CLASS OF 2019 - OFFICIAL
F Taylor Ziemer, 5'9", Santa Rosa, CA (Santa Rosa United/Virginia/ADO Den Haag) ***** - The big surprise of the class is the addition of Taylor from Virginia after a stint in Europe playing professionally this year in Holland. She still has 2 years of eligibility and was a 5-star recruit in 2016. She was a star at Virginia (32 points over two seasons) and will be quite a tandem with Watt for the offense next year and will also get to play with her sister Tera again. She was a member of the U-19 US National Team as well. I'm going to add her as part of this class because she did not play collegiate soccer in 2018.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #23 (2016)
> Top Drawer Soccer NoCal Region: #2 (2016)
> U-19 National Team (2018)
> California Gatorade Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
F Ali Russell, 5'3", Katy, TX (Albion Hurricanes FC) **** - Ali is one of the most electric forwards in the country with her quickness and speed, already a mainstay on the U-15 National Team Camps. She is a very fluid player with great on-ball skill and she can change directions quickly when needed. Her work rate on the field is impressive and she continues to improve in all facets of her game. This is a great pickup for Coach G who will need future impact players on offense.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #52
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #4
> U-15 National Team Camp (2015)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer
D Katie Smith, 5'8", Tulsa, OK (TSC Hurricane) **** - A tall forward who can also play in the back and comes from the same club as 2016 signee Jenna Byers. Coach G seems to be building a pipeline to TSC Hurricane. Katie has been gaining attention nationally after her recent performances in the ECNL and is now a Top 100 prospect. She has superior speed and strength on the ball and is not afraid to run directly at the defense, something I appreciate in a player. She is also a good team player. I think A&M may start her on the backline.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #112
> Top Drawer Soccer South Region: #2
> ECNL/id2 National Camp (2017)
> ODP State Team
> ECNL Profile
> Articles:
GK Shantel Hutton, 5'11", Atlanta, GA (Concorde Fire) ** - A solid GK prospect out of Georgia, Hutton has some good experience at the national tournament level with Atlanta Fire United and now Concorde Fire.
> ECNL/id2 National Camp (2014)
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer Profile
GK Kenna Caldwell, 5'8", Highlands Ranch, CO (Colorado Rush) ** - Not much is known about Kenna except she seems to be a solid GK from Colorado, but if there is anything that we know about Coach G is that he knows the GK position and has uncovered some hidden gems in the past.
> US National Team Camps (2011-2013)
> Articles: Sports Recruits Highlights
CLASS OF 2018 - OFFICIAL
D Karlina Sample, 5'7", Frisco, TX (Solar SC) **** - One of the top defenders in the country, Karlina is a fast rising prospect with a terrific combination of high soccer IQ in organizing the backline and also the ability to play in the attack with good speed and quickness. She plays with an aggressive streak, attacking when needed but also passing with good touch and excelling on set pieces. She is a leader of her club team's recent run of success, and she has some National Team experience. Karlina is a very exciting prospect.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #35
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #1
> U-14 National Team Camp (2014)
> id2 National Camp (2014)
> ECNL U16 National Playoff Best XI (2016)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer Profile
M Kendall Bates, 5'4", Melissa, TX (Solar SC) **** - The younger sister of Emily Bates, Kendall is a great player in her own right as a solid defender/midfielder for her club team. She is a savvy player and sees the field well, a good passer and understands spacing. She is versatile and can play several positions on the field when needed, so it will be interesting to see where she develops best at A&M. She has experience in national circles as well.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #57
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #3
> U-14 National Team Camp (2014)
> id2 National Camp (2014)
> US Soccer Development Academy Best XI (2017)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer
M Tera Ziemer, 5'10", Santa Rosa, CA (Mustang SC) *** - Tera is one of the better players in California, a quality midfielder that can create, pass, and score when needed for her club team. She has a great frame that makes her difficult to defend. Her older sister Taylor is an elite prospect who signed with Virginia so it was a good pull for Coach G. She comes from a soccer family so has an understanding of the game that helps her anticipate and create chances on the field.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #146
> Top Drawer Soccer Northern California Region: #12
> id2 National Camp (2016)
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: YouTube
> Articles: Daily Journal Sports
D Macie Kolb, 5'8", McKinney, TX (Solar SC) *** - After playing with a talented Dallas Sting club for a year, Macie made the move to Solar SC, where she joined fellow Aggie signees Sample and Bates. She has developed into a good defender and can play out of the back and could remind some of a Leigh Edwards or Karlie Mueller.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #25
> US Club Soccer PDP Camp (2016)
> ECNL Profile
GK Jordan Burbank, 5'10", Edmond, OK (Oklahoma FC) ** - Jordan recently switched her commitment from Utah to A&M, most likely after seeing the opportunity to compete early for a GK spot due to the lack of depth on the roster. Known as a solid shot-stopper and very athletic for her position. She could challenge for playing time early in her career.
> Top Drawer Soccer South Region: #12
> VYPE All-OKC (2017)
> Top Drawer Soccer Profile
CLASS OF 2017 - OFFICIAL
M Addie McCain, 5'7", Wylie, TX (FC Dallas) **** - Among the top midfielders in the country, Addie controls tempo and spacing for her team. Has good height to win balls in the air. She understands placement and anticipates passing lanes very well. She has steadily risen in national circles and has US national team playing experience. She will bring a calming influence in the middle of the pitch.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #41
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #5
> U-18 National Team Camp (2014)
> iD2 National Camp (2016)
> ODP State Team
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: FC Dallas | Top Drawer Soccer | FC Dallas (2)
F Abby Grace Cooper, 5'6", Plano, TX (FC Dallas) **** - One of the more deadly strikers in the country, Abby has a powerful shot and only needs a small space to create scoring chances. She teams with Addison McCain to give FC Dallas a formidable duo and their chemistry should carry over to A&M. She will remind some of Kelley Monogue. Has some National Team experience and is used to playing against elite level competition. Recently named player of the year in Texas as a sophomore, which is pretty impressive.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #43
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #6
> NSCAA Texas Player of the Year (2015)
> U-15 National Team Camp (2014)
> iD2 National Camp (2013)
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | Allen American | Plano Courier
F Rheagen Smith, 5'5", Dallas, TX (Dallas Texans) **** - As the daughter of Hall of Fame RB Emmitt Smith, Rheagen is, not surprisingly, a good athlete. She is a goal scorer and has good speed. She went under the radar for some time on the national scene but not anymore - she was just called into the National Team Camp and is now a 4-star prospect. I like her speed and knack for scoring goals and I think she still has room to grow and become an elite athlete.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #68
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #8
> U-18 National Team Camp (2015)
> SPC All State First Team
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl | Attack Soccer Dallas
GK Olivia Ausmus, 5'10", Spring, TX (Challenge SC) **** - One of the better GK in the country in her class, Olivia has many of the attributes we usually see from a Coach G GK - tall, athletic, with room improve her game. Has the ability to stretch out and deflect higher, well placed shots on goal. She has recently risen in national circles and is routinely called in to US national team camps. Very high upside.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #84
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #10
> U-18 National Team Camp (2015)
> iD2 National Camp (2016)
> ODP Region III Pool
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Instagram
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer
D Jimena Lopez, 5'7", Mexico City, Mexico (Lonestar SC) **** - Jimena is an elite attacking defender from Mexico who played with Quinn Murphy at Lonestar SC while attending private school in Texas. She was a member of the U-17 Mexico World Cup team this past Summer. She brings immediate help to a backline that needs more attack minded players that can assist the offense by pushing up the field and serving crosses into the box. She has a very good left foot, which should serve the team well from the left back position.
> U-17 Mexico National Team (2015-16)
> U-17 Women's World Cup (Mexico)
> U-15 Mexico National Team (2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games)
> St. Stephen's Episcopal School (National Elite Prep Showcase)
F Sophie Salverino, 5'6", Katy, TX (Albion Hurricanes FC) ** - Sophie is a quick forward that is an effective goal scorer for her club team in ECNL. She anticipates passes forward and can make quick runs to set up scoring chances. It will be interesting to see her development over the next few years.
> ODP Region III Pool (2011)
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Daily Motion
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer
CLASS OF 2016 - OFFICIAL
D Jordan Hill, 5'5", Plano, TX (FC Dallas) **** - As the daughter of former A&M RB Greg Hill, you know Jordan has some serious athletic ability. Inheriting good speed and ability on the ball, she is well suited for an outside back role to stretch defenses while being able to track back and defend opposing forwards. Only just beginning to realize her full potential I think Jordan could become an elite recruit and garner some national team attention before she arrives at A&M.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #72
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #5
> iD2 National Camp (2012)
> ODP Region III Pool (2012)
> ECNL Profile
M Jenna Byers, 5'8", Tulsa, OK (TSC Hurricane) **** - A good midfield prospect with height, which is something that I've been talking about for a few years now as far as taller, more athletic players in the middle of the field are crucial to success at the elite level. Has seen a recent rise in national circles. Solid distributor and can create scoring chances as well as an attacking mid.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #95
> Top Drawer Soccer South Region: #1
> ODP State Team (2011)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Vype
M Quinn Murphy, 5'9", Austin, TX (Lonestar SC) **** - A midfielder with good size and height, Quinn has been a leader on her Lonestar team for several years now in the ECNL. She has US national team experience and understands the game. She can win balls in the air and makes good passes onto teammates' feet while on the move. Coach G is starting to stockpile bigger, more athletic midfielders which should match up well at the top of the SEC.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #112 (2017)
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #13 (2017)
> U-15 National Team Pool (2013)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer Profile
D Brianna Davis, 6'1", Belton, TX (Lonestar SC) *** - Another very intriguing prospect with great height and ability to win balls in the air, it will be interesting to see where Brianna develops at A&M. Can play anywhere on the backline and in the central midfield. Plays with Lonestar ECNL so she has big game experience.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #16
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl
F Cienna Arrieta, 5'9", El Paso, TX (Texas Rush) *** - Although she's played soccer for several years, Cienna is mostly known as an elite track athlete, winning multiple district track titles with electric speed in the 100m, hurdles, and relay races. Could be a similar player to 2015 recruit Ally Watt and past star Whitney Hooper. If she gets into space with the ball on her left foot, she is difficult to stop.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #22
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: YouTube
> Articles: El Paso Times
M Grace Piper, 5'5", The Woodlands, TX (Texas Rush) ** - An aggressive midfielder, Grace has the tools to become a good midfield prospect. Seems to play bigger than she actually is size-wise. She also was a good basketball prospect but decided on to focus on soccer only.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #45
> ODP State Team
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | Top Drawer Soccer (2) | Srosm | Your Houston News
M Grace Cory, 5'8", Southlake, TX (Dallas Texans) ** - A solid holding midfielder that can distribute quality passes around the pitch, Grace recently switched her commitment from Alabama to A&M. She also can aggressively go forward into the attack, making her a scoring threat as well. Another athletic midfielder with height, which is more evidence of a very positive shift in recruiting strategy in the midfield. Could be a sleeper in the class as she continues to develop.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #52
> NSCAA High School All-American (2015)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | Dallas News | DFW | Carroll Athletics | Dallas News (2)
D Callyn Walton, 5'6", College Station, TX (Challenge SC) ** - "Cally" is a hometown product that has ODP experience and is the team captain of her club. A very quick and aggressive defender, she challenges opposing forwards before they can move into scoring positions. She could play a variety of positions but will most likely remain on the backline for A&M.
> ODP State Pool
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | The Eagle
CLASS OF 2015 - OFFICIAL
F Alleandra Watt, 5'8", Colorado Springs, CO (Pride SC) ***** - Possibly one of the fastest risers in the country, "Ally" has become an elite level prospect, a true game-changing forward that can utilize elite speed to create scoring chances. She is one of the top sprinters in the nation in her age group, winning the 100M and 200M state titles in Colorado multiple years in high school. Currently ranked #1 nationally in the 100M and #2 nationally in the 200M for 2015 girls. She is similar to former player Whitney Hooper, except with better technical skills at this point in her development. Has recently been a member of the U.S. U-20 national team so she will arrive at A&M with elite level experience as well. A very exciting prospect.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #34
> Top Drawer Soccer Rocky Mountains & Southwest Region: #4
> U-20 National Team (2015)
> ODP Region IV Team (2012)
> Articles: Denver Post | Gazette | CHSAA Now | Gazette Preps
F Emily Bates, 5'4", Melissa, TX (Dallas Texans) **** - One of the nation's better forwards with U.S. national team experience, Emily is a very fast and aggressive forward that understands spacing on the field. She also could be effective at an outside mid position to utilize her speed and touch on the ball. With the heavy losses from the elite '11 class, Emily, combined with Ally and Brittany, should be able to step in and have a big impact on the offense from day one at A&M.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #42
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #3
> U-17 National Team Camp (2013)
> iD2 National Camp (2013)
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: YouTube
> Articles: Herald Democrat | Your Stephenville | Dallas News | Top Drawer Soccer
GK Meredith Hummel, 5'8", Anaheim, CA (So Cal Blues) **** - One of the nation's best GK prospects, "Mia" will compete for the starting job in '15 when Jordan Day is gone. Plays for highly regarded So Cal Blues in the ECNL and continues the trend of signing elite prospects from Southern California. Chose A&M over Duke, Colorado, Oklahoma State, and Stanford.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #63
> Top Drawer Soccer Southern California Region: #10
> iD2 National Camp (2011)
> ODP Cal South Team
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | OC Varsity | OC Varsity (2)
M Kate Hajdu, 5'9", Dallas, TX (Sting Dallas) **** - Kate joins an increasing number of prospects from the Dallas Sting club, something that Coach G struggled with for years. She is very dependable on the ball and can make long runs when needed. A very physical presence in the middle of the field, she can win balls in the air or on the ground, then make the correct pass to a teammate in space as she sees the field well. Very good movement off the ball as well as she has an above average understanding of the game. Kate should become a key part of the midfield with Harvey in the coming years.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #82
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #6
> U-20 National Team Camp (2014)
> iD2 National Camp (2013)
> ODP State Pool (2013)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Preston Hollow | Top Drawer Soccer | Sting Soccer
F Brittany Crabtree, 5'10", Corinth, TX (Dallas Texans) **** - A tall striker, Crabtree is part of the dynamic duo of the Texans' offense alongside fellow Aggie commit Emily Bates. She is a rising prospect that continues to fine tune her offensive skills on the ball. Of course, with her height she will be another dangerous weapon on set pieces in the box.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #101
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #9
> iD2 National Camp (2013)
> ODP Region III Team (2012)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Denton | Denton (2)
M Claudette Lassandro, 5'3", Austin, TX (Lonestar SC) *** - A quick midfielder that can attack from all parts of the field, Claudette specializes from the left flank with elite level touch and accurate passes into space. She will create matchup problems with her ability to move in and out of tight spaces quickly. She could even play a left back position and move forward into the attack. She will be reunited with former teammate Harvey in the midfield.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #31
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl | YouTube
> Articles: Statesman | Top Drawer Soccer
D Margaret Schmidt, 5'10", Orange, CA (Slammers FC) *** - The sister of former A&M soccer player Mary Grace Schmidt, Margaret plays for one of the nation's top clubs Slammers FC. She has good height and would clearly be used on the backline as a defender, probably on the inside, although she can also go forward in the attack if needed.
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | Daily News
D Amy Kelly, 6'0", Longview, TX (Dallas Sting North) ** - A good athlete, Amy was named female athlete of the year at her high school, playing multiple sports. She will play out of the back, with good speed and strength on the ball. Her height will be a huge asset as well.
> Articles: Got Soccer
M Kendall Ritchie, 5'4", Austin, TX (Lonestar SC) ** - A left-footed specialist, Kendall, although she could play several positions, will most likely play an outside back position at A&M.
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl
> Articles: Statesman | USA Today
CLASS OF 2014 - OFFICIAL
M Mikaela Harvey, 5'2", Liberty Hill, TX (Lonestar SC) ***** - One of the nation's top midfielders, Mikaela has been a terrific player for years at Lonestar SC, using her quickness, speed, and high soccer IQ to lead her team to the 2011 ECNL U-15 National Championship. One of the best possession midfielders at this level in a long time. A Top 10 prospect nationally, she will team with fellow U-18 U.S. National Team member Haley Pounds to give A&M the top 2 prospects in Texas for '14. Member of the Region III ODP Team. She chose A&M over North Carolina, Florida St., and Santa Clara.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #4
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #1
> U-18 National Team (2014)
> Region III ODP Team (2013)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer
F Haley Pounds, 5'5", Spring, TX (Challenge SC) ***** - One of the elite prospects in the country, Haley is a member of the U-18 U.S. National Team. She is part of one of the most talented group of prospects to ever come out of Texas for 2014. She has led her club team for years and is a quality striker around the goal with elite level speed. Hopefully she becomes the foundation for a stellar '14 class for Coach G, who needs an elite class to reload the roster with top talent for the future. Member of the Region III ODP Team. Chose A&M over Oklahoma St.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #12
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #2
> U-18 National Team (2014)
> Region III ODP Team (2013)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: Houston Chronicle
M Stephanie Malherbe, 5'3", Temecula, CA (So Cal Blues) **** - A talented midfielder from one of the nation's top club teams, Stephanie is continuing to improve at her position at a fast clip. She could end up as one of top players in her class. Member of the Region IV ODP Team.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #72
> Top Drawer Soccer Southern California Region: #15
> Region IV ODP Team (2013)
> TDS Profile
D McKayla Paulson, 5'9", Mansfield, TX (Sting Dallas) **** - A tall defender that has been a leader of her club team (currently one of the top ECNL teams in the country), she fits the mold of past A&M defenders like Bri Young and incoming freshman Jackie Tondl. A long time A&M soccer camp attendee, she won the MVP award in 2007. Her stock is rising as she was recently named to the 2012 All-ECNL Team. She is considered one of the top defenders in Texas.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #125
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #10
> TDS Profile | Club Profile
CLASS OF 2013 - OFFICIAL
F Elizabeth Keester, 5'6", Tulsa, OK (Hurricane FC) **** - One of the top forward prospects in the country, Elizabeth was named the 2013 Gatorade State Player of the Year for Oklahoma (her third straight). She led her team to a national runner-up finish at the USYS National Championships, where she won the Golden Ball award for most goals and points in the tournament. She combines good speed with a goal scoring mentality and plays at a consistently high level throughout a match. A&M is currently stockpiling elite talent at the forward position for years to come. Member of the U-18 U.S. National Team. Member of the Region III ODP team. She chose A&M over Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, and UCLA.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #29
> ESPN National: #38
> U-18 National Team (2013)
> Region III ODP Team (2012)
> Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year (2011-13)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: ESPN | Tulsa World | Tulsa World (2)
GK Taylor Saucier, 5'10", Omaha, NE (Toro SC) **** - You'll notice that Coach G has set up camp at the Toro Bravo SC lately, picking up 3 commitments from this club team alone. Obviously this team must be very good as they also have several commitments to Nebraska and even one to North Carolina. Taylor just attended the prestigious U-17 Thanksgiving ODP Interregional with the Region II ODP Team. She is the starting GK for that team, which did well at the tournament. Karlie Mueller joined her on that trip. Taylor is young for her age group but already 5'10", which is always important at the GK position. There will be 3 GK on campus in '13 now, and it seems likely that Saucier will be groomed to take over for Jordan Day in '15. Member of the Region II ODP Team. She chose A&M over Florida St, Minnesota, and Michigan.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #102
> ESPN National: #95
> Region II ODP Team (2012)
> TDS Profile | Club Profile
M Ana Cruz, 5'4", La Jolla, CA (So Cal Blues) *** - Ana plays on one of the nation's best club teams and her teammates are among the best prospects in the country. An attacking midfielder with a variety of effective shots and passes around the goal. She has extensive experience on the Region IV ODP team. The only drawback is that she is the second small midfielder in this class, which makes it difficult to win balls in the air to gain possession. However, I'm encouraged to see Coach G addressing a major need position in the future.
> Region IV ODP Team (2012)
> TDS Profile
D Ashlynn Harryman, 5'7", Dana Point, CA (Slammers FC) *** - Another grab from Southern California, "Ash" is from the high profile Slammers FC club team that is currently one of the elite teams in the ECNL. She can play a variety of positions on the field and has a strong leg. One of the leaders on her club team.
> Cal South ODP Pool (2011)
> TDS Profile
D Grace Wright, 5'6", College Station, TX (Challenge SC) *** - A hometown prospect that plays for Challenge SC and is a member of the Region III ODP team. She has international experience with the Irish national team. A solid defender with good upside if she continues to develop her game.
> U-19 Ireland National Team (2012)
> Region III ODP Team (2012)
> TDS Profile
M Sarah Shaw, 5'1", Keller, TX (Sting Dallas) ** - Midfield is a need position in this class and Coach G is starting to address this now. Although diminutive in size, Sarah is a good passer and understands the game in the midfield. She is a good teammate and makes the most of her ability.
> Region III ODP Camp (2009-11)
> TDS Profile
CLASS OF 2012 - OFFICIAL
D Karlie Mueller, 5'4", Sioux Falls, SD (Toro SC) **** - The first player from South Dakota to ever make the Region II ODP team. She's a talented prospect that can play any position on the field. She plays midfield and forward at Toro, but my guess is that she will start out on defense at A&M as we are in dire need of defenders for the '12 class. She's also a great story (see links below), overcoming a rare eye disorder to become a national level recruit. She chose A&M over Florida St, Minnesota, Stanford, and Nebraska.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #61
> ESPN National: #59
> Region II ODP Team (2010)
> ODP South Dakota Player of the Year (2009)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: KSFY | Toro Soccer
M Janae Cousineau, 5'11", San Clemente, CA (So Cal Blues) **** - One of the better players on a loaded So Cal Blues squad, Cousineau is high school teammates with fellow A&M commit Renee McDermott. She hasn't been recognized on a national level yet, but she is a key cog in the midfield. A smart possession midfielder who can play a variety of positions. Currently she is the leading goal scorer on her high school team. Coach G seems intent upon making Southern California his new recruiting home.
> ESPN National: #49
> TDS Profile
> Articles: OC Register | OC Varsity
D Jackie Tondl, 5'9", Omaha, NE (Toro SC) **** - A lockdown defender in the mold of current Aggie Bri Young, Tondl is arguably the best defender in the state of Nebraska. She teams with fellow Aggie commit Karlie Mueller on Toro SC. She anchored her high school team's defense, allowing only 2 goals all season. With good height at 5'10", she can also score goals off of set pieces and free kicks like Young (she scored 5 goals last season, one from over 40 yards out). She's also a top tennis player in Nebraska (see article below) but will focus on soccer going forward. She was recently named to the Region II ODP team. 2012 Gatorade State Player of the Year in Nebraska. Surprisingly, she switched her long-time commitment from Nebraska to A&M.
> ESPN National: #90
> Region II ODP Team (2011)
> Gatorade Nebraska Player of the Year (2012)
> TDS Profile | Club Profile
> Articles: Journal Star
F Kristi Leonard, 5'6", League City, TX (Space City FC) ** - A striker with ability to score from anywhere around the goal. An All-District performer as a freshman and sophomore and earned the MVP award at A&M's soccer camp in 2009. Coach G usually has a knack for finding under the radar players like this early and turning them into stars (see Katie Hamilton). She chose A&M over LSU, Tennessee, Missouri, Nebraska, and SFA.
> Articles: Houston Chronicle
CLASS OF 2011 - OFFICIAL
F Shea Groom, 5'6", Liberty, MO (KCFC Alliance) ***** - One of the top prospects in the nation, Shea is one of the smartest and most savvy soccer players in her class; she understands positioning and times her runs very well. She is fast and has great skill on the ball. She is a member of the U-20 National Team and the Region II ODP Team. She is a tweener, able to play both an attacking midfielder or at forward. Absolutely huge pickup for Coach G and it solidifies the forward position for years to come. Since there are so many forwards in this class, it will be interesting to see whether one of two of them might be moved to help in the midfield, and I think Groom could certainly be effective there. Chose A&M over Missouri, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma St.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #11
> Top Drawer Soccer Heartland Region: #1
> ESPN First Team All-American (2010)
> U-18 National Team Camp (2010)
> Region II ODP Team (2007-10)
> Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year (2010-11)
> Adidas ESP Camp All-Star Team (2009)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: Liberty Tribune | SGF Soccer | St Louis Today
M Katie Perry, 5'2", Mission Viejo, CA (San Diego Surf) ***** - One of the nation's top attacking midfielders, Perry is the quarterback of her team, able to quickly survey runs by her teammates and deliver deadly passes in stride which almost always result in good scoring chances. Another very smart player who understands the game, she will form a great tandem with Beth West in the midfield, allowing Beth to push forward into the attack more often as Katie can stop most counter-attacks with her stopper mentality. She's not super-fast, but takes great angles to the ball and rarely loses the ball in possession. She forms a dominating tandem with teammate Allie Bailey at Surf that creates a lot of scoring opportunities; opposing teams are sometimes helpless against their combined attack. Coach G's recent push into California has paid off with three great players in Perry, Bailey and Edwards. She also has U-17 US National Team experience, including a stint with the England U-17 National Team.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #15
> Top Drawer Soccer Southern California Region: #4
> U-17 England National Team (2010)
> US National Team Pool (2007-09)
> Region IV ODP Team (2006-10)
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | Top Drawer Soccer (2)
F Kelley Monogue, 5'8", McKinney, TX (Dallas Texans Red) ***** - One of the nation's top forwards, Kelley is absolutely deadly in front of goal when she gets her foot on it. She has a powerful shot and has speed and strength to fight off defenders. Very similar to Kim Castleberry at the same stage of development. I've only seen a few better forwards out there and I would rank her #3 in the state overall just behind F Chioma Ubogagu (Stanford) and D Satara Murray (UNC).
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #24
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #3
> ESPN First Team All-American (2010)
> Region III ODP Team (2010)
> Adidas ESP Camp All-Star MVP (2009)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: e7 Sports | Courier Gazette | Dallas News
M/F Alexandra Bailey, 5'4", San Diego, CA (San Diego Surf) **** - "Allie" is a special talent on the ball, very similar in style of play as Rachel Shipley except much faster. She has Hooper-like acceleration on the ball and leaves defenders in the dust when maneuvering for a cross into the box. She is very dangerous around the goal and can score from a variety of places. She's a tremendous passer and reads the game very well. She teams with fellow A&M commit Katie Perry to form a deadly tandem for the Surf. This gives Coach G five incredibly talented forwards to work with in the future and will form the most potent offensive attack ever at A&M. Chose A&M over North Carolina, Notre Dame, UCLA, Michigan, and Northwestern.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #41
> Top Drawer Soccer Southern California Region: #15
> ESPN All-American (2009)
> US National Team Pool (2007)
> Region IV ODP Team (2007-10)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | NC Times
F Annie Kunz, 6'1", Golden, CO (Colorado Rush) **** - One of the better pure athletes in the nation, Annie is widely considered one of the best female athletes in Colorado high school history. She has excelled at both soccer (2 time player of the year) and track (won multiple state titles in different events) and just won the prestigious Fred Steinmark Award which goes to the top multi-sport athlete in Colorado. On the soccer field Annie is an imposing figure at 6'1", which makes her a huge threat on corners in the box. She has great speed with her long stride and uses her body to shield defenders away from the ball. And of course she's a good finisher around the goal. She has been a standout on her club team at the USYS Region IV Championships where at one point she had three consecutive hat-tricks. One of the main reasons A&M beat out North Carolina for her signature was Pat Henry, who has assured her that she will get an opportunity to run Track at A&M. She has great potential in the Heptathlon. Very underrated nationally, she is another Top 100 level prospect, she joins an incredible forward class that will be among the best in the nation for years to come. Chose A&M over UNC.
> U-17 National Team (2010)
> ESPN Second Team All-American (2010)
> Parade All-American Team (2010)
> Gatorade Colorado Player of the Year (2010-11)
> Colorado Female Athlete of the Year (2010)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: Max Preps | KDVR | Denver Post | Max Preps (2) | Colorado Milesplit
D/M Meghan Streight, 5'5", McKinney, TX (D'Feeters) **** - A solid defender/midfielder for a very good D'Feeters club, Meghan has been gaining more attention, recently recognized as one of the best players at the Las Vegas ECNL event in March 2010. She has been moved to a more defensive midfield position lately to provide more possession and patience in the middle of the field for her club. She is used as an anchor for the attack as superstar Chioma Ubogagu (Stanford) relies on her ability to set up counter attacks from the backline. She is good on the ball and reads the field well, patiently waiting for her teammates to move into position before passing forward. She has decent quickness and speed, but she relies more on her knowledge of the game and anticipating an opposing team's attack. I see her playing at outside back or even a midfield position at A&M. She's a Top 10 recruit in the state and should be a solid player at A&M.
> U-17 National Team Pool (2009)
> Region III ODP Team (2010)
> Gatorade Texas Player of the Year (2011)
> ECNL Las Vegas All-Event Team (2010)
> TDS Profile | Club Profile
> Articles: 33TV
F Bianca Brinson, 5'8", Austin, TX (Lonestars SC Red) *** - A fast riser in Texas, Bianca has very good speed and scores a lot of goals as the offense usually comes through her up top. She is very tall and lean, and uses her long stride to beat defenders to the corner for crosses into the box. On one particular play at a summer tournament, she outdueled and fought through 2 defenders to the corner before making a great cross which resulted in a goal. She will be a dangerous weapon in the box on corners because she simply towers over most defenders and can jump high for 50/50 type balls in the air. Very similar in look to fellow commit Annie Kunz, but does not have quite the same agility and on-the-ball skills that Annie possesses. The best thing about Bianca is that she is still very raw as a player and with the coaches at A&M she could become a very dangerous and complete player in the future. She's a pure athlete that can be molded into another Whitney Hooper type player to compliment the other forwards. Chose A&M over Baylor, Texas, LSU, and Auburn.
> Region III ODP Team (2008)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: e7 Sports
M Leigh Edwards, 5'7", Coto de Caza, CA (So Cal Blues) *** - Leigh plays for one of the top club teams in the nation and has caught many coaches' eyes with her play in the midfield. She plays with several national level players and has gained some great experiences at national-level tourneys. She might be this year's most intriguing prospect as she played a year above her age group and her team no longer plays at most major tournaments as their tour is over. She has good control of the ball in the midfield and can turn quickly and race down the sideline for a crosses into the box. Has a good shot from 25 yards and in. Good vision and sees teammates come open early and makes accurate passes. This is looking to be a steal in this class as she could challenge for a starting job immediately at an outside mid position. Very underrated nationally.
> Region IV Cal South ODP Team (2004-09)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: OC Varsity | OC Varsity (2)
> Highlights: Vimeo
GK Jordan Day, 6'0", Gilbert, AZ (Sereno FC) *** - Jordan is one of the better GKs in the nation as she plays on the prestigious Region IV ODP team. A tall keeper at 6-0, she is very good in the air and can cover a lot of space in front of the goal. A critical recruit at a position where she will be expected to come in and start as a true freshman.
> Region IV ODP Team (2009)
> U-17 National Development Camp
> TDS Profile
GK Renee McDermott, 5'10", San Clemente, CA (Slammers FC) ** - She will compete with Jordan Day next year for the starting spot at GK. She is a late verbal that had a very good summer on the tournament circuit. I have only seen her play briefly but Coach G specializes in GK play, so we have to trust him on this one. Renee completes the 2011 class, which will be a consensus Top 5 class in the nation and I believe the best class Coach G has ever signed at A&M.
> Region IV Cal South ODP Team (2010)
> TDS Profile
F Taylor Ziemer, 5'9", Santa Rosa, CA (Santa Rosa United/Virginia/ADO Den Haag) ***** - The big surprise of the class is the addition of Taylor from Virginia after a stint in Europe playing professionally this year in Holland. She still has 2 years of eligibility and was a 5-star recruit in 2016. She was a star at Virginia (32 points over two seasons) and will be quite a tandem with Watt for the offense next year and will also get to play with her sister Tera again. She was a member of the U-19 US National Team as well. I'm going to add her as part of this class because she did not play collegiate soccer in 2018.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #23 (2016)
> Top Drawer Soccer NoCal Region: #2 (2016)
> U-19 National Team (2018)
> California Gatorade Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
F Ali Russell, 5'3", Katy, TX (Albion Hurricanes FC) **** - Ali is one of the most electric forwards in the country with her quickness and speed, already a mainstay on the U-15 National Team Camps. She is a very fluid player with great on-ball skill and she can change directions quickly when needed. Her work rate on the field is impressive and she continues to improve in all facets of her game. This is a great pickup for Coach G who will need future impact players on offense.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #52
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #4
> U-15 National Team Camp (2015)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer
D Katie Smith, 5'8", Tulsa, OK (TSC Hurricane) **** - A tall forward who can also play in the back and comes from the same club as 2016 signee Jenna Byers. Coach G seems to be building a pipeline to TSC Hurricane. Katie has been gaining attention nationally after her recent performances in the ECNL and is now a Top 100 prospect. She has superior speed and strength on the ball and is not afraid to run directly at the defense, something I appreciate in a player. She is also a good team player. I think A&M may start her on the backline.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #112
> Top Drawer Soccer South Region: #2
> ECNL/id2 National Camp (2017)
> ODP State Team
> ECNL Profile
> Articles:
GK Shantel Hutton, 5'11", Atlanta, GA (Concorde Fire) ** - A solid GK prospect out of Georgia, Hutton has some good experience at the national tournament level with Atlanta Fire United and now Concorde Fire.
> ECNL/id2 National Camp (2014)
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer Profile
GK Kenna Caldwell, 5'8", Highlands Ranch, CO (Colorado Rush) ** - Not much is known about Kenna except she seems to be a solid GK from Colorado, but if there is anything that we know about Coach G is that he knows the GK position and has uncovered some hidden gems in the past.
> US National Team Camps (2011-2013)
> Articles: Sports Recruits Highlights
CLASS OF 2018 - OFFICIAL
D Karlina Sample, 5'7", Frisco, TX (Solar SC) **** - One of the top defenders in the country, Karlina is a fast rising prospect with a terrific combination of high soccer IQ in organizing the backline and also the ability to play in the attack with good speed and quickness. She plays with an aggressive streak, attacking when needed but also passing with good touch and excelling on set pieces. She is a leader of her club team's recent run of success, and she has some National Team experience. Karlina is a very exciting prospect.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #35
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #1
> U-14 National Team Camp (2014)
> id2 National Camp (2014)
> ECNL U16 National Playoff Best XI (2016)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer Profile
M Kendall Bates, 5'4", Melissa, TX (Solar SC) **** - The younger sister of Emily Bates, Kendall is a great player in her own right as a solid defender/midfielder for her club team. She is a savvy player and sees the field well, a good passer and understands spacing. She is versatile and can play several positions on the field when needed, so it will be interesting to see where she develops best at A&M. She has experience in national circles as well.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #57
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #3
> U-14 National Team Camp (2014)
> id2 National Camp (2014)
> US Soccer Development Academy Best XI (2017)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer
M Tera Ziemer, 5'10", Santa Rosa, CA (Mustang SC) *** - Tera is one of the better players in California, a quality midfielder that can create, pass, and score when needed for her club team. She has a great frame that makes her difficult to defend. Her older sister Taylor is an elite prospect who signed with Virginia so it was a good pull for Coach G. She comes from a soccer family so has an understanding of the game that helps her anticipate and create chances on the field.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #146
> Top Drawer Soccer Northern California Region: #12
> id2 National Camp (2016)
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: YouTube
> Articles: Daily Journal Sports
D Macie Kolb, 5'8", McKinney, TX (Solar SC) *** - After playing with a talented Dallas Sting club for a year, Macie made the move to Solar SC, where she joined fellow Aggie signees Sample and Bates. She has developed into a good defender and can play out of the back and could remind some of a Leigh Edwards or Karlie Mueller.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #25
> US Club Soccer PDP Camp (2016)
> ECNL Profile
GK Jordan Burbank, 5'10", Edmond, OK (Oklahoma FC) ** - Jordan recently switched her commitment from Utah to A&M, most likely after seeing the opportunity to compete early for a GK spot due to the lack of depth on the roster. Known as a solid shot-stopper and very athletic for her position. She could challenge for playing time early in her career.
> Top Drawer Soccer South Region: #12
> VYPE All-OKC (2017)
> Top Drawer Soccer Profile
CLASS OF 2017 - OFFICIAL
M Addie McCain, 5'7", Wylie, TX (FC Dallas) **** - Among the top midfielders in the country, Addie controls tempo and spacing for her team. Has good height to win balls in the air. She understands placement and anticipates passing lanes very well. She has steadily risen in national circles and has US national team playing experience. She will bring a calming influence in the middle of the pitch.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #41
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #5
> U-18 National Team Camp (2014)
> iD2 National Camp (2016)
> ODP State Team
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: FC Dallas | Top Drawer Soccer | FC Dallas (2)
F Abby Grace Cooper, 5'6", Plano, TX (FC Dallas) **** - One of the more deadly strikers in the country, Abby has a powerful shot and only needs a small space to create scoring chances. She teams with Addison McCain to give FC Dallas a formidable duo and their chemistry should carry over to A&M. She will remind some of Kelley Monogue. Has some National Team experience and is used to playing against elite level competition. Recently named player of the year in Texas as a sophomore, which is pretty impressive.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #43
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #6
> NSCAA Texas Player of the Year (2015)
> U-15 National Team Camp (2014)
> iD2 National Camp (2013)
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | Allen American | Plano Courier
F Rheagen Smith, 5'5", Dallas, TX (Dallas Texans) **** - As the daughter of Hall of Fame RB Emmitt Smith, Rheagen is, not surprisingly, a good athlete. She is a goal scorer and has good speed. She went under the radar for some time on the national scene but not anymore - she was just called into the National Team Camp and is now a 4-star prospect. I like her speed and knack for scoring goals and I think she still has room to grow and become an elite athlete.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #68
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #8
> U-18 National Team Camp (2015)
> SPC All State First Team
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl | Attack Soccer Dallas
GK Olivia Ausmus, 5'10", Spring, TX (Challenge SC) **** - One of the better GK in the country in her class, Olivia has many of the attributes we usually see from a Coach G GK - tall, athletic, with room improve her game. Has the ability to stretch out and deflect higher, well placed shots on goal. She has recently risen in national circles and is routinely called in to US national team camps. Very high upside.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #84
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #10
> U-18 National Team Camp (2015)
> iD2 National Camp (2016)
> ODP Region III Pool
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Instagram
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer
D Jimena Lopez, 5'7", Mexico City, Mexico (Lonestar SC) **** - Jimena is an elite attacking defender from Mexico who played with Quinn Murphy at Lonestar SC while attending private school in Texas. She was a member of the U-17 Mexico World Cup team this past Summer. She brings immediate help to a backline that needs more attack minded players that can assist the offense by pushing up the field and serving crosses into the box. She has a very good left foot, which should serve the team well from the left back position.
> U-17 Mexico National Team (2015-16)
> U-17 Women's World Cup (Mexico)
> U-15 Mexico National Team (2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games)
> St. Stephen's Episcopal School (National Elite Prep Showcase)
F Sophie Salverino, 5'6", Katy, TX (Albion Hurricanes FC) ** - Sophie is a quick forward that is an effective goal scorer for her club team in ECNL. She anticipates passes forward and can make quick runs to set up scoring chances. It will be interesting to see her development over the next few years.
> ODP Region III Pool (2011)
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Daily Motion
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer
CLASS OF 2016 - OFFICIAL
D Jordan Hill, 5'5", Plano, TX (FC Dallas) **** - As the daughter of former A&M RB Greg Hill, you know Jordan has some serious athletic ability. Inheriting good speed and ability on the ball, she is well suited for an outside back role to stretch defenses while being able to track back and defend opposing forwards. Only just beginning to realize her full potential I think Jordan could become an elite recruit and garner some national team attention before she arrives at A&M.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #72
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #5
> iD2 National Camp (2012)
> ODP Region III Pool (2012)
> ECNL Profile
M Jenna Byers, 5'8", Tulsa, OK (TSC Hurricane) **** - A good midfield prospect with height, which is something that I've been talking about for a few years now as far as taller, more athletic players in the middle of the field are crucial to success at the elite level. Has seen a recent rise in national circles. Solid distributor and can create scoring chances as well as an attacking mid.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #95
> Top Drawer Soccer South Region: #1
> ODP State Team (2011)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Vype
M Quinn Murphy, 5'9", Austin, TX (Lonestar SC) **** - A midfielder with good size and height, Quinn has been a leader on her Lonestar team for several years now in the ECNL. She has US national team experience and understands the game. She can win balls in the air and makes good passes onto teammates' feet while on the move. Coach G is starting to stockpile bigger, more athletic midfielders which should match up well at the top of the SEC.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #112 (2017)
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #13 (2017)
> U-15 National Team Pool (2013)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer Profile
D Brianna Davis, 6'1", Belton, TX (Lonestar SC) *** - Another very intriguing prospect with great height and ability to win balls in the air, it will be interesting to see where Brianna develops at A&M. Can play anywhere on the backline and in the central midfield. Plays with Lonestar ECNL so she has big game experience.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #16
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl
F Cienna Arrieta, 5'9", El Paso, TX (Texas Rush) *** - Although she's played soccer for several years, Cienna is mostly known as an elite track athlete, winning multiple district track titles with electric speed in the 100m, hurdles, and relay races. Could be a similar player to 2015 recruit Ally Watt and past star Whitney Hooper. If she gets into space with the ball on her left foot, she is difficult to stop.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #22
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: YouTube
> Articles: El Paso Times
M Grace Piper, 5'5", The Woodlands, TX (Texas Rush) ** - An aggressive midfielder, Grace has the tools to become a good midfield prospect. Seems to play bigger than she actually is size-wise. She also was a good basketball prospect but decided on to focus on soccer only.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #45
> ODP State Team
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | Top Drawer Soccer (2) | Srosm | Your Houston News
M Grace Cory, 5'8", Southlake, TX (Dallas Texans) ** - A solid holding midfielder that can distribute quality passes around the pitch, Grace recently switched her commitment from Alabama to A&M. She also can aggressively go forward into the attack, making her a scoring threat as well. Another athletic midfielder with height, which is more evidence of a very positive shift in recruiting strategy in the midfield. Could be a sleeper in the class as she continues to develop.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #52
> NSCAA High School All-American (2015)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | Dallas News | DFW | Carroll Athletics | Dallas News (2)
D Callyn Walton, 5'6", College Station, TX (Challenge SC) ** - "Cally" is a hometown product that has ODP experience and is the team captain of her club. A very quick and aggressive defender, she challenges opposing forwards before they can move into scoring positions. She could play a variety of positions but will most likely remain on the backline for A&M.
> ODP State Pool
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | The Eagle
CLASS OF 2015 - OFFICIAL
F Alleandra Watt, 5'8", Colorado Springs, CO (Pride SC) ***** - Possibly one of the fastest risers in the country, "Ally" has become an elite level prospect, a true game-changing forward that can utilize elite speed to create scoring chances. She is one of the top sprinters in the nation in her age group, winning the 100M and 200M state titles in Colorado multiple years in high school. Currently ranked #1 nationally in the 100M and #2 nationally in the 200M for 2015 girls. She is similar to former player Whitney Hooper, except with better technical skills at this point in her development. Has recently been a member of the U.S. U-20 national team so she will arrive at A&M with elite level experience as well. A very exciting prospect.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #34
> Top Drawer Soccer Rocky Mountains & Southwest Region: #4
> U-20 National Team (2015)
> ODP Region IV Team (2012)
> Articles: Denver Post | Gazette | CHSAA Now | Gazette Preps
F Emily Bates, 5'4", Melissa, TX (Dallas Texans) **** - One of the nation's better forwards with U.S. national team experience, Emily is a very fast and aggressive forward that understands spacing on the field. She also could be effective at an outside mid position to utilize her speed and touch on the ball. With the heavy losses from the elite '11 class, Emily, combined with Ally and Brittany, should be able to step in and have a big impact on the offense from day one at A&M.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #42
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #3
> U-17 National Team Camp (2013)
> iD2 National Camp (2013)
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: YouTube
> Articles: Herald Democrat | Your Stephenville | Dallas News | Top Drawer Soccer
GK Meredith Hummel, 5'8", Anaheim, CA (So Cal Blues) **** - One of the nation's best GK prospects, "Mia" will compete for the starting job in '15 when Jordan Day is gone. Plays for highly regarded So Cal Blues in the ECNL and continues the trend of signing elite prospects from Southern California. Chose A&M over Duke, Colorado, Oklahoma State, and Stanford.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #63
> Top Drawer Soccer Southern California Region: #10
> iD2 National Camp (2011)
> ODP Cal South Team
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | OC Varsity | OC Varsity (2)
M Kate Hajdu, 5'9", Dallas, TX (Sting Dallas) **** - Kate joins an increasing number of prospects from the Dallas Sting club, something that Coach G struggled with for years. She is very dependable on the ball and can make long runs when needed. A very physical presence in the middle of the field, she can win balls in the air or on the ground, then make the correct pass to a teammate in space as she sees the field well. Very good movement off the ball as well as she has an above average understanding of the game. Kate should become a key part of the midfield with Harvey in the coming years.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #82
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #6
> U-20 National Team Camp (2014)
> iD2 National Camp (2013)
> ODP State Pool (2013)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Preston Hollow | Top Drawer Soccer | Sting Soccer
F Brittany Crabtree, 5'10", Corinth, TX (Dallas Texans) **** - A tall striker, Crabtree is part of the dynamic duo of the Texans' offense alongside fellow Aggie commit Emily Bates. She is a rising prospect that continues to fine tune her offensive skills on the ball. Of course, with her height she will be another dangerous weapon on set pieces in the box.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #101
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #9
> iD2 National Camp (2013)
> ODP Region III Team (2012)
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Denton | Denton (2)
M Claudette Lassandro, 5'3", Austin, TX (Lonestar SC) *** - A quick midfielder that can attack from all parts of the field, Claudette specializes from the left flank with elite level touch and accurate passes into space. She will create matchup problems with her ability to move in and out of tight spaces quickly. She could even play a left back position and move forward into the attack. She will be reunited with former teammate Harvey in the midfield.
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #31
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl | YouTube
> Articles: Statesman | Top Drawer Soccer
D Margaret Schmidt, 5'10", Orange, CA (Slammers FC) *** - The sister of former A&M soccer player Mary Grace Schmidt, Margaret plays for one of the nation's top clubs Slammers FC. She has good height and would clearly be used on the backline as a defender, probably on the inside, although she can also go forward in the attack if needed.
> ECNL Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | Daily News
D Amy Kelly, 6'0", Longview, TX (Dallas Sting North) ** - A good athlete, Amy was named female athlete of the year at her high school, playing multiple sports. She will play out of the back, with good speed and strength on the ball. Her height will be a huge asset as well.
> Articles: Got Soccer
M Kendall Ritchie, 5'4", Austin, TX (Lonestar SC) ** - A left-footed specialist, Kendall, although she could play several positions, will most likely play an outside back position at A&M.
> ECNL Profile
> Highlights: Hudl
> Articles: Statesman | USA Today
CLASS OF 2014 - OFFICIAL
M Mikaela Harvey, 5'2", Liberty Hill, TX (Lonestar SC) ***** - One of the nation's top midfielders, Mikaela has been a terrific player for years at Lonestar SC, using her quickness, speed, and high soccer IQ to lead her team to the 2011 ECNL U-15 National Championship. One of the best possession midfielders at this level in a long time. A Top 10 prospect nationally, she will team with fellow U-18 U.S. National Team member Haley Pounds to give A&M the top 2 prospects in Texas for '14. Member of the Region III ODP Team. She chose A&M over North Carolina, Florida St., and Santa Clara.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #4
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #1
> U-18 National Team (2014)
> Region III ODP Team (2013)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer
F Haley Pounds, 5'5", Spring, TX (Challenge SC) ***** - One of the elite prospects in the country, Haley is a member of the U-18 U.S. National Team. She is part of one of the most talented group of prospects to ever come out of Texas for 2014. She has led her club team for years and is a quality striker around the goal with elite level speed. Hopefully she becomes the foundation for a stellar '14 class for Coach G, who needs an elite class to reload the roster with top talent for the future. Member of the Region III ODP Team. Chose A&M over Oklahoma St.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #12
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #2
> U-18 National Team (2014)
> Region III ODP Team (2013)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: Houston Chronicle
M Stephanie Malherbe, 5'3", Temecula, CA (So Cal Blues) **** - A talented midfielder from one of the nation's top club teams, Stephanie is continuing to improve at her position at a fast clip. She could end up as one of top players in her class. Member of the Region IV ODP Team.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #72
> Top Drawer Soccer Southern California Region: #15
> Region IV ODP Team (2013)
> TDS Profile
D McKayla Paulson, 5'9", Mansfield, TX (Sting Dallas) **** - A tall defender that has been a leader of her club team (currently one of the top ECNL teams in the country), she fits the mold of past A&M defenders like Bri Young and incoming freshman Jackie Tondl. A long time A&M soccer camp attendee, she won the MVP award in 2007. Her stock is rising as she was recently named to the 2012 All-ECNL Team. She is considered one of the top defenders in Texas.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #125
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #10
> TDS Profile | Club Profile
CLASS OF 2013 - OFFICIAL
F Elizabeth Keester, 5'6", Tulsa, OK (Hurricane FC) **** - One of the top forward prospects in the country, Elizabeth was named the 2013 Gatorade State Player of the Year for Oklahoma (her third straight). She led her team to a national runner-up finish at the USYS National Championships, where she won the Golden Ball award for most goals and points in the tournament. She combines good speed with a goal scoring mentality and plays at a consistently high level throughout a match. A&M is currently stockpiling elite talent at the forward position for years to come. Member of the U-18 U.S. National Team. Member of the Region III ODP team. She chose A&M over Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, and UCLA.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #29
> ESPN National: #38
> U-18 National Team (2013)
> Region III ODP Team (2012)
> Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year (2011-13)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: ESPN | Tulsa World | Tulsa World (2)
GK Taylor Saucier, 5'10", Omaha, NE (Toro SC) **** - You'll notice that Coach G has set up camp at the Toro Bravo SC lately, picking up 3 commitments from this club team alone. Obviously this team must be very good as they also have several commitments to Nebraska and even one to North Carolina. Taylor just attended the prestigious U-17 Thanksgiving ODP Interregional with the Region II ODP Team. She is the starting GK for that team, which did well at the tournament. Karlie Mueller joined her on that trip. Taylor is young for her age group but already 5'10", which is always important at the GK position. There will be 3 GK on campus in '13 now, and it seems likely that Saucier will be groomed to take over for Jordan Day in '15. Member of the Region II ODP Team. She chose A&M over Florida St, Minnesota, and Michigan.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #102
> ESPN National: #95
> Region II ODP Team (2012)
> TDS Profile | Club Profile
M Ana Cruz, 5'4", La Jolla, CA (So Cal Blues) *** - Ana plays on one of the nation's best club teams and her teammates are among the best prospects in the country. An attacking midfielder with a variety of effective shots and passes around the goal. She has extensive experience on the Region IV ODP team. The only drawback is that she is the second small midfielder in this class, which makes it difficult to win balls in the air to gain possession. However, I'm encouraged to see Coach G addressing a major need position in the future.
> Region IV ODP Team (2012)
> TDS Profile
D Ashlynn Harryman, 5'7", Dana Point, CA (Slammers FC) *** - Another grab from Southern California, "Ash" is from the high profile Slammers FC club team that is currently one of the elite teams in the ECNL. She can play a variety of positions on the field and has a strong leg. One of the leaders on her club team.
> Cal South ODP Pool (2011)
> TDS Profile
D Grace Wright, 5'6", College Station, TX (Challenge SC) *** - A hometown prospect that plays for Challenge SC and is a member of the Region III ODP team. She has international experience with the Irish national team. A solid defender with good upside if she continues to develop her game.
> U-19 Ireland National Team (2012)
> Region III ODP Team (2012)
> TDS Profile
M Sarah Shaw, 5'1", Keller, TX (Sting Dallas) ** - Midfield is a need position in this class and Coach G is starting to address this now. Although diminutive in size, Sarah is a good passer and understands the game in the midfield. She is a good teammate and makes the most of her ability.
> Region III ODP Camp (2009-11)
> TDS Profile
CLASS OF 2012 - OFFICIAL
D Karlie Mueller, 5'4", Sioux Falls, SD (Toro SC) **** - The first player from South Dakota to ever make the Region II ODP team. She's a talented prospect that can play any position on the field. She plays midfield and forward at Toro, but my guess is that she will start out on defense at A&M as we are in dire need of defenders for the '12 class. She's also a great story (see links below), overcoming a rare eye disorder to become a national level recruit. She chose A&M over Florida St, Minnesota, Stanford, and Nebraska.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #61
> ESPN National: #59
> Region II ODP Team (2010)
> ODP South Dakota Player of the Year (2009)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: KSFY | Toro Soccer
M Janae Cousineau, 5'11", San Clemente, CA (So Cal Blues) **** - One of the better players on a loaded So Cal Blues squad, Cousineau is high school teammates with fellow A&M commit Renee McDermott. She hasn't been recognized on a national level yet, but she is a key cog in the midfield. A smart possession midfielder who can play a variety of positions. Currently she is the leading goal scorer on her high school team. Coach G seems intent upon making Southern California his new recruiting home.
> ESPN National: #49
> TDS Profile
> Articles: OC Register | OC Varsity
D Jackie Tondl, 5'9", Omaha, NE (Toro SC) **** - A lockdown defender in the mold of current Aggie Bri Young, Tondl is arguably the best defender in the state of Nebraska. She teams with fellow Aggie commit Karlie Mueller on Toro SC. She anchored her high school team's defense, allowing only 2 goals all season. With good height at 5'10", she can also score goals off of set pieces and free kicks like Young (she scored 5 goals last season, one from over 40 yards out). She's also a top tennis player in Nebraska (see article below) but will focus on soccer going forward. She was recently named to the Region II ODP team. 2012 Gatorade State Player of the Year in Nebraska. Surprisingly, she switched her long-time commitment from Nebraska to A&M.
> ESPN National: #90
> Region II ODP Team (2011)
> Gatorade Nebraska Player of the Year (2012)
> TDS Profile | Club Profile
> Articles: Journal Star
F Kristi Leonard, 5'6", League City, TX (Space City FC) ** - A striker with ability to score from anywhere around the goal. An All-District performer as a freshman and sophomore and earned the MVP award at A&M's soccer camp in 2009. Coach G usually has a knack for finding under the radar players like this early and turning them into stars (see Katie Hamilton). She chose A&M over LSU, Tennessee, Missouri, Nebraska, and SFA.
> Articles: Houston Chronicle
CLASS OF 2011 - OFFICIAL
F Shea Groom, 5'6", Liberty, MO (KCFC Alliance) ***** - One of the top prospects in the nation, Shea is one of the smartest and most savvy soccer players in her class; she understands positioning and times her runs very well. She is fast and has great skill on the ball. She is a member of the U-20 National Team and the Region II ODP Team. She is a tweener, able to play both an attacking midfielder or at forward. Absolutely huge pickup for Coach G and it solidifies the forward position for years to come. Since there are so many forwards in this class, it will be interesting to see whether one of two of them might be moved to help in the midfield, and I think Groom could certainly be effective there. Chose A&M over Missouri, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma St.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #11
> Top Drawer Soccer Heartland Region: #1
> ESPN First Team All-American (2010)
> U-18 National Team Camp (2010)
> Region II ODP Team (2007-10)
> Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year (2010-11)
> Adidas ESP Camp All-Star Team (2009)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: Liberty Tribune | SGF Soccer | St Louis Today
M Katie Perry, 5'2", Mission Viejo, CA (San Diego Surf) ***** - One of the nation's top attacking midfielders, Perry is the quarterback of her team, able to quickly survey runs by her teammates and deliver deadly passes in stride which almost always result in good scoring chances. Another very smart player who understands the game, she will form a great tandem with Beth West in the midfield, allowing Beth to push forward into the attack more often as Katie can stop most counter-attacks with her stopper mentality. She's not super-fast, but takes great angles to the ball and rarely loses the ball in possession. She forms a dominating tandem with teammate Allie Bailey at Surf that creates a lot of scoring opportunities; opposing teams are sometimes helpless against their combined attack. Coach G's recent push into California has paid off with three great players in Perry, Bailey and Edwards. She also has U-17 US National Team experience, including a stint with the England U-17 National Team.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #15
> Top Drawer Soccer Southern California Region: #4
> U-17 England National Team (2010)
> US National Team Pool (2007-09)
> Region IV ODP Team (2006-10)
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | Top Drawer Soccer (2)
F Kelley Monogue, 5'8", McKinney, TX (Dallas Texans Red) ***** - One of the nation's top forwards, Kelley is absolutely deadly in front of goal when she gets her foot on it. She has a powerful shot and has speed and strength to fight off defenders. Very similar to Kim Castleberry at the same stage of development. I've only seen a few better forwards out there and I would rank her #3 in the state overall just behind F Chioma Ubogagu (Stanford) and D Satara Murray (UNC).
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #24
> Top Drawer Soccer Texas Region: #3
> ESPN First Team All-American (2010)
> Region III ODP Team (2010)
> Adidas ESP Camp All-Star MVP (2009)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: e7 Sports | Courier Gazette | Dallas News
M/F Alexandra Bailey, 5'4", San Diego, CA (San Diego Surf) **** - "Allie" is a special talent on the ball, very similar in style of play as Rachel Shipley except much faster. She has Hooper-like acceleration on the ball and leaves defenders in the dust when maneuvering for a cross into the box. She is very dangerous around the goal and can score from a variety of places. She's a tremendous passer and reads the game very well. She teams with fellow A&M commit Katie Perry to form a deadly tandem for the Surf. This gives Coach G five incredibly talented forwards to work with in the future and will form the most potent offensive attack ever at A&M. Chose A&M over North Carolina, Notre Dame, UCLA, Michigan, and Northwestern.
> Top Drawer Soccer National: #41
> Top Drawer Soccer Southern California Region: #15
> ESPN All-American (2009)
> US National Team Pool (2007)
> Region IV ODP Team (2007-10)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: Top Drawer Soccer | NC Times
F Annie Kunz, 6'1", Golden, CO (Colorado Rush) **** - One of the better pure athletes in the nation, Annie is widely considered one of the best female athletes in Colorado high school history. She has excelled at both soccer (2 time player of the year) and track (won multiple state titles in different events) and just won the prestigious Fred Steinmark Award which goes to the top multi-sport athlete in Colorado. On the soccer field Annie is an imposing figure at 6'1", which makes her a huge threat on corners in the box. She has great speed with her long stride and uses her body to shield defenders away from the ball. And of course she's a good finisher around the goal. She has been a standout on her club team at the USYS Region IV Championships where at one point she had three consecutive hat-tricks. One of the main reasons A&M beat out North Carolina for her signature was Pat Henry, who has assured her that she will get an opportunity to run Track at A&M. She has great potential in the Heptathlon. Very underrated nationally, she is another Top 100 level prospect, she joins an incredible forward class that will be among the best in the nation for years to come. Chose A&M over UNC.
> U-17 National Team (2010)
> ESPN Second Team All-American (2010)
> Parade All-American Team (2010)
> Gatorade Colorado Player of the Year (2010-11)
> Colorado Female Athlete of the Year (2010)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: Max Preps | KDVR | Denver Post | Max Preps (2) | Colorado Milesplit
D/M Meghan Streight, 5'5", McKinney, TX (D'Feeters) **** - A solid defender/midfielder for a very good D'Feeters club, Meghan has been gaining more attention, recently recognized as one of the best players at the Las Vegas ECNL event in March 2010. She has been moved to a more defensive midfield position lately to provide more possession and patience in the middle of the field for her club. She is used as an anchor for the attack as superstar Chioma Ubogagu (Stanford) relies on her ability to set up counter attacks from the backline. She is good on the ball and reads the field well, patiently waiting for her teammates to move into position before passing forward. She has decent quickness and speed, but she relies more on her knowledge of the game and anticipating an opposing team's attack. I see her playing at outside back or even a midfield position at A&M. She's a Top 10 recruit in the state and should be a solid player at A&M.
> U-17 National Team Pool (2009)
> Region III ODP Team (2010)
> Gatorade Texas Player of the Year (2011)
> ECNL Las Vegas All-Event Team (2010)
> TDS Profile | Club Profile
> Articles: 33TV
F Bianca Brinson, 5'8", Austin, TX (Lonestars SC Red) *** - A fast riser in Texas, Bianca has very good speed and scores a lot of goals as the offense usually comes through her up top. She is very tall and lean, and uses her long stride to beat defenders to the corner for crosses into the box. On one particular play at a summer tournament, she outdueled and fought through 2 defenders to the corner before making a great cross which resulted in a goal. She will be a dangerous weapon in the box on corners because she simply towers over most defenders and can jump high for 50/50 type balls in the air. Very similar in look to fellow commit Annie Kunz, but does not have quite the same agility and on-the-ball skills that Annie possesses. The best thing about Bianca is that she is still very raw as a player and with the coaches at A&M she could become a very dangerous and complete player in the future. She's a pure athlete that can be molded into another Whitney Hooper type player to compliment the other forwards. Chose A&M over Baylor, Texas, LSU, and Auburn.
> Region III ODP Team (2008)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: e7 Sports
M Leigh Edwards, 5'7", Coto de Caza, CA (So Cal Blues) *** - Leigh plays for one of the top club teams in the nation and has caught many coaches' eyes with her play in the midfield. She plays with several national level players and has gained some great experiences at national-level tourneys. She might be this year's most intriguing prospect as she played a year above her age group and her team no longer plays at most major tournaments as their tour is over. She has good control of the ball in the midfield and can turn quickly and race down the sideline for a crosses into the box. Has a good shot from 25 yards and in. Good vision and sees teammates come open early and makes accurate passes. This is looking to be a steal in this class as she could challenge for a starting job immediately at an outside mid position. Very underrated nationally.
> Region IV Cal South ODP Team (2004-09)
> TDS Profile
> Articles: OC Varsity | OC Varsity (2)
> Highlights: Vimeo
GK Jordan Day, 6'0", Gilbert, AZ (Sereno FC) *** - Jordan is one of the better GKs in the nation as she plays on the prestigious Region IV ODP team. A tall keeper at 6-0, she is very good in the air and can cover a lot of space in front of the goal. A critical recruit at a position where she will be expected to come in and start as a true freshman.
> Region IV ODP Team (2009)
> U-17 National Development Camp
> TDS Profile
GK Renee McDermott, 5'10", San Clemente, CA (Slammers FC) ** - She will compete with Jordan Day next year for the starting spot at GK. She is a late verbal that had a very good summer on the tournament circuit. I have only seen her play briefly but Coach G specializes in GK play, so we have to trust him on this one. Renee completes the 2011 class, which will be a consensus Top 5 class in the nation and I believe the best class Coach G has ever signed at A&M.
> Region IV Cal South ODP Team (2010)
> TDS Profile