University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Soccer signs nine for 2018 season
7/13/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Southern Miss head soccer coach Mohammed El-Zare has announced the signings of nine new Golden Eagles, including four transfers, for the 2018 season.
"We're a young team of freshmen and sophomores," he said. "We're looking forward to our senior leadership. They have done a great job this spring and their preparation into preseason, leading and doing everything they can to put us in a better position."
Rana Hussein comes from Houston, Texas, where she had an illustrious career for Clear Springs High School, scoring 27 goals in 26 games. Hussein was an all-district performer each of her four years in school and earned a spot this past summer on Egypt's U17 national team.
"Rana is one of the more versatile players we will have," El-Zare said. "She plays multiple positions, including up front and midfield. She is creative with playing on the ball, and has a lot of experience with international camps and the U17 team. She had an amazing season her senior year and was named MVP of Houston area, just a prolific goal scorer."
Morgan Robertson is a native of Miramar, Fla., where she excelled for both Pembroke Pines Charter High School as an All-County player and Boca United Football Club. She was also the only girl as a youth to be selected for Valencia Camp in Jamaica.
"Morgan is one of the young ladies we picked up late in the process," El-Zare said."We identified her this spring, looking at someone who can play on the flanks and who can attack goals as well as defend goals. She's good on the ball, likes to penetrate on the dribble and good in pressure in tight spaces. She's a player we are adding to our depth. Look forward to her playing in flank positions in 7 or 11."
Olivia Durham hails from Marietta High School near Atlanta, where she most recently helped her team to a second-place finish in Region 3-7A despite having just one other senior.
"We've been recruiting her a few years now, since she was a freshman in high school," El-Zare said. "We've been keeping an eye on her and have enjoyed watching her develop over the years. She's in an excellent position and is a great passer of the ball who makes the team better. Olivia thinks simple, yet effective and allows others to shine. Look for her to contribute at the No. 6 position."
Kaleigh Killeen earned four letters at Cherokee High School in Canton, Ga., and will look to utilize her multi-faceted experience to help the Southern Miss squad.
"Kaleigh is one of those players every team has to have," El-Zare said. "She's selfless, gritty and mentally tough. Every player has to have that. We have known her for quite some time. We're excited about her and her contribution she will have in the back and defensive positions. Can also play midfield and at forward, a super player who will allow us a lot of flexibility when we need to make adjustments."
Julia Curatolo is originally from Staten Island, N.Y., but has played in Florida for two highly-successful programs in Montverde Academy and Tampa Bay United. Curatolo was most recently named to the All-Area honorable mention team.
"Julia is a seasoned goal-keeper," El-Zare said. "She has lots of international experience and plays for one of top clubs in nation in Tampa Bay. She is a natural shot stopper and exhibits huge leadership with a lot of experience at various levels. We look forward to having her on the field."
Drew Knotts comes to Hattiesburg by way of Georgia Southern, where she took a medical redshirt as a freshman for the Eagles. She was a three sport varsity letterman from 2014-2016 (Cheerleading, Soccer, Flag Football) and was named varsity soccer captain during the 2015-2016 season, as well as the 2016-2017 season. Knotts was also awarded the Swope Rodante Vanguard Student-Athlete Award in December of 2016.
"Drew tore her ACL a few months prior to freshman year and is now coming to us," El-Zare said. "She's getting her game back, and will play at 2 and 3. She is athletic, strong and we need to allow her to transition into coming back from her injury and getting comfortable. I'm looking foward to her contributing with a year of college under her belt and knowing the daily grind of a student-athlete."
Sarah Preston, a transfer from the University of Oregon, is looking to bring her collegiate experience to the Golden Eagles. She did not see game action as a freshman, but has a year of training under her belt in the PAC 12. She will help raise the level of competition in the goalkeeper position.
"Sarah has a huge presence on the field," El-Zare said. "She's an athletic goalkeeper who has already gotten experience at the collegiate level. She comes from strong club in northern California and not only brings in experience of the highest club level, but has been in a high level collegiate environment. She will bring that maturity to every training session and match."
Karsen Gildea is an Ocean Springs native who most recently played in the MACJC All-Star Game to cap off her successful career at Pearl River CC. She was also a two-time Sun Herald Player of the Year in high school.
"Karsen is a seasoned transfer who knows the expectations of a college team," El-Zare said. "She understands the day-to-day commitment that is required to excel. She will bring that maturity to our goalkeeping position and leadership to a young team that is heavy on freshmen and sophomores."
Jessica Shepherd, a Manchester, England product, crossed the Atlantic two years ago to play for Mississippi Gulf Coast CC. She competed in the MACJC All-Star Game and was named to the United Soccer Coaches Junior College Scholar All-American First Team among other honors in her outstanding two-year stint.
"Jess is another player that has experience playing overseas in England for one of top clubs, Manchester City, and was the best player in JC in Mississippi. She can play literally every position on the field if I asked her. The maturity she brings to our roster and passion and love for the game will help us a lot. We've seen a lot of growth and improvement she has shown this spring and summer, playing for summer team. All that she brings in will be huge for our team this fall. She can also play from No. 6 and 8 to the 4 and 5. Anywhere down spine of team, we look for her to contribute."
The Golden Eagles open at home on Aug. 7 against Mississippi Valley State in exhibition play before starting the regular season on Aug. 16 at Mississippi State.
