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 Rebecca GasperRebecca Gasper
Midfield/Defender, 5-6
Eden Pairie, Minn./Southwest Christian H.S.
Eden Prairie Soccer Club
Why Augustana?
“I chose Augustana College because I really loved the whole atmosphere of the team, coaches and the school. The school has a very distinguished medical program, which offers a large variety of fields to pursue. I also liked the soccer program. The girls seemed to genuinely love going to school and playing soccer here, which was nice to see. Overall, I'm very excited to join the program this fall and start my college career!”
Accomplishments
2015 graduate of Southwest Christian High School in Chaska, Minn. … four-year starter and letterwinner … named team captain during senior season … All-State selection in 2014 … four-time All-Conference selection … chosen as team MVP during final two seasons … named a Top-10 Player to Watch by Star Tribune during senior year … scored a career-high 15 goals in final year with Southwest Christian High … dished out a career-best 11 assists in freshman and junior seasons … finished with 50 goals scored for her career … handed out 35 assists in four years … coached by Heidi Larkin
 Club
Played for Eden Prairie … three-time State Cup Champions in 2009, 2010, and 2012 … took runner-up honors at State Cup in 2014 … coached by Peter Reid
Personal
Daughter of Tom and Bonnie Gasper … born on June 13, 1996 … has two other siblings named Rachel and Joseph … undecided on major.
What they're saying about Rebecca
“Rebecca is a hard-working player with a great attitude for training. Rebecca is very versatile, but excels in the defensive midfield role. She won three state cup titles at Eden Prairie Soccer Club.” - Coach Peter Reid
Barkus on Rebecca
"Rebecca continues our exceptional line of Minneapolis/St. Paul recruits. I love her size, determination, work ethic and overall ability to get after it day in and day out. I believe that Rebecca can play several positions, however, I see her most likely in the middle of the midfield playing either an offensive or defensive midfielder. Rebecca plays with excellent speed and a great speed of thought, which in turn will continue to make our team more competitive and stronger. I am really excited about her vision and composure on the ball and I believe she will make us a more dangerous team offensively and grittier defensively immediately upon her arrival." |
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 Reiley KloseReiley Klose
Forward, 5-10
Fargo, N.D./Fargo Davies H.S.
South Dakota United
Why Augustana?
“I chose Augustana because it provides a great program for the major I would like to study and build a career in. Its small class sizes offer the chance for better small group/one-on-one learning. Sioux Falls is also the perfect distance away from home and I love the city. It also happens to be the home of an exceptional women’s soccer team and great coaching staff, in which I am extremely excited to be a part of.”
Accomplishments
Will play senior season in spring of 2015 … three-year letterwinner … starter at forward during junior year at Fargo Davies High School … two-time All-Conference member … made All-Tournament team twice … Class A First Team All-State selection after 16-goal, 11-assist season in 2014 … nominated for Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2014 … helped lead team to a state championship with a 16-4-1 record … earned Class A Second Team All-State honors in 2013 after 14-goal, seven-assist year … part of a team that posted a 11-1-1 record that resulted in a conference championship … had one goal and three assists during freshman campaign … coached by Nick Christianson.
 Club
Played for South Dakota United … fourth place at the National President’s Cup tournament in 2014 … State Cup Champions in 2014 … Runner-up finish at the State Cup tournament in 2013 … made an appearance at the Regional tournament in 2012 … coached by Jason Bartels Personal
Daughter of Brad and Sheila Klose … born on July 30, 1997 … has an older and younger sister named Paige and Sierra … Planning on majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry.
What they're are saying about Reiley
“Reiley is the type of player that has all the physical tools to take over a game as a striker. Her combination of size, strength, speed, and foot work allows her to play in multiple spots up front. She has also become a leader on the team by being vocal and holding everyone accountable when necessary. Off the field, Reiley has that special quality where people are just drawn to her with her easy demeanor and likeable personality. She always is laughing and loving life. Overall, Reiley will be a great asset to Augustana and the community.” – Coach Nick Christianson
Barkus on Reiley
"Every coach seeks out athletes with speed when recruiting. There is no question that we found that in Reiley. In addition, when you combine that speed with elegance and skill I am confident that our attack will be more explosive. Reiley has a fun, enthusiastic, and determined attitude and every gameI watched her play in she scored. I love how deceptive and powerful she is on the ball. I am also excited to see her get in front of our opponent’s goal, as I know she will finish scoring chances. I do expect to see Reiley pushing our team to new heights offensively, and as she draws the attention of our opponent’s defenders, I am confident that her uncanny ability to score will truly stand out." |
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 Allie MarshallAllie MarshallMidfield/Forward, 5-1 Elkhorn, Neb./Elkhorn H.S. Elkhorn Soccer Club Why Augustana? “I chose to come to Augustana for the opportunity to play soccer, but more importantly, for an opportunity to excel academically. I chose Augustana because I believe it will be a great school that will challenge me both in soccer and in my academics.” Accomplishments Will play senior season in spring of 2015 … three-year starter and letterwinner at Elkhorn High in Elkhorn, Neb. … helped guide the Antlers to a district championship in 2014 … First Team All-Conference selection during junior season after netting eight goals and dishing out three assists … named Academic All-Conference in 2014 … received Class B All-State honorable mention honors as a junior … scored one goal and tallied three assists in 2013 … named Newcomer of the Year by team after two-goal, one-assist year during freshman year … coached by Troy Stoller.  ClubPlayed for Elkhorn Soccer Club … named captain … made State Cup appearances in 2011, 2012, and 2013 … coached by Mirza Hasanbegovic PersonalDaughter of Chad and Erica Marshall … born on Jan. 11, 1997 … planning on majoring in government and international affairs and business. What they're saying about Allie“Allie is a player every coach dreams of having on their team. She is very competitive, very coachable and loves the game. On the field, Allie acts as a coach; communicating and organizing all over the field no matter what the situation. Allie can dictate the tempo of the game, is great in transition, and excellent in front of the goal. I am very excited to see her play under Coach Barkus and continue her soccer career at such a great school!” - Coach Mirza Hasanbegovic Barkus on Allie
"I first watched Allie at a tournament in Kansas City at the Overland Park complex, and she immediately grabbed my attention. Her complete control of the game was superior to anything I watched all weekend. She is intelligent, crafty, technical and an excellent communicator. I love that Allie can play a multitude of positions, and frequently does on both her club and high school team. She is a tenacious defender, as well as dangerous attacker. I love how she combines an ability to possess with a thoughtful process to attack. This should help our team continue to develop a balanced attack on the offensive side of the field. In addition, Allie continues our team’s strong commitment to recruiting great academic student-athletes. " |
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 Julie Plonsky
Forward, 5-8
Castle Rock, Colo./Castle View H.S.
Colorado Storm Black
Why Augustana?
“I chose Augustana because of its academic and athletic programs. The small class sizes and personal relationships with professors appeal to me, as well as the atmosphere of the campus. On my first visit, people were really friendly and made the extra effort to make me feel welcome. I was impressed by the soccer team's reputation, and the success of Coach Barkus. I am excited to be an Augustana Viking!”
Accomplishments
Will graduate from Castle View High School in 2015 … four-year letterwinner ... three-year starter … named captain during senior season … Sabercat Warrior Princess Commitment to Excellence award winner … two-time Academic All-State First Team selection in 2013 and 2014 … coached by Perry Glantz
 Club
Played for Colorado Storm Black … 2013 Division Champions … 2012 and 2011 Pueblo Sunbelt Champion … 2012 Denver Cup Champions … 2011 Pride of the Rockies Champions … coached by Ryan Schott
Personal
Daughter of John and Kathy Plonsky … born on June 6, 1997 … has a younger sister named Kristen … planning on majoring in biology or nursing.
What they’re saying about Julie
“I have had the opportunity and pleasure to coach Julie for almost two years now through our club Colorado storm. I cannot speak enough about her attitude and work rate -both of which I would love seeing in any player, especially Julie. Since our first training session, she has approached training with a desire to improve and has proven to be extremely coachable.
“I am excited to see her continue to develop and succeed at the next level and beyond at Augustana College. I believe what sets her apart from others is her strong character and demeanor off the field. She is a great young woman, with a very bright future ahead of herself and I believe Augustana can continue to make her grow in every aspect. She will be a great addition to the soccer program.” - Coach Ryan Schott
Barkus on Julie
"I am excited to sign another Colorado player. Julie really caught my attention with her aggressive and relentless play. She is a fighter, and her toughness is needed for us to continue to be successful in our conference and region. Further, Julie combines excellent skill and playmaking abilities that will help give her opportunities to make an immediate impact on the team. Julie’s first touch is clean and her passing is precise. She is really fun to watch on the field. We were really blessed to have scored 40 goals last season, and with the addition of Julie, I feel very good about continuing that trend, as she is such a great striker of the ball and superb finisher. I cannot wait to see how Julie impacts our team this fall." |
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 Rebekah ThoresenRebekah ThoresenDefender, 6-0 Minnetonka, Minn./Minnetonka H.S. Prior Lake Soccer Club Why Augustana? “I chose Augustana because I knew it would challenge me both academically and athletically. Also, my older sister loved going to school and playing soccer here for the last four years. This made it a lot easier to make my decision because it made me like the school and soccer program even more.” AccomplishmentsWill graduate from Minnetonka High in June of 2015 … three-year starter and letterwinner … named team captain for senior campaign … scored three goals during 2014 season … helped guide the team to a Class AA state championship in 2013 after posting a 17-2-2 record … finished career with eight goals … earned Rookie of the Year honors by team during sophomore season … coached by Jeff Hopkins.  Club Played for Prior Lake Soccer Club from 2014 to present… coached by Kari Ornes … played for Minnetonka United Blue from 2012-14 … named team captain … were league champions in 2013 … State Cup semifinalist in both 2013 and 2014 … played for Eden Prairie Fusion in 2011 and 2012 … 2012 State Cup Champions … participated in Regional II Tournament in 2012. PersonalDaughter of Tom and Brenda Thoresen … born on Sept. 25, 1996 … Has older sister and former soccer standout Annie and younger brother Sam … undecided on a planned major. What they’re saying about Rebekah“Rebekah is a wonderful person on and off the field. She is eager to learn and does not shy away from hard work. Rebekah is able to maintain her composure and come away with a positive play when under high pressure in the back. I think Rebekah will do great things for Augustana next year, she is a tremendous asset on and off the field! ” – Coach Kari Ornes Barkus on Rebekah“Rebekah is a true center back that has played the position for several years. Her ability to keep her team organized and her calm disposition will fit very nicely into our playing style. I am very confident that her level of experience and fierce determination may be unmatched by any incoming freshman in our league. I love how composed Rebekah is on the ball and her attitude to possess the ball out of the back is awesome. Her ability to be physical and win balls out of the air is exceptional. I anticipate with having Rebekah on our team, we will be a dominant team in the air. Rebekah will be a terrific addition for our program.” |
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