Upcoming season looks especially bright for men and women’s soccer programs.
Head Coach Cam Stoltz and Assistant Coach Nicole Meulemans announced yesterday that four student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent to attend Dakota County Technical College and play intercollegiate soccer for the Blue Knights. All four student-athletes have committed to NJCAA grant-in-aid letters for next fall.
Bolstered by a strong lineup of first-year players, the Blue Knights look forward to a formidable group of returning sophomores. During the 2007 season, the men’s soccer program fielded 26 freshman; the women’s team competed with nine.
“This is an exciting off-season for our soccer program,” said Cam Stoltz, head coach of the men and women’s teams. “The four signed players are the vanguard of this year’s recruiting class. During the next few months, we will add significantly to our list of recruits with NJCAA Division I scholarships and take our program to the next level.”
The initial four student-athletes in the 2008 Blue Knights soccer recruiting class are:
- Joseph Wonsewith
Apple Valley High School
Midfielder
Burnsville, Minnesota
Recruited by numerous college programs from Minnesota to Missouri, Wonsewith was recognized with the AVHS Dan Beaudry Soccer Award for achieving his full potential as a player. He was also awarded All-State Lake Conference Honorable Mention.
Stoltz on Wonsewith: “With the best soccer program in the area, the Apple Valley Eagles called on Joseph to play immediately as a transfer from St. Louis. Joe rose to the challenge, becoming a major force for the defending state champions.”
- Derek Randall
Marshall School
Goalkeeper
Duluth, Minnesota
A two-time First-Team All-State goalkeeper, Randall was defending goal when Marshall School of Duluth took home the 2007 Class A state championship, defeating perennial powerhouse Blake 1-0. As a varsity soccer player, Randall competed in two All-Star games. As a varsity hockey player, he participated in the state high school hockey tournament.
Stoltz on Randall: “Derek is the best goalkeeper recruit in the state of Minnesota. He will fulfill an important role on the 2008 team.”
- Katie Lucca
Lakeville South High School
Forward
Prior Lake, Minnesota
Lucca lettered on Lakeville South Cougars soccer team that defeated Edina to win the 2007 Class AA state championship.
Stoltz on Lucca: “After watching her play in the Lake Conference and at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, I know that Katie can perform at our level. Katie understands soccer and shows a ton of potential. With her athletic ability, she will help us offensively with speed and scoring goals.”
- Meredith Enderson
Glencoe-Silver Lake High School
Fullback
Glencoe, Minnesota
A qualifier for 2007 state meet for track, Enderson captained both the varsity soccer and basketball teams at her high school.
Meulemans on Enderson: “Meredith’s athletic ability will add speed and depth to an already strong defensive core of returning veterans.”
The Blue Knights begin practice on Aug. 1, 2008. The team practices at the Irish Sports Dome, a premier indoor facility in Rosemount. Home games are played at North River Hills Park, a 43-acre community park in Burnsville.
The 2008 soccer season begins away from home on Aug. 26 at Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown, Iowa. That same month, the Blue Knights travel to Arizona to play three different schools, including Yavapai College, home of the Roughriders, six-time NJCAA Division 1 soccer champions.
Nicole Meulemans, assistant director of student life and athletics, and Dan Houck, a former player with the Minnesota Thunder, are the team’s assistant coaches under Head Coach Cam Stoltz.
