After making their first appearance at the NCCAA DI National Tournament last season, the Bruins women's soccer team is ready to begin the 2021 campaign as the team announced 10 players joining the roster this season.
"We're very excited to welcome this year's recruit class," Bruins Head Women's Soccer Coach Chris Carmichael said. "Each of these players add a significant and unique strength to our already talented roster. They each bring a humble and coachable spirit that will no doubt help us as we strive to have a successful season."
The Bruins battled through a challenging 2020 season as the team faced a difficult schedule and the added pressures with the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the team was able to bounce back after a slow start as they won three of four games near the midway point of the season to finish the regular season at 5-6 overall.
The team then qualified to compete at the NCCAA DI National Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida. This would be the first-ever appearance for the Bruins at the DI tournament in their 8-year existence as a program.
With back to back losses to #3 Campbellsville University and #2 Dallas Baptist University, the Bruins were eliminated in pool play round but the team ended their season on a high note as the team defeated #7 Carolina University 3-0 in their final pool play match.
The Bruins graduated just one senior from last year's team and with a talented pool of transfers and recruits, the Bruins look to have a solid lineup for the 2021 season.
Players pictured above from left to right, top to bottom
Anna Grace Abrams (Wilson, NC)
Abrams is a transfer student from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. While at Liberty, she played in 25 games and helped the team win the A-SUN conference tournament championship and advance to the NCAA tournament college cup in 2021. Prior to Liberty, Abrams tallied 87 goals and 66 assist during her high school career and was the 2017 All-State selection and team MVP. She was an North Carolina All-state selection as well as team MVP and captain during her junior and senior seasons. She plans to major in political science/pre-law at BJU this fall.
Breanna Hilton (Lexington, SC)
Hilton joins the Bruins after being a standout goalkeeper for South Carolina United 03 Premier and GPA Lexington 02/03 Gold team. She excelled throughout her high school career as a goalie and was a four-year starter at White Knoll High School in Lexington, South Carolina. Hilton plans to major in business at BJU this fall.
Britney Lee (Greer, SC)
Lee is a striker from Greer, South Carolina. She began her career with Upward soccer club and eventually was selected to play for Furman United Soccer club before finishing her club career at Greer Foothills Soccer Club. In high school, Lee was a standout player at Blue Ridge High School where she played nearly every position for the team and was awarded Most Valuable Offensive Player for her high school team. Lee plans to major in premed at BJU.
Jasmine Kohlwaies (West Palm Beach, FL)
Kohlwaies joins the Bruins as a standout player at the club and high school level in West Palm Beach, Florida. She played for Boynton Knights Soccer Club, Boca United Soccer Club pre-academy and Wellington Wave ECNL where she played fullback for the team. She also was a four-year player for Park Vista Community High School where she helped anchor the team's defenisve line. Kohlwaies plans to major in nursing at BJU this fall.
Sarai Latshaw (Lake Orion, MI)
Latshaw is originally from Guatemala but currently lives in Lake Orion, Michigan. She has had a successful club and high school career as a fullback. She played for a variety of club teams including Alliance Academy Soccer Club, Michigan Impact and Liverpool Futbol Club. She also played varsity at Lake Orion High School where she played primarily on the defensive line but also outside midfielder. Latshaw was given several awards throughout her high school career including Most Improved Player, Coaches' Award and team MVP. She plans to study health sciences at BJU.
Susie VanDoodewaard, (Greenville, SC)
VanDoodewaard hails from Greenville, South Carolina where she has been around the game of soccer from an early age. She played for Upstate United Soccer Club for four seasons before joining the Greenville Hurricanes where she led the team as captain her senior season. Throughout her career, she has been an impact player earning All-Tournament honors at the BJU High School Classic in 2020. She has also been awarded the MVP and Golden Boot awards from Upstate United and MVP for the Hurrianes in 2021. VanDoodewaard plans to major in exercise science at BJU this fall.
Brynn Martin (Greenville, SC)
Martin joins the Bruins after a great career with United Soccer Club and Eastside High School in the Upstate. She was a four-year varsity player at Eastside where she served as captain of the team for the past two seasons. Martin played center back and was selected to compete on the North-South team which highlights some of the best high school players in North and South Carolina. She helped her club team win the state championship and was awarded the team's Most Valuable Player. Martin plans to major in biochemistry at BJU this fall.
Jessica Townsend (Lexington, SC)
Townsend has an extensive club backgroundand played for Lexington Soccer Academy, Congaree Rapid Football Club, and Providence Athletic Club during her career as a centerback. While with PAC, Townsend received the Player's Choice Award in 2020 and was a team captain in 2021. Townsend's sister Jennifer was a four-year player for the Bruins (2016-19).
Emma Barter (Louisville, KY)
Barter joins the Bruins roster after a successful club and high school career in Kentucky. She played center back for Oldham Soccer Club and United FC 96 and was invited to participate and play for Kings Hammer Bluegrass FC this past year. Barter earned Honorable Mention All District honors during her freshman and sophomore seasons and helped her team become District Champs in 2020 and runners up in 2019. She plans to major in education at BJU this fall.
Sarah Ward (Greenville, SC)
Ward is a midfielder from Greenville, South Carolina. Throughout her career, she has been a talented midfielder and contributed to her team's success at the club and high school levels. She played for United Soccer Club and was a two-year All-State Tournament selection for Bob Jones Academy, helping to lead her team to two SCACS state championships. Ward plans to major in exercise science/kinesiology this fall.
"We had a great spring season and we have a lot of momentum heading into this year," Coach Carmichael said. "These new players will bring a lot to our team and combined with our returning players, we look forward to kicking off the 2021 season strong."
The Bruins open the season on September 3rd as they face North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
