By Talia Gennarelli, Morehead State Athletic Media Relations
MOREHEAD, Ky. – head coach Chris Fox announced the signing of eight additions to the Morehead State Soccer roster as part of the first class of recruits under the program’s new leadership. Among the eight newcomers, four are newcomers and four are transfers, including players from the United States and Sweden.
Freshman Erin Gibbs joins the Eagles from Mesa, Arizona, where she was a goaltender for Phoenix Rising ECNL.
“I chose Morehead State because of the tight, hard-working atmosphere there is and because I wanted to be a part of something that could be great,” Gibbs said.
During her senior season at Desert Ridge High School, Gibbs was part of eight shutouts and earned an honorable mention on the 6A Central All-Region team in her junior year. Gibbs was also an outstanding scientist and was included in the Dean’s List.
“Mark and I are very excited to add Erin to our roster. Erin has all the qualities we look for in a good goalkeeper; she is bold, aggressive, has great positioning and footwork. She is comfortable with the ball at her feet and can throw wide from her back. She has fantastic work pace and training habits and will quickly contribute to the growth of our team,” Fox said.
Sejla Podzic is a forward from Carlisle, Pennsylvania who earned 100+ points in her career for Carlisle High School, where she was a three-time All-Conference and two-time All-Section honoree. Podzic was also a letter winner in track and field, leading to her nomination for the John Travers Award for Best Student and Athlete in Central Pennsylvania, and she was a standout goalscorer for Keystone FC. Podzic is also a star in the class, having been inducted into the roll of honor 15 times and winning the American Legion School Award.
“I chose Morehead State because it has proven to be excellent academically and there are many great and promising programs to help me advance my studies. Athletically, it’s very exciting to be part of a new chapter for Morehead State women’s soccer to be and I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to be a part of something that could turn out to be very special. I love a challenge and new beginnings and at Morehead State I know both will be very present, it’s all so exciting “Podzic said.
“Sejla was signed to give us a different dynamic in attack. Sejla’s style of play is very unique. She is powerful, strong and fast, but has very good feet in tight areas. She can hit the ball with both feet and is very dangerous .Her infectious personality and tireless pursuit of excellence is why we are delighted to welcome Sejla to the Eagle family,” said Fox.
A native of Stockholm, Sweden, freshman Eli Söderberg joins Morehead State after a year at Enskede IK.
“I chose Morehead State because I got a great feeling for the coaches and the team, and I think Morehead is a place where I can grow on and off the field,” Soderberg said.
“Eli’s pace, composure under pressure and ability to take on opponents 1v1 drew us to her. She will be a great addition to our attack with her vision and knowledge of the game. We look forward to welcoming Eli to the program and to seeing her learn, grow and reach her full potential here at Morehead State University,” said Fox.
Also from Stockholm, Natalie Ledin comes to Morehead State after three seasons with Carson-Newman (Tennessee).
“I think the level of football will suit me very well and I have a good feeling about Chris [Fox] as a coach and I feel like we have a good connection and that we have the same attitude when it comes to football and how we want to play,” said Ledin.
The defenseman started in 19 games for the CN Eagles during that stint and had five shots on goal. Before joining Carson-Newman, Ledin was a member of Swedish club Sätra SK.
“Natalie is a great addition to our defensive line. Natalie comes to us with a wealth of experience as an attacking full-back. Their ability to attack players in 1v1 and provide quality service is what we are most excited about. Her ability to read the game and leadership skills will be an exciting addition to the Eagle football family,” Fox added.
Alexa DeLong is a midfielder moving from Alabama State, where she started 18 games for the Hornets, scoring one goal and providing two assists, and helped lead her team to a SWAC championship and NCAA tournament last spring . A Williamston, Mich. native, hailed from Williamston High School, where she graduated summa cum laude and received the President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence, she played for the Michigan Hawks ECNL, where she helped win the CUSA Cup.
“I chose Morehead State University because of its reputation for strong academics, a beautiful campus that embraces a welcoming atmosphere, and the football style/philosophy,” DeLong said.
“Lexi brings a wealth of experience to our midfield, having competed in the NCAA. Lexi is a fighting midfielder who excels at breaking up plays and keeping things simple. I don’t think she’ll have a problem to quickly integrate into the team culture and style of play,” Fox added.
Hadley Cytron, a native of Creve Coeur, Missouri, is transferring to Morehead State from stints at St. Louis University and Tennessee.
“I chose Morehead State University because Coach Fox and Coach Sappington share an exciting philosophy and approach to the game. You have a great vision for the future of this program. Also, my future teammates are great and I look forward to competing with them,” said Cytron.
Cytron was the No. 25 forward and No. 79 overall player in the IMG Academy 150 ranking for the class of 2019. She was the first high school player to sign with the Fire & Ice WPSL team. She was also a 2017 & 2018 ECNL Integrated National Training Camp selection. At Ladue Horton Watkins High School, she was a 2017 first-team All-State, All-Region, and All-Conference honoree, Offensive Player of the Year, and Conference Player of the Year.
“Hadley is an exciting addition to our squad. She is a proven goalscorer who is comfortable with the goal back and between the lines. With her experience, leadership and knowledge, we look forward to her fulfilling her full potential here at Morehead State,” Fuchs said.
Rounding out the newest Eagles, Erin Fite transfers from Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
“I chose Morehead State because I am very excited about the new coaching staff and the vision they have for the program. I also have the opportunity to get my nursing degree while still playing football,” Fite said.
Fite started in all 18 games for the Golden Lions last season, amassed six goals and six assists and was named Newcomer of the Year. The Cincinnati, Ohio forward played at West Clermont High School, where she scored 13 goals in 16 games during her senior season, and was a member of the Cincinnati United Premier ECNL.
“Erin is another great addition to our team. Her time at CDA, the national camps and her fantastic season with the UAPB helped develop her into a dangerous attacking threat with pace and technique. She will be a handful for any defender. We are excited to welcome Erin to the Eagle family,” Fox added.
The signers will join Summer Ward, Norwood High School and Cincinnati United premier forward and reigning Miami Valley Player of the Year, who championed the program in November.
“Summer Ward’s athleticism and eye for goal make her an exciting addition to the squad. Summer’s ability to travel into space and her power to hold the ball make her a great addition to our front line. We’re excited to see how intense she will bring day to day,” Fox added.
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