Friday, May 3, 2024

Kansas City is the World Capitol for Soccer and is stacked with phenomenal soccer talent. Here at High School Soccer KC, we are committed to highlighting top female high school soccer talent on both sides of the state line.

In this series, we are featuring Top Committed #KCSoccerTalent and sharing their soccer journeys as well as looking forward to their next chapters playing collegiate soccer. Our desire in this series is to applaud these hard working players, share prime examples of how talented players are in Kansas City, as well as give advice and encouragement for younger players wanting to play soccer at the next level.

Keira Love, #15, plays attacking center mid
for Lee's Summit High School

Q&A with #KCSoccerTalent Committed Player:
Keira Love

Grad Year: 2024
Position: 10 - Attacking Center Midfielder
Secondary Position: Forward
High School: Lee's Summit (Kansas City, MO)
Club Team: Kansas Rush GA 06/05
College Commitment: Drury University
Division: NCAA Division 2
Conference: Great Lakes Valley Conference
City, State: Springfield, Missouri
X - @keiralove2024

Keira Love, a Top 20 #KCSoccerTalent player from the class of 2024, is a player that should be on your must watch list. In the ever expanding pool of talented soccer players, Love has risen to the forefront with her fantastic skill and unwavering dedication to the game. As an attacking center midfielder, Love epitomizes versatility on the field, seamlessly transitioning between defensive support and sparking electrifying attacks. Her creativity knows no bounds, weaving through opposing defenses with finesse and vision that leave spectators in awe. But perhaps what sets Love apart is her persistence, a relentless drive to push boundaries and elevate her game with each match. Beyond the pitch, Love is committed not only to soccer but also to her academic pursuits, exemplified by her decision to continue her education at Drury University. With her talent, determination, and passion for the game, Keira Love will make a great asset for Drury and represent the best of Kansas City Soccer.

Keira Love, #15, has played for Lee's Summit 
for the past four high school seasons

Q&A with Keira Love

HSSoccerKC (HS):  What's your favorite thing about playing with your high school teammates?

Keira Love (KL): My favorite part is that I’ve grown up with lots of these girls, and have also played club with some of them for a while. We’ve become a family and I love playing with them, having fun, and making countless memories.

HS:  Why did you choose to play soccer for your high school?

KL: I chose to play because I wanted it to be a part of my high school experience. I had heard good things about the school’s program and was excited to represent my school and play with new teammates.

HS: What do you plan to study in college?

KL: I’m planning to receive a Master’s in Architecture

HS: Why did you choose to play collegiate soccer & continue your academics at the university you are committed to?

KL: I have always dreamed of playing at the collegiate level since I was little. I wanted to play at the top schools in the country and knew there would be a school out there that would be interested in me. Finding a school based on my education was my priority and I was very blessed to find Drury. I loved the coaches and the team and I knew that they would push me to become a better player. I’m very excited to continue my journey in a new area and grow as a person and a player.

HS: What are you most looking forward to about playing college soccer?

KL: I look forward to the new experience and playing at a higher level with new teammates and coaches. I’m excited to see my game develop in new ways and make other players around me better. I know the coaches will push me to the best of my ability and I can’t wait to test my limits.

HS: What advice would you give to a younger player in KC wanting to play college soccer?

KL: I would say never doubt yourself or your ability as a person or a player. Don’t compare yourself to other people because we all have different paths in life. God has a plan for everyone and it may not go the way you want it, but in the end, he will put you in the right place at the right time. Push yourself, and your limits, never give up, and dream big! And don’t forget that when choosing a school, education should be a priority.

HS: What makes KC such a great place for some of the best soccer talent in the United States?

KL: The development of soccer organizations and the competition in the area has grown tremendously. The coaches and trainers who have put in their own time and commitment have really improved the level of talent over the years. KC is finally getting the recognition it deserves, helping younger players develop into great athletes.

Keira Love, Class of 2024, signing her
National Letter of Intent to play
collegiate soccer at Drury University.

What Others are Saying

When asked to describe Keira Love, her club and high school teammates say she is a leader, humble, and passionate.

Love's past and present soccer coaches and trainers join in the positive attributes of the impressive midfielder:

"Keira is a competitor," says Lee's Summit High School Varsity Soccer Head Coach Dave Wiebenga. " When asked what about Love will make her a success for her college soccer team Coach Wiebenga shared, "Keira has a really high work ethic in training and on the match field.  She is open to new ideas and instruction." This being her fourth year at Lee's Summit High School, Coach Wiebenga has seen Love grow from her freshman year to now. "She has matured greatly in the last 4 years.  Her decision making and game insight has made her a much more complete player.  She is able to find the final pass to a teammate or exploit the correct space behind the defense."

Keira Love, Class of 2024, will join Drury University's
Women's soccer team Fall 2024.

"Keira is dominate as an attacking player," shares Love's former Kansas Rush GA club coach and now Graceland University Head Soccer Coach Randall Porter. When asked to expand on what qualities Love brings to her team, position she plays and the culture of her team, Coach Randall said, "Kiera brings quickness, speed and technical ability to her position. She is a great teammate that is very positive and a great work ethic both in practice and in games. With our GA team we were the first team in our club to qualify for the prestigious Girls Academy League playoffs in New Jersey and Kiera led our team in goals and assists during that season." We asked Coach Randall to share what about Love makes her an impact player. He said, "Kiera brings many qualities that impact the team both on and off the field. Off the field she is well respected and liked by all her teammates, has a great work ethic and is very committed. On the field she is a very dangerous attacking minded player. She is extremely quick and fast with and without the ball, is great in 1v1 attacking opportunities and has developed into a good goal scorer as well. Her pace and movement off the ball and understanding of what runs to make puts her in dangerous areas to maximize her strengths."

Keira Love when she announced her verbal
commitment to play collegiate soccer at
Drury University.

"Keira is a privilege to coach," states Kansas Rush Girls Academy club coach Daouda Kante. Coach Daouda has been Keira's coach for the past two years and was asked what about Love will help her succeed on the collegiate level and he shared, "She is not only a great soccer player, but she is also a great human being. She is truly committed to the sport and to her teammates. She has a real love of the game and you can see that when she plays. Keira has an amazing work ethic and the tenacity required to play at the highest level.  All of these attributes will make her a success in her collegiate career."

"Keira is an extremely dynamic player," says Lee's Summit High School Assistant Coach Paul Hawkins. When asked to expand upon Love as a player and teammate Coach Hawkins shared his thoughts on what makes Love so special. "Keira is an amazing teammate. She is almost always positive. She is one of the most talented players but also the hardest working."  Coach Hawkins has seen the growth of love having coached her the last four years. "Her change of pace is elite. She also has an amazing motor. She plays the entire match most of the time. "

 April 22, 2024

Kansas City is the World Capitol for Soccer and is stacked with phenomenal soccer talent. Here at High School Soccer KC, we are committed to highlighting top female high school soccer talent on both sides of the state line.

In this series, we are featuring Top Committed #KCSoccerTalent and sharing their soccer journeys as well as looking forward to their next chapters playing collegiate soccer. Our desire in this series is to applaud these hard working players, share prime examples of how talented players are in Kansas City, as well as give advice and encouragement for younger players wanting to play soccer at the next level.

Lauren Wood (#8 in navy) Liberty North,
dribbles the ball, while playing against
intercity rival Liberty

Q&A with #KCSoccerTalent Committed Player:

Lauren Wood

Grad Year: 2024
Liberty North Position: 9 - Center Forward
Club: Center back & Midfield
High School: Liberty North (Liberty, MO)
High School #: 8
Club Team: KC Athletics ECNL 05/06
College Commitment: Kansas University
Division: NCAA Division 1
Conference: Big 12
City, State: Lawrence, Kansas
X - @Lauren22Wood

Lauren Wood, a Top 20 #KCSoccerTalent player from the class of 2024, is a clear game changer. An early 2024 commitment, Wood was a top recruit of her class with her creativity, speed of play, and being a visualizer on the pitch. Wood is a clear standout not only for her high school team, the 2023 Missouri Class 4 Girls Soccer State Champions, but also for her club team. Wood was born to play anywhere in the center of the field from defender and midfielder for her club team to up top as the center forward for her nationally ranked high school team. In addition to her tenacity and athleticism, Wood's soccer IQ is high level. This can be accredited to her coachability, and passion for the game. Wood's ability to be creative in tight spaces is superior and makes her a major problem for opposing defenses. Wood was a pivotal player in Liberty North's unbeaten state championship season in 2023. Her ability to make connections, use her athleticism, and intelligence to make connections with her teammates that were also weapons - Megan Hinnenkamp (Florida Soccer Player & SEC Freshman of the Year) & Ekaterina Theoharidis (Northwest Missouri State Soccer Player) - was the glue to the team's success.  With Wood not going too far from home committing to Big 12 Kansas Women's Soccer, we will still be able to catch her on the pitch and representing great Kansas City soccer.

Lauren Wood (center) holds the 2023
Missouri State Class 4 Girls Soccer
Championship Trophy with her teammates

Q&A with Lauren Wood

HSSoccerKC (HS):  What's your favorite thing about playing with your high school teammates?

Lauren Wood (LW): My favorite thing about high school soccer is I get to have fun with it and play with my teammates. I have fun just being around them and having good competition.

HS:  Why did you choose to play soccer for your high school?

LW: My freshman year I had friends on the team, and I also wanted to experience soccer in a different way other than club soccer. I also wanted to be a part of something for Liberty North High School.

HS: What do you plan to study in college?

LW: Business

HS: Why did you choose to play collegiate soccer & continue your academics at the university you are committed to?

LW: I didn't want to stop playing soccer so I worked hard so I got that opportunity. I also wanted to keep growing and I knew that playing soccer would do that. I know it's going to be hard, but I want the challenge.

HS: What are you most looking forward to about playing college soccer?

LW: I'm looking forward to traveling a lot! I am also just excited that I will be surrounded by amazing soccer players everyday.

HS: What advice would you give to a younger player in KC wanting to play college soccer?

LW: Advice I have for younger players is to never give up. You have to keep working towards your goals 24/7. If you want it, work harder than you think you can.

HS: What makes KC such a great place for some of the best soccer talent in the United States?

LW: I think we just have amazing soccer players in KC. I also think we have coaches that push us to do better. We also just have amazing opportunities here to go play against other amazing teams.

Lauren Wood, Liberty North 2024, signed
her National Letter of Intent to play
Collegiate Soccer at University of Kansas

What Others are Saying

When asked to describe Lauren Wood, her club and high school teammates say she is passionate, hard working, and she is a leader.

Wood's soccer coaches and trainers share the positive attributes of the impressive player: 

"Lauren enjoys the individual battles and challenges," shares Liberty North High School former head coach Steve Person, "and she has the bravado and edge similar to the dynamic players we just saw in the women's NCAA basketball tournament." When asked by the 2023 Missouri Class 4 Girls Soccer Champion coach what makes Wood an impact player he shared, "Lauren is a unique combination of pace and technical ability; creativity and competitiveness." Coach Person continues, "that individual talent and drive is very hard to deal with as an opponent." Wood's passion for the game is contagious and uplifts her entire team. "Will and 'want to' is very difficult to coach into someone. She is as competitive as they come and her teammates feed on that."

Coach Person reflects on Wood's role in her freshman through junior years at Liberty North, "in previous years, Lauren played the role of provider." Because in years past Liberty North had plenty of goal scorers, Coach Person relied on Wood to distribute. "Her natural inclination is to move freely in the midfield, connect the back half of the field with the front half of the team and provide the attack creativity, vision, and support." Even with a team full of goal hungry players, Wood still found the back of the net. "She was always capable of scoring goals, usually finished third in top goal scoring on the team." Coach Person remarks that without Wood the goals would not be there, "the team I coached were goal scorers, but they couldn't do their job without her supplying them the ball in difficult spots to defend." 

After Coach Person retired from coaching the undefeated Liberty North team in the Summer of 2023, Coach Katy Lindsey took over the helm.  Because of the loss of some high quality goal scorers due to graduating, Wood stepped up for her team her senior year in a new position, the center forward. "In her current role, she is taking on a lot more responsibility for the scoring, and making that shift isn't easy," shares Coach Person.  "She plays forward in an unconventional way that makes her very hard to neutralize and you can see it in her current scoring stats; she is doing a great job of shouldering that role." Wood's role in the 2023 Missouri State Champion team was pivotal, but Coach Person contends that her presence is even more crucial this year. "Lauren is the focal point around which the rest of the team flows forward, she is the first defender making ball handlers uncomfortable high up on the field and has also shouldered nearly all the scoring duties." 

With Wood's role being heavily depended on by her Liberty North team, also comes the responsibility of leadership. "Lauren has really matured & grown so much in the last year. Being a team leader means the younger players are looking to her on how to manage their own frustrations. Lauren is thriving by being other's guidepost."

Top Uncommitted 2024 & 2025 Goalkeepers

April 2, 2024

Kansas City is the World Capitol for Soccer and is stacked with phenomenal soccer talent. Here at High School Soccer KC, we are committed to highlighting top female high school soccer talent on both sides of the state line.

We are highlighting 3 Top Uncommitted Goalkeepers that would be fantastic recruits for the collegiate level of soccer.

Lili Everley
Goalkeeper - 2025

Oak Park High School (KCMO)
KC Surf 05/06
4.0/4.30 GPA (unweighted/weighted)
College Area of Study: Kinesiology/Exercise Science
Willing to Leave State (Missouri): yes
X - @lili_everley

Highlight - Click Here
Coaches contact Lili: lilianeverley@gmail.com
Coaches contact Coach Tanner Pearce: tanner.pearce@nkcschools.org

Lili Everley, a 2025 goalkeeper from Oak Park High School, is the best kept secret from the class of 2025. Everley, an agile and athletic keeper, has played a pivotal role for Oak Park High School since starting as keeper her freshman year.  Everley's dominating presence does not disappoint as she quickly and adeptly moves in her space to block impossible shots on goal giving her squad multiple clean sheets throughout her years at Oak Park High School.  Everley, a commanding & well rounded goalkeeper, positions herself well, cutting off angles with ease that assuredly dashes the hopes of attacking opponents. Everley is crucial in her team's success.

Everley's teammates describe Lili as a leader, encouraging, and knowledgeable.

Everley's coaches share their glowing endorsements for the impressive goalkeeper:

"Lili is an obvious standout," beams Oak Park High School Girls Soccer Varsity Head Coach Tanner Pearce, "she has kept our team in several games that we otherwise would not have a chance in." Coach Pearce continues his endorsement, "In addition to her being an amazing shot stopper, she is very knowledgeable of the game. She stays vocal throughout every match and helps organize our entire team." Everley's leadership is a high quality she brings to her team. "Lili has been captain of our varsity team for two years, but she has been a leader ever since her freshman year."  Everley's work ethic shines bright and is an example to her teammates. "She is extremely driven and holds a high standard for herself and those around her," shares Coach Pearce, "her mindset rubs off on her teammates and she has played a key role in growing the competitive culture in our program." When asked about Everley's future in the sport, Coach Pearce declares, "Lili is bound to excel in any situation she's thrown into on and off the field."  Coach Pearce's final thoughts are some of our favorite we've received from a coach about a player, "She's the type of player that makes you proud to be a coach."

--

Mallory McWillie
Goalkeeper - 2025

Lee's Summit North High School
KC Scott Gallagher Elite 07
3.4 GPA (weighted)
College Area of Study: Medical
Willing to Leave State (Missouri): yes
X - @MalloryMcwillie
Mallory's recruit profile - Click Here
Coaches contact Mallory: MalloryM2007@gmail.com or X
Coaches contact Coach Kelley: ryan.kelley@lsr7.net or X

Mallory McWillie, a 2025 goalkeeper from Lee's Summit North High School, is a must see for all collegiate soccer programs.  McWillie, a confident and coachable keeper, plays a key role for the success of an impressive program like Lee's Summit North. McWillie's drive and work ethic shines bright the moment she steps on the pitch. Always ready, McWillie communicates well with her team to help set up the defense. Her angles are impeccable.  She has what it takes to set her team up for success.

McWillie's teammates describe Mallory as collaborative, encouraging, respectful, and trustworthy.

McWillie's coaches share their ringing endorsements for the strong goalkeeper:

"Mallory is a hard worker," informs Lee's Summit North High School girls soccer varsity Head Coach Ryan Kelley, "she shows the desire to get better every single day." Mindset is an important quality for successful goalkeepers and makes the difference between a team winning or losing a game. "She has a positive attitude that helps her take her catching and apply what she is learning to her game." McWillie's communication, listening, and being coachable has led to huge growth in her game. "She has really grown in her confidence this season, and has helped to build the confidence of the coaches and her team..."

--

Addy Holle 
Goalkeeper - 2025

Gardner Edgerton High School

Toca 06/07 Elite

4.3 GPA (weighted)

College Area of Study: Engineering

Willing to Leave State (Kansas): yes

X - @addisonholle

Coaches contact Addy: 

 addyholle43@gmail.com

Addy Holle, a 2025 goalkeeper from Gardner-Edgerton High School, is the missing link to your collegiate soccer program.  Holle, an smart and agile keeper, is the brick wall frustrating attacking opponents.  Holle's strengths lie in her distribution and spider (wo)man like saves in the net. Holle's communication is crucial in the organization of her defense to set her team up for success.  

Holle's teammates describe Addy as passionate, accountable, and adaptable.

Holle's coaches share their ringing endorsements for the strong goalkeeper:

"Addy is both a vocal leader and leader by example," informs Gardner-Edgerton High School Girls Soccer Varsity Head Coach Derek Wilson. "She is always on the field getting touches on the ball before practice even as a goalkeeper." Holle's work ethic and passion is contagious to her team. "She puts on max effort on every drill and is excellent at working on her game while we are doing drills that don't involve the goalkeeper," shares Coach Wilson. "She forces our players to always continue improving their shooting with her saves and effort during practice." Holle's distribution and confidence on the ball aid in the tactical transitions from defense into the attack. "She allows us the ability to play back to her to keep possession if needed and is a great distributor in live play both at her feet and her arm after a save." 

--

Top Uncommitted 2024 & 2025 Midfielders

March 29, 2024

Kansas City is the World Capitol for Soccer and is stacked with phenomenal soccer talent. Here at High School Soccer KC, we are committed to highlighting top female high school soccer talent on both sides of the state line.

We are highlighting 4 Top Uncommitted Midfielders that would be fantastic recruits for the collegiate level of soccer.

Kylie Richardson
Attacking Center Midfielder 2025

Liberty North High School
KC Athletics Select 2006
3.5 GPA 
College Area of Study: Medical Sonography or Radiology
Willing to Leave State: yes
X - @KylieR25_
Highlight (Hudl) - Click here
Coaches contact Kylie on Hudl or email: kylierichardson015@gmail.com
Coaches contact Club Coach Matt Gordon email: mgordon@athleticskc.com       

Kylie Richardson, a 2025 Missouri State Soccer Champion from Liberty North High School, is a gem that collegiate scouts must take notice. Richardson, an aggressive and technical attacking center midfielder, will play a pivotal role for Liberty North has they set their sights on running it back to Missouri State Soccer Championships. Richardson's awareness is crucial in the center of the field to set her team up for success.  

Richardson's teammates describe Kylie as positive, encouraging, and uplifting.

Kylie's past and present coaches share their ringing endorsements for the strong midfielder:
"She's special," says Liberty North Soccer Girls Varsity Head Soccer Coach, Katy Lindsey. "...capable of getting out of tight spaces with her dribbling ability and is wired to see and deliver the most dangerous and least obvious passes at just the right moment to do the most damage.  While she is often a selfless provider in the attack, she is quite capable of putting it in the net herself - scoring 10 goals last season. In addition to being a savvy force that is rare in our sport that too often prioritizes size and athleticism over technique and creativity, Kylie is a player with an edge who gives our team grit." Coach Lindsey continues that even though Richardson is an attacking player, her defense is second to none, "When we don't have the ball, (Kylie) is ferociously hunting to get it back and you better have your head on a swivel when she's around because she's coming from a blind area and coming in hard!" When asked to summarize Richardson, Coach Lindsey concludes, "Ky is the complete package and when she finds her right fit at the next level, I know she will affect their team the way she does ours."

"Ky was integral to our undefeated run to the state title in 2023," says recently retired Liberty North Soccer Girls Varsity Head Coach Steven Person. Coach Person echos Coach Lindsey's description of Richardson's creativity. "Her creative movement and relationship with the other attacking players allowed us to come from unpredictable angles. She is super creative with the ball at her feet and is always looking to slip others in to score."  Coach Person also herald's Richardson's tenacity and grit on the pitch, "she is fearless when she crashes the goal and more than holds her own if play turns physical."

"Kylie is a true 10," praises KC Athletics club coach Matt Gordon. Coach Gordon shares Coach Lindsey & Coach Person's description of Richardson's key qualities of creativity and awareness. "She's incredibly creative and dynamic on the ball. From her first to her fifth touch, she keeps the opposition guessing.  She's incredibly gifted on the ball and her movements are hard to track in and around the box." When asked how Richardson will be successful for her college team, Coach Gordon states that because she's a true 10, "...she will cause problems for the opposition at the collegiate level receiving the ball and driving at the oppositions back line."

Abby Cooley
Defensive Midfielder
2025

Staley High School

KS Rush GA 07

4.0 GPA (unweighted)

College Area of Study: Optometry or Sports Business Management

Willing to Leave State: Yes

X - @AbbyCooleyKC

Coaches contact Abby on X or email: abby.cooley2007@gmail.com

Coaches contact Club Coach Daouda Kante email: dkante@kansasrush.com 

Abby Cooley, a 2025 defensive midfielder from Staley High School, is the missing link collegiate scouts are looking for. Cooley, a physical and energetic midfielder, has already played a pivotal role for her high school team starting Varsity in a defensive position beginning her freshman year.  Cooley's spatial awareness as well as strength in gaining and maintaining possession is crucial in the center of the field to set her team up for success.  

Cooley's teammates describe Abby as supportive, reliable, and motivated.

Abby's coaches share their strong endorsements for the impressive midfielder:

"She's a competitor," shares Staley High School Varsity head coach, Johnny Chain, "she plays with no fear." Coach Chain notes Cooley's fast speed of play and athleticism as some of her positive attributes she brings to a team, and why she'll be a great fit for any collegiate soccer program she chooses to join. "Abby will adapt well to the physical nature and speed of the college game." 

Keira Werner
Midfield
2025

Piper High School

KC Fusion 05/06
3.6 GPA (unweighted)
College Area of Study: undecided
Willing to Leave State: yes
X - @KeiraWerner15
Coaches contact Keira on X or email: keirawerner1@gmail.com

Keira Werner, a 2025 center midfielder from Piper High School, is a player that needs to be on your radar.  Werner, a consistent and persistent midfielder, is able to play anywhere in the center of the field, but is a natural attacker finding herself frequently in the 10.  Werner's vision is crucial in the center of the field to set her team up for success. 

Werner's teammates describe Keira as understanding, respectful, and encouraging.

Keira's coaches share their encouraging endorsements for the up & coming midfielder:

"Keira has a ton of attributes you want in a soccer player," says Piper High School Varsity Head Coach Ryan Von Beveren. "She has great touch, vision, strength, and accuracy...but what she brings to our team is her intensity and passion." Coach Von Beveren notes Werner's drive and work ethic. "Her freshman year she wasn't really on the radar for Varsity, and she took that as a calling to get better.  She worked endlessly on her technical skills and stepped up wherever she was needed." Werner's poise in high pressure situations stands out, "When we were in PKS in the regional championship at the end of last year, she was a no brainer to take one - even with 7 seniors that had all earned some form of all conference the team. She, of course, buried her shot like it was no different than when we were practicing them the day before." Thinking of Werner's next two seasons at Piper, Coach Von Beveren shares his forecast. "I have no doubt that she will work harder than anyone else these last two high school seasons to maximize her individual talent and help the team go as far as we can."

Piper Hughes

Defensive Midfielder

2025

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School

KC Scott Gallagher ECNL-RL 07

4.5 GPA (weighted)

College Area of Study: Biology

Willing to Leave State (MO): Yes

X - @piperhughes30

Coaches contact Piper on X or email her: hughes.piper30@gmail.com

Piper Hughes, a 2025 defensive midfielder from St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School, is a player that makes an immediate impact for your team when she's on the field.  Hughes, a confident and tactical player, has a natural defensive mindset and is able to maintain possession while in tight spaces.  Hughes' strength is crucial in the defensive center so she can disrupt the opposition's attack and quickly transition her team.  

Hughes' teammates describe Piper as passionate, committed, and supportive.

Piper's coaches share their glowing endorsements for the must see defensive mid: 

"Piper brings a lot of great qualities to the team," shares St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School varsity soccer head coach, Robert Putthoff. Because of what Hughes brings the team's culture and performance, Coach Putthoff named her one of the varsity captains this year. "Her work ethic - she practices at the same level she plays, with high intensity, focus, and determination." Coach Putthoff is a fan of Hughes leadership qualities. "(she) leads vocally and by example. She's a great remodel for her teammates, especially the lower classman." Coach Putthoff also shares that Hughes leads the Varsity Soccer team in their "Big/Lil" program that pairs upperclassman with an underclassman to better unify the team and remodel on and off the field. Coach Putthoff may be most proud of Hughes' loyalty and commitment, "Piper loves her teammates and will do everything she can to help them win."

"Piper brings an unparalleled work ethic every day," states Hughes' Kansas City Scott Gallagher club coach, Dan Naidu. Coach Naidu stresses her qualities of being able to demonstrate effort and growth as well as her work ethic, too. "She has that unique combination of a positive attitude, discipline, and the belief that she can always improve, which is essential for success on the field." When asked about Hughes playing at the collegiate level of soccer, Coach Naidu gave his ringing endorsement, "I am confident that she will continue to display the same commitment and diligence in everything she does at the next level."

Top Uncommitted 2024 & 2025 Defenders

March 25, 2024

Kansas City is the World Capitol for Soccer and is stacked with phenomenal soccer talent. Here at High School Soccer KC, we are committed to highlighting top female high school soccer talent on both sides of the state line.

We are highlighting 4 Top Uncommitted Defenders that would be fantastic recruits for the collegiate level of soccer.

Kate Pedrotti
Outside Back
2024

Bishop Miege High School
KC Fusion ECNL-RL 05/06
4.87 GPA (weighted)
College Area of Study: Medical
Willing to Leave State (KS): Yes
X - @KatePedrotti


Coaches contact Kate by email: katepkc@icloud.com

Kate Pedrotti, a 2024 defender from Bishop Miege High School, is a gem that collegiate scouts must take notice. Pedrotti, a fast and tenacious outside back, will be leaned on this season as Bishop Miege sets its sights on its 8th straight Kansas State 4-1A Girls Soccer Championship.  Pedrotti's ability to anticipate is crucial for the defense taking on the the opposition's fastest players as well as anticipating her team's attack.  

Pedrotti's teammates describe Kate as supportive, kind, and unselfish.

Pedrotti's past and present coaches share their excitement about Kate's soccer journey: 

"...All the girls look up to Kate," beams Bishop Miege High School Varsity Head Coach Nate Huppe; "She's a great role model for the younger players." As a Varsity Captain and 4-year Varsity Starter, Pedrotti's presence on the field is felt. 
"(She) has been great for us the last 3 years as our Right Back being named 1st Team All State and Defensive Player of the Year last year." Coach Huppe continues that Pedrotti, "helped lead us to 39 shutouts in the 65 games so far." Pedrotti's impressive performances result in all of the deserved accolades. 

Mary Kate Lillis

Defender

2025

Notre Dame de Sion

Toca FC Elite 06/07

4.12 GPA (weighted)

College Area of Study: Dentistry

Willing to Leave State (Kansas): Yes

X - @MaryKateLillis

Coaches contact Mary Kate by email: mary.lillis@ndsion.edu

Coaches contact club coach Trent by email: tbremmich@gmail.com

Coaches contact soccer trainer Vahid Assadpour of VAST: info@vasoccertraining.com

Mary Kate's Highlight  - Click Here

Mary Kate Lillis, a 2025 defender from Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City, is the swiss army knife every collegiate coach needs in their back pocket. Lillis, a smart and aggressive defender, has mastered the entire backline from center back to outside back.  Lillis' communication with her team is crucial in organizing the defense as well as when transitioning into the attack.  

Lillis' teammates describe Mary Kate as a leader, hard working, and motivating.

Lillis' past and present coaches share their endorsements of Mary Kate's soccer abilities:

"Mary Kate's dedication to the game is outstanding," praises Notre Dame de Sion's Varsity Head Coach Doug McLagan. "She does the extra stuff that makes you better. She's always asking 'how can I improve?" Coach McLagan shares that Lillis' drive is on display every time she plays. "She's competitive, very physical." Coach McLagan stresses her ability to play where she is needed to help her team succeed, "(she's) always willing to do what's best for the team, which includes playing in different positions if that is what's needed." 

"Her work ethic and determination are unmatched," applauds TOCA FC club coach Trent Remmich. "Mary Kate has played for me the last 3 years and has always been a leader on my team." Coach Remmich praises Lillis' ability to be impactful in multiple positions, "her versatility has allowed me to move her around our formation and she has always embraced change and any challenge that is put in front of her." Coach Remmich gives his endorsement of Lillis to play at the collegiate level for soccer, "I have no doubt that she will be a positive addition to any program she decides to join."

"Mary Kate is technically sound with an extremely high work ethic," approves Vahid Assadpour owner and soccer trainer at Vahid Assadpour Soccer Training (VAST).  "She is a coachable player and will execute the task at hand until it is done right, and she very rarely will ever make an error." Assadpour shares Coach McLagan and Coach Remmich's views of Lillis' versatility as a player and tenacity, "Mary Kate is a versatile player and is very motivated and driven." When asked why Lillis will be successful competing at the collegiate level of soccer, Assadpour replies, "Mary Kate understands that hard work and success go hand in hand. She is a respectful young woman who is not afraid of working hard to reach her goals."

Lexie Morefield
Defender
2025

Lee's Summit High School
Alliance FC 05/06 E64
4.32 GPA (weighted)
College Area of Study: Biology

Willing to Leave State (Missouri): yes
X - @LexieMorefield 
Coaches contact Lexie by email: lexiemorekc@gmail.com
Coaches contact club coach Katie by email: katielaforge21@gmail.com 

Lexie Morefield, a 2025 defender from Lee's Summit High School, is the full package that collegiate soccer coaches are looking for. Morefield, a high soccer IQ and strong outside back, is Lee's Summit's Varsity Co-Captain this year as a junior.  Morefield's aerial awareness and ability to use both feet on the ball is crucial in the success of her team this spring.

Morefield's teammates describe Lexie as a unselfish, reliable, and versatile.

Morefield's past and present coaches share their endorsements of Lexie's skills:
"Lexie is extremely versatile," explains Alliance club soccer coach Katie LaForge. "She can play multiple positions very well." Coach LaForge remarks on her faith in Morefield's abilities, "She is reliable and won't stop playing until the final whistle." Coach LaForge shares other key qualities and attributes of Morefield's while highlighting her versatility as a well rounded player. "Lexie is an intelligent, aggressive defensive player, but has the ability to score goals from long distance shots or assist goals in service."

Awards:  
1st Team All District (Class 4 District 7), 2nd Team All-Conference - Midfielder as Sophomore (Spring 2023)
2nd Team All-Conference Forward as Freshman (Spring 2022)

Rowan Epps

Center Back

2025

Bishop Miege High School

KC Athletics 2006 Academy Select

4.57 GPA (weighted)

College Area of Study: preMed

Willing to Leave State: yes

X - @RowanEpps

Coaches contact Rowan by email: 23rowane@gmail.com

Coaches contact club coach Matt Gordon by email: mgordon@athleticskc.com

Rowan Epp's highlight: Click Here

Rowan Epps, a 2025 defender from Bishop Miege High School, is the muscle on the backline that collegiate soccer coaches are looking for in a center back. Epps, a strong and high soccer IQ center back, has been the eyes for her team's defensive efforts for Bishop Miege varsity since her freshman year. Epps is a two time Kansas State Girls Soccer Champion with Bishop Miege High School and has helped lead to numerous shutouts for the Bishop Miege Defense.  Epp's intuition on the backline is crucial in the success of her team this spring and as Bishop Miege goes for its 8th consecutive Kansas State Girls Soccer Championship.

Epp's teammates describe Rowan as a dependable, cooperative, and hard working.

Epp's past and present coaches share their enthusiasm for Rowan's soccer future:
"Rowan's mentality in the moment is unmatched," shares KC Athletics club soccer coach Matt Gordon. Coach Gordon expands upon Epp's mental toughness, and soccer IQ, "She is a fierce competitor physically and tactically. As a Center Back, she is an imposing presence for the opposing attackers." While Coach Gordon emphasizes Epp's strength, he also sheds light on her creativity and skills. "On the ball, she's a creative threat. Her individual creativity makes her deceptive in her distribution and her vision of the field makes any option a threat."