Marquette Women’s Soccer Announces Six Player Recruiting Class

If you’ve been paying attention to collegiate sports over the last week, I’m sure you caught wind of National Signing Day. The phrase is used to refer to the first day that college football recruits are able to sign their national letters of intent.

HOWEVER.

It’s not just the start of the signing period for college football. College soccer also started their signing period on Wednesday, and as such, Marquette women’s soccer announced six signed recruits for the fall of 2017. Head coach Markus Roeders added five attacking players and one defensive minded player as his next class of freshmen.

Here’s what he had to say about his recruiting class:

“It's another special day for our Marquette family and we are thrilled that these six outstanding ladies have made it official to make Marquette their home,” Roeders said. “We couldn't me more excited as we know they will excel on and off the field. Individually and as a group, they are fantastic young women who have already done terrific work academically and will continue to make a difference at Marquette.

“As athletes, we look forward to them making an impact on our program and building on our tradition of winning championships and competing at the highest level nationally. All have competed and learned soccer with top-level club programs and coaches in youth soccer. As they join us later this summer, we look forward for them to bring their championship experiences, athletic and technical abilities, plus their competitive mindsets.”

In alphabetical order then....

Elaina Eckert

Midfield/Forward - 5’4” - Warren, Michigan

Why she chose Marquette:

“I chose to attend Marquette University because I attended a game when I was 13 and decided this was a program I'd love to be a part of. I loved the energy of the fans, the level of soccer, and the overall environment. Yet most importantly I think Marquette is a beautiful place with great people where I can come to get a world‐class education.”

Rachel Johnson

Midfield/Forward - 5’8” - Omaha, Nebraska

Why she chose Marquette:

“I chose to attend Marquette because of its tight-knit family atmosphere, which really made me feel at home. I also chose Marquette because of the amazing coaching staff and players of the women's soccer team who I am so blessed to be a part of, and of course I chose Marquette because of its incredible academics and beautiful campus.”

Maggie Lena

Midfield/Forward - 5’6” - Santa Monica, California

Why she chose Marquette:

“I chose Marquette University because I wanted to play soccer at the highest collegiate level. As soon as I met with their amazing coaching staff, it was evident that they represented an exceptional program. Marquette's values provide a superlative education that will allow me to pursue a leadership role in the medical field with the goal to make a positive contribution. I also chose Marquette University because of its reputation to produce exciting, word‐class leaders.”

Meredith McGuire

Midfield/Forward - 5’7” - Naperville, Illinois

Why she chose Marquette:

“I chose to attend Marquette University because of the outstanding academics offered, as well as the incredible soccer program. The coaches and players have all been amazing throughout the recruiting process and I look forward to being part of the program.”

Maddie Monticello

Midfield/Defense - 5’6” - Chicago, Illinois

Why she chose Marquette:

“I chose Marquette University because of their outstanding academics, commitment to athletics, and welcoming community. Marquette provides a family atmosphere that makes one feel included throughout the University. I also know Marquette will provide me with the tools to become a successful individual.”

Kylie Sprecher

Forward - 5’8” - Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Why she chose Marquette:

“I chose to attend MU because of the family aspect that is so highly regarded in all areas of the University whether it be soccer or school. Everyone is willing to help one another no matter what because it's recognized all throughout the campus that everyone at Marquette is on the same team. Marquette will also challenge me every day with athletics and school in order for me to be better than I was yesterday. All of this combined makes me so excited to "Be the Difference" as a Golden Eagle.”

As could be somewhat expected, the class of 2017 is comprised of players from what could easily be described as the Midwest, with the exception of Lena, who hails from California. Roeders has proven time and again that he can win with players from the local region, and you can’t fault him for going out and recruiting women that he believes can fit into his system and succeed.

Marquette finished the 2016 season with a share of the Big East regular season title and returned to the NCAA tournament after missing out in the previous two seasons.