The Drake University women’s soccer team has signed six high school standouts to National Letters of Intent, head coach Lindsey Horner announced Wednesday, Feb. 4. Joining the Bulldogs for the 2015 season are Alyssa Brand (Skokie, Ill.), Linda Fiorito (Overland Park, Kan.), Elaine Gorom (O’Fallon, Mo.), Maggie Juhlin (Springfield, Ill.), Vanessa Kavan (Lincoln, Neb.) and Grace Myers (Noblesville, Ind.).

“Our 2015 incoming class is filled with talented, competitive and committed athletes that have competed at a very high level, but still have their best years of soccer ahead of them,” Horner said. “We look forward to this class making an immediate impact to our program and challenging our returners for a spot in the lineup. These six student-athletes are equipped to succeed academically at Drake and are team players that will contribute to our program on and off the field.”

Brand, a midfielder from Niles North High School, was a three-year team captain for the Vikings. She helped the Vikings capture a conference championship in her junior season in which she connected on 21 goals. Brand was a three-time all-sectional honoree for the Vikings. She is a member of the FC United club team.

Fiorito, a defender, helped Blue Valley Northwest High School win state championships in 2013 and 2014. Fiorito is a member of the KC Metro Dynamos club team, who has won five consecutive Kansas State Cup championships.

Gorom, a defender for O’Fallon Township High School, was a first team all-conference selection in 2014 after being named third team all-conference in 2013. She is a member of the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro ECNL team.

Juhlin, a defender and forward from Glenwood High School, helped the Titans to a state runner-up finish in 2012, a state championship in 2013 and a third-place finish in 2014. She was a two-time all-conference selection in soccer and also garnered two all-state accolades in basketball. She is a member of the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Illinois ECNL team.

Kavan, a midfielder from Lincoln Southwest High School, guided the Silver Hawks to three district championships and two conference championships. A four-year letterwinner, she was named honorable mention all-state in each of the previous two seasons. She is a member of the Omaha FC 96/97 club.

The final member of the 2015 class is Myers, a midfielder for Noblesville High School. She was selected first team all-state and all-conference three times. Myers, a member of the Indiana Fire Juniors ECNL team, helped the Fire win three club state championships, and qualify for the ECNL national tournament twice.

DRAKE WOMEN'S SOCCER SIGNEES ON WHY THEY CHOSE DRAKE

Alyssa Brand

“I committed to Drake because of the blend of opportunities that fit my needs including the smaller community feel around campus and in classes, the outstanding academic opportunities and the opportunity to participate in the women's soccer program.”

Linda Fiorito

“I committed to Drake because I believe Drake will provide the best academic and athletic challenges to advance my development as a student-athlete and prepare me for my future.”

Elaine Gorom

“I decided to commit to Drake because of their soccer program, the coaches and the high level of academics that is offered.”

Maggie Juhlin

“I decided to commit to Drake because it seemed like the right fit. I liked seeing the close relationship the coaches have with the team and how they are very interested in me as both an athlete and a student. I also enjoyed the unique campus Drake has and everything they have to offer me as a student-athlete.”

Vanessa Kavan

“I decided to come to Drake because I feel the soccer program really fits me. I loved the campus and location and I could really see myself being a part of the school.”

Grace Myers

“I chose Drake because it is an excellent academic institution and allows me the opportunity to continue playing soccer.”

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT THE 2014 DRAKE WOMEN'S SOCCER SIGNEES

Alyssa Brand

“Alyssa is going to be a great addition to the Drake women's soccer. She combines strong technical skills and field vision with an exceptional work rate and passion for the game. Alyssa is a complete player and a terrific young person as well.”

Jim McNitt – Head coach FC United

Linda Fiorito

“Linda had been a starting central defender for KC Dynamos since the team’s inception in 2009.  She has become a very good vocal leader on the team and is one of the best athletes on our team.  Wherever Drake chooses to play her across the back, I know she has the ability and application to become a major contributor for Drake immediately.  Linda will be a major asset on and off the field.”

Derek Shoare – Head coach KC Metro Dynamos

Elaine Gorom

“Elaine is one of the hardest working players to grace the fields for St. Louis Scott Gallagher Illinois.  She is an extremely athletic player who uses her brain to cut out balls in between or in behind lines and given the moment, she loves to get forward to contribute to the attack.  She is a fierce competitor and is a huge part of all of our successes these past few years.”

Mitch Bohnak – Head Coach St. Louis Scott Gallagher Illinois

Maggie Juhlin

“Maggie has been a consistent performer for us as both a center back and a forward.  As a center back, she constantly thwarts opposition attacks and is dangerous on every restart as she has an unbelievable ability to judge the ball in the air.  As a forward she helps start our press and makes it very difficult for the other team to get out of their end.  When up top, she is constantly in the thick of the action and dangerous in and around the box.”

Mitch Bohnak – Head coach St. Louis Scott Gallagher Illinois

Vanessa Kavan

“Vanessa Kavan has been a driving force in the success for our club team. She is a poised, technical midfielder with a tireless work effort and one of the toughest players I have coached. Vanessa is very competitive and always committed to making her teammates better in training and games. I believe she will contribute to Drake’s success right away.”

Andy Benkis – Head coach Omaha FC

Grace Myers

“Watching Grace play it is apparent, she is an exceptionally talented soccer player. But what you don't see it that she is an even better leader and teammate. She will continue to excel both as a student and player at Drake and the sky is the limit for her future.”

Mike Brady – Noblesville High School head coach

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