Regis Women's Soccer Bolsters Roster by Signing Six High School Student-Athletes

Denver, Colo.: After finishing this past season 16-5-2, six high school newcomers have signed on to join the Rangers for the 2011-12 season. Regis finished this season ranked No. 22 in the final National Soccer Coaches Association after winning the RMAC Tournament Championship and making their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance. 

Sade Akindele will join the 2011 team as a freshman from Thornton, Colo.  Akindele will graduate from Legacy High School this spring where she earned All-Front Range conference honors and was runner-up for conference player of the year.  The forward/midfielder had team highs of 19 goals and nine assists for LHS last season.  Also a fine basketball player, Akindele leads Legacy HS with a 15.7 point per game average and 8.9 rebounds per game. Her brother, Tesho, was named the RMAC Freshman of the Year on the pitch last season at Colorado Mines.

"Sade brings a new dimension to our attacking capabilities, says head coach JB Belzer.  "Her size, strength, and finishing ability will cause issue for opponent's defenses.  Her training with the U17 Canadian Women's National Team has motivated her to reach her athletic soccer potential and I believe she can do so in our competitive environment."

Kendal Kagawa comes to Denver from Honolulu, Hawaii where she will graduate from Maryknoll High School this spring. In 2008-09 she was named to the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) Second Team at the midfield position. The following year, 2009-10, she received ILH First Team Honors as a defender. 

"Kendal comes to us from a very successful club experience in Hawaii with Leahi '93 Premier," says Head Coach J.B. Belzer. "She has qualities suitable to central defender, to wide defender, and to defensive midfield play within our system. Her versatility, technical skill, and tactical awareness will strengthen our defensive presence this season."

At Maryknoll, Kagawa has helped lead her team to an HHSAA Girls Division II Soccer Championship in 2009 and 2010.  

Coming from Albuquerque, N.M. is Rebecca Brunson who will be graduating from Saint Pius X High School in Albuquerque. 

Coach Belzer says, "Becca is a high achieving wing defender who relishes physical and mental duels with opponents." He goes on to say that, "Her size and tenacious mentality will permit her to compete for time within our squad both in the back line as well as in our wide attacking roles. Becca simply loves to compete!" 

With this drive, Brunson was named the JV MVP in 2007 and became a varsity starter in 2008. She received All-District and All-State honors in 2009 and 2010 and was named All-Metro in 2010 as well. In 2008, 2009, and 2010 she helped guide her team to the state semi-finals. 

Cassandra Hanna is a 5-5 defender from Littleton, Colo. and will graduate from Chatfield High School this spring.  She played for the Colorado Rush '93 2011 U18 Colorado Youth Soccer State Championship and is an outstanding track and field and basketball athlete.  She currently averages 9.7 points per game for CHS and was a member of the state champion 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams.  

"Cass is an exceptional multi-sport student-athlete excelling in soccer, basketball and track," states Belzer. "Her competitive drive to win is apparent every time she crosses the white line, steps on the court, or explodes out of the blocks whether it is practice or a competition.  She exudes confidence, poise, and leadership."

Keelyn Arnold comes to Regis from Fairview High School in Boulder, Colo.  The 5-10 midfielder earned Second Team All-State last season and helped FHS to a 5A state title in 2010.  Last season, Kiki, had seven goals and four assists in helping Fairview HS to an 18-2 record. Arnold joined Hanna on the Colorado Rush '93 2011 U18 Colorado Youth Soccer State Championship team.

Belzer comments, "Kiki is such a versatile soccer player.  She has wonderful positional sense, great composure on the ball, can climb the ladder to win air balls, and can push forward to score goals in all critical stages of matches.  Her demonstrated leadership in both her club and high school teams will be a welcomed addition to our program."

Kellynn McDaniel is yet another of coach Belzer's pipeline to the Boise, Idaho area.  McDaniel will graduate from Mountain View High School this spring and was a part of the Boise Capitals '93 2010 Idaho Youth Soccer State Championship team.  The defender is a three-time all-conference selection and helped lead MVHS to a state runner-up finish in 2010.

"Kellynn is a dynamic, scrappy defender who loves to get forward into the attack, says Belzer. "Her quickness and speed combined with her servicing ability will permit us new attacking options this fall.  Her club experiences have prepared her well for the college game and her assimilation into our side will be a smooth transition."