University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Soccer Announces 2015 Recruiting Class
3/2/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Head coach Mohammed El-Zare and the Southern Miss soccer team announced 10 additions to the 2015 program. The Golden Eagles added Hannah Abrams, Ola Akinniyi, Kierstin Bradley, Kaitlin Fayard, Stephanie Garcia, Morgan Mansell, Bri Schubeck, Mary Kate Smith, Brittany Snyder and Ashton Stennis to the Golden Eagles' roster.
"We have been able to tap into talent that we are very excited about," El-Zare said of his recruiting class. "The element of speed, technical ability, and character is what we were looking for and I believe this class will fulfill these qualities. We are excited for what this group will bring to the program. They are here to get an education and be the best they can be. I look forward to this class embracing the journey at becoming the best."
Abrams played soccer at Pace High School in Pace, Fla., helping the Patriots to a 55-17-10 (.732) overall record in four seasons. She led PHS to State Championship Quarterfinals and District Championship as a junior. Abrams was named First Team All-State as a senior and First Team All-Area as a sophomore, junior and senior. She was selected to the Subway Regional All Star Team, earning MVP honors in 2015. Abrams earned 2011 Stanno Sportsmanship Award. She scored 93 career goals with 50 assists for 236 career points, scoring 30 or more goals as a junior and senior. Abrams played club soccer with Gulf Coast Texans, Mississippi Rush and Olympic Development Program (ODP). She won Super Y U-17 National Championship in 2014. In addition, Abrams also played tennis, starting senior campaign 8-0 in doubles and singles. Off the field, Abrams is an honor student, member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club and member of student government.
"I believe Hannah will reach her potential at Southern Miss. What I love about Hannah is that she is a process oriented student athlete. She understands repetition and good practice is the best way to improve. Her passion and feel for the game is evident in her creativity and flair."
Akinniyi played soccer at John H. Guyer High School in Denton, Texas. She was a two-year starter for the Wildcats at center back and forward. Akinniyi played club ball with the Texas Spirit 97G North and Dallas Texans ECNL 97G. She won a Lake Highlands Girls Classic League (LHGCL) Division II Grand Championship in 2014. In addition, Akinniyi also played basketball and was a member of the track and field team. She earned All-Region (Second Team) honors and Team MPV accolades on the basketball court, helping GHS to a District Championship. Akinniyi was named All-State, All-Region, All-District and Team MVP in track. She was a State Qualifier and was named Outstanding Performer in track. Akinniyi finished second in state in 4x200m and eighth in state in the 4x400m. She posted the fastest time at Guyer HS in 400m.
"We are very excited about Ola joining Southern Miss. She is a phenomenal athlete who received excellent coaching in the Dallas area. Ola will make an immediate impact with her versatility and mental toughness."
Bradley attended Sanger High School in Sanger, Texas. She played club soccer with Triumph FC (2008-13) and Texas Spirit (2013-15). Bradley was the leading scorer from 2009-15. She also played basketball and was a member of the track and field team at SHS. Bradley was named All-District and was a member of the Adidas All-American team in basketball, while earning All-District accolades in track. She was a regional qualifier in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 in track. Off the field, Bradley is an honor student and member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She was class valedictorian and member of the student government.
"Kierstin is a total student-athlete. What makes Kierstin special is her ability to be a leader with her contagious work rate. She embodies what a student athlete should entail. She's very involved within her community, first in her graduating class, student body president and a pure finisher."
Fayard played soccer at Lakeshore High School in Mandeville, La. She helped the Titans to the playoffs all four years of high school. Fayard was named First Team All-District as a sophomore and junior, while earning Second Team All-District accolades as a freshman. Despite playing defense, she scored 13 goals, including a pair of penalty kicks, and added five assists as a senior for 31 total points. Fayard played club soccer with the Mandeville Soccer Club - Lakers. Off the field, Fayard is an honor student, boasting a 3.8 grade point average.
"What makes Kaitlyn stand out is her mindset and determination to always strive for more. I'm looking forward to seeing Kaitlyn compete among the back line and providing us with any needed formation changes during games."
Garcia lettered at Alief Elsik High School in Houston, Texas. She helped the Rams to a 47-15 record in first three years of high school, including a 20-1 mark as a junior, advancing to the postseason each season. Garcia was named First Team All-District as a freshman, sophomore and junior. She was tabbed First Team All-Metro and Second Team All-Region as a junior. Garcia also earned Academic All-District, District MVP, Rookie of the Year and Offensive MVP accolades. She scored 109 goals in first three prep seasons with 18 assists for 236 points. Garcia was a two-year captain and top goal scorer for Houston in 2014. She played club soccer with Sugarland Soccer Club, Houstonians FC and Houston Express, helping teams to a Regional Championship and a National Finalist finish. Garcia also played freshman volleyball. Off the field, she is an honor student.
"Stephanie is a very dynamic player who has the ability to improvise and create chances for herself and her teammates."
Mansell played soccer at Northeast Jones High School in Laurel, Miss. She led the Tigers to the playoffs each season, winning the State Championship in 2010, 2011 and 2014. Mansell was named First Team All-State as a junior and senior and First Team All-District as a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior. She was selected team captain final three seasons. Mansell was voted Team MVP and Most Valuable Offensive Player. She recorded 155 goals and 54 assists for 364 career points. Mansell played club soccer with Gulf Coast United '97, helping team to five Mississippi State Championships, three Gulf State Premier League Championships, 2013 Regional Quarterfinal appearance and 2014 Regional Semifinal appearance. In addition, she also played tennis, earning Team MVP accolades and finishing as 2014 Girls Doubles State Championship Runner-Up. Off the field, Mansell is an honor student.
"Morgan is another local talent that we are excited to have at Southern Miss. Her positional sense and understanding of the role as a fullback will provide us production in the final third."
Schubeck lettered at West Florida High School in Pensacola, Fla. She helped the Jaguars to the 2012 and 2014 District Championship. Schubeck was named First Team All-Area as a senior and Second Team All-Area as a freshman and sophomore. She recorded 94 career goals with 35 assists for 223 career points. Schubeck posted back-to-back seasons with 30-plus goals scored, setting the school record for goals with 33 as a junior and breaking the record with 36 goals as a senior. Schubeck played club soccer with Gulf Coast Texans. She was also a member of the tennis team, gymnastics team and track and field team. Off the field, Schubeck is an honor student and member of the student government and National Honor Society. She served as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), vice president of the Spanish Club, Mu Alpha Theta historian, yearbook sports editor and Senior Advisory Board. Schubeck was voted Best Smile and Miss West Florida as well as a two-time member of the West Florida HS homecoming court.
"Brianna's strength and size will provide a strong and reliable presence offensively. Her athleticism along with her natural ability to score will contribute to our attacking game."
Smith lettered at South Jones High School in Ellisville, Miss. She helped the Braves to the playoffs each season. Smith was named First Team All-District as a freshman, sophomore and junior. She was selected to the 2015 South All-Star team. Smith played club soccer with Gulf Coast United. In addition, she also played football, earning Second Team All-Region 3-5A honors. Off the field, Smith is an honor student and member of the Beta Club, Student Council and S.M.A.R.T. Club, while serving as class president.
"Mary Kate is another well-rounded student-athlete who has the ability to play in multiple positions. Mary Kate has a knack to scoring goals and the ability to create chances for herself and others within tight spaces."
Snyder played goalkeeper at Biloxi High School in Biloxi, Miss. She helped the Indians to a South State appearance as a senior. Snyder was named First Team All-District in eighth grade, as well as a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior. She was named All-Area as a sophomore (honorable mention), junior (first team) and senior (first team). Snyder was tabbed Biloxi HS Most Improved Player (2010, 2011), BHS Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2013, 2014) and awarded the Coaches' Leadership Award (2014-15). She served as team captain for final three seasons. Snyder played in and started 112 games, making 701 saves with 62 shutouts, tallying 9,050 minutes between the posts. Snyder played club soccer with the Gulf Coast United FC, winning the Mississippi State Championship five times. Off the field, she is an honor student and member of the National Honor Society.
"Brittany is an excellent shot stopper and a fierce competitor. We look forward to her competing for a spot."
Stennis lettered at Ocean Springs High School in Ocean Springs, Miss. She helped the Greyhounds to the playoffs each season, winning the State Championship as a sophomore and finishing as State Champion Runner-Up as a senior. Stennis was named First Team All-State, All-District and All-Region as a sophomore and junior. She served as team captain as a senior. Stennis scored 56 goals with 27 assists for 139 career points. Stennis played club soccer with Gulf Coast United, helping team win State Championship five consecutive seasons and finishing second at Regionals.
"Ashton is a natural athlete with the potential to become an impact player at Southern Miss. I believe Ashton will reach her full potential during her time at Southern Miss."
