BISMARCK, ND – University of Mary women's soccer coach
Sarah Cook added ten commitments to a Marauders soccer program coming off three straight Northern Sun tournament appearances while gaining NCAA Central region recognition last season. The ten incoming scholar-athletes set to continue their education at the University of Mary and compete for the Marauders includes eight freshmen and two transfers.
The Marauders soccer Class of 2021 features scholar-athletes from seven states (Arizona (2), Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota (2), North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming) and the Canadian province of British Columbia.
"I, along with our University of Mary women's soccer staff and team, are very excited to officially welcome all our signees to the team today!" said Cook. "We are very proud of these amazing young women both on and off the soccer pitch. During this pandemic, we had to reinvent how we recruit. During this process, it has allowed us to engage in a lot of amazing conversations with these women and their families, and really evaluate the whole person during the recruitment process, which led us to these ten women. These scholar-athletes are outstanding representations of what we strive for at the University of Mary, Greatness through Virtue, and within our women's soccer program to #BeYourBestYou!"
"I am so thankful for our amazing staff, Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Women's Soccer Coach
Logan Christensen and Graduate Assistant
Lasse Binder, for their work with this 2021 class. They were exceptional and key to this process. Also a big thank you to our wonderful team. NCAA legislation allowed them to be a big part of the recruitment process this season, and without them we couldn't make this happen. We are so excited to find these talented players to join our team and amazing people to join our soccer family and the University of Mary!"
Class of 2021 University of Mary Women's Soccer Recruits
Olivia Buckle | D | Fr. | Chilliwack, BC, Canada (St. John Brebeuf Secondary School)
Olivia Buckle, a Canadian defender, joins the Marauders from Chilliwack, British Columbia. Olivia played club soccer for multiple teams including Fraser Valley Premier, Fraser Valley Select and Chilliwack FC. She also competed on the high school level for St. John Brebeuf Secondary School. Olivia's achievements include B Cup Provincial Champions 2016, two-time A Cup Provincial Runner Ups (2018, 2019), Honor Roll (2017, 2018, 2020), Principal's List (2019) & Athlete of the Year (2018, 2019, 2020). Olivia's favorite sports team is the Houston Dash, and her favorite athlete is Dennis Rodman.
The daughter of Kristina and Chad Buckle, Olivia has two sisters (Kaitlin and Charley). Olivia explained why she chose UMary: "I know I'll be going to a safe environment and immediate friends while I'm so far away from home and entering into an immediate family environment".
We are excited to add Olivia to the Marauder family and we cannot wait to see her grow as a player and person.
Sophia Lange | D | Fr. | Big Lake, Minn. (Big Lake High School)
Sophia Lange joins the Marauders from Big Lake, MN. Sophia plays defense for the Boreal FC and Big Lake High School. During her club soccer and high school career, she earned all-conference honors and won the USYS President Cup. A supporter of the US Women's National team who especially looks up to Crystal Dunn, Sophia enjoys fishing, gardening, and knitting. The daughter of Becky and Craig Lange, Sophia has two younger brothers, Owen and Andrew.
When Sophia was asked why she chose UMary: "The University of Mary is the perfect size for what I was looking for; they offered my major, they have a great and established soccer program, and I loved Bismarck when I visited."
We are excited to have Sophia join our Marauder Family.
Jessica Lemmon | M | Soph. | Arvada, Colo. (Ralston Valley HS / Laramie County Community College)
Jessica Lemmon, a native of Arvada, Colorado, joins the Marauders after two successful years at Laramie County Community College. A midfield who can also fill roles in the defensive line, Jessica attended and played soccer at Ralston Valley High School while also competing on the club level for Real Colorado Edge. Jessica's favorite sports teams are the US Women's National Soccer Team and the Colorado Avalanche and her favorite athlete is Alex Morgan. She earned National Honors Society honors and was named to the First Team All-Conference Academic Teams in 2018 and 2019.
Asked why she chose UMary, Jessica answered: "I chose UMary because I loved the atmosphere of the team and the school, and could tell that it would be an easy transition from a Juco where I could get along with the girls right away and be welcomed into the family with open arms."
Jessica is the daughter of Colleen and Michael Lemmon, has one sister (Courtney) and one brother (Alec), and plans to major in Nursing at the University of Mary.
We are excited to witness Jessica's success on and of the field and cannot wait for her to join the Marauder family.
Mary Meeks | D | Fr. | Boise, Idaho (Rocky Mountain High School)
Mary Meeks, a defender for Rocky Mountain High School and the Boise Thorns ECNL, is set to join the Marauders in the fall of 2021. Mary has also played club soccer for the Boise Nationals and Nova. Not only an excellent soccer player but also an outstanding student and an all-around athlete, Mary owns numerous accomplishments, including National Honors Society membership, (2018, 2019, 2020) Advanced Fitness student of the year (2018-20), Business and technology student of the year (2018), Biology student of the year (2018), three-time Idaho Rocky Mountain High School Girls Soccer State Champions (2018-200, Spartan world champion for 14-17 y/o girls age group (2018), 2nd place in the world for spartan racing 14-17 girls age group (2019), North Star Girls Basketball Captain and point guard (2018-19). She finished school with a 4.1 GPA. Mary is the daughter of Mary and Joe Meeks. A supporter of the US Women's National Soccer Team, her favorite athlete is Pele. Mary enjoys watching Disney movies and competing in Spartan Races.
Asked why she chose UMary, Mary answered: "When I visited the campus for the first time I was amazed at the kindness and support of the people around me. It seems like a wonderful place to grow athletically, academically, and spiritually and I couldn't be happier to have the opportunity to be a part of the amazing atmosphere myself".
We cannot wait for Mary to join the Marauder family and witness her development over the coming years.
Kendra Park | F | Fr. | Lake Havasu City, Ariz. (Lake Havasu High School)
Joining the Marauders from Lake Havasu City, AZ, is forward Kendra Park, who plays for Lake Havasu High School and club soccer for East Valley FC. Kendra is the 2019-2020 AZ High School #1 Goal Scorer, 2018-2019 AZ High School #2 Goal Scorer, a two-time honorable mention AZ Republic Player of the Year, the all-time leading scorer in Lake Havasu High School history, ranks second in career goals in Mohave County, AZ, history (4 goals shy of first). Kendra is a fan of the US Women's National Soccer Team and her favorite player is Alex Morgan. Besides soccer Kendra plays tennis and runs track and cross country. Kendra is the daughter of Marcella Barron and Anthony Park and has four sisters (Kaydence, Brooke, London & Ember) and one brother (Tyler).
Kendra explained why she chose UMary: "I loved the feeling of the University of Mary. The school is warm, cozy and inviting. Everyone I met there was extremely friendly and made me feel right at home. Plus, the girls on the team were awesome! I can't wait to get on the field with them!"
We are excited to have Kendra join the Marauders in the fall of 2021 and are looking forward to witnessing her development over the next years.
Brianna Ramey | Fr. | Phoenix, Ariz. (Pinnacle High School)
Brianna Ramey joins the Marauders from Phoenix, AZ where she plays midfield for Pinnacle High School and also competes at the club level for SC Del Sol. Her athletic achievements include Sports360AZ First All-Academic Girls Soccer Team 6A recognition, the Quincy Foster Courage / Effort and Hard Work Award for Pinnacle Athletics (2018-2019) and All-Region honorable mention recognition. Outside of soccer, Brianna enjoys photography, taking 2
nd place in the state competition and participating in her high school's photography club. Brianna's favorite sports team is the Seattle Seahawks, and her favorite athlete is Julie Ertz. The daughter of Stacey and Shaw Ramey, she is obsessed with sunsets.
Brianna talked about what made her chose UMary: "I absolutely loved the team, coaches, and small-town values. The campus is beautiful and the energy is awesome. I love the aim for success of all students, and the small classes allowing for more one on one time with teachers."
We are excited that Brianna made UMary her choice and we cannot wait to see her excel on and off the field as a Marauder.
Grace Roswadovski | F | Soph. | Gillette, Wyo. (Thunder Basin HS / University of North Dakota / Laramie County Community College)
Grace Roswadovski is joining the Marauders after playing for NCAA Division I University of North Dakota in 2019 and Laramie County Community College. Grace spent her high school career with Thunder Basin High School in her hometown of Gillette, WY, where she helped her team win two state championship titles (2016, 2018) and earning Wyoming Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a senior. Grace also placed at state track meets during high school and was named to the National Honors Society. The daughter of Kristina and Justin Roswadovski plans to study Nursing at the University of Mary. We are excited to see Grace excel on and off the field here at the University of Mary and cannot wait to welcome her to campus.
Kaitlyn "KT" Schwass | F | Fr. | Oregon, Wis.
Kaitlyn "KT" Schwass, a forward from Oregon, WI, who played club soccer for the Wisconsin Rush, joins the Marauders 2021 recruiting class. Kaitlyn not only excels on the soccer field but also on the track and in the classroom, qualifying for state in the 4x200 meter relay and being inducted into the National Honors Society. Her favorite sports team is the Packers and her favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant. She is the daughter of Renee and Chris Schwass and has one sister, Sydney.
When asked why she chose UMary: "I chose UMary because of the welcoming coaching staff and team, competitive soccer, and beautiful campus!"
We are excited to welcome Kaitlyn to the University of Mary and cannot wait to see her development over the next four years.
Ava Vizenor | D | Fr. | Big Lake, Minn. (Big Lake High School)
Ava Vizenor played her club soccer for Boreal FC and River Valley, while also competing for Big Lake High School in her hometown of Big Lake, MN. She also plays basketball for Big Lake and likes to watch the US Women's National Soccer Team with Rose Lavelle as her favorite athlete. Ava is a six-time varsity letter winner, a three-time all-conference selection, a three-time all-conference academic selection and a 2019 President's Cup champion. Ava is the daughter of Alina and Mark Vizeno and has a younger sister, Josa.
When asked why she chose UMary, Ava responded: "I choose UMary because of the amazing coaches, players, and staff. I also fell in love with how beautiful the campus is and how friendly everyone was."
We are looking forward to having her as part of our Marauder family.
Kayla Werlinger | D | Fr. | Fargo, N.D. (Sheyenne High School)
Kayla Werlinger joins the Marauders from Fargo, ND, where she plays soccer for Sheyenne High School and the Tri-City Storm club program. Soccer aside, Kayla excels in the classroom, earning her spot in the National Honor Society. She can also count three years of academic recognition and three Varsity Girls Soccer Letters to her achievements. Kayla's favorite sports team is the Minnesota Vikings, and her favorite athlete is Julie Ertz. The daughter of Leslie and Just Werlinger, Kayla has a sister named Alaina. When asked why she chose UMary, Werlinger said: "The team chemistry and work ethic stuck out to me.
We are excited to add Kayla to the Marauder family and cannot wait to witness her growth over the years to come.
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