Women's Soccer Announces 2018 Recruiting Class

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- University of Louisville head coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes announced the 2018 women's soccer recruiting class on Wednesday afternoon. The 2018 class consists of 12 standout high school athletes, including four All-Americans.

This year's class boasts nine offensive and three defensive players joining the Cardinals in the fall of 2018. On offense, the class is made up of four forwards, four midfielders, and one combo midfielder/forward. Defensively, the Cardinals added a defender and a combo midfielder/defender and one goalkeeper.

The women's soccer class of 2018:

Ravin Alexander
Forward | 5-3
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
High School: The Summit Country Day
Club Team: Ohio Elite Soccer Academy

High School Accomplishments
Two-time all-league first team selection … Twice named first team all-state … Two-time member of the first team Southwest District … Two-time Ohio State Champion… Southwest District Player of the Year… League Player of the Year… Earned All-American honors her senior year … Scored 41 goals and dished out 12 assists her senior year … Joined OHSAA all-time records list for most goals in a season … Part of the U16 Youth National team … Named a member of the All-Ohio Academic Team … National Honor Society member.

Club Team Accomplishments
Played for the Ohio Elite Soccer Academy.

Coach's Comments
"Ravin is one of the most dominant youth players I've ever seen let alone been able to coach. There are so many words to describe her. Some that come to mind are… athletic, competitive, inspiring, charismatic, explosive, and passionate… She can truly do it all. Whether it be open or in tight space, or in the air, Ravin finds a way of winning no matter what the level of her opponent. A tremendous goal scorer as well as teammate, Ravin will be a force to reckon with in the ACC for years to come."
Coach Lesiak, Ohio Elite Soccer Academy

"Ravin is an exceptional athlete with a very natural feel for the game of soccer. Her skill set will allow her to play as both a wide forward and a center forward for us. She has an uncanny ability to score goals, has great pace, is extremely coachable and we are excited about the impact she will have on our program throughout her career."
Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

Cassie Amshoff
Forward | 5-7
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
High School: Sacred Heart Academy
Club Team: Javanon and Kentucky Fire Juniors

High School Accomplishments
2017 All USA Today Pre-Season Team honoree … Named Louisville Catholic Sports Network Player of the Week three times in 2017… Lexington Catholic Cup All-Tournament Team honoree in 2015 and 2017… MVP of Lexington Catholic Cup… Named to district all-tournament team in 2016 and 2017… 2016 and 2017 7^th Region Player of the Year… First team all-state recipient from 2015-2017… Sacred Heart's 2017 Offensive Player of the Year… NCSAA All-American in 2016 and 2017… Louisville Catholic Sports Network 2017 Player of the Year… 2016 Gatorade Player of the Year nominee… 2015 Kentucky State Champions… Earned honor roll and Principal's List honors every semester.

Club Team Accomplishments
Played club soccer for Javanon and Kentucky Fire Juniors

Coach's Comments
"Cassie's athleticism and technical ability make her a great addition to the Louisville soccer team. Her strength and determination to win at all costs will be a great asset to the team in the middle of the field and will give her the ability to have an immediate impact in the ACC."
Jaclyn Puntillo, Sacred Heart Academy

"Cassie is a local standout who is has the versatility to play as both a forward and a defender. She is a very good athlete who sees the game well. She is a solid passer, crafty on the ball and will add to our already dynamic group of attacking players."
Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

Anna Henderson
Midfielder | 5-6
Hometown: Kirkland, Wash.
High School: Lake Washington High School
Club Team: ECNL Crossfire Premier

High School Accomplishments
First team All-Kingco her junior year … 2014 Kingco Champion.

Club Team Accomplishments
Played for the ECNL Crossfire Premier … 2015 ECNL National Playoffs Final Four participant … 2016 ECNL National Playoff Finalist… EPD Washington Travel Team 2012-13… ECNL San Diego U16 Best 10 honoree.

Coach's Comments
"Anna is one of the most technical and intelligent players I have worked with. She has tremendous playmaking ability and has the ability to make players around her better. She has always been a great competitor and success has always followed her as she was instrumental in helping lead our team to four consecutive final four appearances for the national championships. She is a tremendous young lady who's been a team player and leader and has a personality that is infectious to all that have the opportunity to work with her. We love her and wish her the best at Louisville."
Coach Wiskel, ECNL Crossfire Premier

"Anna is a very skilled central midfielder that can solve pressure with a pass or on the dribble. She has thoughtful movement off the ball to find open space and she is absolutely going to help us in possession the midfield. Anna also has a dynamic skill set when linking up with forwards which will allow us to create scoring opportunities and be dangerous in the final third."
Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

Sarah Hernandez
Midfielder | 5-4
Hometown: Moorpark, Calif.
High School: Moorpark High School
Club Team: Eagles Soccer Club

High School Accomplishments
Named Rookie of the Year her freshman season … First team all-league her sophomore year… First team all-county her junior year… Won the State Championship her junior year … Had five goals and tallied eight assists in her final season… Member of the academic honor roll.

Club Team Accomplishments
Played for the Eagles Soccer Club.

Coach's Comments
"Sarah Hernandez is a very talented soccer player who has a bright future ahead of her at Louisville. She has a passion for the game, which is very difficult to find. Sarah has a very high soccer IQ. She's also great in the air. The sky is the limit for her. I'm looking forward to watching her grow as a player at Louisville. The Cardinals have one talented center midfielder coming your way."
Coach Alexander, Eagles Soccer Club

"Sarah is a true box-to-box midfielder who has the ability to impact both sides of the ball. She is dominant in the air and ferocious in the tackle as well as has the ability to connect the game through the middle third of the field. Sarah is a field general and plays with a high level of confidence and competitiveness."
Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

Morgan Jackson
Defender | 5-10
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
High School: Indian Hill High School
Club Team: Kings Hammer / Cincinnati Development Academy

High School Accomplishments
First team All-State junior and senior seasons … All-American senior year… Scored 34 goals and 19 assists in her final season … State Champion senior season … National Honor Society member.

Club Team Accomplishments
Played for Kings Hammer/Cincinnati Development Academy.

Coach's Comments
"Having had Morgan for the last six years at Kings Hammer/Cincinnati Development Academy I have gotten to know her very well. Morgan is a competitive winner who works hard and continues to push her teammates to be better. Morgan's athleticism is something that is unmatched. She can play anywhere on the field and impact the game instantly. Morgan is not only a great soccer player but also a wonderful human. She is extremely funny, can speak to anyone, and sticks up for what she believes in."
Tiffany Roberts, Kings Hammer/Cincinnati Development Academy

"Morgan is an outstanding athlete who has the ability to play numerous positions at the college level. We believe she will make the most impact on our program as a defender and we are excited about the athletic dimension she will add to our back line. She is tough to beat 1v1, has great pace and is a true leader on the field."
Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

Kiana Klein
Midfielder | 6-0
Hometown: Lebanon, Ohio
High School: Dayton Christian
Club Team: Cincinnati Development Academy

High School Accomplishments
Three-time all-conference and all-area selection … Named to the all-district team sophomore year… Conference Player of the Year her sophomore year… Second team all-state selection… Two-time Conference Champion … Regional Pool Player for two years … Invited to National Training Camp in 2015… 2015 invitee to Puma Women's Elite Showcase … Two-time all-conference selection for basketball … Named to Dayton Top 100 for basketball … National Honor Society Member… Honda STEM award winner … Four-year honor roll student.

Club Team Accomplishments
Played for the Cincinnati Development Academy.

Coach's Comments
"Kiana brings tremendous poise to the game. She is able to take advantage of her natural height, but also shows great control over the ball, and vision for the game. No matter where she plays, she brings a calming influence with her ability to win balls, connect passes and break lines. It has been a pleasure working with Kiana, and have no doubt she is set to make an impact both on and off the field at Louisville."
Coach Robertson, Cincinnati Development Academy

"Kiana not only impacts the game of soccer by her impressive athleticism, skill and knowledge of the game, but also because she has the ability to make players around her better. She is also a strong yet unselfish leader. Kiana is the total package and will be a tremendous asset to the soccer program at Louisville."
Coach Orme, Dayton Christian

"Kiana is a very calm and thoughtful soccer player who will bring a high level of composure to our defensive midfield position. She has great size and athleticism, she is good in tight spaces and can help get us out of pressure with her vision and passing ability."
Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

Emily Knepler
Forward | 5-7
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
High School: Cathedral Catholic
Club Team: LA Galaxy San Diego

High School Accomplishments
Two-time California State Champion… Three year letterwinner in soccer … four-time Olympic Development Pool selection… National Honor Society member.

Club Team Accomplishments
Played for the LA Galaxy San Diego… Won the National Championship in 2016… Three-time Western League Champion… U-17 USYS National Champion… Four-time Olympic Development Pool selection … All-Tournament team at the Orange County Excalibur Tournament.

Coach's Comments
"Emily Knepler has been a steady figure for us at LA Galaxy San Diego. When you think about the 99 team you don't think about anyone else playing in the number nine other than Emily Knepler. Emily is so dependable, resilient and durable, I think I can count on one hand how many games she's missed from U18-U19. The work Emily does without the ball is very admirable, she is one of the hardest working players I've ever had the pleasure to coach. She's relentless on the field and has a knack for the goal. Emily has scored some important goals in her young career and has had a very decorative career thus far winning a National Championship in 2016. Her experience playing at the highest level in youth soccer will take her very far, she will certainly have a successful career at the University of Louisville. Emily is a tremendous role model to our younger players both on and off the field, she's a great person, very witty and someone that is going to be missed very much."
Coach Laporte, LA Galaxy San Diego

"Emily is an excellent attacking minded player who can play as both a center forward or an attacking mid. She possesses great vision and has the ability to play passes that break down the opposition. We are very excited about the creativity and flair she will provide for us in the final third."
Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

Taylor Nuncio
Midfielder/Defender | 5-5
Hometown: Loveland, Ohio
High School: Loveland High School
Club Team: Cincinnati Development Academy

High School Accomplishments
State runner-up sophomore year … Scored six goals and tallied two assists in 2016.

Club Team Accomplishments
Played for the Cincinnati Development Academy.

Coach's Comments
"Tay is one of those rare players who boasts a passion for the game, and the work rate to make things happen. Having been lucky enough to work with her for years, I have been able to witness her growth and evolution from a hard working athlete to a player who can impact the game at the next level in multiple positions. Louisville is getting both a good player, and a great young woman."
Coach Robertson, Cincinnati Development Academy

"Taylor is a very good athlete who has the versatility to play a variety of different positions. She will most likely play as a wide forward her first year but can certainly play as a wide back as well. She is tenacious and super competitive which will be a great addition to an already competitive returning nucleus of players."
Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

Kiley Polk
Midfielder | 5-4
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
High School: Sacred Heart
Club Team: Kentucky Fire Juniors

High School Accomplishments
Three-time all-state selection … 2015 Kentucky State Champion… Scored six goals with seven assists her senior year… Honor Roll and Principal's List recipient.

Club Team Accomplishments
Played for Kentucky Fire Juniors.

Coach's Comments
"It has been a pleasure to watch Kiley develop over the past eight years and I'm so proud of her for earning the opportunity to play collegiately in her hometown. Kiley has always had a deep passion for the game and is like a coach on the field. Her ability to see the game, recognize the moment and impact a game sets her apart."
Tim Nowak, Kentucky Fire Juniors

"Kiley comes from an established local club where she was a dominant midfielder. She is very good in the air, has great vision and is a good passer. Kiley will bring much needed competition to our midfield and I'm excited she will get an opportunity to play in her hometown."
- Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

Delaney Snyder
Forward | 5-4
Hometown: Moon Township, Pa.
High School: Moon Area High School
Club Team: Pittsburgh Riverhounds

High School Accomplishments
Helped guide Moon Area High School to back-to-back state championships in 2016 and 2017 … Earned all-section honors for four straight years … Named All-WPIAL for three straight years …. Earned All-East Regional honors her junior and senior years … Named an All-American her senior year … Named PSCA Pennsylvania Female Player of the Year her senior season … Scored 38 goals and dished out 37 assists her junior year … Scored 56 goals and dished out 28 assists as a senior … Member of the National Honor Society

Club Team Accomplishments
Played for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Coach's Comments
"Delaney will be an excellent fit for the University of Louisville. She is an absolute pleasure to work with and is not only a top young player, but also an incredible young woman. Her work rate, attention to detail, and ambition to improve are a testament to the traits and qualities of a leader. Delaney accepts any challenge presented to her and rolls up her sleeves and gets to work. She is extremely well mannered and certainly puts the effort of the team before her own success. I'm convinced that Delaney will be a huge asset to Louisville and the ACC."
Scott Gibson, Academy Director Pittsburgh Riverhounds

"Delaney is a true goal scorer in every sense of the word. She is aggressive, tenacious and willing to sacrifice in the box to help her team score a goal. Whether it's with her head, a volley or a toe poke - she is ferocious in her pursuit of scoring. She is extremely driven, motivated and coachable."
Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

Maisie Kate Whitsett
Midfielder/Forward | 5-9
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
High School: Patrick Henry
Club Team: San Diego Surf Development Academy

High School Accomplishments
2017 All-Eastern League honoree … Scored 15 goals and dished out six assists her junior year … Two-time state semi-finalist … 2017 San Diego Union Tribune All-Academic Team selection … Named to the honor roll for four straight years.

Club Team Accomplishments
Played for the San Diego Surf Development Academy… 2016 Surf Cup Champion … Blues Cup Champion … Surf Thanksgiving Cup Champion … Named a Cal South Young Olympian in 2012.

Coach's Comments
"Maisie is a wonderful prospect who has all the tools to be huge ly successful at the collegiate level. Athletic and comfortable on the ball, she can use both feet and play in a variety of positions. She is a great signing for Louisville and I'm sure she will prove it over her college career."
Coach Spooner, San Diego Surf Development Academy

"Maisie has an excellent skill set that will allow her to play in a variety of positions for us. She is an intelligent soccer player, she is comfortable on the ball, and she is a great athlete. Maisie has a very high ceiling and I'm excited to help her grow in to the player we feel she is capable of becoming."
Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

Hanna Wise
Goalkeeper | 5-10
Hometown: Westlake Village, Calif.
High School: Agoura High School
Club Team: Eagles Soccer Club

High School Accomplishments
Two-time Marmonte League second team selection … Helped guide her team to the playoffs for three consecutive years … Named Best Offensive Player award for Softball.

Club Team Accomplishments
Played for the Eagles Soccer Club.

Coach's Comments
"Hanna Wise is a very talented/athletic goalkeeper. Hanna keeps improving every time I see her step onto the field. She is the type of player you can always rely on to make an impact in a game by making an amazing save when the team needs her to. Hanna is one of the hardest working players I've had the privilege of coaching. She's only going to get better at the next level. Hanna has a bright future ahead of her. I'm very excited to see what happens with her development at Louisville. I personally feel Louisville has one of the top 2018 keepers in the country coming in next season. I'm very excited to see Louisville's success this year."
Coach Alexander, Eagles Soccer Club

"Hanna has all the tools necessary to be a top collegiate goalkeeper in the ACC. She has size, great hands, good instincts and can use her feet well. We are very excited to add her to our already talented group of goalkeepers and under the tutelage of our goalkeeper coach Tim Nowak - she will flourish."
Karen Ferguson-Dayes, University of Louisville Head Coach

University of Louisville Athletics

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