By: By Al Barba
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State head women's soccer coach
Benji Walton announced the signing of seven recruits during National Signing Day on Wednesday (Nov. 14). The group will enroll at KSU next fall and join the Owls' 2019 roster.
The list of signees includes: Rafa Abbud (Marietta, Ga. / Marietta HS), Becky Contreras (Dacula, Ga. / Dacula HS), Hayley Dekker (Columbus, Ga. / Harris County HS), Lauren Kelly (Cumming, Ga. / South Forsyth HS), Erin Miller (Acworth, Ga. / Allatoona HS), Maddi Rhodes (Canton, Ga. / Creekview HS) and Camryn Simmons (St. Johns, Fla. / Creekside HS).
"We are really excited about this 2019 group. Our staple as a program has been our athleticism and I think we are certainly adding to that with this group," Walton said. "My favorite quality in these seven is their collective work ethic. As we continue to grow our culture we need players to come in who want to work hard and compete. I believe this group exemplifies that.
"I'm excited they are officially Owls and I look forward to watching how they will help our program take the next steps in 2019 and beyond," Walton added.
The following is a capsule on each signee.
Rafa Abbud (Midfielder, 5-8, Marietta, Ga. / Marietta High School)
2018 all-state player and All-Cobb County nominee while playing at Marietta High School in Marietta, Ga. … received the Most Athletic Award 2016-18 … 2016 Georgia ODP Region camp invitee … played club soccer with the United Futbol Academy … member of 2016 State Cup championship team and NPL Region III champion … 2016 Disney Soccer Showcase runner-up … 2017 State Cup semi-finalist … traveled to Spain to compete in the Donosti International Cup in 2018.
Becky Contreras (Midfielder/Forward, 5-6, Dacula, Ga. / Dacula High School)
Four-year letter winner at Dacula High School in Dacula, Ga. … three-time all-county selection … two-time first team all-region … second team all-region as a freshman … tabbed region Player of the Year and county Player of the Year as a junior … led team in goals as a junior and selected team Most Valuable Player sophomore and junior seasons … named team Most Valuable Midfielder as a freshman and sophomore … member of Gwinnett Soccer Academy ECNL … 2017-18 ECNL all-conference team … advanced to ECNL Nationals in Seattle.
Hayley Dekker (Midfielder, 5-8, Columbus, Ga. / Harris County High School)
Played five seasons at Harris County High School in Columbus, Ga. … four-time All-Bi-City first team selection … three-time team Most Valuable Player … selected to the 2016 southeast all-star team … 2015 trick shot award winner … 2018 Georgia Merritt Award recipient … played club soccer for Alabama FC ECNL.
Lauren Kelly (Forward, 5-1, Cumming, Ga. / South Forsyth High School)
A member of the 7A State runner-up team at South Forsyth High School in Cumming, Ga. … member of Georgia ODP in 2016 …played for Atlanta Fire United ECNL club team … 2017 State Cup champions and posted undefeated season … 2016 State Cup runner-up … Competed in the 2018 San Diego Showcase.
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| Rafa Abbud |
Becky Contreras |
Hayley Dekker |
Lauren Kelly |
Erin Miller (Defender/Forward, 5-9, Acworth, Ga. / Allatoona HS)
Played two years at Allatoona High School in Acworth, Ga. … All-Cobb County honorable mention and Offensive Player of the Year after scoring 17 goals during freshman season … helped team to the 5A Region championship … Scored 18 goals as a sophomore and earned first team all-region and Offensive Player of the Year recognition … played with the Southern Regional Premier League before joining the United Futbol Academy … played in the Developmental Academy for United Futbol Academy … twice played in the Disney Showcase in Florida … also participated in the North Carolina and California State Cup.
Maddi Rhodes (Midfielder/Defender, 5-8, Canton, Ga. / Creekview HS)
Attended Creekview High School in Canton, Ga. … two-time all-region and
Cherokee Tribune All-County … honorable mention
Cherokee Tribune All-County as a freshman … played club soccer with United Football Academy … three-time State Cup champions … member of Disney championship team and CASL champion.
Camryn Simmons (Defender/Midfielder/Forward / St. Johns, Fla. / Creekside HS)
Played for Creekside High School in St. Johns, Fla. … team advanced to state finals during sophomore year … won team's Best Attitude award … reached the regional semifinals as a junior … played club soccer for the Florida Elite Soccer Academy … team captured the 2017 National League, was Southern Region champions and advanced to the nationals in Texas … part of 2018 National League championship team that competed at the national qualifiers in Seattle.
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| Erin Miller |
Maddi Rhodes |
Camryn Simmons |
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State soccer news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSoccer or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium, the signature athletics landmark on the Kennesaw State University campus, is a world-class facility that has been recognized as one of the premier multi-use outdoor athletics venues in the country. In the fall of 2015, it become the official home of Owls football team and is home to Owls soccer and lacrosse as well.
