ST. PAUL, Minn. – Concordia-St. Paul head soccer coach Steve Bellis has announced the additions of six recruits for the 2018 season as Ciara Bailey, Jena Berkland, Sarah Golemme, Alexis Hayden, Mary Keating, and Ailee Snapko will join the Golden Bears this fall.
 
"It's Signing day! - A great day for our program, the team, the incoming athletes and their families. It's a peek into the future of the CSP soccer team and we are so excited to announce our 2018 recruiting class. It's a strong group of players that will be able to add significant depth to our roster and help us maintain a competitive environment," Bellis says of his newcomers.
 
Bellis continued, "In order for us to continue our growth as a program we took into consideration physical presence, speed, and technical ability in the search for the players. It really is a long process and I have to give credit to my assistant coaches also for their work scouring the region to find individuals that are the right fit both academically and athletically for CSP. Additionally, we have relied on many club and high school coaches who have developed these players and helped in the process– they should always be credited in the recruiting process."
 
"We have no doubt that these student-athletes will represent Concordia University and the soccer program with great class and integrity on and off the field," Bellis concluded.
 
 
CIARA BAILEY (D/MF, 5-7, Fr., Elk River, Minn. / Elk River HS)
 
Elk River High School: Earned four letters in soccer, two in track, and one in basketball for the Elks … served as a soccer team captain for two seasons … received Northwest Suburban All-Conference honors her junior and senior years … four-time recipient of the Spotlight on Scholarship award … four-time A Honor Roll student … participated in the IMPACT Leadership Program, National Honors Society, FCA, and Elk Buddies … played for Maplebrook SC.
 
Personal: Plans to major in Nursing or Dentistry … considering graduate school to specialize in nursing or dentistry … has a sister who plays soccer at Bemidji State and a grandfather who played football at Northwestern University, UW-Stout, and the Chicago Bears from 1960-1965.
 
Bellis on Bailey: "Ciara has been on our radar for a long while; we've been able to watch her develop into a very quick, pacey player and a fierce competitor. She should slot right into our system at CSP at either offense or defense."
 
JENA BERKLAND (MF/F, 5-5, Fr., Woodstock, Ill. / Prairie Ridge HS)
 
 Prairie Ridge High School: Earned four Fox Valley All-Conference awards for Prairie Ridge … helped her team to four regional championships, a section championship, and three conference championships … scored 14 goals and had ten assists in the 2017 season … participated in cross country and basketball, and served as the National Honors Society vice president … played for Crystal Lake.
 
Personal: Plans to major in Pre-Physical Therapy and aspires to get her doctorate … has two younger sisters.
 
Bellis on Berkland: "Another diamond from the Crystal Lake soccer program! She will be able to operate in a number of positions across the front line. Her technical ability and vision to find teammates is something that always stood out. She could be our version Dele Ali (one for the Premier League fans!)."
 
SARAH GOLEMME (GK, 5-9, Fr., Middlebury, Fla. / Ridgeview HS)
 
Ridgeview High School: Earned a varsity letter in soccer at Ridgeview … averaged 12 saves per game during her varsity season … tallied 178 saves on 240 shots for a 74% save percentage … was a four year scholar athlete … participated in National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Best Buddies, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes … played for SC Sol.
 
Personal: Plans to major in Exercise Science and wants to become a physical therapist in the Air Force … has two sisters.
 
Bellis on Golemme: "Our first Floridian into the program! Sarah has the frame, height and game understanding to help push our program along. We are excited to get her working with GK coach Kleczewski and see her develop."
 
ALEXIS HAYDEN (D/MF, 5-4, Fr., Plymouth, Minn. / Wayzata HS)
 
Wayzata High School: Lettered three times in soccer for the Trojans … helped her team to three straight Lake Conference championship titles (2015-17), as well as two 6AA section titles (2015, 2017), going undefeated with a 12-0-3 record in her senior season … participated in Track and Field and Club R.E.S. … played for Maplebrook SC.
 
Personal: Plans to major in Exercise Science and hopes to attend graduate or medical school … has a younger brother and sister … has a cousin who plays hockey for Michigan Tech.
 
Bellis on Hayden: "Her vision, technical ability on the ball and her level of aggression is a huge plus for us. Alexis will be a great addition to our team and has the versatility to step into a few spots. Her excellent club background will help her adjust to the NSIC level."
 
MARY KEATING (D, 5-7, Fr., Apple Valley, Minn. / Eastview HS)
 
Eastview High School: Earned 11 letters for the Lightning, with four in hockey, three in soccer, three in lacrosse, and one in dance … named a team captain for hockey, soccer, and lacrosse … has made three state hockey appearances … helped her soccer team to a state consolation championship … has earned a South Suburban All-Conference award in soccer, as well as five All-Conference Honorable Mention awards (two in hockey, two in lacrosse, and one in soccer) … participated in Dance Tech, FCA, LINC, and linc 301 … played for Rev SC.
 
Personal: Plans to major in Physical Therapy and aspires to be a physical therapist … will also play for the CSP lacrosse team in the spring … has a brother and a sister.
 
Bellis on Keating: "Mary will add to the team's depth in the central defensive areas. She is a tremendous athlete who possesses all the attributes to compete in a physical conference like ours. I'm excited to see her play with us."
 
AILEE SNAPKO (MF, 5-6, Fr., New Hope, Minn. / Robbinsdale Cooper HS)
 
Robbinsdale Cooper High School: Lettered five times for the Hawks, four times in soccer and once in lacrosse … named a soccer team captain for her senior season … helped her team to an 8-7-1 record during the 2017 season … honored with two Metro West All-Conference awards, an All-Conference Honorable Mention award, and the Coaches' Award during her high school career … participated in choir … played for Maplebrook SC.
 
Personal: Plans to major in Chemistry or Biology and wants to go to medical school to become an anesthesiologist or a pharmacist … has three younger sisters.
 
Bellis on Snapko: "I saw her play late last summer at a showcase and knew she could be a valuable addition for us. Ailee will operate up top for us and we will use her pace, aggression and work rate to scare anyone's defense. She has a great nose for goal – a young Wayne Rooney type!"