Illinois State Soccer Coach Brad Silvey has announced the addition of four new Redbirds on Wednesday. Sophie Veytsman (Arlington Heights, Ill.), Kasey Neidhardt (Highland, Ill.), Kristiana Pappanastos (Orland Park, Ill.), and Sydney Smith (St. Louis, Mo.) signed National Letters of Intent to attend Illinois State University and compete for the Redbird soccer team in the fall.
"What a great day! We are thrilled to officially add Sophie, Kasey, KP, and Sydney to our Redbird soccer program," said head coach Brad Silvey. "This is a group that comes with talent, character, energy, and a passion for the game of soccer. Their integration into our culture will put us in a position to grow as a program. We look forward to their contributions for the 2021 fall season and beyond."
Sophie Veytsman
Goalkeeper | 5'5" | Arlington Heights, Ill. (Buffalo Grove HS) | Eclipse North
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Invited to train at US Soccer training center
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Girls US Showcase Development Academy "Showcase Finest"
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Soccer exchange program in Hamburg, Germany
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Plans to major in Business
Coach Silvey's thoughts on Veytsman: "Sophie is a tenacious and fearless competitor. Her knowledge of the game, sense of resiliency, experience at a high level, and effective communication will help us grow within the goalkeeper position."
Kasey Neidhardt
Midfield/Forward | 5'1" | Highland, Ill. (Granite City HS) | Lou Fusz McKee 03
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2017, 2018, and 2019 Missouri State Champion (Lou Fusz)
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Varsity player Freshman and Sophomore year (Granite City HS)
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Riverbend Player of the Month April 2019
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IHSA All-State Honorable Mention
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MaxPreps Player of the Game March, April 2019
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Plans to major in Accounting
Coach Silvey's thoughts on Neidhardt: "With her creative flare and brilliant soccer IQ, Kasey will be a fun and clever addition to our roster. She brings a high skill level, a love for the game, and a winning mentality to our team and into our attack."
Kristiana Pappanastos
Midfield/Forward | 5'6" | Orland Park, Ill. (Carl Sandburg HS) | Chicago Inter
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1st Place in MRL Fall 2019 (Chicago Inter)
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Multiple goals and assists in Illinois Cup
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2017 Disney Showcase Runner-Up
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Varsity Starter (Carl Sandburg HS)
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Plans to major in Marketing
Coach Silvey's thoughts on Pappanastos: "KP will provide energy, intensity, and a blue-collar mentality in the wide channels. Her work rate, coachability, and infectious personality fall perfectly in line with our team core values and will position her for success."
Sydney Smith
Midfield | 5'7" | St. Louis, Mo. (Nerinx Hall HS) | St. Louis Scott Gallagher
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2018 Finalist Missouri State Cup (SLSG)
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Started all 25 games as a sophomore (Nerinx Hall HS)
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MSHSAA Class 4 State Finalist
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Team Captain junior year
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Plans to major in Legal Studies (Pre-Law)
Coach Silvey's thoughts on Smith: "Syd has all the tools to be an impactful midfielder as a Redbird. She is tidy with the ball, has a great passing range, good vision and awareness, and will make big tackles and aerial challenges."
For all latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @Redbird_Soccer (Twitter, Facebook).
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