15 freshman and seven transfer students. Bluefield State College Women's Soccer now has players from 12 different countries and 12 different states. The addition of these new signees extends the program's reach across five continents.
"Bringing in another large recruiting class is a critical part of this program's development. Our returning core gives us an excellent foundation for success but being able to sign players who can positively impact our play on the field but more importantly support our team culture is beyond exciting." Said Coach Scott Forster, Bluefield State College Women's Soccer head coach.
"It's a joy to lead this group of young women from across the globe and I want to take time to thank my assistants and support staff for making this process such a positive one. We can't wait to get started on the next chapter of this journey" – added Coach Forster.
FRESHMEN
Ruth Atkinson Whitehaven, England
Goal Keeper
Ruth comes with extensive experience between the sticks having played goalie in her native England.
"It's great to be able to connect with Ruth and her family over the holidays. Her dedication and skill set will be a real credit to us moving into Fall".
Marit Blom Rosmalen, Netherlands
Defender
Marit is a true freshman who's coming to Bluefield from the Netherlands. She is a ball-playing center back.
"It's great to be able to bring our first-ever Dutch signing to Bluefield. Marit is a talent in possession, a great competitor, and is always willing to give the extra effort to win."
Martina Cardemil Santiago, Chile
Midfielder
Martina is a true freshman from Colegio para Deportistas de alto Rendimiento in Chile, South America, who is creative in her play and knows where the goal is. She plays midfield but will also contribute time to the team as a forward.
"Scoring goals wins games and Martina's movement and combination play is dangerous at any level. We are excited to see what she can achieve during her time here in Bluefield"
Kaycee Coty Peoria, Arizona
Goal Keeper
Kaycee is a true freshman who attended Sandra Day O'Connor High School. She was the starting goalkeeper for nationally-ranked Arizona Storm and regional ODP selection.
"We need competition and talent at the goalkeeping position and Kaycee brings game experience and a positive personality that fits well with our team dynamic."
Jailynn Creek Covington, Washington
Forward
Jailynn has been a significant contributor at Kentlake High School and with her club team PAC North West. She is a true freshman and can play in attacking positions across the midfield or forward lines.
"We knew Jailynn was a quality player but to see her visit Bluefield and connect so well with the team, our coaching staff knew we'd found a great fit".
Emmery Cress Phoenix, Arizona
Midfielder
Emmery is a freshman from Desert Vista High School while playing club for Phoenix Premier FC.
"It's great to have Emmery bringing her soccer and classroom smarts to our program. Her technical game will fit right in with our style of play. Her dedication to soccer is going to help her achieve great things at the next level".
Isabella Esteves Wellington, Florida
Forward
Bella is an exciting and pacy winger who has played club ball at Wellington Soccer Club. Bella came to a Bluefield State ID camp and demonstrated her abilities to make an impact. She was an integral part of Wellington Highschool's progress to the Class 7a regional finals in 2021-22.
"Bella showed up in Bluefield and it was like she was already part of the team. Her talents on the ball and speed of play are going to make us better and I can't wait to see the impact she will make."
Karina Fuhrmann Flagstaff, Arizona
Forward
Karina plays striker for Flagstaff United Soccer Club as well as being a main contributor to the successes of Flagstaff High School state championship in 2020. Karina is a true freshman and was named All-Region, All- conference, and "Arizona Daily Sun's Soccer athlete of the year for 2021-22.
"Karina has great vision and a selfless approach to the game. It's great to see her supporting her teammates and her potential contributions to our program on and off the field are limitless."
Carmen Galante Elk River, Minnesota
Forward
Playing club soccer for Tonka Fusion Elite, Carmen is a technically strong player who can create goals and assists through positive play. She has also represented her country at futsal internationally.
"Carmen loves the ball and it's a real danger when she applies her creative skills on the field. She'll be a real danger to our opponents next year."
Emily Jones Springfield Ohio
Defender
Played competitively with Ohio United Soccer Alliance as an outside back and wide midfielder.
After attending a BSC ID camp, Emily committed to Bluefield State before the program played a competitive game. Her vibe and spirit matches the team very well.
"To have the quality of Emily show up at an ID camp is great but it's even better to see her commit to Big Blue for Fall. As an outside back, she brings a great skill set to the team including the ability to contribute offensively."
Nicole Miller Cambridge, Ontario
Defender
Nicole is a true freshman who plays central defender and outside back. She attends Monsignor Doyle and plays soccer for Hamilton United.
"Nicole is a great defender but also is effective on the ball even in small spaces. Her one-touch passing and physicality are suited to the collegiate game."
Tyler Scott Cape Town, South Africa
Forward
Tyler has represented the competitive open team of the University of Cape Town Ladies Football Club since the age of 15 and has scored goals at the U17 international level for her country.
"Bringing in a player to Bluefield to represent our program, who hails from our fifth continent, is truly something special. It's a joy that that accolade falls at Tyler's feet, as I know she will thrive on the challenge laid in front of her and achieve great things on and off the field".
Elizabeth "Gracie" Smith Newington, Georgia
Defender
Gracie is a outside back that can also contribute centrally. She's been a mainstay player for her club side Georgia Impact who've competed at the regional and national levels.
"Gracie is the kind of player where nothing phases her. I'm excited to see her step up to the college level as her skills and commitment are going to be able to shine."
Morgan Tompkins Cartersville, Georgia
Defender
Morgan is an adaptable player who can contribute in various positions.
"We know Morgan's energy and focus will give us a new dimension in defense. It's also great to have her bring depth and competition across the field".
Rylee Truslow Nellysford, Virginia
Goal Keeper
Rylee is a true freshman from Nelson County HS and played club soccer with NETS.
"Rylee is a strong goalie who is comfortable with both her hands and feet. We're excited to support her growth through college and beyond."
JUNIOR COLLEGE AND 4-YEAR TRANSFERS
Nicole Davis Pocatello, Idaho
Midfielder
As a Junior College transfer from Central Wyoming College and plays as a central midfielder. Nicole returns to Bluefield bringing leadership and diversity to the team for fall 2022.
"Nicole has been on my recruiting board since 2019 and it's great to finally get her energy onto the field at East River. I know she has a huge role to play here both in-game impact and cultural development"
Estelle Huc Pechaudier, France
Defender
Estelle is a 5'3 defender transferring from Iowa Central Community College. Where she played in 9 games starting 3. She recorded two shots from outside back contributing on both offense and defense.
"Estelle makes us better with her energy and consistency. Her quality of play and communication is going to make an impact here at Big Blue."
Mackenzie Merrill Clinton, Utah
Midfielder
Mackenzie is Junior College Graduate who plays as an attacking midfielder. She's been a regular for Central Wyoming College playing in 24 games while making 22 starts.
"Adding experience to our new program is important but bringing in the right people to make us better on a daily basis is critical. Mackenzie is someone who will raise the potential of this program in production on the field and challenge others to get better off it".
Sayen Santana Santiago, Chile
Defender
Sayen is a transfer student from DI University of South Carolina Upstate who has represented her country as a full international.
"To have a defender of Sayen's experience joining our program is an exciting step in creating a competitive and challenging environment. She'll make it harder for opponents to score but also bring support to the attack".
Luca Szucs Györ, Hungary
Midfielder
Luca signs as a Junior College transfer from Neosho County Community College where she contributed positively to the midfield and to the team culture.
"Luca's skill set brings real competition to the defensive midfield roles. Her range of passing and soccer smarts are at an elite level."
Alixe Van Craenenbroeck Knokke, Belgium
Defender
Alixe joined Big Blue in Spring and made a positive impact at outside back during the spring play-date schedule. Continuing into Fall gives a great pathway for her to contribute energy and effort to improving our possession play.
"Alixe is super energetic and displays elite endurance to influence both defense and attack. I'm excited to have her set her sights on playing in her first competitive game for Big Blue."
Kira Zoeller Sondershausen, Germany
Midfielder
Kira is a Junior College transfer who brings a depth of experience and energy to the midfield.
"Kira has a strength of character and determination that will impact our play as well as give a great role model to our younger players".
