Coach Barkus: "This class has a litte bit of everything, and since we are graduating key players on each line, it was important to find players who can come in and make an immediate impact. We have found some really talented players who love Augustana and we feel this group will help continue the standards and expextations we have set, and we can't wait to get started! I have no doubt that they will make a massive impact here at Augustana, both on the field and in the classroom!"
- Aubree Dowling
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Dakota Alliance Soccer Club
- O'Gorman High School
- Coach Diercks: "Aubree is a versatile and hardworking player. She controls the midfield using her skills and determination and she finds ways to get in behind the defense with combinations by taking players on. She communicates well and is an unselfish playmaker. Augie will thrive with the addition of Aubree!"
- Coach Barkus: "Aubree is a prototype deep, central player that we love here at Augie. Never flashy, but the player you can count on to defend with everything she has! Plus, she is very comfortable on the ball, smart, and has a great passing range. She has the ability to play with two-way responsibilities, both defensive and offensive, and I believe that she'll also add some toughness to the midfield to go with her high soccer IQ!"
- Ava Kowalchyk
- Andover, MN
- Boreal FC
- Andover High School
- Coach Lynch: "Ava is a very good and smart player with great technical skill. She can make great passes to help her team get into the attack and also play longer balls to unlock the defense and create goal scoring opportunities. Ava is a hard working player, and really good at reading the game, both offensively and defensively. I look forward to following her career at Augustana!"
- Coach Barkus: "Ava is a really good athlete! She is tall, lean, and a good soccer player. She can play off either side, which is always a positive, and she can play centrally. She does well in the attack, but has also spent a lot of time in defense. She is good in the air as well. We are going to have to figure out the right spot for her within our team, but there is a chance she will get on the field quickly. We will utilize her height in different ways and try to find areas where she can have the biggest impact!"
- Delaney Awe
- Mantorville, MN
- Rochester Rush Select & Rochester United WPSL FC
- Kasson-Mantorville High School
- Coach Abrams: "Delaney leads by example. She demonstrates her skills and knowledge to the rest of the team. She is always trying to improve her craft!"
- Coach Barkus: "Delaney is a strong, powerful goal scorer that can play at a really good level! Her ability to combine and link in the build-up phase has really showcased her skills. Plus, I believe once she gets in our environment, she will truly take off! Her instincts for goals, along with an extremely talented left foot, will create opportunities for her to impact immediately! Delaney will be an absolute handful in the NSIC!"
- Grace Katter
- Zimmerman, MN
- Minnesota Twinstars FC
- Zimmerman High School
- Coach Andy Lynch: "Grace is a great player, she is dynamic on the attack and can create a goal with her passing abilities, as well as off the dribble. She is a very intelligent player on and off the ball with great vision. I am very excited to see her play at Augustana and further her soccer career!"
- Coach Barkus: "Grace is an excellent player! I've been watching her play for a long time. She is very good on the ball and she can score goals because she strikes the ball really well. She can play as a play-making midfielder, but she can also play on the wing, as she has terrific speed! Her passing, both short and long, is outstanding. I love how competitive, hardworking, and talented she is! Grace is just a real high-level player and I'm excited to watch her continued development at Augustana!"
- Karsyn Hall
- Omaha, NE
- Gretna Elite Academy
- Marian High School
- Coach Carr: "Karsyn is a fantastic player and person. Karsyn's technical ability and infectious positive attitude will serve her and Augustana well. We are excited to watch Karsyn play at the next level and wish her all the best!"
- Coach Barkus: "Karsyn is a player who can score, however she is also incredible at creating! Whether that's in the midfield or up front, she has the ability to play both roles. She is a very good scorer, she understands the game at a high level, and I think she will do really well for us! I love her versatility, work ethic, and soccer knowledge!"
- Makenna Aldrich
- Minot, ND
- Magic City Legends
- Minot High School
- Coach Pfau: "Makenna is a lead by example player. She works hard every day to win balls in the air and she knows what her assignment is every game. I never have to worry about Makenna having an off day, she does the little things that every coach hopes for in a player."
- Coach Barkus: "Makenna is a very skilled central midfielder that can solve pressure with a pass or on the dribble. She has thoughtful movement off the ball to find open space and she is absolutely going to help us in possession of the ball in our midfield! She also has a dynamic skill set and can link up with our forwards, which will allow us to create scoring opportunities, but she will for sure help us build and keep the ball coming out of the back! Mak can be dangerous with balls out of the air, and I think that she can add to our midfield depth immediately!"
- Marie Horsted
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Dakota Alliance Soccer Club
- Lincoln High School
- Coach Oppenheimer: "Marie leads by example, letting her actions speak louder than words. While she conducts herself with a quiet confidence off the field, Marie plays with a level of passion and intensity that is unmatched. You rarely see her lose an individual battle and her tenacious play inspires those around her. She will be a huge asset to the Vikings!"
- Coach Barkus: "Marie is a tough, smart, and strong defender who is confident on the ball and will be a great addition to our team! She plays well out of pressure. Her 1v1 defending is really solid and will get even better going against NSIC talent every day. She will challenge our back line for playing time and give us the depth we need on defense. I am really excited about Marie!"
- Sarah Heckel
- Shakopee, MN
- Minnesota Thunder Academy
- Shakopee High School
- Coach Tobbe: "Sarah is a strong, athletic defender with a team first attitude. In addition, her ball striking ability and technical skill set also make her a great attacking player out of the back line. She is a fantastic player and person!"
- Coach Barkus: "Sarah is an outstanding athlete who has the ability to play numerous positions in the backline at the college level! I am excited to see where she will make the most impact for our program and as we think about what her athletic dimension will add to our back line! She is really tough to beat 1v1, defends with such great personality, and has good pace to keep up with any opponent in our league! Sarah will be a true leader on the field!"