SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Head coach
Brandon Barkus of Augustana soccer has announced an incoming class of eight student-athletes on National Signing Day. The eight future Vikings signed on Wednesday morning to continue their academic and athletic careers at Augustana University. This is Barkus' 18th incoming freshmen class at Augustana.
"This class has a little bit of everything, and since we are graduating key players on each line, it was important to find players who can come in and make an immediate impact. We've found some talented players who love Augustana and we feel this group will help continue the standards and expectations we have set. I do not doubt that they will make a massive impact here at Augustana both on the field and in the classroom!"
Delaney Awe | Forward | 5'8 | Mantorville, Minn. | Kasson-Mantorville | Rochester Rush Select
Barkus on Awe "Delaney is a strong, powerful goal scorer who can play at a really good level. Her ability to combine and link in the build-up phase has showcased her skills. Plus I believe once she gets in our environment she will truly take off. Her instincts for goals, along with an extremely talented left foot, will create opportunities for her to impact immediately. Delaney will be an absolute handful in the NSIC!"
High School: A five-year letterman, Awe started playing at the high school level in eighth grade for Kasson-Mantorville. In five-season with the Komets, she scored 72 goals and had 31 assists. Awe is a two-time all-state honoree and helped lead her team to the semifinals on three occasions. She led her club team, Rochester Rush Select in goals for four straight years. She also played internationally for Wisconsin Rush Select.
Makenna Aldrich | Midfield | 5'7 | Minot, N.D. | Minot | Magic City Legends
Barkus on Aldrich "Makenna is a very skilled central midfielder that can solve pressure with a pass or on the dribble. She has thoughtful movement off the ball to find open space and she is going to help us in possession of the ball in our midfield. She also has a dynamic skill set and can link up with our forwards which will allow us to create scoring opportunities, but she will for sure help us build and keep the ball coming out of the back. Makenna can be dangerous with balls out of the air and I think that she can add to our midfield depth immediately!"
High School: A midfielder from Minot high school, Aldrich goes into her senior season as a two-time state champion and a state runner-up. She was named to the North Dakota State All-Tournament Team in her sophomore season after she started in 18 games. Aldrich has recorded three goals and one assist through three seasons.
Marie Horsted | Back | 5'5 | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Lincoln | Dakota Alliance
Barkus on Horsted "Marie is a tough, smart and strong defender who is confident on the ball and will be a great addition to our team. She plays well under pressure. Her 1v1 defending is solid and will get even better going against NSIC talent every day. She will challenge our back line for playing time and give us the depth we need on defense. I am excited about Marie!"
High School: A four-year letterman from Licholn high school, Horsted has been named to the Metro All-Conference team for two straight seasons. She was named team captain in her junior and senior seasons. In Horsted's time with Dakota Alliance, she won the 2024 National League P.R.O, 2024 Dessert League and was a 2023 USYS National champion.
Aubree Dowling | Midfield/Back | 5'6 | Sioux Falls, S.D. | O'Gorman | Dakota Alliance
Barkus on Dowling "Aubree is the prototype deep, central player that we love here at Augustana. Never flashy, but the player you can count on to defend with everything that she has. Plus she is very comfortable on the ball, smart, and has a great passing range. She can play with two-way responsibilities, defensive and offensive and I believe that she'll also add some toughness to the midfield to go with her high soccer IQ! "
High School: Dowling is a four-year letterman and starter at O'Gorman. She has been named to two All-Conference and State All-Conference honors. She played a key role in the Knights 2023, 10-3-3 season as a junior.
Karsyn Hall | Midfield | 5'6 | Omaha, Neb. | Marian | Gretna Elite Academy
Barkus on Hall "Karsyn is a player who can score, however, she is incredible at creating! Whether that's in the midfield or up front, she can play both roles. She is a very good scorer and I think she understands the game at a high level and I think she will do well for us. I love her versatility, work ethic and soccer knowledge."
High School: Hall enters her senior season as a three-year letter winner for Marian. In her three seasons with Marian, she has helped lead the team to three postseason appearances including the state finals. Marian holds a 49-9 with Hall on the team going into its Spring season.
Ava Kowalchyk | Midfield/Back | 5'9 | Andover, Minn. | Andover | Boreal FC Soccer Club
Barkus on Kowalchyk "Ava is a really good athlete! She is tall, lean and a good soccer player. She can play off either side, which is always a positive, and she can play centrally. She does well in the attack but has spent a lot of time in defense. She is good in the air. We'll utilize her height in different ways and try to find areas where she can have the biggest impact!"
High School: A three-year letter winner with Andover high school, Kowalchyk lead the team with seven assists while playing midfield and center back in her senior season. She was named an All-Conference honorable mention during her senior year. Kowalchyk is a four-year member of the National Honor Society.
Grace Katter | Midfield/Forward | 5'3 | Zimmerman, Minn. | Zimmerman | Twinstars
Barkus on Katter "Grace is an excellent player! I've been watching her play for a long time. She is very good on the ball and she can score goals because she strikes the ball well. She can play as a play-making midfielder, but she can also play on the wing as she has terrific speed. Her passing, both short and long, is outstanding. I love how competitive, hardworking and talented she is. Grace is just a real high-level player and I'm excited to watch her continued development at Augustana! "
High School: A midfielder/forward from Zimmerman, Minnesota, Katter just finished her senior season where she was the team captain and tallied 16 goals and 13 assists. She holds the most career assists and is third in career points at Zimmerman high school. Katter has been named an All-Conference honoree for four straight seasons.
Sarah Heckel | Back | 5'4 | Shakopee, Minn. | Shakopee
Barkus on Heckel "Sarah is an outstanding athlete who can play numerous positions in the backline at the college level. I am excited to see where she will make the most impact on our program and as we think about what her athletic dimension will add to our backline. She is really tough to beat 1v1, defends with such a great personality and has a good pace to keep up with any opponent in our league! Sarah will be a true leader on the field."
High School: A three-year letterman from Shakopee, Minnesota, Heckel was named All-Conference in her senior season and was voted most valuable player by her teammates. In her three seasons with the Sabers, she has been voted Ms. Defense by her teammates. In her senior season, she scored two goals and tallied two assists.
