Kansas State University Athletics
K-State Soccer Signs 10 to NLIs for 2018 Season
Feb 08, 2018 | Soccer
MANHATTAN, Kansas – Kansas State women's soccer head coach Mike Dibbini has signed 10 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent and will join the roster for the 2018 season.
The ten student-athletes that will compete for the program in its third season are: Rylie Albers (Omaha, Nebraska), Emily Crain (Temecula, California), Riley Dietrich (Fort Collins, Colorado), Olivia Elofsson (Loeddekoepinge, Sweden), Nora Falnes (Norway), Chloe Fisher (Warrington, Chesire, England), Taylor Gardner (Lee's Summit, Missouri), Bailey Nemechek (Fort Collins, Colorado), Angie Ojeda (Dodge City, Kansas), Maguire Sullivan (Andale, Kansas),
"We had so many positives from our 2017 season that allow us to feel excited about our returning group's experience and add more depth and ability in all areas of the field for 2018," said Dibbini about his incoming class. "Our 2018 class brings good soccer IQ, athleticism, and shores up areas that are much needed for depth. They are also a great fit for our soccer program and university. We have a great recruiting class coming from the state of Kansas, surrounding region out of state, and internationally to add some good diversity to our young program."
Albers, a defender from Elkhorn South High School, enters her senior season on the Spring 2018 TeamSnap Girls All-America Watch List. She is a two-time All-Eastern Midlands Conference First Team selection while helping the program to a 52-7 overall record during the last three seasons.
In the 2017 season, Albers helped Elkhorn South to the Eastern Midlands Conference title, a district crown and a Class B state semifinal finish with a record of 18-3. Albers was named to the Omaha World Herald 2017 All-Class B Girls Second Team and is a two-time Lincoln Journal Star All-Class B Girls selection.
"Rylie will reconnect with two former club teammates in Hannah Davis and Christina Baxter, and she will make an impact right away playing outside back," said Dibbini about Albers. "Rylie understands the role of playing out of the back. She loves getting forward as well and with her athletic ability she will create offensive chances out wide for us."
Crain is a defender from Chaparral High School in Temecula, California, who has extensive experience in club soccer playing for SoCal Blues and LA Galaxy San Diego. Crain played for five seasons with SoCal Blues, including her final two seasons as team captain. She helped the Blues to the Surf Cup, Blues Cup and West Coast Classic titles and appearances in the ECNL playoffs in all five seasons.
"Emily will bring a center back presence to our back line," said Dibbini. "She also has the ability to play outside back and occasionally defensive center mid when needed. Emily has many attributes that will help us right away. She is a good 1v1 defender and can also defend the ball in the air. She reads the game well defensively and has a composed presence. Offensively, she can help us on corner kicks by winning balls in the air."
Dietrich is a midfielder from Fort Collins High School and a teammate of 2018 K-State signee Bailey Nemechek. During the 2017 season, Dietrich registered seven goals and the school single season record for assists with 19, as the Lambkins finished with an overall record of 8-7-0. She finished the season as an honorable mention Colorado High School Athletics Association (CHSAA) Class 5A All-State recipient and a First Team All-Front Range League selection.
"Riley is a smart soccer player and has great feet," stated Dibbini. "She is able to balance and support our attack in the midfield. Her ability to recognize when to go forward or keep the ball will be helpful. She has the ability to create her own shots from the midfield during the run of play."
Elofsson is a goalkeeper from Loeddekoepinge, Sweden, who is a member of the Swedish U19 National Team and also backstopped FC Rosengard in Malmo, Sweden. Elofsson helped FC Rosengard to a 12-4 overall record in 2017. She helped FC Rosengard to a runner-up finish in the Sweden Premiership, the Swedish Cup title and a quarterfinal appearance in the UEFA Women's Champions League.
"Olivia will bring a ton of international high-level experience to our goalkeeping position," mentioned Dibbini on Elofsson's addition. "She has great hands and such a great presence in the goal. We are excited to welcome Olivia to our program."
Falnes, is a defender from Stavanger, Norway, who is a member of Hinna FK. Falnes helped Hinna FK to a second place finish in the Dana Cup in 2015 and was named team MVP. She also helped the club to a second place finish in the Adidas Cup in 2015.
"Nora is a versatile defender that can play defensive center midfield or centerback," said Dibbini about Falnes. "She can bring order to the game as far as knowing when to speed it up or slow it down. We are looking forward to her aiding in the management of games for us."
Fisher joins K-State from Cronton Sixth Form College in Widnes, England. She played in the development program for Manchester United at the U14 and U16 level from 2014 to 2016. Fisher helped Manchester United to an FA Youth Cup runner-up finish and finished as runner-up in the league standings twice. She is currently in the development program with Everton.
Fisher has also helped the Chesire U16s to a runner-up finish in 2015 and has participated in camps for the England U17s.
"Chloe is a strong target that can hold the ball up or create opportunities for herself or her teammates," said Dibbini. "She has strong international experience playing at a good level. She is able to play with her back to the goal and have our attack play through her. She will give us another dangerous arsenal to our young attacking team."
Gardner is a defender for Blue Springs South. In the last two seasons, Gardner has helped the Jaguars to a a 30-13 record and a pair of district runner-up finishes. At the conclusion of the 2017 season, Gardner was named to the KCPrepZone.com All-Class 4 Region 4 team and was an honorable mention selection for the Missouri State High School Soccer Coaches Association (MSHSSCA) Class 4 All-State team.
"Taylor is a versatile defender that is athletic and smart," Dibbini said about Gardner's back line play. "She will add depth and has the ability to come in and contribute right away. Her 1v1 defending will help us in the tough Big 12 conference."
Nemechek is a midfielder from Fort Collins High School and a teammate of 2018 K-State signee Riley Dietrich. In 32 games played at the varsity level for the Lambkins, Nemechek has registerer 26 points including eight goals and 10 assists. In her sophomore season in 2016, Nemechek garnered All-Front Range League First Team honors while helping Fort Collins to an 8-7-1 overall record.
While playing for Arsenal Colorado Academy 99G, Nemechek was named the Fall MVP of the Colorado Soccer Association. In 2016, Nemechek was name to the US Youth Soccer ODP Region IV Championship All-Tournament Team which featured players from the states of Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah.
"Bailey will be a versatile midfielder that will make an immediate impact in managing the game for us," said Dibbini. "Her dynamic ability to take players on and her ability to read the game will help our attack. Her vision in the attack is really good and will give us a strong supplier. We are looking forward to having her make an immediate impact."
Ojeda, a goalkeeper from Dodge City High School, is a two-time Western Athletic Conference (WAC) First Team selection and the reigning WAC Player of the Year. Ojeda was named to the 2017 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Girls High School All-Central Region Team and was the first player in program history to earn Kansas Soccer Coaches Association (KSCA) Class 6A All-State First Team honors, as she helped the Red Demons to the first regional title in school history and the WAC title while pocketing 10 shutouts during an 11-4-3 season.
In the 2016 season, Ojeda helped Dodge City to a 13-4-1 overall record and a regional runner-up finish. She earned her first All-WAC First Team honor for her efforts during her sophomore season.
"Angie will challenge for the goalkeeping position as one of our three keepers next year," said Dibbini about the Dodge City product. "She has the ability to keep her teams in the game with her shot stopping ability. We are looking for Angie to adapt right away and develop into a great goalkeeper."
Sullivan is a defender from Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita. In her previous three seasons with the Golden Eagles, Sullivan has helped the program to a 45-11 overall record, a third place Class 5A state finish in 2015 and a fourth place Class 5A state finish in 2017.
In 2017, Sullivan helped the Bishop Carroll to a 14-4 overall record in 2017, including a career-high four goals and aided the backline with 14 shutouts in the 18 matches. For her efforts, Sullivan was named to the 2017 KSCA Class 5A First Team, her second career all-state first team honor.
"Maguire will be another Wichita product that will bring a blue collar mentality to our program," said Dibbini. "She brings a solid work ethic that will continue to help shore up our backline and add depth."
Kansas State concluded its second season of action and its first in the Big 12 in 2017 with an overall record of 6-11-1 and a league mark of 1-8-0. The six wins were a new program high for wins in a season, while the Wildcats picked up their first Big 12 win on October 6 at Kansas.
The Wildcats were led in scoring by a pair of freshmen, as Brooklynn Entz registered 11 points and Hannah Davis tallied nine. Entz set the single season record for goals with five, while Davis, a 2017 Big 12 All-Freshman team selection, set the single season mark for assists with five.
The Wildcats return 98 percent of its total point scorers from last season and 100 percent of the goals scored from 2017.
Supporters Packages are now available for the 2018 season. Supporters Packages are just $50 for one, or $160 for a Soccer Supporters 4-Pack. Each package includes a 2018 K-State Soccer scarf and t-shirt, and the ability to select a season ticket for either general admission grandstand or open lawn seating, or select no season tickets for those who are K-State students or live out of state. The price does not change for fans who decline season tickets.
2018 K-State Soccer Signees
Name, Position, Hometown
Rylie Albers, D, Omaha, Nebraska
Emily Crain, D, Temecula, California
Riley Dietrich, MF, Fort Collins, Colorado
Olivia Elofsson, GK, Loeddekoepinge, Sweden
Nora Falnes, D, Stavanger, Norway
Chloe Fisher, F, Warrington, Chesire, England
Taylor Gardner, D, Lee's Summit, Missouri
Bailey Nemechek, MF, Fort Collins, Colo.
Angie Ojeda, GK, Dodge City, Kansas
Maguire Sullivan, D/MF, Andale, Kansas
The ten student-athletes that will compete for the program in its third season are: Rylie Albers (Omaha, Nebraska), Emily Crain (Temecula, California), Riley Dietrich (Fort Collins, Colorado), Olivia Elofsson (Loeddekoepinge, Sweden), Nora Falnes (Norway), Chloe Fisher (Warrington, Chesire, England), Taylor Gardner (Lee's Summit, Missouri), Bailey Nemechek (Fort Collins, Colorado), Angie Ojeda (Dodge City, Kansas), Maguire Sullivan (Andale, Kansas),
"We had so many positives from our 2017 season that allow us to feel excited about our returning group's experience and add more depth and ability in all areas of the field for 2018," said Dibbini about his incoming class. "Our 2018 class brings good soccer IQ, athleticism, and shores up areas that are much needed for depth. They are also a great fit for our soccer program and university. We have a great recruiting class coming from the state of Kansas, surrounding region out of state, and internationally to add some good diversity to our young program."
Albers, a defender from Elkhorn South High School, enters her senior season on the Spring 2018 TeamSnap Girls All-America Watch List. She is a two-time All-Eastern Midlands Conference First Team selection while helping the program to a 52-7 overall record during the last three seasons.
In the 2017 season, Albers helped Elkhorn South to the Eastern Midlands Conference title, a district crown and a Class B state semifinal finish with a record of 18-3. Albers was named to the Omaha World Herald 2017 All-Class B Girls Second Team and is a two-time Lincoln Journal Star All-Class B Girls selection.
"Rylie will reconnect with two former club teammates in Hannah Davis and Christina Baxter, and she will make an impact right away playing outside back," said Dibbini about Albers. "Rylie understands the role of playing out of the back. She loves getting forward as well and with her athletic ability she will create offensive chances out wide for us."
Crain is a defender from Chaparral High School in Temecula, California, who has extensive experience in club soccer playing for SoCal Blues and LA Galaxy San Diego. Crain played for five seasons with SoCal Blues, including her final two seasons as team captain. She helped the Blues to the Surf Cup, Blues Cup and West Coast Classic titles and appearances in the ECNL playoffs in all five seasons.
"Emily will bring a center back presence to our back line," said Dibbini. "She also has the ability to play outside back and occasionally defensive center mid when needed. Emily has many attributes that will help us right away. She is a good 1v1 defender and can also defend the ball in the air. She reads the game well defensively and has a composed presence. Offensively, she can help us on corner kicks by winning balls in the air."
Dietrich is a midfielder from Fort Collins High School and a teammate of 2018 K-State signee Bailey Nemechek. During the 2017 season, Dietrich registered seven goals and the school single season record for assists with 19, as the Lambkins finished with an overall record of 8-7-0. She finished the season as an honorable mention Colorado High School Athletics Association (CHSAA) Class 5A All-State recipient and a First Team All-Front Range League selection.
"Riley is a smart soccer player and has great feet," stated Dibbini. "She is able to balance and support our attack in the midfield. Her ability to recognize when to go forward or keep the ball will be helpful. She has the ability to create her own shots from the midfield during the run of play."
Elofsson is a goalkeeper from Loeddekoepinge, Sweden, who is a member of the Swedish U19 National Team and also backstopped FC Rosengard in Malmo, Sweden. Elofsson helped FC Rosengard to a 12-4 overall record in 2017. She helped FC Rosengard to a runner-up finish in the Sweden Premiership, the Swedish Cup title and a quarterfinal appearance in the UEFA Women's Champions League.
"Olivia will bring a ton of international high-level experience to our goalkeeping position," mentioned Dibbini on Elofsson's addition. "She has great hands and such a great presence in the goal. We are excited to welcome Olivia to our program."
Falnes, is a defender from Stavanger, Norway, who is a member of Hinna FK. Falnes helped Hinna FK to a second place finish in the Dana Cup in 2015 and was named team MVP. She also helped the club to a second place finish in the Adidas Cup in 2015.
"Nora is a versatile defender that can play defensive center midfield or centerback," said Dibbini about Falnes. "She can bring order to the game as far as knowing when to speed it up or slow it down. We are looking forward to her aiding in the management of games for us."
Fisher joins K-State from Cronton Sixth Form College in Widnes, England. She played in the development program for Manchester United at the U14 and U16 level from 2014 to 2016. Fisher helped Manchester United to an FA Youth Cup runner-up finish and finished as runner-up in the league standings twice. She is currently in the development program with Everton.
Fisher has also helped the Chesire U16s to a runner-up finish in 2015 and has participated in camps for the England U17s.
"Chloe is a strong target that can hold the ball up or create opportunities for herself or her teammates," said Dibbini. "She has strong international experience playing at a good level. She is able to play with her back to the goal and have our attack play through her. She will give us another dangerous arsenal to our young attacking team."
Gardner is a defender for Blue Springs South. In the last two seasons, Gardner has helped the Jaguars to a a 30-13 record and a pair of district runner-up finishes. At the conclusion of the 2017 season, Gardner was named to the KCPrepZone.com All-Class 4 Region 4 team and was an honorable mention selection for the Missouri State High School Soccer Coaches Association (MSHSSCA) Class 4 All-State team.
"Taylor is a versatile defender that is athletic and smart," Dibbini said about Gardner's back line play. "She will add depth and has the ability to come in and contribute right away. Her 1v1 defending will help us in the tough Big 12 conference."
Nemechek is a midfielder from Fort Collins High School and a teammate of 2018 K-State signee Riley Dietrich. In 32 games played at the varsity level for the Lambkins, Nemechek has registerer 26 points including eight goals and 10 assists. In her sophomore season in 2016, Nemechek garnered All-Front Range League First Team honors while helping Fort Collins to an 8-7-1 overall record.
While playing for Arsenal Colorado Academy 99G, Nemechek was named the Fall MVP of the Colorado Soccer Association. In 2016, Nemechek was name to the US Youth Soccer ODP Region IV Championship All-Tournament Team which featured players from the states of Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah.
"Bailey will be a versatile midfielder that will make an immediate impact in managing the game for us," said Dibbini. "Her dynamic ability to take players on and her ability to read the game will help our attack. Her vision in the attack is really good and will give us a strong supplier. We are looking forward to having her make an immediate impact."
Ojeda, a goalkeeper from Dodge City High School, is a two-time Western Athletic Conference (WAC) First Team selection and the reigning WAC Player of the Year. Ojeda was named to the 2017 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Girls High School All-Central Region Team and was the first player in program history to earn Kansas Soccer Coaches Association (KSCA) Class 6A All-State First Team honors, as she helped the Red Demons to the first regional title in school history and the WAC title while pocketing 10 shutouts during an 11-4-3 season.
In the 2016 season, Ojeda helped Dodge City to a 13-4-1 overall record and a regional runner-up finish. She earned her first All-WAC First Team honor for her efforts during her sophomore season.
"Angie will challenge for the goalkeeping position as one of our three keepers next year," said Dibbini about the Dodge City product. "She has the ability to keep her teams in the game with her shot stopping ability. We are looking for Angie to adapt right away and develop into a great goalkeeper."
Sullivan is a defender from Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita. In her previous three seasons with the Golden Eagles, Sullivan has helped the program to a 45-11 overall record, a third place Class 5A state finish in 2015 and a fourth place Class 5A state finish in 2017.
In 2017, Sullivan helped the Bishop Carroll to a 14-4 overall record in 2017, including a career-high four goals and aided the backline with 14 shutouts in the 18 matches. For her efforts, Sullivan was named to the 2017 KSCA Class 5A First Team, her second career all-state first team honor.
"Maguire will be another Wichita product that will bring a blue collar mentality to our program," said Dibbini. "She brings a solid work ethic that will continue to help shore up our backline and add depth."
Kansas State concluded its second season of action and its first in the Big 12 in 2017 with an overall record of 6-11-1 and a league mark of 1-8-0. The six wins were a new program high for wins in a season, while the Wildcats picked up their first Big 12 win on October 6 at Kansas.
The Wildcats were led in scoring by a pair of freshmen, as Brooklynn Entz registered 11 points and Hannah Davis tallied nine. Entz set the single season record for goals with five, while Davis, a 2017 Big 12 All-Freshman team selection, set the single season mark for assists with five.
The Wildcats return 98 percent of its total point scorers from last season and 100 percent of the goals scored from 2017.
Supporters Packages are now available for the 2018 season. Supporters Packages are just $50 for one, or $160 for a Soccer Supporters 4-Pack. Each package includes a 2018 K-State Soccer scarf and t-shirt, and the ability to select a season ticket for either general admission grandstand or open lawn seating, or select no season tickets for those who are K-State students or live out of state. The price does not change for fans who decline season tickets.
2018 K-State Soccer Signees
Name, Position, Hometown
Rylie Albers, D, Omaha, Nebraska
Emily Crain, D, Temecula, California
Riley Dietrich, MF, Fort Collins, Colorado
Olivia Elofsson, GK, Loeddekoepinge, Sweden
Nora Falnes, D, Stavanger, Norway
Chloe Fisher, F, Warrington, Chesire, England
Taylor Gardner, D, Lee's Summit, Missouri
Bailey Nemechek, MF, Fort Collins, Colo.
Angie Ojeda, GK, Dodge City, Kansas
Maguire Sullivan, D/MF, Andale, Kansas
Players Mentioned
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