University of Northern Iowa Athletics
UNI Soccer Signs 13 Players for 2018
4/17/2018 9:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
University of Northern Iowa head women's soccer coach Bruce Erickson has signed 13 new players for the 2018 Panther roster.
"We are excited to add this 13-player class to our program," Erickson said. "This group embodies all that you want in a recruiting class: quality, quantity, character, variety, versatility and competitiveness. Some will be expected to help us immediately and others that will develop into key players for us down the road. It was important for us to add the right type of player to our culture. This class as a whole fills that."
2018 UNI Soccer Signees
Chloe Behrens, GK, Fort Calhoun, Nebraska (Omaha Skutt Catholic HS)
Megan Benmore, MF/F, Naperville, Illinois (Naperville North HS)
Haddie Carlson, F, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (Lake County Lutheran HS/Central Michigan University)
Sophia Conant, F, Hastings, Nebraska (Adams Central HS)
Molly Conners, D, Stillwater, Minnesota (Stillwater Area HS)
Anna Forsyth, D, Newton, Iowa (Newton HS)
Tia Johnson, D, Maple Grove, Minnesota (Maple Grove HS)
Izzy LaFollette, MF/F, Adel, Iowa (Adel-DeSoto-Minburn HS)
Melanie Miller, F, Lakeville, Minnesota (St. Croix Lutheran Academy)
Elyse Reagan, D, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Wauwatosa East HS)
Emma Rottinghaus, F/MF, La Porte City, Iowa (Union HS)
Clare Schooley, MF, Shoreview, Minnesota (Mounds View HS)
Abby Shultz, D/F, Mahtomedi, Minnesota (Mahtomedi HS)
Chloe Behrens is a three-year starter at goalkeeper for Omaha Skutt Catholic. She helped the Skyhawks to back-to-back state championships in 2016 and 2017. She went 16-2 and 15-3 as a starter in both her sophomore and junior seasons while giving up 0.53 goals per game. She earned first-team all-state Class B honors from the Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star. She also plays basketball and was honored as the sixth player as a junior and captain as a senior.
"Chloe has an intimidating presence in goal and carries a confident aura when she plays," high school coach John Carlson said. "Chloe is a two-time state champion who had one of the biggest occasions in Skutt Catholic soccer history when she made three saves in a shootout victory in the state semi-final game."
Megan Benmore is a midfielder/forward from Naperville, Illinois. Benmore played for Naperville North High School that was ranked No. 1 in the 2017 season by MaxPreps. She played club soccer for Eclipse Select ECNL. Her club team was the Illinois State Cup champions in 2014 and 2015. Benmore scored the game-winning goal in the 2015 championship game. Her club squad was a state finalist in 2016. Her club reached the finals of the SC Del Sol Presidents Day Tournament (2016), the Disney ECNL Showcase (2014) and the ECNL Championship Playoff (2014, 2015). She was a part of the ECNl national playoff quarterfinals in 2016.
"Megan is a very smart and creative player," high school coach Steve Goletz said. "Her ability to take defenders on 1v1 while creating goal scoring opportunities for herself and others sets her apart from the average player."
Haddie Carlson is a transfer forward from Central Michigan University. Carlson played in 16 games and one start for the Chippewas in 2017. She had one assist and three shots on goal in 333 minutes of action for the Mid-American Conference school. Carlson was a four-year varsity letterwinner at Lake County Lutheran High School. She scored a school record 54 goals and also totaled 19 career assists. She was a second-team All-America forward (2015-16). Carlson was named All-Midwest Classic First Team and Midwest Classic Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016. She earned all-conference second team honors in 2014. Carlson played club soccer with SC Waukesha and was named team captain. She was a part of four Wisconsin state championship teams (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016). She played on ODP Region II team in 2014 and on ODP Wisconsin state team in 2013 and 2014.
"Haddie Carlson has joined us this spring semester from Central Michigan University," UNI head coach Bruce Erickson said. "She's a talented player who has fit in well with us and her impact has been immediate."
Sophia Conant is a forward from Hastings, Nebraska. Despite not having a high school soccer team, Conant ran cross country and track. She was a four-time state medalist in cross country and also medaled at the state track meet. She played club soccer for Nebraska Select. She was the top scorer for Nebraska Select 2000 Red from 2014-2017. She played with Nebraska ODP Girls 2000 team and was a multiple Region 2 ODP Camp invitee. Â
"I was very pleased to hear that Sophia had decided upon UNI for her college soccer career," club coach Mike Munch said. "I am excited for her and the entire Conant family. Playing Division I soccer has been a desire for Sophia for a long time and it is always fulfilling for a coach to see one of his athletes achieve their goals. She has worked tremendously hard over the last four years to make this happen and under the direction of Coach Erickson she will now have the chance to reach her full potential as a soccer player. I have no doubt that Sophia will be a big contributor to the success of the UNI program."
Molly Conners is a defender from Stillwater, Minnesota. Conners was a four-year starting defender for Stillwater Area High School. She was a three-time all-conference player and earned all-state honors as a senior. She played club soccer for Minnesota Thunder Academy.
"Molly was one of the top Defenders in the state," high school coach Dusty Dennis said. "I think she will make a huge impact in college."
Anna Forsyth is a defender from Newton, Iowa. Forsyth earned All-Iowa Elite status in 2017. She was a first-team all-conference selection as a senior. She was named the Newton HS MVP in 2017 after helping lead the team to state in 2A. She was the rookie of the year honoree in 2015. She played club soccer for Iowa Rush. She was a member of a five-time State Cup champions club. She played on the 2017 Rush Select National Team and the Midwest Regional League Premier 1 Division championship squad.
"I am excited for Anna to continue her playing career at Northern Iowa," club coach Daryl Brazeau said. "As a player Anna will add versatility to the UNI program. She can play as an outside back, center back or holding mid. Her calmness on the ball and her ability to play out of the back fits in well with UNI's style. What really sets Anna apart is her rare ability to smile in the face of adversity. No matter the situation Anna is always smiling. UNI is getting a great soccer player and an even better person."
Tia Johnson is a center back from Maple Grove High School in Maple Grove, Minnesota. She played club soccer for Minnesota Thunder Academy (2010-2017) and Eclipse MN (2017-present). Her club earned USA Cup Champions honors in 2015 and state championships in 2013 and 2016. She was injured during her senior season and did not compete.
"Tia is a quiet, strong leader who has a great combination of strength and size with the pace to run down most forwards," high school coach Mike Friendt said. "Tia has great feet, makes good decisions and is very strong in the air."
Izzy LaFollette is a midfielder/forward from Adel, Iowa. She helped Adel-DeSoto-Minburn to three conference championships in 2015, 2016 and 2017. ADM was a state quarterfinalist in 2016. She scored 19 goals in 2016 and 20 goals in 2017. She earned first-team all-district and first-team all-conference honors in 2017 as ADM reached the state semifinals. LaFollette was named to state tournament's all-tourney team. She also competed for Sporting Iowa in club action. Her club was the 2016 JUSC champions, State Cup participants and the 2017 Hit Tournament champions.
"Izzy has such a passion for the game of soccer," high school coach Kelsey Gaffney said. "Her hard work, dedication, and drive to always improve have allowed her to elevate her game to the next level. With Izzy's help, our high school team made it to the state tournament the last two seasons. She had 19 goals and 8 assists in the 2017 season. We are very proud of Izzy and all she has accomplished so far, but we know she is not done yet. The ADM soccer family can't wait to watch Izzy continue her soccer career for the Panthers."
Melanie Miller is a forward from Lakeville, Minnesota. Miller has been a varsity starter since eighth grade at St. Croix Lutheran Academy. She was named rookie of the year as an eighth grader. She earned honorable mention all-conference honors in ninth grade. She tallied all-conference honors as a sophomore. She was voted team captain as a senior. She earned all-state honors as a senior. Miller was named to the Senior Classic by the State Soccer Coaches Association. She played club soccer for Eclipse MN (2018) and REV Academy (2014-2017). Her club accolades for 2017 included US Club Soccer Nationals, US Club Soccer Midwest champions, Minnesota State Cup finalists (U17), Minnesota Premier U18 league runner up. In 2015, her club was US Club Soccer national champions, US Club Soccer Midwest champions and Minnesota State Cup semifinalists.
"Melanie was not only a great player for us but a positive leader," high school coach Dave Huebner said. "She led by words and example, encouraging our younger players to practice and compete at a high level. She controlled the middle of the field for us with her ball skills and physical strength, and she scored or assisted on key goals in big games for us."
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Elyse Reagan is a defender from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Reagan was a four-year letterwinner and two-year captain for Wauwatosa East High School. She helped her high school squad to the WIAA D2 state finals to go along with regional and sectional championships. She earned second-team all-conference honors as a junior and was a honorable mention all-conference pick as a sophomore. She scored 12 goals and had 14 assists in 25 starts in 2017. She also played club soccer for Elmbrook United. Her club team was a two-year state cup finalist.
"UNI is getting a very fast left footed defender who can run from end line to end line," club coach Troy Dusosky said. "Her work rate and attacking out of the back is going to be tough for opposing teams to handle. She could have an immediate impact on the back line as a freshman this fall. She is also very good in the classroom."
"Over the last few years at Tosa East, Elyse has been one of our most consistent performers," high school coach Eric Dale said. "Her versatility, coupled with tremendous speed and quality finishing, makes her one of our conference's most dangerous wing attackers."
Emma Rottinghaus is a forward/midfielder from La Porte, City, Iowa. Rottinghaus led Union High School to a runner-up slot in the 2017 Class 2A state tournament. She led the state in assists in 2017. She earned first-team all-state honors and was a three-year captain. She played club soccer for the Cedar Valley Soccer Club. Her club team was a semifinalist in the 2017 Iowa State Cup Championship event.
"Emma is a superb, technical player" high school coach Hunter Zempel said. "She is a triple threat on the offensive end with her vision, close control, and has the ability to score a variety of goals."
"Emma is a leader by example, who raises her game whenever the needs it and especially during the last stages of close contests," club coach Ira Simet said. "Her combination of skill and strength makes her a threat to score every time she touches the ball. But it also forces opposing defenses to focus on her, and she unselfishly sets up her teammates whenever that happens."
Clare Schooley is a center midfielder from Shoreview, Minnesota. She was the Mounds View High School MVP in 2017. She captained the squad in 2017. She earned all-conference honors in 2017. She played club soccer for MTA ECNL 2000.
"Clare has been an instrumental part of the Mounds View Girls Soccer program over the past four years," high school coach Katelynn Fast said. "Joining the team as a freshman and captaining her senior year, she has served as a great leader through her play on the field both technically and tactically. She has also served her team greatly through her leadership and inclusive demeanor off the field. Her ability to execute her vision for the game through her play has served a large role in many of the team victories and accomplishments. Clare demonstrates great character, leadership, is coachable, and a talent that will bring the UNI family much success in the coming years. We wish Clare the best and we can't wait to cheer her on in this next chapter."
"Clare is a dynamic and skillful midfielder who will be an impact player for UNI," club coach Dave Alberti said.
Abby Shultz is a defender/forward from Mahtomedi, Minnesota. She was named to the state tournament's all-tourney team. She was a two-time all-Metro East Conference performer. She scored 30 goals in her high school career to go along with 15 assists. She played her first two seasons of high school soccer in Connecticut. She played club soccer for Eclipse MN that won the State Cup championship.
"Abby is an intense and versatile competitor," high school coach Dave Wald said. "She was instrumental in our state championship run, scoring in all three state tournament games."
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"We are excited to add this 13-player class to our program," Erickson said. "This group embodies all that you want in a recruiting class: quality, quantity, character, variety, versatility and competitiveness. Some will be expected to help us immediately and others that will develop into key players for us down the road. It was important for us to add the right type of player to our culture. This class as a whole fills that."
2018 UNI Soccer Signees
Chloe Behrens, GK, Fort Calhoun, Nebraska (Omaha Skutt Catholic HS)
Megan Benmore, MF/F, Naperville, Illinois (Naperville North HS)
Haddie Carlson, F, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (Lake County Lutheran HS/Central Michigan University)
Sophia Conant, F, Hastings, Nebraska (Adams Central HS)
Molly Conners, D, Stillwater, Minnesota (Stillwater Area HS)
Anna Forsyth, D, Newton, Iowa (Newton HS)
Tia Johnson, D, Maple Grove, Minnesota (Maple Grove HS)
Izzy LaFollette, MF/F, Adel, Iowa (Adel-DeSoto-Minburn HS)
Melanie Miller, F, Lakeville, Minnesota (St. Croix Lutheran Academy)
Elyse Reagan, D, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Wauwatosa East HS)
Emma Rottinghaus, F/MF, La Porte City, Iowa (Union HS)
Clare Schooley, MF, Shoreview, Minnesota (Mounds View HS)
Abby Shultz, D/F, Mahtomedi, Minnesota (Mahtomedi HS)
Chloe Behrens is a three-year starter at goalkeeper for Omaha Skutt Catholic. She helped the Skyhawks to back-to-back state championships in 2016 and 2017. She went 16-2 and 15-3 as a starter in both her sophomore and junior seasons while giving up 0.53 goals per game. She earned first-team all-state Class B honors from the Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star. She also plays basketball and was honored as the sixth player as a junior and captain as a senior.
"Chloe has an intimidating presence in goal and carries a confident aura when she plays," high school coach John Carlson said. "Chloe is a two-time state champion who had one of the biggest occasions in Skutt Catholic soccer history when she made three saves in a shootout victory in the state semi-final game."
Megan Benmore is a midfielder/forward from Naperville, Illinois. Benmore played for Naperville North High School that was ranked No. 1 in the 2017 season by MaxPreps. She played club soccer for Eclipse Select ECNL. Her club team was the Illinois State Cup champions in 2014 and 2015. Benmore scored the game-winning goal in the 2015 championship game. Her club squad was a state finalist in 2016. Her club reached the finals of the SC Del Sol Presidents Day Tournament (2016), the Disney ECNL Showcase (2014) and the ECNL Championship Playoff (2014, 2015). She was a part of the ECNl national playoff quarterfinals in 2016.
"Megan is a very smart and creative player," high school coach Steve Goletz said. "Her ability to take defenders on 1v1 while creating goal scoring opportunities for herself and others sets her apart from the average player."
Haddie Carlson is a transfer forward from Central Michigan University. Carlson played in 16 games and one start for the Chippewas in 2017. She had one assist and three shots on goal in 333 minutes of action for the Mid-American Conference school. Carlson was a four-year varsity letterwinner at Lake County Lutheran High School. She scored a school record 54 goals and also totaled 19 career assists. She was a second-team All-America forward (2015-16). Carlson was named All-Midwest Classic First Team and Midwest Classic Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016. She earned all-conference second team honors in 2014. Carlson played club soccer with SC Waukesha and was named team captain. She was a part of four Wisconsin state championship teams (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016). She played on ODP Region II team in 2014 and on ODP Wisconsin state team in 2013 and 2014.
"Haddie Carlson has joined us this spring semester from Central Michigan University," UNI head coach Bruce Erickson said. "She's a talented player who has fit in well with us and her impact has been immediate."
Sophia Conant is a forward from Hastings, Nebraska. Despite not having a high school soccer team, Conant ran cross country and track. She was a four-time state medalist in cross country and also medaled at the state track meet. She played club soccer for Nebraska Select. She was the top scorer for Nebraska Select 2000 Red from 2014-2017. She played with Nebraska ODP Girls 2000 team and was a multiple Region 2 ODP Camp invitee. Â
"I was very pleased to hear that Sophia had decided upon UNI for her college soccer career," club coach Mike Munch said. "I am excited for her and the entire Conant family. Playing Division I soccer has been a desire for Sophia for a long time and it is always fulfilling for a coach to see one of his athletes achieve their goals. She has worked tremendously hard over the last four years to make this happen and under the direction of Coach Erickson she will now have the chance to reach her full potential as a soccer player. I have no doubt that Sophia will be a big contributor to the success of the UNI program."
Molly Conners is a defender from Stillwater, Minnesota. Conners was a four-year starting defender for Stillwater Area High School. She was a three-time all-conference player and earned all-state honors as a senior. She played club soccer for Minnesota Thunder Academy.
"Molly was one of the top Defenders in the state," high school coach Dusty Dennis said. "I think she will make a huge impact in college."
Anna Forsyth is a defender from Newton, Iowa. Forsyth earned All-Iowa Elite status in 2017. She was a first-team all-conference selection as a senior. She was named the Newton HS MVP in 2017 after helping lead the team to state in 2A. She was the rookie of the year honoree in 2015. She played club soccer for Iowa Rush. She was a member of a five-time State Cup champions club. She played on the 2017 Rush Select National Team and the Midwest Regional League Premier 1 Division championship squad.
"I am excited for Anna to continue her playing career at Northern Iowa," club coach Daryl Brazeau said. "As a player Anna will add versatility to the UNI program. She can play as an outside back, center back or holding mid. Her calmness on the ball and her ability to play out of the back fits in well with UNI's style. What really sets Anna apart is her rare ability to smile in the face of adversity. No matter the situation Anna is always smiling. UNI is getting a great soccer player and an even better person."
Tia Johnson is a center back from Maple Grove High School in Maple Grove, Minnesota. She played club soccer for Minnesota Thunder Academy (2010-2017) and Eclipse MN (2017-present). Her club earned USA Cup Champions honors in 2015 and state championships in 2013 and 2016. She was injured during her senior season and did not compete.
"Tia is a quiet, strong leader who has a great combination of strength and size with the pace to run down most forwards," high school coach Mike Friendt said. "Tia has great feet, makes good decisions and is very strong in the air."
Izzy LaFollette is a midfielder/forward from Adel, Iowa. She helped Adel-DeSoto-Minburn to three conference championships in 2015, 2016 and 2017. ADM was a state quarterfinalist in 2016. She scored 19 goals in 2016 and 20 goals in 2017. She earned first-team all-district and first-team all-conference honors in 2017 as ADM reached the state semifinals. LaFollette was named to state tournament's all-tourney team. She also competed for Sporting Iowa in club action. Her club was the 2016 JUSC champions, State Cup participants and the 2017 Hit Tournament champions.
"Izzy has such a passion for the game of soccer," high school coach Kelsey Gaffney said. "Her hard work, dedication, and drive to always improve have allowed her to elevate her game to the next level. With Izzy's help, our high school team made it to the state tournament the last two seasons. She had 19 goals and 8 assists in the 2017 season. We are very proud of Izzy and all she has accomplished so far, but we know she is not done yet. The ADM soccer family can't wait to watch Izzy continue her soccer career for the Panthers."
Melanie Miller is a forward from Lakeville, Minnesota. Miller has been a varsity starter since eighth grade at St. Croix Lutheran Academy. She was named rookie of the year as an eighth grader. She earned honorable mention all-conference honors in ninth grade. She tallied all-conference honors as a sophomore. She was voted team captain as a senior. She earned all-state honors as a senior. Miller was named to the Senior Classic by the State Soccer Coaches Association. She played club soccer for Eclipse MN (2018) and REV Academy (2014-2017). Her club accolades for 2017 included US Club Soccer Nationals, US Club Soccer Midwest champions, Minnesota State Cup finalists (U17), Minnesota Premier U18 league runner up. In 2015, her club was US Club Soccer national champions, US Club Soccer Midwest champions and Minnesota State Cup semifinalists.
"Melanie was not only a great player for us but a positive leader," high school coach Dave Huebner said. "She led by words and example, encouraging our younger players to practice and compete at a high level. She controlled the middle of the field for us with her ball skills and physical strength, and she scored or assisted on key goals in big games for us."
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Elyse Reagan is a defender from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Reagan was a four-year letterwinner and two-year captain for Wauwatosa East High School. She helped her high school squad to the WIAA D2 state finals to go along with regional and sectional championships. She earned second-team all-conference honors as a junior and was a honorable mention all-conference pick as a sophomore. She scored 12 goals and had 14 assists in 25 starts in 2017. She also played club soccer for Elmbrook United. Her club team was a two-year state cup finalist.
"UNI is getting a very fast left footed defender who can run from end line to end line," club coach Troy Dusosky said. "Her work rate and attacking out of the back is going to be tough for opposing teams to handle. She could have an immediate impact on the back line as a freshman this fall. She is also very good in the classroom."
"Over the last few years at Tosa East, Elyse has been one of our most consistent performers," high school coach Eric Dale said. "Her versatility, coupled with tremendous speed and quality finishing, makes her one of our conference's most dangerous wing attackers."
Emma Rottinghaus is a forward/midfielder from La Porte, City, Iowa. Rottinghaus led Union High School to a runner-up slot in the 2017 Class 2A state tournament. She led the state in assists in 2017. She earned first-team all-state honors and was a three-year captain. She played club soccer for the Cedar Valley Soccer Club. Her club team was a semifinalist in the 2017 Iowa State Cup Championship event.
"Emma is a superb, technical player" high school coach Hunter Zempel said. "She is a triple threat on the offensive end with her vision, close control, and has the ability to score a variety of goals."
"Emma is a leader by example, who raises her game whenever the needs it and especially during the last stages of close contests," club coach Ira Simet said. "Her combination of skill and strength makes her a threat to score every time she touches the ball. But it also forces opposing defenses to focus on her, and she unselfishly sets up her teammates whenever that happens."
Clare Schooley is a center midfielder from Shoreview, Minnesota. She was the Mounds View High School MVP in 2017. She captained the squad in 2017. She earned all-conference honors in 2017. She played club soccer for MTA ECNL 2000.
"Clare has been an instrumental part of the Mounds View Girls Soccer program over the past four years," high school coach Katelynn Fast said. "Joining the team as a freshman and captaining her senior year, she has served as a great leader through her play on the field both technically and tactically. She has also served her team greatly through her leadership and inclusive demeanor off the field. Her ability to execute her vision for the game through her play has served a large role in many of the team victories and accomplishments. Clare demonstrates great character, leadership, is coachable, and a talent that will bring the UNI family much success in the coming years. We wish Clare the best and we can't wait to cheer her on in this next chapter."
"Clare is a dynamic and skillful midfielder who will be an impact player for UNI," club coach Dave Alberti said.
Abby Shultz is a defender/forward from Mahtomedi, Minnesota. She was named to the state tournament's all-tourney team. She was a two-time all-Metro East Conference performer. She scored 30 goals in her high school career to go along with 15 assists. She played her first two seasons of high school soccer in Connecticut. She played club soccer for Eclipse MN that won the State Cup championship.
"Abby is an intense and versatile competitor," high school coach Dave Wald said. "She was instrumental in our state championship run, scoring in all three state tournament games."
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