Soccer reaches internationally to sign 2018 recruiting class
After winning the conference title and making its first NCAA tournament appearance in three years last season, Rice is on to 2018. The Owls announced their 2018 signing class last week, adding six new players to its roster. Head coach Nicky Adams said she is thrilled to welcome the incoming class.
“This is an incredible group of young ladies and we are so happy that they will continue their athletic and academic careers at Rice,” Adams said. “This is a very strong class that will help us in multiple positions all over the field.”
The class includes two midfielders, two defenders, a goalkeeper and a forward. Below is a brief bio of each Owls signee:
Forward Caleigh Boeckx
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Highlights: Second in scoring for Alberta team at 2017 Canada Summer Games, led club in scoring for three straight years
Why Rice?: “Rice’s outstanding academics as well as their incredible level of soccer made my university decision easy,” Boeckx said.
Defender Paris Fox
Hometown: Saratoga, California
Highlights: Eight seasons as club team captain, currently leading her high school league in scoring
Why Rice?: “As soon as I stepped onto the Rice campus, I felt like I was at my second home,” Fox said.
Midfielder Madison Kent
Hometown: Sugar Land, Texas
Highlights: High School District Offensive MVP in 2017, four-time Academic All-District honoree
Why Rice?: “I chose Rice because while playing for an excellent soccer program I will be surrounded by coaches, players and students who will undoubtedly challenge me to reach my goals on and off the field,” Kent said.
Goalkeeper Bella Killgore
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Highlights: Captain of her club soccer team, 2017 High School District Goalkeeper MVP, First-Team All-State goalkeeper in 2017
Why Rice?: “I chose Rice because it’s the perfect school academically and athletically for me,” Killgore said.
Defender Ziyana Samanani
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Highlights: Three appearances at National Club Championships, winning silver in 2014 and bronze in 2016. Also a volleyball player and won her school’s volleyball MVP award
Why Rice?: “When I met the coaches, their passion for the game was inspiring, and this same passion was evident in the players as well,” Samanani said.
Midfielder Delaney Schultz
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Highlights: Two-time First-Team All-League, First-Team All-State in 2017, helped her team win its first two district titles in 2015 and 2017
Why Rice?: “When I visited, the coaches and players were so welcoming and passionate about the program and I just loved the style of soccer they play,” Schultz said.
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