Jim Schneiderhahn didn’t have to look far to re-stock the Emporia State soccer team.
The ESU coach announced the signing of eight players on Tuesday, with six of those athletes coming from the state of Kansas.
“This class gives us some things that we have been lacking the last couple of years,” Schneiderhahn said. “The competition for spots should be fierce, and I am excited to see the athletes rise to the challenge.”
One of the six Kansans in the class comes from Emporia.
Emporia High defender Jessica Decker will join the Hornets next season after helping the Lady Spartans to a winning record so far this year.
“I am very happy to have Jessica staying in Emporia,” Schneiderhahn said. “You have got to keep the quality athletes in your backyard, and so I am excited to get to work with Jess for the next four years.
“She will bring a strong composure to our defensive midfield and if need be can play in the back line. I think she can fool people with her silence, but don’t be mistaken — she is a very competitive individual.”
Three signees come from Olathe: Tessa Pettyjohn went to Olathe East; Kelsey Cowan went to Olathe South; and Courtney Cowan transfers from Johnson County Community College, where she scored 39 goals in two seasons.
Sarah Anderson joins ESU from a successful St. Thomas Aquinas program, while Holli Schletzbaum comes from Maize High School. Schletzbaum has been at ESU for a semester already after graduating from high school early.
Forward Allison Germany — from Spring, Texas — and goalkeeper Jennifer Stillmock — from Omaha, Neb. — round out ESU’s recruiting class.
“We now have some pace and more attacking personalities to compete with a very strong MIAA that gets stronger next year with the addition of Nebraska-Omaha,” Schneiderhahn said. “I think each member of the incoming class has a tremendous competitive personality and will help with our battling mentality.”