NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State soccer program received National Letters of Intent from six high school seniors on Wednesday.
The 2022 signee class includes Sammi Cenek (Peoria, Ill. / Dunlap HS), Chaley French (Omaha, Neb. / Gretna HS), Hillary Griffin (Houston, Texas / Manvel HS), Kelsi McLaughlin (Greenfield, Ind. / Greenfield Central HS), Kate Nonn (Germantown, Wis. / Divine Savior Holy Angels HS), and Jade Rehberger (Fort Thomas, Ky. / Highlands HS). After the signing day, the team also added Reece Zinkann (learn more HERE), Audrey Brown (learn more HERE), Edda Eiríksdóttir (learn more HERE), Cyerra Hibbert (learn more HERE), and Leah Crotty (learn more HERE). The team has 11 new incoming players for the 2022 season.
Sammi Cenek | Midfielder | 5-4 | Peoria, Ill. | Dunlap HS | Eclipse Select Central IL ECNL
- High school and club team captain
- All-State player
- Named Team MVP (leading goal-scorer)
- Plans to study exercise science allied health and minor in business
"Sammi will be a great addition to our midfield. She has a non-stop engine that can carry her box-to-box. Additionally, with her understanding of the game and a solid technical skill set, she can solve many problems that the game presents. Sammi is a great team player and a true competitor."
Chaley French | Forward/Midfielder | 5-9 | Omaha, Neb. | Gretna HS | Omaha United
- Five-time Nebraska state champion
- High school state champions in 2021
- Awarded Best 11 in Nebraska in 2020
- Plans to study communications and science disorders
"Chaley will provide a strong presence within our forward line. She can stretch a back line with her speed or hold up play and allow her team to build. Chaley has a powerful left foot that has punished goalkeepers all across the Midwest region, and now we look forward to her scoring goals for the Redbirds."
Hillary Griffin | Forward | 5-2 | Houston, Texas | Manvel HS | Rise Soccer Club
- On varsity team for four years
- Three-year captain
- Three-time First-Team All-District
- Plans to study zoology
"Hillary is a quick and dynamic wide forward. She brings a lot of pace and energy into the wide space that will help generate great scoring opportunities. Hillary has an unmatched work ethic that will push her and our team to new heights."
Kelsi McLaughlin | Foward | 5-7 | Greenfield, Ind. | Greenfield Central HS | Indy Premier United
- Indy Premier United 03/04 Girls Academy captain
- US Soccer Girls Youth National Team Regional ID Center Attendee in 2021
- 02/03 Girls Academy Mid-American Champions and National Semifinalist
- USYS National Championship Finalist
- Plans to study business administration
"Kelsi is a clever forward that brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is versatile and flexible in how she plays the forward position, which makes her difficult to defend. In addition to her talent as a player, we believe her leadership and personality will have a positive impact within our team environment."
Kate Nonn | Goalkeeper | 5-8 | Germantown, Wis. | Divine Savior Holy Angels HS | FC Wisconsin ECNL
- Wisconsin HS state champion in 2021
- Greater Metro Conference First-Team All-Conference
- Second-Team All-State
- Plans to study dietetics
"Kate will be adding her skill and experience as a goalkeeper. She has great footwork and shot-stopping ability. She also has a great presence and sense of ownership inside the penalty area. Kate brings a terrific attitude and a commitment to continual development, which will push and elevate our goalkeeper group."
Jade Rehberger | Midfielder/Defender | 5-7 | Fort Thomas, Ky. | Highlands HS | King Hammer Academy Red
- ODP Kentucky team traveled to Germany and ODP Midwest team traveled to Costa Rica
- Had goal nominated for Top Drawer Soccer Goal of the Year
- 9th Region First-Team honoree
- Plans to study zoology
]"Jade is an important addition in our efforts to solidify our back line. She can play within several positions and formations, but wherever she plays, she has a noticeable impact. Jade always brings energy, excitement, and competitive edge into the game."'
After the signing day, the team also added Reece Zinkann (learn more HERE), Audrey Brown (learn more HERE), Edda Eiríksdóttir (learn more HERE), and Cyerra Hibbert (learn more HERE). The team has 10 new incoming players for the 2022 season.
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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