WSOC signs six '21's to NLIs

11/13/2020 4:20:00 PM | Women's Soccer

ABILENE – ACU soccer coach Casey Wilson announced Friday that six players signed their national letters-of-intent for the 2021 season. With senior seniors on this year's roster, the task was not only to fill in numbers but to fill in key positions for years to come.

The new six-pack of Wildcats includes: Paige Boucher, Taylor Denn, Grace Ornelas, Sofia Pezirtzoglou, Macie Stephens, and Chayse Thorn.

We are excited about this incoming class. They will fill some long-term needs for us. Every year we expect the new players to come in and impose their will to either come in to make an immediate impact and/or push the players ahead of them to stay sharp. Playing soccer at this level is a daily grind and we feel this class likes to work and loves the game."

Casey Wilson, Head Women's Soccer Coach

Let's meet the newest class of ACU soccer players.

Paige Boucher | F | Katy, Texas | Seven Lakes HS | Albion 03 ECNL

Paige is quite an athlete who will be dividing her time with the soccer and track & field teams at ACU. She has another level of speed which will make her an asset up top as a forward. We look forward to her arrival.

Casey Wilson, Head Soccer Coach

Paige Boucher

Taylor Denn | D | Medord, Ore. | North Medford HS | Rogue Valley Timbers

Taylor is a very creative and savvy central midfielder who will fit right in with the way we play. She is a quality athlete who is very good on the ball. We look forward to her arrival.

Casey Wilson, Head Soccer Coach

Taylor Denn

Grace Ornelas | D/MF | Aledo, Texas | Aledo HS | Sparda 02 FC Elite

Aledo HS Highlights

Varsity letter-winner
Named First Team All-Region in 2019
Named First Team All-District in 2018
Named the 2018 District Offensive Newcomer
First Team All-District in 2019 and 2020
Named the District 4-5 A Midfield Player of the Year in 2020
Named First team all-region in 2020
Guided Aledo to three playoff appearances and two regional tournament appearances
A member of the Leading Ladies

Personal

Given name is Grace Liliana Ornelas
Born July 14, 2003
Daughter of Kristen Martinez and Pedro Ornelas
Plans to major in pre-vet

Grace will come in next fall with a very solid foundation after playing a lot of high-quality soccer over the years. She has an outstanding soccer IQ with the ability to play multiple positions with a very strong leg. We look forward to her arrival.

Casey Wilson, Head Soccer Coach

Grace Ornelas

Sofia Pezirtzoglou | F | Tomball, Texas | Klein Cain HS | Challenge Soccer Club

Aledo HS Highlights

3x varsity letter-winner
Two-time first team all-conference
Two-time offensive MVP
Qualified for school's first playoff appearance, but was unable to play in the game due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Is a member of the National Honor Society

Personal

Given name is Sofia Rose Pezirtzoglou
Born July 14, 2003
Daughter of Janet Graff, Roy Graff, and Jacob Pezirtzoglou
Plans to major in psychology
Grandfather, Bob Kitchens, ran track at Texas Tech

Sofia brings a high-level competitive playing background coming from Challenge SC. She is a fierce competitor with great speed while being good on the ball. We look forward to her arrival.

Casey Wilson, Head Soccer Coach

Sofia Pezirtzoglou

Macie Stephens | D | Springfield, Mo. | Glendale HS | Springfield SC

Glendale HS Highlights

Three-time soccer letter-winner
Two-time basketball letter-winner
Named 2018 All-District, District Player of the Year, First Team All- Conference, and Class 3 All-Region
Named 2019 First Team All-District, First Team All-Conference, Class 3 All-Region, and the Co-Defender Player of the Year
Named 2019 Class 3 First Team All-State
Guided Glendale to a 2018 and 2019 District Championship
A member of the National Honors Society
Named First Team Academic All-Conference in 2018 & 2019 in soccer and basketball
A member of the Student Athletic Council

Personal

Given name is Macie Leigh Stephens
Born May 9, 2002
Daughter of Rex and Heidi Stephens
Plans to major in interior design
Brother currently plays men's soccer at Grand Canyon
Father played basketball at Evangel

Macie showed us early in her high school years that she plays like a veteran. She is a leader in the back with great vision. Macie is good on the ball and possesses a strong and accurate leg. We look forward to her arrival.

Casey Wilson, Head Soccer Coach

Macie Stephens

Chayse Thorn | D | Rowlett, Texas | Sachse HS | Sting Dallas Black ECNL

Chayse’s speed and confidence on the ball will be a great future asset for us at the outside back position. She also has experience as a forward which is a tool we want our outside flanks to have to be successful on the attack. We look forward to her arrival.

Casey Wilson, Head Soccer Coach