Jon Klemme

Women's Soccer 11/14/2019 9:36:00 AM Matt Scheerer, FightingHawks.com

Four Signees Highlight UND Soccer Class of 2020

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - With a pair from Colorado and two more from Illinois, the University of North Dakota soccer program announced the signing of four student-athletes on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

“This class is small in size but huge in talent. It's a testament to the people who've helped this program grow these past few seasons that we are able to bring in student-athletes of this pedigree.

"Our four signees come from elite soccer backgrounds, and all possess an outstanding level of ability. More importantly, they embody the main character traits that we prioritize in our program of being extremely good people, academically driven, and athletically competitive.”

Head Coach Chris Logan.

North Dakota is graduating three seniors from the 2019 team, including starters Catherine Klein and Karleen Yapello, but return nine starters and 27 total players for the 2020 season. The Fighting Hawks are coming off a 10-8-1 season, it's first 10-win season as a Division I program. North Dakota also made its first-ever Summit League Tournament appearance, falling to Denver in the semifinal.

A full list of the signees with quotes from Coach Logan can be viewed below.

CLASS BREAKDOWN BY POSITION
Defenders - 2
Goalkeepers - 1
Forwards - 1

CLASS BREAKDOWN BY STATE
Colorado - 2
Illinois - 2

Abby Ellenberger
5-11 | Goalkeeper
Castle Rock, Colo. (Douglas County)
02 Rapids Girls ECNL

Head Coach Chris Logan on Ellenberger: “Abby is a goalkeeper from Colorado and plays for Colorado Rapids in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). She has great size, possesses phenomenal handling of the ball, is comfortable with her feet, and will make the big saves that win you games. Abby will immediately compete for the starting goalkeeper position in the fall.”

Zoey Johnston
5-6 | Defender
Louisville, Colo. (Monarch)
Broomfield SC

Coach Logan on Johnston: “Zoey is a great player. She comes to us from Broomfield Blast in Colorado where she receives a first class coaching environment. I have seen Zoey shut down forwards that are going to be attending some of the top soccer programs in the nation and her defensive ability is going to be a massive asset for us.”

Hailey Newman
5-6 | Defender
Naperville, Ill. (Waubonsie Valley)
FC United DA

Coach Logan on Newman: “Hailey plays soccer in the US Development Academy program for FC United. She is a very self-assured, confident player who is extremely good with the ball at her feet, and her game awareness and understanding make her a great player that will have the ability to play in multiple positions for us.”

Allison Rapaduski
5-10 | Forward
Algonquin, Ill. (Harry D. Jacobs)
Eclipse Select

Coach Logan on Rapaduski: “Allison comes from Eclipse Select Soccer Club in Illinois, one of the top clubs in the nation where she competes on their ECNL team. Allison is fast, technical, and overall an extremely dangerous attacking player. She will be dangerous on the dribble in 1v1 situations and is a lethal goal threat.”