As the new season approaches, the University of Illinois Springfield women's soccer team is excited to introduce nine talented freshman players who will be joining the squad.
The team has added three defenders, including Taylor Batt from Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Reagyn Messenger from Overland Park, Kan., and Makenna Yeager from Chatham, Ill. Yeager is a two-sport athlete that is also a member of the women's basketball roster.
In addition, two new midfielders—Kalli Drexler from Appleton, Wis. and Abbie Gleason from Peoria, Ill.,—will bolster the team's midfield. The forward positions are reinforced with four new players: Mallory Herber from Green Bay, Wis., Reese Lowery from Bowling Green, Ky., Ellie Najarro from St. Louis, Mo., and Rowan Severson from Mount Horeb, Wis.
#40 | Taylor BattPosition: Defender
Hometown: Sheboygan Falls, Wis.
High School: Sheboygan Area Lutheran
Major: Psychology
Why I Chose UIS: I loved the family-like environment of the team along with the hard work shown on and off the field. I felt the school was a great fit for my major as well and could be somewhere I succeed.
#2 | Kalli Drexler
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Appleton, Wis.
High School: Appleton North
Major: Criminology and Criminal Justice
Why I Chose UIS: I really loved the campus and small class sizes .All of the people I met on my visit were so kind and helpful. I also really love the koi pond.
#35 | Abbie Gleason
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Peoria, Ill.
High School: Dunlap
Why I Chose UIS: I love the team, area, and academics!
#34 | Mallory Herber
Position: Forward
Hometown: Green Bay, Wis.
High School: Bay Port
Major: Biology
Why I Chose UIS: I chose Illinois Springfield because the team culture is very strong and I really enjoyed the campus.
#43 Reese Lowery
Position: Forward
Hometown: Bowling Green, Ky.
High School: Bowling Green
Major: Biology Pre-Med
Why I Chose UIS: On my first visit, I fell in love with the campus and the welcoming team atmosphere.
#26 | Reagyn Messenger
Position: Defender
Hometown: Overland Park, Kan.
High School: Blue Valley Southwest
Major: Finance
Why I Chose UIS: I chose UIS for the team atmosphere and the academics.
#31 | Ellie Najarro
Position: Forward
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
High School: Nerinx Hall
Major: Business Administration
Why I Chose UIS: I chose UIS because of the atmosphere and the people. Also because of the business marketing program being strong. I felt welcomed by everyone when I first came to campus and loved it instantly.
#41 Rowan Severson
Position: Forward
Hometown: Mount Horeb, Wis.
High School: Mount Horeb
Major: Psychology
Why I Chose UIS: I chose Illinois Springfield because of the beautiful campus and the people I've met.
#20 | Makenna Yeager
Position: Defender
Hometown: Chatham, Ill.
High School: Glenwood
Major: Biology Pre-Med
Why I Chose UIS: On my first visit, I fell in love with the campus and the welcoming team atmosphere. I love the small class sizes and the competitiveness of the soccer team! Overall, UIS has everything I was looking for in a school.