Photo by: Luke Della
Road To Six
8/5/2019 1:15:00 PM | Women's Soccer
DENTON — During its current run of five straight conference championships, the North Texas soccer team has taken the winningest program at North Texas to even greater heights.
Over the last five years they've accomplished the program's most wins in a single season in 2015 (19), had a program-best 16 shutouts in a season, were nationally ranked for the first time, won 85% of its home matches, had an all-American honoree and won 22 more matches than anyone else in Conference USA.
Entering 2019, the Mean Green embark on the program's 25th season with the mission to not just repeat for a sixth straight year as conference champs and make the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year, which would be a program first, but to continue to build on the momentum of the success of the last five years.
Monday marks the official start day to the 2019 season. UNT opens the doors to the new season on Aug. 22 in a new facility and stadium that once again has taken the program to another level.
While the team has been conditioning together for a little over a month, the Mean Green still have a lot of acquainting to do as they aim to capture their sixth straight conference title. Fifteen of the 26 women on the team are newcomers — 11 are true freshmen. Excluding North Texas' first season in 1995, it's by far the largest group of newcomers head coach John Hedlund — the program's only head coach — has had in his 25 years at the helm.
While it's the largest group of newcomers by numbers it's also quite possibly the tallest.
Three incoming freshmen are taller than the tallest player on last season's roster, who stood at 5-foot-10. Three of the four freshmen are over six feet and all play different positions.
Though there has been a considerable roster turnover this season, depth and size are key characteristics for this team and it's goal for a 2019 title run.
THE CAPTAINS
Dominique James
Senior
Defensive Centerback
A 2018 NCAA All-American, the first in the program's history, senior Dominique James is the conference's defending player of the year and back-to-back defensive player of the year.
A reliable vocal leader for steering the Mean Green defense that last season was ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation for goals-against average, James combines intelligence, vision and athleticism to be one of the best college soccer players in the nation. Heading into her final year, James has been mentioned as a potential draft pick for the National Women's Soccer League.
Natalie Newell
Senior
Defensive Outsideback
In a single match, no one on the Mean Green or the opponent will run up and down the field as much as Natalie Newell. Per the heart rate monitors the team wears during practice and in games, Newell will on average run 10 miles per 90 minutes of game action. In comparison, according to a study by SportsVU, the average professional soccer player runs 7-9.5 miles per 90-minute match.
Once the youngest captain in the program's history, Newell now a senior captain, is both a reliable defender who can mark the opponent's top scorer and then become a missile of an attack when the ball switches to offense.
Logan Bruffett
Junior
Midfield/ Defensive Outsideback
When Logan Bruffett first arrived at North Texas she might have just generally been known as the younger sister to teammate Lauryn Bruffett, but now as a junior, Logan Bruffett is the only Bruffett on the Mean Green roster and finds herself in the upperclassmen shoes leading the team.
Whether it was Lauryn or Logan, leadership has always been part of the Bruffett DNA and Logan Bruffett was recognized for it this offseason when head coach John Hedlund named her as one of the four captains.
With the added defensive depth from a strong freshman class and fellow defensive outsideback Brittnye Lawson returning from injury, Bruffett could be utilized in other areas of the field. Bruffett has always had a strong dedication to the Mean Green but the coaching staff has seen her take that even further this offseason as she is by far one of the most fit and athletic players headed into the season.
Brooke Lampe
Junior
Defensive Midfield
If you have been around the program the last few years, it should come as no surprise that Brooke Lampe was named a captain this year. Even as a freshman in 2017, Lampe showed captain qualities by being a hard working, positive teammate that was respected by her peers and had a drive to win that mirrored even John Hedlund's.
In her two full seasons in Denton, Lampe has played everywhere on the field, including goalie. While the midfield might be where she will play most of her time, Hedlund knows he can trust her to play other positions too when needed and that versatility has made her one of the most unique weapons in the league.
THE RETURNERS
Madeline Guderian
Senior
Defensive Outsideback
Quite possibly the secret weapon to the team's 2018 title run, senior Madeline Guderian emerged late last season for the Mean Green like no one else.
In the final 11 matches of the year, Guderian recorded a team-leading five assists and scored a goal. Guderian had played in 49 career matches for UNT prior and had no assists and no goals.
Hedlund stresses the importance of executing set pieces and that's exactly what Guderian earned her stripes in. Four of her five assists and her goal came on either a free kick or a corner.
In the three matches in the 2018 conference tournament, Guderian scored her first career goal and assisted on two goals, including the championship winning goal in overtime over Southern Miss. Guderian was named to the all-tournament team following the win.
Brittnye Lawson
Redshirt Junior
Defensive Outsideback
Known simply as "BC," the senior Brittnye Lawson missed all of last season after sustaining a knee injury in the spring of 2018.
A 5-foot-3 vocal ball of energy and toughness, the 2017 all-conference honoree has been eager to get back on the field and the coaching staff has admired her dedication to rehab and strengthening. Even when she wasn't asked to, Lawson could be found in the training room and the weight room working on getting back on the field.
Another fitness freak, Lawson can quickly turn defense into offense.
Elle Marie DeFrain
Junior
Defensive Midfield
Early last season, then sophomore Elle Marie DeFrain looked as if she might end up leading the team in goals after scoring just one as a freshman. Though she didn't finish as the top goal scorer, the midfielder clearly emerged as a reliable and confident player for the Mean Green as she started all 21 matches last season.
Strapped with a strong leg who has proven the ability to score from outside the box, DeFrain earns her stripes playing the ball in the air and being a facilitator in the middle of the field.
DeFrain just missed out last season on earning all-conference honors, head coach John Hedlund and staff expect the now junior to make an even stronger case for herself in 2019.
Ansley Bunger
Junior
Defensive Midfield
Junior Ansley Bunger played a key role in the Mean Green's run to a conference tournament title last season. As the season progressed, with each match Bunger's part in the lineup and on the field grew. In the semifinals of the conference tournament, Bunger scored the eventual game-winning goal in the double overtime penalty kick shootout victory over Louisiana Tech. She then was heavily needed in the NCAA Tournament match at Texas A&M, playing a season-high 84 minutes.
Though Bunger at 5-foot-10 is no longer the tallest player on the team, her size and the physical presence she can bring to the field is what makes this UNT team even more dangerous than last year.
Berklee Peters
Junior
Attacking Midfield
North Texas' returning leading goal scorer, junior Berklee Peters has shown that she can produce to guide a championship offense. Peters, who has netted 11 goals in her first two seasons in Denton, has a hat trick on her resume and led the team last season in conference goals. In addition, she has the fitness to average 70-plus minutes of playing time
A dynamic scorer from the wing, if Peters takes that next step in her development and takes over the reins of the offense she will leave North Texas near the top of the leaderboard for not just goals but also total points.
Kelsey Brann
Redshirt Sophomore
Goalkeeper
One of the best freshmen goalies in the country last year, Kelsey Brann made a name for herself in the biggest matches. "The rock" as she's known by head coach John Hedlund gave heroic performances against Alabama, at No. 5 ranked Santa Clara and at No. 16 ranked Texas A&M in the NCAA Tournament. Making heart throbbing saves became her specialty and she received recognition for it by finishing the year ranked as the No. 4 best freshman keeper in the nation by TopDrawerSocccer.com. She led Conference USA in save percentage, goals-against average, shutout percentage and shutouts. Hedlund has high expectations for the Humble, Texas, native and believes she has what it takes to be an all-American keeper before she graduates.
Olivia Klein
Sophomore
Forward/ Attacking Midfield
The only true sophomore on the roster, forward Olivia Klein is one of the top sprinters on the team who combines toughness and physicality to her athleticism to be a goal scoring threat every time she steps on the field. The fourth leading goal scorer on last season's team, Klein is the second leading returning goal scorer.
Klein scored a majority of her goals last season in transition outsprinting the opposing backline to through balls that were passed in her direction.
THE NEWCOMERS
Lauren Frank
Redshirt Junior
Centerback
The oldest of the newcomers, Lauren Frank, a Carrollton native, returns home to the Metroplex after sitting out last season and transferring from Loyola University Maryland.
Frank, who was a three-time first team all-district honoree while at Hebron High School and led the Hawks to a state title in 2014, began her college career at the University of Maryland and earned two starts as a freshman there.
One of the strongest players on the team for her frame, Frank is competing for the open centerback position that was left by last season's senior Carissa Sanders.
Lana Hastings
Sophomore
Centerback
A central Texas native, Lana Hastings has returned home to the lone star state after spending her freshman season at North Texas conference rival Old Dominion.
Hastings will not have to sit out this season and is competing for the starting centerback position. She played club soccer in high school with fellow North Texas newcomer sophomore Hanna Banks.
Hanna Banks
Sophomore
Forward/ Defense
Another inner conference transfer, sophomore Hanna Banks comes to North Texas from Louisiana Tech where she played in every match and made 11 starts. Banks, a Round Rock, Texas, native will likely miss the entire season due to NCAA transfers rules and earn a redshirt.
Banks was the top freshman for LA Tech last season totaling over 1,300 minutes played. She started eight conference matches and scored a goal in the conference tournament last season. A well condition athlete, Banks can play anywhere on the field and will be a key piece on the field for the Mean Green in the future.
Chloe Bohanon
Redshirt Freshman
Offensive Midfield
One of the top recruits coming out of North Texas two years ago, Chloe Bohanon has returned to the Metroplex after spending her freshman season at Oklahoma. Bohanon missed the entire season with an injury and earned a medical redshirt. She is eligible to play right away for the Mean Green where she will likely see time at the offensive midfield position.
An offensive minded player, Bohanon as well as other midfield newcomers bring depth to the position, which the coaching staff believes is crucial for the team taking the next step.
THE FRESHMEN
Hannah Ager
Round Rock, Texas
Midfield
A first team all-state selection, Ager brings with her to Denton a strong leg that can score from outside the box.
While at Round Rock High School, Ager led her team deeper into the state playoffs than anyone had ever taken RRHS, finishing the last two seasons with regional tournament appearances.
Briana Beaty
Tomball, Texas
Midfield
One of two freshmen to come from the Houston area and join the Mean Green, Briana Beaty can play at a variety of positions, which makes her a valuable assist for the team especially late in the season. Beaty was a first team all-region selection the last two seasons while playing at Tomball Memorial High School
JJ Binder
Denton, Texas
Midfield/Defensive Outsideback
One of two Denton native freshmen to join North Texas, JJ Binder played for North Texas Athletic Hall of Famer Kendall Juett at Ryan High School. Binder is one of the faster players on the Mean Green and was a dynamic offensive player in high school and for her club team the D'Feeters. Binder was first team all-district as a senior at Ryan and can play a variety of positions. Along with all the incoming freshmen, Binder has raised the depth of the Mean Green.
Allie Byrd
Kingwood, Texas
Forward
A dual-sport athlete, the 6-foot Allie Byrd was recruited to play basketball and soccer out of high school. A true goal scorer, Byrd, netted 92 goals in her four years in high school and was named first team all-state as a senior. Byrd was voted her district's most valuable player in both soccer and basketball as a senior. She scored 2,218 career points for the girl's basketball team at Kingwood Park High School.
Michelle "Marta" Gonzalez
Garland, Texas
Midfield
A highly technical player, freshman Michelle "Marta" Gonzalez played primarily club soccer growing up and was one of the top players in the nation earning invites to the nation's top showcases. Gonzalez played club soccer with fellow incoming freshmen Destiny and Desiree Ramirez and Mackenzie Stricklin. Gonzalez will compete for playing time at an attacking midfield position.
Taylor Hunter
Denton, Texas
Defensive Centerback
Another Denton native, 6-foot-1 Taylor Hunter graduated from Guyer High School where she played under former Mean Green goalie Mandy Hall. Hunter was one of the top recruited defensive players coming out of the North Texas area. She was her district's defensive player of the year and was named the to the Dallas Morning News' First Team All-Area.
Sadie McGill
Fort Worth, Texas
Goalkeeper
Primarily a club player, the Fort Worth native Sadie McGill has won a club national championship and been one of the top keepers in the North Texas club circuit for a few years. McGill posted an impressive 91.7 save percentage in 2018 with her club team FC Dallas.
Desiree Ramirez
Duncanville, Texas
Midfield
The younger sister of the Ramirez twins by 20 minutes, Desiree is more of the offensive-minded player than her sister Destiny. A four-year varsity letterwinner from Duncanville High School, Desiree was named her district's most valuable player as a senior. She played club soccer with the Dallas Kicks and reached the Youth National Championship three times. Desiree will compete for a starting midfield position for the Mean Green.
Destiny Ramirez
Duncaville, Texas
Defense
A more defensive-minded player than her twin sister Desiree, Destiny Ramirez was a first team all-district player at Duncanville and played club for the highly competitive Dallas Kicks. She and her sister helped lead the Kicks to three North Texas Soccer State titles and two regional championships. Destiny will compete for a defensive midfield position as well as playing time on the defensive backline.
The Ramirez twins are the first set of twins to play together for the Mean Green and are the fourth pair of sisters.
Quincy Sheppard
Murphy, Texas
Defensive Outsideback
A true left-footed player, freshman Quincy Sheppard adds more athleticism to the Mean Green. Sports are in her genes as she is the fourth sibling in her family to play collegiate sports at the division I level. Three of her older siblings all competed in gymnastics.
Sheppard who was a first team all-district player as a senior at Plano East High School will compete for playing time at an outsideback and attack position. She is the third Plano East graduate on the Mean Green roster. Her and senior Natalie Newell and junior Elle Marie DeFrain all played high school together for one year in 2015-16.
Mackenzie Stricklin
Heath, Texas
Forward
A highly sought after forward recruit, the Heath, Texas, native Mackenzie Stricklin was one of the top offensive prep players in the Metroplex the last few years. Though not as tall as some of her fellow freshmen, the 5-foot-8 Stricklin adds length and size and has the technical skills to be an elite scorer in Conference USA.
Over the last five years they've accomplished the program's most wins in a single season in 2015 (19), had a program-best 16 shutouts in a season, were nationally ranked for the first time, won 85% of its home matches, had an all-American honoree and won 22 more matches than anyone else in Conference USA.
Entering 2019, the Mean Green embark on the program's 25th season with the mission to not just repeat for a sixth straight year as conference champs and make the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year, which would be a program first, but to continue to build on the momentum of the success of the last five years.
Monday marks the official start day to the 2019 season. UNT opens the doors to the new season on Aug. 22 in a new facility and stadium that once again has taken the program to another level.
While the team has been conditioning together for a little over a month, the Mean Green still have a lot of acquainting to do as they aim to capture their sixth straight conference title. Fifteen of the 26 women on the team are newcomers — 11 are true freshmen. Excluding North Texas' first season in 1995, it's by far the largest group of newcomers head coach John Hedlund — the program's only head coach — has had in his 25 years at the helm.
While it's the largest group of newcomers by numbers it's also quite possibly the tallest.
Three incoming freshmen are taller than the tallest player on last season's roster, who stood at 5-foot-10. Three of the four freshmen are over six feet and all play different positions.
Though there has been a considerable roster turnover this season, depth and size are key characteristics for this team and it's goal for a 2019 title run.
THE CAPTAINS
Dominique James
Senior
Defensive Centerback
A 2018 NCAA All-American, the first in the program's history, senior Dominique James is the conference's defending player of the year and back-to-back defensive player of the year.
A reliable vocal leader for steering the Mean Green defense that last season was ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation for goals-against average, James combines intelligence, vision and athleticism to be one of the best college soccer players in the nation. Heading into her final year, James has been mentioned as a potential draft pick for the National Women's Soccer League.
Natalie Newell
Senior
Defensive Outsideback
In a single match, no one on the Mean Green or the opponent will run up and down the field as much as Natalie Newell. Per the heart rate monitors the team wears during practice and in games, Newell will on average run 10 miles per 90 minutes of game action. In comparison, according to a study by SportsVU, the average professional soccer player runs 7-9.5 miles per 90-minute match.
Once the youngest captain in the program's history, Newell now a senior captain, is both a reliable defender who can mark the opponent's top scorer and then become a missile of an attack when the ball switches to offense.
Logan Bruffett
Junior
Midfield/ Defensive Outsideback
When Logan Bruffett first arrived at North Texas she might have just generally been known as the younger sister to teammate Lauryn Bruffett, but now as a junior, Logan Bruffett is the only Bruffett on the Mean Green roster and finds herself in the upperclassmen shoes leading the team.
Whether it was Lauryn or Logan, leadership has always been part of the Bruffett DNA and Logan Bruffett was recognized for it this offseason when head coach John Hedlund named her as one of the four captains.
With the added defensive depth from a strong freshman class and fellow defensive outsideback Brittnye Lawson returning from injury, Bruffett could be utilized in other areas of the field. Bruffett has always had a strong dedication to the Mean Green but the coaching staff has seen her take that even further this offseason as she is by far one of the most fit and athletic players headed into the season.
Brooke Lampe
Junior
Defensive Midfield
If you have been around the program the last few years, it should come as no surprise that Brooke Lampe was named a captain this year. Even as a freshman in 2017, Lampe showed captain qualities by being a hard working, positive teammate that was respected by her peers and had a drive to win that mirrored even John Hedlund's.
In her two full seasons in Denton, Lampe has played everywhere on the field, including goalie. While the midfield might be where she will play most of her time, Hedlund knows he can trust her to play other positions too when needed and that versatility has made her one of the most unique weapons in the league.
THE RETURNERS
Madeline Guderian
Senior
Defensive Outsideback
Quite possibly the secret weapon to the team's 2018 title run, senior Madeline Guderian emerged late last season for the Mean Green like no one else.
In the final 11 matches of the year, Guderian recorded a team-leading five assists and scored a goal. Guderian had played in 49 career matches for UNT prior and had no assists and no goals.
Hedlund stresses the importance of executing set pieces and that's exactly what Guderian earned her stripes in. Four of her five assists and her goal came on either a free kick or a corner.
In the three matches in the 2018 conference tournament, Guderian scored her first career goal and assisted on two goals, including the championship winning goal in overtime over Southern Miss. Guderian was named to the all-tournament team following the win.
Brittnye Lawson
Redshirt Junior
Defensive Outsideback
Known simply as "BC," the senior Brittnye Lawson missed all of last season after sustaining a knee injury in the spring of 2018.
A 5-foot-3 vocal ball of energy and toughness, the 2017 all-conference honoree has been eager to get back on the field and the coaching staff has admired her dedication to rehab and strengthening. Even when she wasn't asked to, Lawson could be found in the training room and the weight room working on getting back on the field.
Another fitness freak, Lawson can quickly turn defense into offense.
Elle Marie DeFrain
Junior
Defensive Midfield
Early last season, then sophomore Elle Marie DeFrain looked as if she might end up leading the team in goals after scoring just one as a freshman. Though she didn't finish as the top goal scorer, the midfielder clearly emerged as a reliable and confident player for the Mean Green as she started all 21 matches last season.
Strapped with a strong leg who has proven the ability to score from outside the box, DeFrain earns her stripes playing the ball in the air and being a facilitator in the middle of the field.
DeFrain just missed out last season on earning all-conference honors, head coach John Hedlund and staff expect the now junior to make an even stronger case for herself in 2019.
Ansley Bunger
Junior
Defensive Midfield
Junior Ansley Bunger played a key role in the Mean Green's run to a conference tournament title last season. As the season progressed, with each match Bunger's part in the lineup and on the field grew. In the semifinals of the conference tournament, Bunger scored the eventual game-winning goal in the double overtime penalty kick shootout victory over Louisiana Tech. She then was heavily needed in the NCAA Tournament match at Texas A&M, playing a season-high 84 minutes.
Though Bunger at 5-foot-10 is no longer the tallest player on the team, her size and the physical presence she can bring to the field is what makes this UNT team even more dangerous than last year.
Berklee Peters
Junior
Attacking Midfield
North Texas' returning leading goal scorer, junior Berklee Peters has shown that she can produce to guide a championship offense. Peters, who has netted 11 goals in her first two seasons in Denton, has a hat trick on her resume and led the team last season in conference goals. In addition, she has the fitness to average 70-plus minutes of playing time
A dynamic scorer from the wing, if Peters takes that next step in her development and takes over the reins of the offense she will leave North Texas near the top of the leaderboard for not just goals but also total points.
Kelsey Brann
Redshirt Sophomore
Goalkeeper
One of the best freshmen goalies in the country last year, Kelsey Brann made a name for herself in the biggest matches. "The rock" as she's known by head coach John Hedlund gave heroic performances against Alabama, at No. 5 ranked Santa Clara and at No. 16 ranked Texas A&M in the NCAA Tournament. Making heart throbbing saves became her specialty and she received recognition for it by finishing the year ranked as the No. 4 best freshman keeper in the nation by TopDrawerSocccer.com. She led Conference USA in save percentage, goals-against average, shutout percentage and shutouts. Hedlund has high expectations for the Humble, Texas, native and believes she has what it takes to be an all-American keeper before she graduates.
Olivia Klein
Sophomore
Forward/ Attacking Midfield
The only true sophomore on the roster, forward Olivia Klein is one of the top sprinters on the team who combines toughness and physicality to her athleticism to be a goal scoring threat every time she steps on the field. The fourth leading goal scorer on last season's team, Klein is the second leading returning goal scorer.
Klein scored a majority of her goals last season in transition outsprinting the opposing backline to through balls that were passed in her direction.
THE NEWCOMERS
Lauren Frank
Redshirt Junior
Centerback
The oldest of the newcomers, Lauren Frank, a Carrollton native, returns home to the Metroplex after sitting out last season and transferring from Loyola University Maryland.
Frank, who was a three-time first team all-district honoree while at Hebron High School and led the Hawks to a state title in 2014, began her college career at the University of Maryland and earned two starts as a freshman there.
One of the strongest players on the team for her frame, Frank is competing for the open centerback position that was left by last season's senior Carissa Sanders.
Lana Hastings
Sophomore
Centerback
A central Texas native, Lana Hastings has returned home to the lone star state after spending her freshman season at North Texas conference rival Old Dominion.
Hastings will not have to sit out this season and is competing for the starting centerback position. She played club soccer in high school with fellow North Texas newcomer sophomore Hanna Banks.
Hanna Banks
Sophomore
Forward/ Defense
Another inner conference transfer, sophomore Hanna Banks comes to North Texas from Louisiana Tech where she played in every match and made 11 starts. Banks, a Round Rock, Texas, native will likely miss the entire season due to NCAA transfers rules and earn a redshirt.
Banks was the top freshman for LA Tech last season totaling over 1,300 minutes played. She started eight conference matches and scored a goal in the conference tournament last season. A well condition athlete, Banks can play anywhere on the field and will be a key piece on the field for the Mean Green in the future.
Chloe Bohanon
Redshirt Freshman
Offensive Midfield
One of the top recruits coming out of North Texas two years ago, Chloe Bohanon has returned to the Metroplex after spending her freshman season at Oklahoma. Bohanon missed the entire season with an injury and earned a medical redshirt. She is eligible to play right away for the Mean Green where she will likely see time at the offensive midfield position.
An offensive minded player, Bohanon as well as other midfield newcomers bring depth to the position, which the coaching staff believes is crucial for the team taking the next step.
THE FRESHMEN
Hannah Ager
Round Rock, Texas
Midfield
A first team all-state selection, Ager brings with her to Denton a strong leg that can score from outside the box.
While at Round Rock High School, Ager led her team deeper into the state playoffs than anyone had ever taken RRHS, finishing the last two seasons with regional tournament appearances.
Briana Beaty
Tomball, Texas
Midfield
One of two freshmen to come from the Houston area and join the Mean Green, Briana Beaty can play at a variety of positions, which makes her a valuable assist for the team especially late in the season. Beaty was a first team all-region selection the last two seasons while playing at Tomball Memorial High School
JJ Binder
Denton, Texas
Midfield/Defensive Outsideback
One of two Denton native freshmen to join North Texas, JJ Binder played for North Texas Athletic Hall of Famer Kendall Juett at Ryan High School. Binder is one of the faster players on the Mean Green and was a dynamic offensive player in high school and for her club team the D'Feeters. Binder was first team all-district as a senior at Ryan and can play a variety of positions. Along with all the incoming freshmen, Binder has raised the depth of the Mean Green.
Allie Byrd
Kingwood, Texas
Forward
A dual-sport athlete, the 6-foot Allie Byrd was recruited to play basketball and soccer out of high school. A true goal scorer, Byrd, netted 92 goals in her four years in high school and was named first team all-state as a senior. Byrd was voted her district's most valuable player in both soccer and basketball as a senior. She scored 2,218 career points for the girl's basketball team at Kingwood Park High School.
Michelle "Marta" Gonzalez
Garland, Texas
Midfield
A highly technical player, freshman Michelle "Marta" Gonzalez played primarily club soccer growing up and was one of the top players in the nation earning invites to the nation's top showcases. Gonzalez played club soccer with fellow incoming freshmen Destiny and Desiree Ramirez and Mackenzie Stricklin. Gonzalez will compete for playing time at an attacking midfield position.
Taylor Hunter
Denton, Texas
Defensive Centerback
Another Denton native, 6-foot-1 Taylor Hunter graduated from Guyer High School where she played under former Mean Green goalie Mandy Hall. Hunter was one of the top recruited defensive players coming out of the North Texas area. She was her district's defensive player of the year and was named the to the Dallas Morning News' First Team All-Area.
Sadie McGill
Fort Worth, Texas
Goalkeeper
Primarily a club player, the Fort Worth native Sadie McGill has won a club national championship and been one of the top keepers in the North Texas club circuit for a few years. McGill posted an impressive 91.7 save percentage in 2018 with her club team FC Dallas.
Desiree Ramirez
Duncanville, Texas
Midfield
The younger sister of the Ramirez twins by 20 minutes, Desiree is more of the offensive-minded player than her sister Destiny. A four-year varsity letterwinner from Duncanville High School, Desiree was named her district's most valuable player as a senior. She played club soccer with the Dallas Kicks and reached the Youth National Championship three times. Desiree will compete for a starting midfield position for the Mean Green.
Destiny Ramirez
Duncaville, Texas
Defense
A more defensive-minded player than her twin sister Desiree, Destiny Ramirez was a first team all-district player at Duncanville and played club for the highly competitive Dallas Kicks. She and her sister helped lead the Kicks to three North Texas Soccer State titles and two regional championships. Destiny will compete for a defensive midfield position as well as playing time on the defensive backline.
The Ramirez twins are the first set of twins to play together for the Mean Green and are the fourth pair of sisters.
Quincy Sheppard
Murphy, Texas
Defensive Outsideback
A true left-footed player, freshman Quincy Sheppard adds more athleticism to the Mean Green. Sports are in her genes as she is the fourth sibling in her family to play collegiate sports at the division I level. Three of her older siblings all competed in gymnastics.
Sheppard who was a first team all-district player as a senior at Plano East High School will compete for playing time at an outsideback and attack position. She is the third Plano East graduate on the Mean Green roster. Her and senior Natalie Newell and junior Elle Marie DeFrain all played high school together for one year in 2015-16.
Mackenzie Stricklin
Heath, Texas
Forward
A highly sought after forward recruit, the Heath, Texas, native Mackenzie Stricklin was one of the top offensive prep players in the Metroplex the last few years. Though not as tall as some of her fellow freshmen, the 5-foot-8 Stricklin adds length and size and has the technical skills to be an elite scorer in Conference USA.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Soccer
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