The soccer and volleyball teams have recently welcomed new recruits for their 2014 season. The recruits embody ACU athletics commitment of holding athletes just as accountable in the classroom as they do on the field.
On Feb. 13, soccer head coach Casey Wilson announced that eight new, talented Wildcats will join the team next season.
“The new recruiting class will compliment our current squad quite well,” Wilson said. “We feel we are bringing in the right players character and skill-wise for this program.”
Forward/midfielder Megan Baer from San Antonio is a four-year, letter-winner and Academic All-District, State Honoree as the MacArthur High School team captain. Peyton Bucklew is a defender from Denton and a member of the all-district first team, the state all-tournament team, 2013 Div. 4A State Championship team, and a three-year defensive starter.
Forward Deonna Calhoun from Midland, receiving an all-district honorable mention citation for soccer and a a 400-meter relay district championship which qualified her for area and regional. Defender Emily Duke is also from San Antonio and is a three time all-state candidate, a 2013 academic all-state candidate, and a member of three all-area TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) teams.
Midfielder/Forward Chloe Fifer from McKinney has been successful on and off the field. Fifer is a member of the FC Dallas U18 Elite Clubs National League, a three-year letter-winner, and an AP Scholar in the classroom. Madison Goldston is from Belton and has excelled as defender. She is a first team all-district honoree, second all-area team and a member of the National Honor Society, ranking in the top six percent of her class.
Defender Chantal Kinsey from Allen, a three-year team captain for Allen High School, all-district first team, and the all-district team. Forard/Midfielder Baylee Mitchell from Flower Mound, had only played for Marcus High School for two seasons, but was selected to the all-district second team.
“Ideally, we look for players who are humble, hard-working and like to compete with a passion for the game,” Wilson said. “This class, I feel, exhibits those qualities.”
Thursday, Feb. 20 volleyball head coach Kellen Mock announced three players that she has added to the roster.
“All three are dynamic hitters,” Mock said. “I’m excited for the depth they will bring to the team.”
Freshman Corinne Grandolas from Austin delivered 272 kills, 97 blocks and 47 aces in her last season. She is a first team all-district honoree and achieved a personal record in track with her long jump of 18 feet, 6.5 inches, placing as the runner-up at regionals and seventh in the state.
Freshman Stephanie Schoelman from Georgetown, an all-state candidate, district Offensive MVP has totaled 747 kills and a school record 300 blocks.
These two have signed a National Letter of Intent to play with the Wildcats in the fall.
Also added to the roster is graduate student transfer Taylor Nix from the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP). The Crawford native is a a member of C-USA’s Commissioner’s Honor Roll and scored 241 points, had 225 kills and 24 blocks last season.
“I hope to bring experience and leadership to the team both on and off the court,” Nix said. “I’m excited to be closer to home.”
Nix along with the rest of the team will participate in the spring season that begins March 22.
While the 2014 schedule has yet to be finalized, the ‘Cats are expected to play tournaments hosted by Baylor and Texas Tech. The team will begin Southland Conference game play Sept. 25, as they face off against Central Arkansas.
