NEWBERRY — Newberry women’s head soccer coach Deedee Alexander has announced the signing of eight players to the Wolves’ roster for the 2017 season.
“I am excited about the incoming class and the immediate impact they can have on the program,” stated Alexander. “We were able to fill some positions of need and add depth at other positions. The additions to the roster together with the returners already on the team should allow us to be competitive in a tough South Atlantic Conference.”
Alexander recruited many defenders to strengthen the back line adding Courtney Velasquez who played with Albion Soccer Club ’99 Academy and Sammy Molina with the Camarillo Eagles ECNL Composite Soccer Club in the center back position.
Additionally, Alexander brought in outside defenders Aniya Mahaffey who played with Birmingham United Soccer Association ENCL Travel Team and a Kelli Ward, who played at Boiling Springs HS in South Carolina. Jayleen Gant played with the Del Mar Sharks and will add to the defense at the goalkeeper position.
Offensively, the Wolves added center midfielders Jacqueline Aldrete who played with Oxnard Wave Soccer Club and Anna Christiensen who played with Liverpool Football Club. Emma Harms, who played with the Carolina Premier Football Club, will provide her services at forward.
The 2017 recruiting class should have an impact right away. “I cannot wait to start working with our incoming class.” added Alexander.
Jacqueline Aldrete is from Oxnard, Calif., where she played soccer at Oxnard HS with fellow Newberry signee Samantha Molina. Aldrete also spent time playing with the Oxnard Wave Soccer Club. In her freshman and sophomore seasons, Jacqueline recorded a combined seven goals and 11 assists as a Varsity player. In her junior season, Aldrete notched 24 points recording five goals and 14 assists. She has had experience as both a forward and a midfielder. Jacqueline was named to the 2016 All-County First-Team, as well as the 2016 CIF First-Team. Oxnard HS won the 2016 Division 5A California State Title (CIF Champions).
Anna Christensen is from South Carolina where she played soccer at South Aiken HS. Christensen also was a member of the Liverpool Football Club. In high school, she played three years at the varsity level, including being named the most improved player.
Jayleen Gant is from Poway, Calif., where she played high school soccer at Poway. Gant also spent time with the Del Mar Sharks in Carmel Valley. Jayleen received the “Pursuing Victory with Honor” award in high school of 2015 which is given to a player who best represents sportsmanship and character as a student-athlete. Gant was also named captain of her club team.
Emma Harms is from South Carolina where she played high school soccer at Riverside. Harms also played with the Carolina Premier Football Club. As a sophomore at Riverside, Emma was named offensive MVP, leading the team in goal scoring. Harms was a four-year varsity player for Riverside.
Aniya Mahaffey is from Oxford, Ala., where she played varsity soccer for Oxford HS since the seventh grade. Among awards that Aniya earned at Oxford HS, include being named the Most Improved Player in 2012. She was also named the Most Valuable Defensive Player for four straight years at Oxford from 2013-2016, and given the same award at the Oxford Soccer Invitational in 2016. Mahaffey was named to the Calhoun County First-Team selection in three straight years from 2014-2016. She was also an Alabama High School Association All-Star Selection in 2016. Aniya has also spent time with the Birmingham United Soccer Association ENCL Travel Team (2014-2015).
Samantha Molina is from Oxnard, Calif., where she played for Oxnard HS for four years, and spent time with the Camarillo Eagles ECNL Composite Soccer Club for six years. In 2016, Samantha was named CIF First-Team selection, as well winning the CIF-SS Championship (California State Title). Molina was a two-year All-League First-Team player in the Pioneer Soccer League. She was also named the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year. Samantha was a two-year varsity captain with Oxnard HS, and played with fellow Newberry signee Jacqueline Aldrete
Courtney Velasquez is from Santee, Calif. where she played varsity soccer from 2014-2017 at West Hills HS. She was named honorable mention for the 2016 Grossmont Conference All-League selection. Velasquez has spent time playing as a midfielder and a defender. She has also spent time with Albion Soccer Club ’99 Academy.
Kelli Ward is from South Carolina where she played soccer at Boiling Springs HS. At Boiling Springs, Ward was named the 2015 defensive MVP. She also was named captain for three years with club team CESA Spartanburg.
The Newberry women’s soccer program has also announced their spring schedule which will include the Queens 7 aside tournament on April 1. The Wolves were winners of the tournament last spring. Newberry will also participate in an Alumni game on April 8 at 10 a.m.