SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State women's soccer team received six National Letters of Intent in the opening days of the signing period. Emma Hensley, Madelyn Augustine, Calista Schechinger, Isabella Bryson, Kyli Jackson, and Jade Loftness will join Head Coach Rob Brewer's 2019 squad.
 
"Our 2019 recruiting class is a solid group of six outstanding young women that will strengthen our team on both sides of the ball and help us maintain high standards in the classroom," said Brewer.  "We are extremely excited for the strong skill sets that they are bringing to the program; athleticism, soccer intelligence, leadership, speed, and competiveness, to name a few. They all come from top club and high school teams that have helped develop them into impact players."
 
Emma Hensley • D • Edwardsville, Ill. • Edwardsville High
Hensley enters her senior season at Edwardsville High after the Tigers were named regional champs the past two seasons. In her junior year, she averaged 70-75 minutes a game and was the only defender to score a goal. Played multiple positions while at Edwardsville, and was state ranked all three seasons.

Brewer on Hensley:
"Emma is a hard-nosed defender who is naturally left-footed. She has the ability to run the flank at speed and be effective in an attacking role while also being able to recover as a defender.  Emma has the tools to become a valuable two-way player that can help us diversify our attacking options."

Madelyn Augustine • D • Lincoln, Neb. • Millard West High
Augustine goes into her senior season on the defensive line at Millard West HS. A three-year varsity letter winner, Augustine helped the Wildcats to a combined 42-12 record that included a pair of district championships. She started every game her junior year, and the Wildcats were a Class A state semifinalist each of her three seasons. Augustine was one of three freshmen to earn a spot on the varsity team. Augustine also led her club team to a ECNL national playoffs qualifier.

Brewer on Augustine:
"Maddie is a strong, athletic and consistent outside defender.  She is good in 1v1 situations and has a high soccer IQ. We expect her to compete for playing time right away as she has been playing at a high level and has the tools to make the transition to college athletics. As she becomes comfortable with the new system we believe she will be a solid player for us."

Calista Schechinger • M • Overland Park, Kan. • Blue Valley Southwest High
Headed into her fourth season at Blue Valley Southwest as a midfielder, Schechinger has helped lead the Timberwolves to a combined 55-5-1 record, playing in every game over the past three seasons. Schechinger has received several accolades including two All-State first team honors and Eastern Kansas League (EKL) first and second team. In her junior campaign, the Timberwolves won the 5A state championship, solidifying an undefeated season and ranking fifth in the country.

Brewer on Schechinger:
"Cali will compete for playing time as a forward and as a midfielder. She can be a crafty playmaker or she can be the one that puts the ball in the net. She will be a nice complement to the group of returning players we have that are working on improving our goal production.  Cali has the confidence to play in any role and we are excited to bring her skill set to the program."

Isabella Bryson • F • Overland Park, Kan. • Saint Thomas Aquinas High
Bryson is entering her senior year as a forward at Saint Thomas Aquinas High. She started in all 19 games as a junior, scoring the game-winner to hand undefeated Mill Valley its first loss of the year. Her efforts helped earn the Saints their 22^nd regional title and finished second in the Eastern Kansas League (EKL). Bryson was responsible for the deciding goal in the Tournament of Champions semifinal contest as a sophomore. The Saints would move on to win the regional title. Saints were ranked in national top 50 the past three years. Bryson earned varsity letters her freshman, sophomore, and junior years.

Brewer on Bryson:
"Bella is a tough minded player that will bring additional firepower to what will be a strong returning group of attackers. As a forward, Bella is always dangerous as she brings a never say die attitude and is always looking to score. She is hard in the tackle and relentless in her efforts as a ball winner. She plays with tremendous courage and is not afraid to challenge opponents in 1v1 situations.  Bella will have an immediate impact on the program."

Kyli Jackson • M • Overland Park, Kan. • Saint Thomas Aquinas High
Jackson is headed into her senior season at Saint Thomas Aquinas High. She is coming off a phenomenal junior season, collecting a host of accolades that included STA defensive player of the year, All-State first team, and All-EKL second team. The Saints were named 5A Kansas State Regional Champions in Jackson's past three seasons. Team ranked in national top 50 her sophomore and freshman seasons. Jackson named team captain junior and senior year at Saint Thomas Aquinas and all three years on her club team.
 
Brewer on Jackson:
"Kyli is highly technical, athletic and versatile soccer player. She has the ability to play as a center back, outside back or as a holding midfielder. The fact that she is comfortable in so many positions will help her find opportunities to get on the field very early in her career. The combination of her technical ability, athleticism and ability to read the game will help her develop as a player at the college level."

Jade Loftness • D • Overland Park, Kan. • Blue Valley Northwest High
Loftness is currently in her senior season at Blue Valley Northwest High, starting at center back for the Huskies all four years. She carried a 51.6 shot percentage her junior season and qualified to compete in the ECNL nationals. The Huskies logged an 8-1 record in national showcase play. In her freshman campaign, Loftness qualified for the Sporting Blue Valley Region II Championship.

Brewer on Loftness:
"Jade is a strong, athletic and intelligent center back.  She is able to read the field well and organize her backline and midfielders in a way that helps all players around her. She a player with a high soccer IQ that will help the program right away. Confident as a team leader, Jade will help improve our team both on and off the field."
 
For all the latest information on the Missouri State women's soccer team visit MissouriStateBears.com or follow @MSUBearsWSoccer on Twitter.