MONTGOMERY, AL – It has been a busy season for Alabama State head women's soccer coach Jodie Smith, who knew that he had plenty of recruiting work to finish up heading into the 2016 season. After all, Smith was looking over a roster that would be without eight departing players who would be donning graduation caps and gowns instead of their familiar soccer apparel. Several of which had carved out valuable roles on a team that had reached the SWAC Championship match for the second time in three seasons and had carved out a winning record of 34-28-1 over the previous three seasons.

Among the most active players that Smith had to replace was midfielder/defender Kaedi Walther (team-best 1,862 minutes played),defender/midfielder Shelbi Vienna-Hallam (1,821 minutes), and defender Emily Ziolkowski (1,775 minutes).

"With some of the most experienced defenders graduating, we needed players that could come in and help fill the void that they left," Smith said.

Smith believes that the recruited players that he's brought in will put the Lady Hornets on that path. The new era of Alabama State women's soccer ushers in a total nine players when counting earlier transfer Inma Martinez from Missouri Valley College. It is the largest signing class in the history of Lady Hornets' soccer.

"I am really pleased with both the quality and depth of players that we have added to the team," Smith said. "Each player brings with them qualities on and off the field that will make an impact. We knew that we were losing the largest class in program history through graduation and we were able to really get out on the road and identify the players that are now part of the largest signing class in program history. I can't wait for August to get here and start working with them on the field."

Forwards

Janeece Ader

Hometown/Soccer Club: Mundelein, IL/Eclipse Select Soccer Club

Noteworthy: Member of the highly successful Eclipse ECNL team coached by Chris King. Helped lead team to two Illinois State Cup Championships, the USYSA Region 2 and USYSA National Championships. A three time ECNL National Participant reaching the National Playoffs in 2014 and 2015.

Coach Smith says: "A great addition for the program. She's a dynamic forward that I anticipate being a dominant scorer. Comes from a great club background, Eclipse ECNL, where she was able to play against some of the best players in the country."

Lexi Krieger

Hometown/Previous school: Washougal, WA / Peninsula Junior College

Noteworthy: Third player to join the Lady Hornets from PC and Coach Kanyon Anderson. Set school records for goals as a sophomore and assists as a senior. Led the Pirates to a first place finish in the NWAC as well as being named to the NWAC First Team. In high school was a First Team All-League selection at Parkrose HS. Played club soccer for FC Portland.

Coach Smith says: "Another great product from Coach Anderson out of Peninsula College. Big goal scorer at PC that found the net at crucial times. Looking for her to continue to be an offensive force here."

Kaitlyn "Kat" Farrar

Hometown/Soccer Club: Stuttgart, Germany / SV Boblingen

Noteworthy: Stellar career for Coach Coapstick at PATCH HS. Named to the DoDDS All-European team for four years. As a junior, led team to win the DoDDS European Championship. Named the Stars and Stripes European Player of the Year. Also a member of the HS football team as a placekicker. Knocked in a 35 yarder to win the Football Championship, the first in school history. Was also able to play with SV Boblingen in the German youth soccer system.

Coach Smith says: "A lucky find! She is a military dependent living in Germany where she was able to play in the German youth club system. A versatile player that has become quite a goal scorer in soccer as well as in football."

Midfielders

Meaghan Fielding

Hometown/Soccer Club: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada/Halifax County United

Noteworthy: Won five consecutive Provincial Championships for Coach Sarah Alt, finishing with top five finishes each year at the Canadian National Cup with a high finish of second place in 2014. Member of the Nova Scotia Provincial training program.

Coach Smith says: "Another versatile player that is vital to team success. A difference maker in defense and midfield. Another player that joins the team from the Novia Scotia Provincial System."

Emily LaRue

Hometown/Soccer Club: Spanaway, WA/Franklin Pierce Soccer Club

Noteworthy: A four-year All-League selection for Coach Luke Baker at Graham Kapows HS and named Offensive Most Valuable Player. With Franklin Pierce Soccer Club, coached by Christopher Slattery, led team to a first place finish in the Washington PSPL League 1. Currently playing in the WPSL Super League.

Coach Smith says: "I was fortunate to see her at an ID Camp in Seattle—an area where I haven't seen a lot of players. She brings a lot of speed combined with a tremendous work rate. Again, a versatile player that will make contributions as both a midfielder and a forward."

Inma Martinez

Hometown/Soccer Club: Madrid, Spain / Missouri Valley College

Noteworthy: Two-time Heart of America Conference First Teamer; also received a 2015 NAIA All-American honorable mention nod. Signed earlier this year.

Coach Smith says: "Inma is already here this semester!"

Defenders

Britanee Harris

Hometown/Soccer Club: Meridianville, AL/ Huntsville Futbol Club

Noteworthy: Played for Coach Henry Mpagi on the Huntsville FC and helped team to a finalist finish in the Alabama State Cup. Led HS team to State Playoffs for the first time in school history and was named HS Offensive Player of the Year after leading the team in points.

Coach Smith says: "I'm looking for big things from her. A fast flank player that I think will play either as an outside defender or winger on the attack. Her speed gives us the chance to spread the field out and attack."

Mercedes Padilla

Hometown/Soccer Club: Norwalk, Calif. / CDA Slammers FC

Noteworthy: Named All-Suburban League for Coach Sal Marroquin, where she helped lead the team to second round finishes in the California Interscholastic Federation State Tournament. As part of the Slammers FC team, she was a part of two Tournament Cup Championships for Coach Walter Camargo.

Coach Smith says: "A true center back that we have needed to help solidify our back line of defense. A vocal leader that we need to keep our defensive line organized."

Alanna Manning

Hometown/Soccer Club: Tottenham, Ontario, Canada/Woodbridge Soccer Club

Noteworthy: Playing for one of the top clubs in the Province of Ontario, helped lead team to an OYSL East Division Championship. Part of championship team in the Umbro Showcase and the PDA Tournament.

Coach Smith says: "She joins the team from a great club, Woodbridge. Another Central defender that I am counting on to come in and be a difference maker on our back line. Her experience in the Ontario club system should really help us."