MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State soccer has signed 12 recruits for the 2022 season, as announced by head coach Brian Bahl.
All signings are contingent upon admission to MSU and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Clearinghouse.
"We believe this class is one of the deepest, most talented groups we've ever brought in to our program here at MSU. From an attacking standpoint, the athleticism, pace and creativity in this group makes them very dynamic and extremely explosive," coach Bahl said.
This year's signing class features 12 student-athletes with seven heading north from Iowa and five others hailing from the ranks of Minnesota. The Mavericks' 12 signees are: Aubrey Bahl, Addison Clarey, Mia Deprenger, Eden Gibson, Allie Hartig, Jade Jackson, Avery Korsching, Courtney Kovacs, Kiera Laney, Kennedy Macke, Anna Van Wyngarden and Maria Zanotti.
"Defensively, the work rate, intensity and physical presence this group brings to the table will provide a significant impact to our pressing capabilities and on our ability to neutralize an opponents threats. Overall, this is a group that is capable of covering alot of ground very quickly which fits perfectly with the style we want to play on both sides of the ball," said coach Bahl.
Coach Bahl also said, "This is also a group that improves our aerial presence and certainly adds depth and versatility to the roster. We already have an incredible returning roster for 2022 and adding these 12 fantastic young ladies to the mix is going to make us even stronger in a variety of ways. They will certainly add an extra punch to an already extremely special returning core. They also provide an incredible foundation for the future of MSU Soccer and allow us to be very confident in our ability to continue to compete at an elite level nationally for years to come."
The incoming freshmen will join a Minnesota State team that finished 18-3-2 (12-1-2 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) this past fall where they made it to the NCAA Regional Semifinal game before falling with a 4-3 loss to top-seed #11 Central Missouri.
The 18 wins tied the mark for the third most matches won in a season in program history. Along the way, the Mavericks won their fifth consecutive NSIC Tournament Championship and made their 10th straight and 15th overall NCAA Tournament appearance. Minnesota State was also ranked in each of the final four United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll releases with its highest ranking coming in at No. 21 on Nov. 2, 2021.
Minnesota State had one of the best offenses in the NSIC in 2021 — the Mavericks led the conference with 57 goals and were second with 48 assists for a total of 162 points, which also led the league. As a team, MSU also led the NSIC in goals per game (2.43), save percentage (.880), goals-against average (.559) and shutout percentage (.667). Additionally, the Mavericks were second in the conference ranks for assists per game (2.10), points per game (6.95) and won-loss-tied percentage (.857).
Aubrey Bahl
Midfielder
5-4 - Freshman
Mankato, Minn. - Mankato West HS
Club Team: Mankato United/TC Fire
A two-year starter and three-year letter winner out of Mankato, Minn., Bahl played her high school soccer with the Mankato West Scarlets while also competing in club soccer with Mankato United and Fire Soccer Clubs. As a center midfielder the past three seasons, Bahl has led the Scarlets to a 34-9-6 record overall record and 23-6-3 mark in Big 9 Conference action. As a sophomore, Bahl helped the Scarlets to a conference championship, as well as a run to the section quarterfinals. In 2020, Bahl and the Scarlets finished as section semi-finalists. This past fall, Bahl scored eight goals, including three game-winning goals, and registered nine assists in 20 matches in helping the Scarlets' run to the Minnesota High School State Tournament. Bahl and the Scarlets finished the year as Section 2AA Champions.
Personal: Aubrey is the daughter of Brian and Jamie Bahl and has a pair of brothers, Colten and Caden. Her father, Brian, is the head coach of the Maver- icks women's soccer program. Aubrey's pastimes include listening to music, writing, doing arts and crafts and making videos. At Mankato West, Aubrey is a member of Link Crew, Key Club and National Honor Society. She was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on August 18, 2004.
Crissy Makela, Mankato West High School Coach, on Bahl: "Aubrey Bahl has had a measurable impact on our program both on and off the field. This season, she was tied for 2nd on the team for goals (8) and led the team in assists (9). Of Aubrey's 8 goals, three of them were game winners. While her impact is measurable on the field by statistics, her off the field contributions will leave a lasting impact on the players who remain in our program. Aubrey always came to practice and games with a positive attitude and she shared that with every player. She made players laugh and enjoy their time together while being one of the hardest working players at practice. Her leadership is an example for the next generation of players."
Cam Omalley, TC Fire Club Coach, on Bahl: "Aubrey is a very hard worker who likes a 1v1 challenge. Playing in the middle of the field she has great vision to find her teammates that are making the runs off the ball."
Addison Clarey
Forward
5-5 - Freshman
Rochester, Minn. - Century HS
Club Team: Southern Minnesota Select
Clarey is a four-year letterwinner hailing from Rochester Century High School where she competed four seasons as an forward and attacking midfielder for the Panthers in the Big 9 Conference. Clarey has also competed in club soccer with Southern Minnesota Select for three years as an attacker. Playing high school soccer as a Panther, Clarey was a member of the soccer program that compiled a 36-17-9 overall record over the last four seasons while mustering a 33-5-6 record in Big 9 action, which led the Panthers to a pair of conference championships. Also a sprinter with speed, in 2020 Clarey broke the Century school record when she ran a 4x100m in 48.65 seconds. In her high school soccer career, Clarey scored 70 goals and logged 26 assists for 166 points over the course of 61 career matches played. Clarey is coming off her final high school season where she scored 24 goals and had 12 assists in 18 matches to claim the Big 9 and section scoring crown after previously accomplishing the feat as a junior and sophomore. She's also coming off a season where she was named the Panthers' team captain, Big 9 All-Conference, First Team All-State and was a Minnesota Class 3A Ms. Soccer finalist.
Personal: Addison is the daughter of Chadd and Laura Clarey and has one sister, Taylor. Addison's father, Chadd, played baseball at the University of Minnesota and currently serves as the varsity girls basketball head coach at Rochester Century High School. In her free time, Addison enjoys hanging out with friends, cooking and baking, working out and playing with her dog, Duke. She plans to study Biology at Minnesota State upon her arrival in the fall of 2022. Addison was born Feb. 19, 2004, in Rochester, Minn.
Karen LaDue, Rochester Century High School Coach, on Clarey: "Addison is an offensive spark; someone who has the ability to finish with a powerful shot or to put the right amount of finesse on her touch. Her feistiness and her physical strength make her difficult to defend. Addison is a true competitor, always working to perfect her game and excel at the highest level."
Mia Deprenger
Forward
5-4 - Freshman
Iowa City, Iowa - City HS
Club Team: Iowa SC
Deprenger hails from Iowa City, Iowa, where she played three full seasons of high school soccer (sophomore year cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic) at City High with the Little Hawks of the Mississippi Valley Conference. Deprenger lettered and started in each of her three seasons with the soccer program and led the team in goal-scoring as a freshman after garnering recognition in the area as the Preseason Player to Watch. She received All-MVC honorable mention as the Little Hawks finished the 2018 campaign with a 9-6 mark overall and 8-3 record in the MVC. As a junior during the spring of 2021, Deprenger scored 43 goals and assisted on 14 others with her club team, Iowa SC, before leading the Little Hawks to a 9-5 overall record and 6-1 mark in league play to finish second in the MVC. She was named First Team All-MVC as well as to the all-prep area team. Deprenger, a three-sport athlete who also competes in track and volleyball, was named to the MVC All-Academic Team last spring.
Personal: Mia is the daughter of Morgan and Leslie Deprenger and has three siblings, Madison, Sydney and Max. Her sister, Sydney, will earn her undergraduate degree at Minnesota State this school year and has been a member of the Mavericks' soccer program since 2018. Her brother, Max, is currently a member of the Maverick track and field team. Mia's hobbies include spending time with family and friends and listening to true crime podcasts. Her most memorable sports thrill was breaking a City High school record to earn a runner-up finish in the 4x400 relay. Mia's proposed major to study at Minnesota State is Psychology/Criminology. Mia is a National Honor Society student and participates in Show Choir and Dance Marathon at City High. She was born May 24, 2004, in Iowa City, Iowa.
Drago Ceranic, CRSA Club Coach, on Deprenger: "Mia is a dynamic player who has a knack to create goal-scoring opportunities for herself and her team in the width. She has a high-level engine, tireless work ethic which makes her a very tough competitor. Even though she's been with us briefly Mia made an immediate impact on and off the field. We're excited to see her excel competing at the collegiate level."
Colin Crichton, Iowa SC Club Coach, on Deprenger: "Mia won't disappoint the Minnesota program. She will leave everything out on the field, at practice as well as all of the games she will play in. She is a team player and is very coachable."
Eden Gibson
Defender
5-10 - Freshman
Ankeny, Iowa - Ankeny HS
Club Team: Sporting Iowa ECNL
A native of Ankeny, Iowa, Gibson attends Ankeny High School. She has two years of high school soccer experience under her belt as a freshman and junior so far, after her sophomore season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In her first two seasons at the high school level, Gibson has a 29-7 record overall with a 7-5 record in conference action for a pair of third-place finishes in the Central Iowa Metro League. Both of Gibson's seasons so far have featured trips to the Iowa State Tournament championship game. In 2019, the Hawkettes finished the season 19-3 and won the state title. As a junior in the spring of 2021, Gibson, a defender, guided the Hawkettes with four goals to a runner-up finish in the Iowa State Soccer Tournament. She served as the Hawkettes' team captain that season and led her squad to a 10-4 finish while starting in all 14 matches. As a result, Gibson was named First Team All-State, all-district and all-conference for her efforts. A dual-sport athlete, Gibson is also a member of the track team at Ankeny High School.
Personal: Eden is the daughter of Dennis and Melissa Gibson and has three siblings, Vance, Hayes and Jenner. Her father, Dennis, played nine years in the National Football League, starting 120 of 121 career games for the Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers. Her brother, Hayes, is a redshirt freshman quarterback for the Iowa State Cyclones. Eden's hobbies include reading and hanging out with her friends. Her biggest sport thrill was winning state in 2019. Eden is a member of Our Lady's Immaculate Heart youth group and earned Central Iowa Metropolitan League All-Academic recognition as well as an academic excellence award. She was born Feb. 24, 2004.
Simon Brown, Ankeny High School Coach, on Gibson: "Eden has been a varsity player for us at Ankeny since her freshman year, and team captain as a junior. Eden leads through her physicality, relentless effort on the field. I'm very excited to follow Eden's career at the next level, and have no doubt she will make an immediate impact with the program, teammates and coaches"
Allie Hartig
Midfield
5-5 - Freshman
Champlin, Minn. - Champlin Park HS
Club Team: Tonka Fusion Elite
Hartig signed on with the Mavericks this fall as a midfielder hailing from Champlin, Minn., where she played four seasons of high school soccer with the Champlin Park Rebels. As a freshman in 2018, Hartig led the Rebels to their first winning season in several years when they finished the season at the section final to cap the season with a 13-4-1 record. She started in 14 matches and saw action in each while scoring twice and assisting on two others. In 2019, Hartig and the Rebels earned a trip to the state tournament as section champions and logged a fourth-place finish while there to conclude the campaign with the best record in Champlin Park High School soccer history at 18-2-1, the Rebels also finished the regular season with an undefeated 12-0-1 record that season. Hartig played and started in each of the Rebels' 21 matches along the way while scoring a pair of goals and two assists. In 2020 during a COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season, the Rebels claimed another section championship and finished the season 12-1-1. Hartig started in each match again while scoring five goals and helping with five assists. This past season as a senior, Hartig was named team captain and started in all 18 matches for the Rebels prior to their 10-5-3 finish that saw them make a run to the section semifinals. She scored seven goals and had seven assists along the way. For her efforts, Hartig was named all-state for the first time in her career and all-conference for the second time. In four seasons at the high school level, Hartig garnered honors as the Rebels' player of the game nine times and was named MaxPreps Player of the Game three times as well.
Personal: Allie is the daughter of Steve and Kari Hartig and has one brother, Jack. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends as well as her dog. Her favorite memory so far from playing soccer was getting to play at U.S. Bank Stadium as a sophomore during the 2019 Minnesota State High School Soccer Tournament. An honor role student at Champlin Park High School, Allison was born Nov. 14, 2003, in Robinsdale, Minn.
Keith Pavelka, Champlin Park High School Coach, on Hartig: "Allie is an outstanding all around soccer player who has the ability to make a difference at the college level. She has a combination of technical skill, strength, desire, and game awareness that make her a complete player. She excelled in high school as a holding mid but also has the ability to get forward in the attack and score goals. I'm excited for her to get a chance to play at the next level.
Jade Jackson
Forward/Midfielder
5-2 - Freshman
Davenport, Iowa - Davenport Assumption HS
Club Team: Sporting Iowa East
Jackson is a forward and attacking midfielder who signed on with the Mavericks' soccer program out of Davenport, Iowa, where she competes at the high school level with Davenport Assumption High School. In two seasons, with a third axed by the COVID-19 pandemic (spring of 2020), Jackson has played and started in all 45 matches so far for the Knights. As a freshman in 2019, Jackson and the Knights finished the season with an 18-1 record which featured an undefeated 9-0 showing in the Mississippi Athletic Conference for a first-place finish. After claiming a MAC championship, the Knights went on to the state tournament where they claimed the 2019 state title. Postseason honors for Jackson included being named Second Team All-MAC, as well as the first teams for all-district and all-state. Jackson was named Davenport Assumption's Most Valuable Player and was named to the all-tournament team in 2019. Jackson and her Knights' teammates didn't miss a beat and repeated as state champions last spring following an off year in 2020 due to the pandemic. The Knights finished the year with a 19-5 mark while Jackson had 31 goals and 15 assists along the way. As a result, Jackson was again named the team MVP and made the jump up to First Team All-MAC while also garnering first team honors on the all-district, all-state and all-tournament teams. In addition, the Knights' team captain was named Quad Cities Iowa Area Girls Soccer Player of the Year.
Personal: Jade is the daughter of Mike and Jennifer Jackson and has two siblings, Angelo and Gianna. Both of Jade's parents competed at the collegiate level with her father, Mike, playing football at Kent State and mother, Jennifer, competing in volleyball at Bluffton University. Jade's pastimes include cooking, spending time with family and friends, reading and traveling. She is a member of National Honor Society as well as being the president of the student council at Davenport Assumption High School. Jade is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is active in pep club and Spanish club as well as being a student ambassador and junior rotarian. She was born on Dec. 15, 2003, in Linna, Ohio.
Paul Dayrell, Sporting Iowa East Club Coach, on Jackson: "Jade is a ferocious competitor on the field but an amazing spirit and character off of it. Her drive and determination combined with her strength on the ball and ability to dribble and take on players makes her an asset to any team. She checks all the boxes in terms of her physical presence on the field, her technical ability with both feet, her understanding and reading of the game and her leadership and personality with her teammates. Jade is a fantastic player but an even better person. As her coach I couldn't ask for a more complete player and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors!"
Elizabeth Maus, Assumption High School Coach, on Jackson: "Jade is the type of player every coach would like 10 of. She's not only a phenomenal athlete, but leads by example, and is superior in the classroom. Jade's work ethic, willingness to accept feedback, composure, and leadership have helped pave the way and set standards for Future Lady Knights. I have no doubt, Jade will be successful in every aspect of her journey."
Avery Korsching
Forward/Midfielder
5-5 - Freshman
Grimes, Iowa - Dallas Center-Grimes HS
Club Team: Sporting Iowa ECNL
A native of Grimes, Iowa, Korsching has competed in a pair of seasons with Dallas Center-Grimes (DCG) High School in the springs of 2019 and 2021 with the 2020 season canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Korsching is a forward-midfielder hybrid who, as a member of the Mustangs' soccer program at DCG, owns a career record of 29-9 overall with a 12-1 record in the Little Hawkeye Conference which saw them place first in 2019 and second in 2021. Both seasons so far for Korsching have featured trips to the state tournament, including being a state semifinalist in 2019 before finishing as a runner-up in 2021. Korsching has led the Mustangs in goals both years while also leading the team in assists as a freshman. Individual accolades for Korsching include twice being named to the all-conference first team, all-district first team and the all-state first team. Last spring, Korsching also garnered honors while being named to the all-coaches' first team, all-academic first team and the all-tournament team as a junior.
Personal: Avery is the daughter of Aaron and Tesha Korsching and has one brother, Colin. Avery's hobbies include drawing, baking and fishing. Her proposed major of study at Minnesota State is Exercise Science, she aspires to be a physical therapist. She is member of National Honor Society, the honor roll at DCG High School and Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. In addition, Avery is a member of Best Buddies and Community Club in Iowa. She was born June 30, 2004, in Topeka, Kan.
Whitney Lewis, Sporting Iowa ECNL Club Coach, on Korsching:
"Avery Korsching uses her tenacity, 1v1 superiority, and resiliency to be an impact player on every team she is a part of. She commits herself to diligently asking questions about the game and her role in order to grow, deepen her understanding and become even more of a leader by example. More importantly than her influence as a player, is Avery's strong, moral character that is reflected in her kind and goofy heart and unwavering loyalty as a friend. The Maverick Family is adding a great player and amazing family member to their squad."
Courtney Kovacs
Defender/Midfielder
5-6 - Freshman
Ankeny, Iowa - Ankeny Centennial HS
Club Team: Sporting Iowa ECNL
Kovacs is another native of Ankeny, Iowa, set to join the Mavericks in the fall of 2022. A defender and midfielder, Kovacs currently plays soccer at Ankeny Centennial High School where, over the course of two seasons in her high school career, she has helped the Jaguars to a 34-7 record overall which includes a 9-1 mark in the Central Iowa Metropolitan League. Kovacs has been a member of the Jaguars for their last two CIML regular-season championships in 2019 and 2021 while the 2020 season in between was canceled due to the pandemic. As a freshman in 2019, Kovacs played in 14 games while making six starts. She earned a varsity letter and earned the most improved player award while also being a member of the Jaguars' soccer team which finished the season as a state semifinalist. As a junior in 2021, Kovacs started in all 21 matches for the Jaguars and provided a goal and a pair of assists. Again, Ankeny Centennial concluded the season as a state semifinalist while Kovacs earned a second varsity letter and cracked the all-tournament team while garnering First Team All-State honors.
Personal: Courtney is the daughter of Rob and Cindy Kovacs and has two brothers, Matthew and Evan. Courtney's pastimes include going to the lake, doing outdoor activities, spending time with friends and family as well as traveling. Her biggest sports thrill so far is being named to the Iowa 3A All-Tournament Soccer Team as well as the All-State First Team, last spring. Courtney's proposed major for study at Minnesota State in Business Administration, she aspires to have a career in healthcare administration. In three years of high school so far, Courtney has lettered academically three times. She was born Aug. 12, 2004, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Daryl Brazeau, Sporting Iowa ECNL Club Coach, on Kovacs: "Maverick fans, you are going to love Courtney. She plays with unbelievable passion and grit. She is like a hockey player dressed as a soccer player, she has great burst with the ball, she has the technical ability to weave in and out, and the toughness, attitude, bite to put in a hard tackle when needed.
She reminds me a lot of one of our former players and current Mav, Kelly Friedrich. Maverick Nation you are getting a good one in Courtney. Congrats Courntey & GO MAVS!!!"
Allen, Centennial High School Club Coach, on Kovacs: "Courtney Kovacs has proven to be a hardworking student-athlete who is both humble and versatile. Despite the numerous accolades she has accumulated in soccer, she continues to be a player who is willing to sacrifice for the team. As a center back, Kovacs plays with power and fearlessness, yet is versatile enough to support possession and build-up play. As a midfielder, she has the ability to transition quickly and suffocate counter attacks while utilizing a powerful shot on the offensive side. And as a fullback, she has the work ethic to move up and down the line, recovering and attacking as needed. Furthermore, Kovacs is continually developing her leadership skills, only adding to the positives that she might contribute to her teams."
Kiera Laney
Midfielder
5-6 - Freshman
Maple Grove, Minn. - Totino Grace HS
Club Team: Tonka Fusion Elite
Laney is a midfielder out of Totino Grace High School and is from Maple Grove, Minn. In four seasons, Laney was a member of the Eagles' soccer team which compiled a 32-22-7 record and a trio of sixth-place finishes in the Northwest Suburban Conference as well as an eight-place conclusion her first season in 2018. Accolades Laney has achieved during her time at Totino Grace include being named all-conference honorable mention in 2019 and all-conference as well as all-state this past fall as a senior. She was named the team captain of the Eagles' and led her high school squad to a second-place finish in the section tournament. Laney is a talented three-sport athlete with four seasons of high school hockey (first two at Totino Grace HS before shifting to Osseo HS for the final two) and lacrosse also under her belt, respectively. Laney garners all-conference honors for hockey and soccer and serves as the captain for each team
Personal: Kiera is the daughter of Michael and Michele Laney and has one sister, Shealyn. Her hobbies include playing hockey and lacrosse, hanging out with friends and family as well as participating on a math team. She also likes to travel, take pictures and listen to music in her free time. Her favorite sports memory comes from her senior soccer season this past fall when the Totino Grace Eagles advanced to the section finals after winning in the 11th round of a shootout. Kiera is a four-year honor roll and Spotlight on Scholarship student and has received academic recognition three times by having an over-3.8 grade-point average. She is a member of National Honor Society, is a Kathleen Murphy Scholar, a member of DECA as well as the Environmental Club at Totino Grace High School. Her proposed major for study at Minnesota State is Business, her future plans include attending graduate school. She was born Nov. 7, 2003, in Edina, Minn.
Matt Thibodeau, Totino Grace High School Coach, on Laney: "Kiera is full up to her ears with talent! Her ability to control the middle of the field is outstanding, creative movement plus technical ability that will dazzle you with her dribble and slice open other teams with her passing is superb. On top of that, she has a rocket of a shot. She is a super player all over the field and it doesn't seem like there's anything she can't do. Kiera is a special player!"
Kennedy Macke
Midfielder
5-7 - Freshman
Ankeny, Iowa - Ankeny HS
Club Team: Sporting Iowa ECNL
Macke comes to the Mavericks as a midfielder from Ankeny, Iowa, where she played soccer at Ankeny High School. In three seasons at the high school level with the second canceled due to the pandemic, Macke has competed with the Hawks to a 33-8 overall record. As a freshman in the spring of 2019, Macke cracked her first varsity roster when she joined the Ankeny Hawks who went on to eventually crown themselves as the Iowa Class 3A State Champions. In her most recent high school campaign last spring, Macke scored five goals and assisted on 10 others while starting in every match for the Hawks. Ankeny went on to make another valiant run to the state tournament, where they finished as a runner-up in the Iowa Class 4A State Tournament. Macke earned a spot on the all-tournament team as well as the All-State Second Team. The Ankeny Hawkettes' team captain was later named head coach Simon Brown's Player of the Year and was voted unanimously by officials to the All-Conference First Team.
Personal: Kennedy is the daughter of Brent and Angie Macke and has two younger sisters, Alli and Olivia. Kennedy's father, Brent, played baseball and football at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Kennedy's hobbies include hanging out with friends, watching the kids she nannies as well as shopping and listening to music. Her favorite sports thrill so far was winning a state soccer title back in 2019. Kennedy is a three-time Academic Excellence award winner (3.67 GPA or higher), earned the DMACC Dean's Award for High Scholastic Achievement and is a Silver Cord recipient, which honors high school students who complete at least 100 hours in community service during their high school career. She is a social media manager for her student council at Ankeny High School and is also a member of the Ankeny Activities Council and the Key Club. Aside from that, Kennedy spends time participating in a number of other various volunteer opportunities. She was born Feb. 15, 2004, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Daryl Brazeau, Sporting Iowa ECNL Club Coach, on Macke: "I am excited for Kennedy to continue her career at Minnesota State Mankato. Kennedy comes across as quiet but don't let that fool you as she is an assassin. In addition to her long range striking ability she also possesses the ability to dime up some quality passes to her teammates. Off the field Kennedy is a fantastic teammate, she is very outgoing, always looking to incorporate others and always has a smile on her face. Mankato you are getting a great soccer player and an even better person. Good luck Kennedy and GO MAVERICKS!!!!"
Anna Van Wyngarden
Midfielder/Forward
5-6 - Freshman
West Des Moines, Iowa - WDM Valley HS
Club Team: Sporting Iowa ECNL
A native of West Des Moines, Iowa, and a member of the West Des Moines Valley High School girl's soccer program, Van Wyngarden will join the Mavericks roster in the fall of 2022 as a midfielder and forward who also plays her club soccer under the tutelage of Daryl Brazeau at Sporting Iowa ECNL. At the high school level, Van Wyngarden has seen action in two seasons during the spring of 2019 and 2021 after the 2020 campaign was canceled due to the pandemic outbreak. In those two runs, the Tigers of WDM Valley High School mustered an overall record of 36-5. As a freshman in 2019, Van Wyngarden scored eight goals and also had an assist for 17 points to lead the Tigers to the Iowa Class 3A State Tournament, where their season concluded in the quarterfinal round. Van Wyngarden's most-notable highlight from that season came in the form of an overtime game-winning goal vs. Dowling Catholic on May 3, 2019. Last season, Van Wyngarden ranked fourth in the state of Iowa for Class 3A girl's soccer while leading the Tigers with 30 goals and shot percentage of 40 percent. She added six assists for a total of 66 points and guided the Tigers to a 21-1 overall record. The Tigers closed out the season as the Iowa Class 3A State Champions after grabbing a Central Iowa Metropolitan League West Conference title along the way. Under the guidance of Tigers' head coach, Rob Chapman, it marked Valley's 14th conference championship and seventh state title in program history. Individual accolades for Van Wyngarden included being named First Team IGCA All-State, First Team IAHSSCA All-State, First Team All-District for Class 3A West and she was voted by her teammates as the Tigers' best offensive player in 2021.
Personal: Anna is the daughter of Kent and Diane Van Wyngarden and has one sister, Abbey, who played soccer at Iowa State. Anna's favorite pastimes are traveling, reading and weightlifting. Her favorite memory from playing soccer so far in her career is a toss-up between scoring the overtime goal vs. Dowling Catholic, registering a hat trick in Valley's 3-1 victory at the section final, which earned her team a state bid, or eventually just winning state in itself. Anna is a four-time academic award letter winner and has twice been named to the DMACC President's List (2020 & 2021). She was born April 26, 2004, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Whitney Sharpe, Sporting Iowa ECNL Director of Coaching, on Van Wyngarden: "Anna Van Wyngarden is an outstanding person of character and dedication. On and off the field, Anna exudes passion, commitment, and an often unmatched work ethic by her peers. Commitment to excellence and growth to be the best she can be has allowed Anna to consistently perform and impact the game at the highest level. She is relentless in her pursuit to give everything she has every training session and game, and pours her heart into her team to be an unwavering leader by example. She is the definition of what it takes."
Daryl Brazeau, Sporting Iowa ECNL Club Coach, on Van Wyngarden: "I think Brian & Ben have built an amazing program. A program built on hard work & passion. That is exactly what the program is getting in Anna. Anna brings athleticism, bite, & a non stop motor. Anna can play anywhere on the field. If you need to get a hold of the ball, plug her in the middle, if you need someone to get service in the box, slide her out wide, and if you need someone to finish, put her up top. I think Anna is going to have a great career at Mankato. All the best Anna and GO MAVERICKS!!!!"
Maria Zanotti
Forward
5-7 - Freshman
Moorhead, Minn. - Moorhead HS
Club Team: Salvo SC GA
A native of Moorhead, Minn., who played high school soccer at Moorhead High School with the Spuds, Zanotti will join the Mavericks as forward in the fall of 2022. Over the course of four seasons with the Spuds, Zanotti was a part of the team which owned a combined overall record of 43-20. As a freshman back in 2018, Zanotti scored 16 goals and also had 16 assists for a total of 48 points as a freshman. As a sophomore, Zanotti added 41 points to her career stat line with 15 goals and 11 more assists. The Spuds and Zanotti had a breakout season in 2020 when they crowned themselves as the Central Lakes Conference Champions behind a perfect 10-0 record in the regular season. Individual accolades for the Spuds' team captain following her junior season consisted of her being named all-conference and an Academic All-American. With 20 goals and 18 assists for a career-high 58 points, Zanotti finished her third campaign amidst Minnesota's top 10 charts for goals and assists. As a senior, Zanotti scored 10 more goals and had three assists to round her high school career total with the Spuds to 61-48--170. She was named the Moorhead's Most Valuable Player as a senior, last fall.
Personal: Maria is the daughter of Frank and Amy and has one sister, Lauren. Maria's hobbies include traveling and playing with her dog, Vinny. Maria's biggest sports thrill so far was getting to meet American soccer player Carli Lloyd, who signed a hat for her. Her proposed major for study at Minnesota State is Elementary Education, she aspires to one day become an elementary teacher. She was born April 26, 2004, in Fargo, N.D.
Marco Campoverde, Moorhead High School Coach, on Zanotti: "Maria Zanotti is a model student-athlete and will achieve wonderful things at Minnesota State University. She is a tremendously talented and intelligent soccer player whose qualities on the field are only surpassed by her qualities as a person off of it."
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