JONESBORO, Ark. (2/1/12) – Arkansas State head women’s soccer coach Tafadzwa Ziyenge announced that 11 student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Red Wolves women’s soccer program for the fall 2012 semester.

Signing with A-State were Jordan Adams (Longview, Texas), Audrey Baldwin (Forest Hill, Md.), Jessica Berdan (Coppell, Texas), Kourtney Camy (Lakewood, Colo.), Katey Carmichael (Frisco, Texas), Lindsay Johansen (North Vancouver, British Columbia), Madison Joyce (Manhattan, Kan.), Logan Kramer (Millersville, Pa.), Loren Mitchell (Lawrenceville, Ga.), Kristina Riviera (Princeton, N.J.), Mykel Ward (Frisco, Texas). The class represents eight high school players and three junior college transfers.

“We welcome to the Red Wolf family a new class that is immediately tasked with using last season’s strong finish to write their own chapter,” said Ziyenge. “Our expectations remain high and the combination of the new recruits in addition to a determined group of returners will hopefully yield us great results.  This is an exciting group which contains both rookies and transfers who have graced the college atmosphere. Each of these players brings an ability to challenge for playing time and contribute right away. They are well aware of the high standards set by their predecessors and the challenge of setting the bar higher for future AState teams.”

Adams comes to ASU from Longview High School in Longview, Texas where she played all four years as a defender. She was named All-East Texas Defensive MVP and District Defensive MVP while serving as captain her junior year. Adams helped her high school to three district championships, earning all-district each of her three seasons, while also being named All-East Texas Honorable Mention in 2011. She played club soccer for the D’Feeters ’94 squad and was a part of the Olympic Development Program from 2008-10. Played club soccer with fellow ASU signee Jessica Berdan and Katelyn Carmichael.

“Jordan is a very gifted player whose main asset is a willingness to attack,” added Ziyenge. “She is very fit and her speed will be a welcome addition to the defense and midfield.”

Baldwin joins the Red Wolves from Harford Community College and will have two years of eligibility remaining. Baldwin compiled a 30-4-1 record in goal for Harford making 108 saves and posting 14 shutouts. She also had a .83 save percentage and a .52 goals against average while also amassing a 9-3-1 record against nationally ranked opponents. She was twice named the MDJUCO player of the month and was named All-Region XX Tournament Team both years at Harford. She was a second team All-Conference selection in 2010 and a first-team selection in 2011, while also being named first-team All-Region both years. Baldwin was a 2011 NJCAA National Championship All-Tournament Team selection, a 2011 NJCAA All-American and a 2011 NSCAA Adidas All-American. Baldwin led her team to a 15-1-1 record and a No. 9 ranking in 2010 and a 16-3 record in 2011 where the team finished fourth at the NJCAA National Championship and earned Conference, Regional and District Championships. Baldwin played junior college soccer with fellow ASU signee Kristina Rivera.

“Audrey is an experienced goalkeeper who has led her team to the elite 8 of junior college playoffs,” said Ziyenge. “She is a tested veteran who will bring leadership to the team.”

Berdan joins A-State after playing defender/forward for New Tech High School at Coppell in Coppell, Texas. She helped lead her team to the 2009 Texas State Championship and was a 2011 first team all-district selection. Berdan also played club soccer with the D’Feeters ’94 squad which won the 2008 Regional Championship.

“Jessica is a very versatile player who can play both defense and midfield,” Ziyenge commented. “She is a tough player who never hesitates to go in for challenges.”

Camy comes to ASU from Lakewood Colo., where she played as a freshman and sophomore at JK Mullen High School. She was an all-state selection each of her two years at JK Mullen. She played club soccer for CO Rush Nike where she helped her squad to five Colorado State Championships, a third place finish at nationals and won the Texas Cup Championship. She was a member of the Olympic Development Program Regional team.

“Kourtney is a physically gifted defender who will add athleticism to our defense,” said Ziyenge. “She will be a steady presence  in the heart of defense.”

Carmichael is a Frisco, Texas native and joins A-State after playing forward all four years at Wakeland High School and is the all-time leading scorer in school history. Carmichael, who also owns the all-time assists record, has served as captain the last two seasons for her team leading them to the Texas 4A State Championship in 2011 and to district titles in each of her first three seasons. She earned the 2011 State MVP award, while also being named to the TASCO All-State team, the All-Region team and has been the Offensive MVP her first three years. She also played club soccer for the D’Feeters ’94 squad.

“Katey is a speedy attacker with a very high work rate,” added Ziyenge. “She has no problems getting up and down the flanks and will add potency to our attack.”

Johansen is a defender who played high school soccer just one season at Handsworth Secondary School in North Vancouver, British Columbia where she led her team to an undefeated season and won the Provincial Championships as a freshman. During that season she was also named the MVP of the Provincial Championship Tournament. She played club soccer for the Whitecaps Football Club and was a member of the 2008/09 Olympic Development Program.

“Lindsay is a very active defender with a tremendous work rate,” said Ziyenge. “She reads the game very well and is a smart player that never backs down from a challenge.”

Joyce is a junior college transfer from Hutchinson Community College and will have two years of eligibility remaining for the Red Wolves. At Hutchinson, Joyce played forward/midfield leading her team to a 20-1 record and a No. 3 ranking in the nation while winning the KJCAA Conference Championship and the Regional VI Championship reaching the District Finals. She was a KJCCC All-Conference selection and an NJCAA All-Region selection, ranking third in goals scored. Joyce was also an All-American Nominee and a KJCCC All-Academic selection. Joyce was a two-year All-State selection at Manhattan High School prior to playing at Hutchinson also earning All-Region and All-Centennial honors.

“Madison is a tireless player who will add toughness to our attack,” said Ziyenge. “She adds talent strength and creativity to our frontline.”

Kramer comes to Arkansas State after playing midfield for Penn manor High School in Millersville, Pa. Kramer led her team to the 2011 State Championship finals and was a second team All-State Selection. She will serve as team captain this upcoming season and was a member of the PA Classics Club team.

“Logan is a good ball distributor who does a great job of controlling the midfield,” commented Ziyenge. “She has a great attacking mentality and high competitive drive.”

Mitchell will come to Arkansas State from Lawrenceville, Ga. and attended Collins Hill High School. She played midfield/forward at Collins High School leading her team to a No. 4 regional ranking as a sophomore. She did not play her junior season but returned for her upcoming senior year. She currently plays Club Soccer for the GSA ’94 Red Phoenix team, but previously won the 2008 Atlanta Cup Championship with the Georgia Rush and reached the semifinals in 2008-10.

“Loren gives us the additional offensive threat and energy player necessary to make strides in the league. She is extremely strong and can make plays for her teammates,” said Ziyenge.

Rivera will join the red Wolves after leading Harford Community College to top 10 national rankings the last two seasons. Riviera led Harford with 17 points as a freshman and had 10 goals and 13 assists as a sophomore, which were team highs in both categories. Riviera was the third leading scorer in Maryland at the JUCO level and was named Student-Athlete of the Month in October. She was also a Second Team All-Conference selection, was named to the All-Region XX Team and the Region XX All-Tournament team. She also played for the Baltimore SC Bays Club Team which won the 2007 Maryland State Cup Championship.

“Kristina has a tremendous presence in both the midfield and forward positions. She is very crafty and will be an added threat to our attack, added Ziyenge.” 

Ward joins the Red Wolves after playing at Heritage High School in Frisco, Texas as an outside midfielder. She helped lead her team to the 2011 4A State Playoffs. As a freshman, she led Wakeland High School to the state Regional’s. She was named the 2011 Heritage High School Most Valuable Athlete while also being named the second team All-District Defense. She also earned numerous track and field accolades. She was also a member of the Sting-Dallas club team which won the 2011 U16 National Championship, the 2011 North Texas State Cup and was a member of the Elite Clubs National League. Prior to joining the Sting, she played for the D’Feeter ’95 team leading them to a number of state and regional championships.

“Mykel is a tenacious defender with tons of energy. Her pace and stamina will allow her to make an impact right away,” said Ziyenge.