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Callie Christensen--Appeared in 22 of the Lady Defenders 23 games last season as a freshman.
Coach E says: As a central midfielder Callie often initiates the attack. Tenacious defending and work rate on her part often dismantle opponents' attack before it becomes dangerous.
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Suzanne Clark--Earned honorable mention All-American honors last season. Scored one goal and assisted on six last year while also being named to the all-GPAC and all-NAIA Region IV teams. Does many things well for the Lady Defenders that can't be measured in goals and assists.
Coach E says: As the sweeper Suzanne's skill and experience solidify our defense. Her sense of timing and her skill and vision with and without the ball makes it appear as if we play with an extra defender.
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Vanessa Patino--scored a goal in six games played last season.
Coach E says: Vanessa is a utility player on both the front and back lines. She has the ability to pressure tenaciously forcing opponents into turning the ball over.
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Alanna Dake--Scored a goal and had an assist as a freshman while appearing in 11 games.
Coach E says: Playing in the front line we look to use Alanna's accuracy in shooting from both disantce as well as at close range. Her ball distribution skills add another dimension to a high pressure attack.
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Nicki De Blaey--Has totaled 31 goals and nine assists while earning all-GPAC honorable mention twice. Scored 12 goals and had two assists as a junior.
Coach E says: As the lone senior we look to Nicki to lead the attack. Four years experience of attacking opponents' goals has given her valuable insight into finding opponent's seams and this year she will be preparing others to step into her role.
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Anna Hubers--Scored a goal and had three assists last season while seeing action in 19 games.
Coach E says: Anna's speed and tenacity will make her a threat this year. She is able to capitalize on opponents' mistakes as well as pressuring them into making errors that have resulted in timely goals. Her ability to quick counter makes her particularly dangerous.
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Heather Kooistra--Scored a goal last season while adjusting to the college game.
Coach E says: As a midfielder Heather brings tough and control to the field. Her ball distribution skills and calmness under pressure frustrate opponents. We expect her combination play to give us another avenue of attack this year.
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Anne Oppeneer--An aggressive forward. Oppeneer scored four goals and had two assists in her first collegiate season.
Coach E says: Sharing duties on the front line Anne has a strong legas well as being effective in the air. As a sophomore she has seen the opponents for a year and knows what her responsibilities are and how to execute.
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Heather Otten--Found the net five times as a sophomore in 2004. Scored two goals and had two assists in her freshman year while earning all-GPAC honorable mention.
Coach E says: Playing as a central midfielder Heather's skills in ball winning, ball distribution, pressure and vision on the field will continue to allow us to control the midfield. She is a transition player with the ability to fill gaps as necessary.
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Karissa Phelps--Played in 22 games as a sophomore while helping the Lady Defenders limit opponents to an average of one goal per game. Scored two goals as a freshman.
Coach E says: Splitting duties between outside back and stopper, Karissa is a tenacious competitor. She works for every ball and her skill is such that she can distribute and control play regardless of the pressure from opponents.
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Abbie Soodsma--Continued her strong play as a sophomore when she scored seven goals and had six assists. Played in 22 games.
Coach E says: Abbie's greatest talent is speed. For the past two seasons she has forced opponents to concentrate on defense on her side of the field. We expect her to continue to give them difficulties as well as creating diversions for the opposite side of the field.
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Jenny Van Laan--Had a goal and an assist as a freshman in helping the Lady Defenders to a 16-6-1 record.
Coach E says: Jenny plays as an outside mid who jumps on the attack quickly. Her ability to cross a ball as well as playing physical defense make her an asset to our midfield.
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Leah Wolthuizen--Was starting goalkeeper for Unity Christian (Iowa) last season.
Coach E says: Although Leah has had limited training as a keeper, her willingness to learn and her ability to stop point blank shots make her important to this team.
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Mallory Foster--Played three years of varsity soccer at Ontario Christian (California). Earned second team all-conference honors as a senior and was her team's captain.
Coach E says: Although she is a first year player, Mallory's past experiences earned her the right to play as a stopper this year. She commands the field and recognizes developing play. Her strength and aggressive play will help stabilize the back line.
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Sarah Sikkema--Helped lead Chatham Christian (Ontario) to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association quarterfinals. Was her team's leading scorer and was voted co-mvp.
Coach E says: The greatest athletic asset Sarah brings to this team is speed with the ball. She is capable of running away from opponents as well as running through to receive a ball. We expect that she will create problems for defenders with her front line attack.
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Lisa Enger--Earned all-conference honors and was captain of her club team during her sophomore and junior seasons in high school.
Coach E says: Lisa's playing experience in Minnesota and Colorado have tempered her for the college game. Although the speed and quickness of the game is much different than high school, we look for Lisa to adjust and adapt.
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Amy Bruinsma--Has extensive club experience. Is recovering from a knee injury that forced her to miss part of her senior high school season.
Coach E says: Because of her skills and experience we expect her to fit into the system and contribute on the front line as the season unfolds.
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Amanda Locke--Played four years of varsity soccer for Sheboygan County Christian
(Wisconsin). Earned all-conference honorable mention for two of those years and was her team's captain as a senior.
Coach E says: As a defender Amanda brings size with her to the position. We expect that she will learn to play our defensive system and expect her to be able to contribute by the middle of the season.
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Lisa Groen--Joins the Dordt College soccer team after playing for a year on the Lady Defender volleyball team.
Coach E says: Playing in both the midfield and back, Lisa's size is an asset to us. She is a strong athlete who wins the ball and controls opponents. Although this is her first year with us, Lisa will play a significant part in this team's success.
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Jill Leep--Joins the Lady Defender soccer team after playing volleyball for the past two falls. Was an all-region player at her high school in Michigan where she helped her team win a high school state title.
Coach E says: As an outside back Jill's speed is definitely an asset. Her ability and quick decision making skills allow her to get a jump on opponents causing them to commit errors because of her speed.
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Whitney Elgersma--Played midfield at Unity Christian (Iowa)
Coach E says: While Whitney has always played a midfield position, her size and step can help us on the back line as well. She has a strong leg and we look to use her in both capacities by mid season.
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