University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Soccer Adds Depth To 2017 Roster
2/6/2017 1:56:00 PM | Women's Soccer
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa women's soccer team has added four student-athletes to the 2017 squad, announced today by interim head coach Jeremy Clevenger.
The four incoming student-athletes will provide depth and talent on the squad for the Panthers that finished third in the Missouri Valley Conference last season with a record of 8-8-3 and a Panther-best 7-2-1 at home.
Three of the four newcomers come from the state of Iowa in Johnnie Hill (Denver, Iowa), Paige Sieren (Johnston, Iowa) and Olivia Stearns (Ames, Iowa). UNI's only out-of-state transplant comes from Eden Prairie, Minn., adding valuable depth and experience to goalkeeper crew at UNI.
Johnnie Hill, Forward, Denver HS (Denver, Iowa)
Lettered all four years in soccer at Denver High School … team captain junior and senior year … first-team all-state and all-state IAHSSCA in 2016 … first-team all-district in 2016 … tied the school record for most goals in a match with six in 2016 … earned hardest worker award in 2015 … earned newcomer of the year award in 2014 … academic all-conference in 2016 … four-year academic honor roll … undecided major at UNI … daughter of Johnny and Kathy Hill … her father played football at UNI 1984-87 … has two siblings, Barkley and Romaro … Barkley played football at UNI from 2014-16.
Clevenger on Hill: "It is always great when you can keep local talent at home. Johnnie is a very versatile player. She can play multiple positions for us. She is very fast, strong, and hard working. I expect Johnnie to be an impact player in future years."
Jordyn Petty, Goalkeeper, Hopkins HS (Eden Prairie, Minn.)
Lettered in soccer three years at Hopkins High School … team captain her senior year … all-conference in 2016 … team's most valuable player in 2016 … played every minute of junior and senior year … set record for goals against average in senior year … all-conference honorable mention in 2015 … team state participatant in 2014 … team finished second in Lake Conference senior year … four-year academic honor roll … member of National Honor Society senior year … undecided major at UNI … daughter of John and Kristin Petty … has two siblings, Madison and Avery.
Clevenger on Petty: "Jordyn is a great addition to the UNI soccer program. She has all the attributes you want in a goalkeeper. She is athletic, strong, good communicator, good hands, and is good in the air. I believe Jordyn will develop into a fantastic Division 1 goalkeeper."
Paige Sieren, Midfielder, Johnston HS (Johnston, Iowa)
Lettered in soccer and basketball all four years at Johnston High School … team captain junior and senior season … named second-team all-conference and first-team in the Western Division in 2016 … named second-team in the Western Division in 2015 … two-time state soccer cup champion in 2014 and 2016 … started in 43 out of 50 possible varsity matches from 2014-16 … 2014-16 all-academic award in soccer and basketball … plans to study business at UNI … daughter of Kurt and Angie Sieren … one sibling, Hannah.
Clevenger on Sieren: "Paige is a multisport athlete that will bring more athleticism to our team. She is a quality midfielder. Paige is very good on the ball. She has great vision and can connect passes in the midfield. Paige is also very strong and physical. I believe she will be able to break up play with her physicality and help us keep possession with her technical ability."
Olivia Stearns, Midfielder, Gilbert HS (Ames, Iowa)
Lettered in soccer all four years and one year in volleyball at Gilbert High School … team captain during sophomore through senior year … three-time first-team all-conference selection … three-time first-team all-district selection … second-team all-state selection freshman year … honorable mention all-state sophomore year … first-team all-state senior year … first-team all-Iowa junior year by the Des Moines Register … two-time offensive MVP … broke the record for most goals scored in a season (44) and goals in a career (79) … team won Heart of Iowa conference and became state qualifier in 2016 … three-time state cup champion … ODP Nationals runner-up … four-year academic honor roll with a GPA of 3.99 … plans to study athletic training at UNI … daughter of Jeff and Constance Stearns … has two siblings, Gabrielle and Katelyn.
Clevenger on Stearns: "Olivia is a pure goal score. She has a nose for finding the back of the net. Olivia will be fun to watch next fall. She can score, but also plays with so much intensity and passion. There is not much Olivia can't do with the ball. I believe she will have a huge impact on our attack next year."