Northeast begins inaugural women’s soccer season
NORFOLK – Coach Chad Miller sees a worthy challenge when his new women’s soccer team at Northeast Community College takes to the field for their first ever match next week – they’ll be facing the defending national champions.
The Hawks will face the 2015 National Junior College Athletic Association Division I women’s soccer champions, Iowa Central Community College, in an away game on Tuesday, August 23, in Fort Dodge, IA.
Women’s soccer joins Northeast’s athletic lineup of basketball, golf, softball, volleyball and men’s soccer.
“I know the talent in our region is very tough, and we will have to play very good soccer to compete,” said Miller. “Our very first game against the defending national champions will tell us right away what we need to build on and where we are at as a team. Win or lose, I know how hard this group will play, and if we need to push harder, they will be the first to tell you that’s what they will do.”
A mix of local, out-of-state and international players comprise the women’s soccer roster. Thirteen players make up the team – three come from Norfolk and one each comes from Columbus, Newman Grove, Gering, Bellevue, Omaha and York. Two out of state players, one each from Iowa and Kansas, join three international students, one each from Colombia, Uruguay and Ivory Coast.
Miller, who coached Northeast’s men’s soccer team previously, said he is excited about his new roster. “With this being a new program, (the players) didn’t really know what to expect, but they have come out these past two weeks and have worked really hard to get where they are at.”
Team members include: Kaylee Chapman, Shawnee, KS; Marcela Estrada, Newman Grove; Valentina Haboush, Uruguay; Saige Hollum, Norfolk; Erika Kumm, Norfolk; Katie Martindale, Gering; Juliana Medina, Bogota, Colombia; Brandi Menefee, Bellevue; Myrna Niamba, Ivory Coast; Cassie Pickrel, York; Zoe Serres, Norfolk; Baylee Stockwell, Norfolk; Kaitlyn Van Surksum, Omaha; and Madison Wendland, Council Bluffs, IA.
Nathan Broekemeier, Catherine Martinez and Jordan Miller serve as assistant coaches.
The Hawks will play most home games at Veterans Memorial Field in Norfolk. However, their first home game, against Scott Community College, will be played at the Norfolk Air Park Soccer Complex on Saturday, August 27, at 11 a.m.