As the Oregon women’s soccer team enters its fifth year of existence, it must say good-bye to its pioneer seniors, the players who were freshmen when the program began in 1997, and beckon a new class of freshmen.
Fifth-year head coach Bill Steffen welcomes five new faces to the program in one of the most successful recruiting classes in Oregon history.
“We expect all of these kids to challenge immediately,” Steffen said. “They all come from competitive club situations. We expect them to step in and compete for starting spots right away.”
Central midfielder Kelly Baird leads the list. The San Pedro, Calif., native played for Fram, one of the premier soccer clubs in Northern California.
“Kelly is very busy and very active player,” Steffen said. “She’s excellent at creating attacks.”
Sophomore transfer Sarah Denner brings in collegiate experience from Boston University, where she started at midfield for the Terriers. Denner hails from Eugene’s Churchill High School, where she was an All-State selection.
Another local recruit, Michelle Jensen, joins the team as a goalkeeper. The Junction City High School graduate and Lake Oswego Soccer Club player is considered the top goalkeeper in Oregon.
Elise Minvielle of San Francisco joins the backfield as a defender.
“Elise will bring a great physical presence to our backs,” Steffen said. “She’s a very strong, physical and determined player.”
Nicole Renna of Austin, Texas, rounds out the list at midfield.
The recruits will help ease the loss of four seniors.