TicketsCINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati women's soccer program has signed nine individuals to National Letters of Intent, including four local standouts, Head Coach Neil Stafford announced today. The group, who will continue their educational and athletic careers at UC, will join the program in time for the 2020 season.
"We have group of student-athletes the University and city can be incredibly proud of," Stafford said. "These women will represent everything our 'Culture of Excellence' stands for on and off the field and in the community. These women are top tier students who are heavily invested in their academics and want to make a significant impact and difference on and off campus."
This year's signing class includes four from the Cincinnati area, two from Dayton, and one each from Columbus, Lexington and Louisville. The local products include Kaitlyn Andrews (Loveland HS), Ellie Flower (Seton HS), Julia Simer (Ursuline Academy) and Ali Gessner (Ft. Thomas Highlands). Both Lauren Bastian and Chloe Spitler come to UC after playing together at Centerville just outside of Dayton while Sydney McMillian will come from Delaware, Ohio, just outside Columbus. The final two players on the list hail from the Bluegrass State and include Elizabeth Fortuna (Christian Academy of Louisville) from Louisville and Anna Rexford (West Jessamine) from just outside Lexington.
"When you look at this class as a whole, you can see we continue to add quality pieces to our overall puzzle," Stafford said. "We have addressed both sides of the ball and feel that overall the mentality of this class is as strong as any we've had in the past."
Similar to many of the Bearcats that come before them, this year's signing class also features players adept to playing multiple positions as five are listed with more than one position, including Gessner at forward, midfield and defense. Rexford is the lone keeper in the group that features seven individuals listed as midfield players with five listed at forward as well.
"These players allow us to continue building on what we've accomplished this past season," Stafford said. "The quality this incoming class have technically, tactically, physically and psychologically will bode very well with the experience our current players have had over the past 15 months. We had made our scheduling very challenging and I'm confident it will pay dividends moving forward. Unfortunately, we will have to wait some time to see but we are very excited about the next several seasons."
When the newest class arrives on campus, it will not be the first time many of the newcomers have been teammates. In fact, four have teamed up at Cincinnati Development Academy (Andrews, Bastian, Flower and Gessner) while two each have played for Kentucky Fire Juniors (Fortuna and Rexford) and two for Ohio Elite (Simer and Spitler). Additionally, the duo of Bastian and Spitler were high school teammates as well.
Collectively, the class combined to win 15 Ohio State Cups, three Kentucky State Cups and three state high school championships while earning nine all-state selections. Additionally, many have played in national tournaments with their club sides, including 2018 Development Academy Nationals, the ECNL National Tournament and the USYS National League.
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With the 2019 season in the books, the returning Bearcats will now turn their focus to finishing the remainder of the academic semester before returning to action this Spring. A schedule of Spring friendlies will be released at a later date.
BEARCATS 2020 ROSTER
Kaitlyn Andrews • 5-8 • F/MF • Cincinnati, Ohio (Loveland HS) • Cincinnati Development Academy
Lauren Bastian • 5-6 • MF • Centerville, Ohio (Centerville HS) • Cincinnati Development Academy
Ellie Flower • 5-5 • F/MF • Cincinnati, Ohio (Seton HS) • Total Futbal Academy/Cincinnati DA
Elizabeth Fortuna • 5-11 • D/MF • Louisville, Ky. (Christian Academy of Louisville) • Kentucky Fire Juniors
Ali Gessner • 5-7 • F/MF/D • Ft. Thomas, Ky. (Highlands HS) • Cincinnati Development Academy
Sydney McMillin • 5-11 • F • Delaware, Ohio (Hayes HS) • Ohio Premier
Anna Rexford • 5-11 • GK • Wilmore, Ky. (West Jessamine HS) • Kentucky Fire Juniors
Julia Simer • 5-9 • MF • Cincinnati, Ohio (Ursuline Academy) • Ohio Elite
Chloe Spitler • 5-4 • F/MF • Centerville, Ohio (Centerville HS) • Ohio Elite
BEARCATS 2020 BIOGRAPHIES
ANDEWS, Kaitlyn
5-8 • F/MF • Cincinnati, Ohio • Loveland HS / Cincinnati Development Academy
Currently in her senior year at Loveland High School (Cincinnati)... three-year varsity player for LHS, helping them to the state title in her sophomore season... two-time conference champions, three-time district champions and one-time regional champions... Second Team All-Ohio as a senior... two-time all-conference and all-city first-team selection... on a club level, has played for Cincinnati Development Academy and Cincinnati United Premier... with CUP, captured the 2017 state title and took runner-up honors at the National tournament... helped Pre-CDA to the state cup title in 2018 as well... also competed for the track & field team at LHS for three years... member of the National Honors Society and earned academic all-state accolades... comes from an athletic family as both her father, John, and mother, Kristin, competed for the track & field team at Kent State... her uncle Dan Andrews played football at Allegheny College and her grandfather Charles Andrews was a four-year member of the football team at the U.S. Naval Academy... plans to major in athletic training at UC.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Kaitlyn Andrews
"I chose Cincinnati because of the level of dedication and unity the team displays. As soon as I stepped on campus and met the team, I knew that the University of Cincinnati was where I was supposed to be."
Neil Stafford (Head Coach, Cincinnati)
"Kaitlyn is a fantastic local product who possesses tools to really scare the life out of the opposition. She has frightening speed which can unsettle a back line either getting in behind or terrorizing defenders 1v1. Kaitlyn can also provide quality service for runners into the box. She has pace, power and the physicality to be a major threat at the college level. She is selfless and has incredible high character and will be a fiercely loyal teammate. Kaitlyn is equally dominant in the classroom and fits our Culture of Excellence perfectly."
David Robertson (Director, Cincinnati Development Academy)
"Kaitlyn embodies the type of player opponents fear; her ability to beat players 1v1, utilize her unparalleled speed, and the ability to serve crosses and finish with both feet make her a nightmare to play against. A quiet leader, she lets her actions do the talking, and I know she is destined to be a key component of the UC offense straight away, as well as an academic standout in the classroom."
BASTIAN, Lauren
5-6 • MF • Centerville, Ohio • Centerville HS / Cincinnati Development Academy
Currently in her senior year at Centerville High School (Centerville, Ohio)... played alongside fellow UC signee Chloe Spitler at CHS... played varsity soccer of the Elks the past two years (junior and senior)... both seasons, earned all-state honors along with Miami Valley All-Area First Team, Miami Valley South First Team and All-Greater Western Ohio Conference First Team... selected as her team's MVP both seasons as well... team was 32-8-3 in her two seasons... on a club level, played for both Cincinnati Development Academy and Cincinnati United Premier Gold... helped her team win the State of Ohio title six years in a row... team reached the finals of the U.S. Soccer Regional and U.S. Soccer National Championships... won the U.S. Soccer National League in 2017... reached the Girls Development Academy National Playoffs in 2018... selected to the U.S. Youth Nationals Girls Best XI for U15-U20 (all one team)... member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society... earned Academic All-State honors following her senior soccer season... will be the second member of her family on campus joining her older brother, Grant Willis... is undecided on her planned major at UC.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Lauren Bastian
"I feel the University of Cincinnati is a great combination of academics and athletics. It is strong academically with a wide range of majors and the state-of-the-art athletic facilities and soccer program are impressive with the latest in sports science, nutrition and strength & conditioning. The UC coaches cared about getting to know me as a person and made me feel like part of the family, and I like how they focus on the importance of character and teamwork. I also love to see the passion and support for soccer in Cincinnati, it is truly becoming a soccer city, which is exciting! The coaches put together a strong team for 2020 and I can't wait to get started. I think we can accomplish great things!"
Neil Stafford (Head Coach, University of Cincinnati)
"Lauren Bastian is a special player that has so many attributes and weapons at her disposal. She has a high soccer IQ and great natural instincts that get her into dangerous areas of the field. Lauren can unlock the opposition with both her passing and on the dribble. She has no problem getting physical and won't ever shy away from a tough challenge. Lauren is relentless, aggressive and super competitive on both sides of the ball. As impressive as Lauren's skills are, it's her mentality that sets her apart from others. Fantastic attitude, great body language and a loyal teammate. She has all the abilities and characteristics to make her college career incredibly special."
David Robertson (Director, Cincinnati Development Academy)
"Lauren is a unique mix of an old-fashioned warrior mixed with a modern dynamic midfielder. She truly is the complete package, able to ping balls with both feet, win balls out of the air, and has no fear of getting stuck into a tackle. Her passion for excellence, her teammates, and the team she plays for guarantees that she will be a success from Minute One of the first training. Lauren embodies hard work and will continue to raise the standard simply by being herself."
Jim Gobrail (Head Coach, Centerville HS)
"Lauren is an immensely skilled, strong, and athletic player with great vision and touch. She can finish from distance or thread the needle to create chances for her teammates. Her work ethic, attitude, leadership, and commitment are unmatched, and she makes her teammates compete at a higher level."
FLOWER, Ellie
5-5 • F/MF • Cincinnati, Ohio • Seton HS / Total Futbol Academy/Cincinnati DA
Currently in her senior year at Seton High School (Cincinnati)... was a four-year member of the varsity soccer team and also ran track her freshman year... on the pitch, was a three-time all-conference selection while adding two all-city and one all-state accolade to her credit... led the league in goals and assists as a senior with 18 and 12, respectively... reached the regional semifinals as well... nominated for United Soccer Coaches All-America accolades in her senior season... on a club level, played for Total Futbol Academy before joining Cincinnati Development Academy recently... during her 10 years playing with TFA, her side won three State Cups, including the 2019 title; the past five regional crowns; captured the National League Championship twice (2018 and 2019); and competed in the National USYS Championship Tournament in 2018 and 2019, reaching the national semifinals in 2018... is a second generation Bearcat as both of her parents are alums of UC... is undecided in which major she will pursue.
FORTUNA, Elizabeth
5-11 • MF/D • Louisville, Ky. • Christian Academy of Louisville / Kentucky Fire Juniors
Currently in her senior year at Christian Academy of Louisville (Louisville, Ky.)... was a four-year varsity player for CAL... earned Honorable Mention All-Region as a freshman and sophomore before adding second team accolades as a junior and first team as a senior... earned Second Team All-Kentucky as a senior... team won district titles all four years... over the last two years, limited opponents to 15 goals total... on the club level, played for Kentucky Fire Juniors and Indiana Fire Juniors (ECNL)... helped her side to state titles in 2014, 2016 and 2017... won the Florida ESPN Disney Showcase... 2019 regional semifinalists... named to the 2019 Great Lakes Conference Best XI... joins her father, Gerald, as a collegiate soccer player after he played four years for the Air Force Academy... both her parents attended the Air Force Academy... is undecided on which major she will pursue at UC.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Elizabeth Fortuna
"I chose Cincinnati because I felt like I really belonged to this program and on this campus. The moment I visited for the first time, I could picture myself playing here and attending this school. It felt like my home. Not to mention the coaches and the amazing staff, I truly felt welcomed and loved and I could not wait to call myself a Bearcat."
Neil Stafford (Head Coach, Cincinnati)
"What a fantastic athlete Elizabeth Fortuna is. She will provide a unique fit for how we want to play defensively but will also help us transitioning into our attack. Elizabeth has great pace and uses her body intelligently when physically dealing with the opposition. She is difficult to beat 1v1 and strong on the challenge. And as exciting as that sounds, Elizabeth will get even better in those areas once she gets into her routine with our strength and conditioning coaches. Elizabeth also possesses solid ball striking abilities which will allow us to play direct at times and be comfortable in pressing in the opponent's half of the field. Elizabeth is an exceptional young woman with very high character and I'm really looking forward to working with her."
Tim Nowak (Director, Kentucky Fire)
"Elizabeth is an exceptional athlete with outstanding speed and range both with and without the ball. This will translate into the college game quite well and allow her lots of opportunity to make an immediate contribution. She's an outstanding young woman and always has a positive influence in a team environment."
GESSNER, Ali
5-7 • F/MF/D • Ft. Thomas, Ky. • Highlands HS / Cincinnati Development Academy
Currently in her senior year at Highlands High School (Ft. Thomas, Ky.)... played one year with HHS, leading the team in scoring (14 goals) and tied for the lead in assists (9) before being voted as her team's Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman... helped the team to a spot in the regional final after winning the district crown... played club soccer the rest of her prep career, playing for Kings Hammer Academy Red before joining Cincinnati Development Academy in the summer of 2017... helped Kings Hammer to the regional finals in South Dakota before winning the national title... helped CDA advance to the national playoffs San Diego in 2018... is the second in her family to play collegiate soccer, joining her cousin, Taylor Tolle, who currently plays at Eastern Kentucky... plans to major in Business at UC.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Ali Gessner
"I visited other schools and each program preached culture and family, but UC is where I felt it. As the staff described the academic and athletic challenges we'll face, the connection grew stronger. I also can't wait for the chance to represent my city!"
Neil Stafford (Head Coach, University of Cincinnati)
Ali Gessner is the definition of versatility and perseverance. Her skillsets, willingness to learn and improve, and her ability to play in various positions makes Ali very coachable and tremendously valuable. Ali won't ever shy away from adversity and takes on challenges like the best of them. Her competitive spirit and never say die/fight to the finish mentality is contagious and something her teammates will feed off. Ali is someone who constantly outworks her talent, and, with that drive and mindset, she has the ability to be a success in anything she does. She is an excellent student and another young woman who embodies our 'Culture of Excellence' on and off the field.
David Robertson (Director, Cincinnati Development Academy)
"Ali is a battle-hardened warrior who has proven over and over that no matter the size of the obstacle in her path, she will find a way to not just thrive, but take herself to another level. With the incredible ability to perform at multiple positions, she is going to be able to provide an injection of talent to multiple places. One of the most genuine people around, she will fight to the end for her teammates, her team, and what they stand for. Ali embodies the spirit of UC and will be a great asset to the program."
McMILLIN, Sydney
5-11 • F • Delaware, Ohio • Hayes HS / Ohio Premier
Currently in her senior year at Hayes High School (Delaware, Ohio)... four-year letter winner on the varsity soccer team... named her team's MVP all three years she was on the pitch (injured as a junior) and also was selected as her team's Most Offensive Player as a senior... earned Ohio Capital Conference accolades three times, including second-team honors as a senior and honorable mention as a freshman and sophomore... on the club level, played four years for Ohio Premier... helped her club side to third place at the 2019 national tournament... back at HHS, she also competed on the track team and holds the record in the 200m dash and as a member of the 4x200m relay... four-times earned the Academic Achievement Award for maintaining a 3.70 GPA or better... selected to the National Honors Society as a junior as well... is the second in her family to play collegiate soccer, following her older sister Lauren who currently plays soccer for Ohio Wesleyan... also has an uncle that played football at Columbia... she plans to major in Sports Management with a concentration in Finance at Cincinnati.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Sydney McMillin
"I knew Cincinnati was the right choice as soon as I walked on campus. It felt the most like home and a place I felt best at for the next years of my life."
Neil Stafford (Head Coach, University of Cincinnati)
"Syd McMillin can single-handedly turn a match at the drop of a hat. I've seen her go quiet at times and then, boom, two goals in as many minutes. Her movement, pace, power and physicality can pose so many problems for the opposition. Although she is left-footed, Syd can use both feet relatively well and is a proven goal-scorer at the high school and club levels. Although Syd is a fierce competitor, she has a very easy-going personality who's easy to speak and enjoys connecting with people. She will bring a lot of positive energy on and off the field to her teammates. Syd is another tremendously focused student-athlete who will make us better in all the areas that are important to us as a program."
Nate Weakland (Head Coach, Hayes HS)
"Sydney is a unique left-footed player with great size, speed and power. She is a leader on the field and brings a great work ethic and tenacity to games, which will help her at the collegiate level. Syd's abilities forced teams to double and triple team her throughout her career and she can change the outcome of any game in heartbeat. She possesses the skills and tools needed to play at the top collegiate level and should help Cincinnati continue in their success."
REXFORD, Anna
5-11 • GK • Wilmore, Ky. • West Jessamine HS / Kentucky Fire Juniors
Currently is in her senior year at West Jessamine High School (Nicholasville, Ky.)... a four-year varsity player, she helped WJHS to state championships her first two years before the Colts reached the state Final Four her junior year and the state Sweet 16 her senior year... twice named the state tournament MVP... three-time all-state honoree, including first-team as a senior... added to the high school All-American watch list her senior year... on a club level, competed for several clubs in her career, including Kentucky Fire Juniors (Louisville), United (Louisville), Cincinnati Development Academy Premier (Cincinnati), Lexington FC (Lexington) and Storm SC (Jessamine County)... also was a three-year varsity basketball player... earned academic all-state accolades three times... is the second member of her family to compete in college after her mother (Tracy) played tennis for Asbury University... plans to major in Occupational Therapy at UC.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Anna Rexford
"I chose UC because of the 'Culture of Excellence' surrounding the program. The coaches and players are so welcoming, and it felt like a family. UC also has a rich academic history and a great variety of medical programs to explore."
Neil Stafford (Head Coach, University of Cincinnati)
"Our goalkeeping situation is already at a very high level and adding a special talent like Anna Rexford makes it that much better for years to come. Anna is a goalkeeper with immense talent. Her frame, technical skills, shot stopping, distribution and communication skills set her apart. She has the opportunity to immediately come in and challenge our returning goalkeepers. Anna is very mature, has a great head on her shoulders, extremely high character and leads a meticulous lifestyle. Anna Rexford will make our program better the minute she steps foot on campus. We are very excited about Anna's abilities and leadership."
Kevin Wright (Head Coach, West Jessamine HS)
"Anna has been a true joy to coach over the past four years here at West Jessamine High! She was an integral part in our success, helping us win two state championships, three Final Fours and four Sweet Sixteens. Anna has a great work ethic and positive attitude and is a natural leader whose competitive spirit and compassionate heart make her a great teammate! This young lady is so positive, and this shows through her faith in God and her service to others on the multiple mission trips she has been on. Anna loves and cares for others in big and small ways every day. Her commitment to training and preparation have led her to great success at game time. I think of the saying "Victorious warriors win first, then they go to war; defeated warriors go to war first then they seek to win." This mode of operation exemplifies Anna. I believe the battles on and off the field have prepared Anna for the University of Cincinnati. I remember a particular game when we were down 3 to 1 in penalty kicks in a state final and Anna fought like a true warrior, playing a pivotal role in our win. She has battled illness and injury, deadlines and debuts (she was in last year's spring musical) and yet she continues to show us that the brighter the lights the bigger her performance! She makes coaching the best profession and I believe she will do great things at Cincinnati."
SIMER, Julia
5-9 • MF • Cincinnati, Ohio • Ursuline Academy / Ohio Elite
Currently in her senior year at Ursuline Academy (Cincinnati)... played varsity soccer her first two years of high school before injuries sidelined her... in those two years, led her team in scoring as a sophomore... that same year, earned Honorable Mention All-Ohio... also earned first-team all-conference... on a club level, played for Cincinnati United Premier (2009-17) before playing with Ohio Elite Soccer Academy (2018+)... with CUP, captured four state titles and added a trio of state finalist appearances... won the USYS National League title twice (2016, 2017)... reached the national semifinals in 2017 after reaching the finals in 2017... with Ohio Elite, captured the ECNL Final Four National Championship (2018)... in 2016, selected to attend the U.S. Soccer Training Center... in 2017, took part in the 2017 U.S. Soccer ODP Region II Identification Camp... is the second in her family to participate in collegiate athletics following her grandfather, Lawrence Taylor, who played football at Akron... plans to major in Health Sciences and pursue a career as a Physician Assistant.
SPITLER, Chloe
5-4 • F/MF • Centerville, Ohio • Centerville HS / Ohio Elite
Currently in her senior year at Centerville High School (Centerville, Ohio)... played three years on the varsity team for the Elks, the last two with fellow UC signee Lauren Bastian... led the junior varsity team in scoring as a freshman and was named the team's MVP... led the team in scoring in her first varsity season as the team took second in the district, the first of three-consecutive district runner-up finishes... named All-Ohio Second Team as a senior... two-time All-Miami Valley First Team... on the club level, played for Ohio Elite Soccer Academy... captured the 2017 conference title... reached the ECNL National Playoffs as well... plans to major in business at UC.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Chloe Spitler
"I chose Cincinnati for a couple of reasons. When I first began my recruiting process, I was set on getting out of Ohio and going south. Once I got older, I realized how much I enjoyed living here and being close to family and friends was very important to me. Once I got the opportunity to play at the University of Cincinnati, it is was an easy decision. Cincinnati feels like home regarding the current players, the coaching staff and only being an hour away from home."
Neil Stafford (Head Coach, University of Cincinnati)
"Chloe brings an energy and spirit that is second to none. She has an infectious personality that positively affects the players and coaches she has played for. As a player, Chloe has the potential to influence a game on both sides of the ball with her speed, tenacity, energy and the in your face style she can bring. I've always been impressed with how coachable Chloe is and how she receives and processes information from her coaches. She is always trying to get better and has a work ethic that is contagious. Chloe is the type of player who will continue to get better as her drive and passion fuel her. Chloe is a great fit for our 'Culture of Excellence' and will represent our program with the highest integrity."
Douglas Bracken (Director of Coaching, Ohio Elite)
"Chloe is one of the best people I have ever been around. Her positive attitude is infectious. She is also a great athlete who brings tremendous energy and tenacity to the game. That energy and tenacity always has a direct impact in training and in games. Always coachable and eager to get better, I am certain she will be a great addition to the UC Women's Soccer Team."
Jim Gobrail (Head Coach, Centerville HS)
"Chloe is among the hardest working, most intense competitors on the pitch who never slows down. She's a great leader and talented striker with great speed, strength, and finishing skills. Her attitude and intensity will serve her well at the next level."