The Drake women's soccer team announced the addition of four student-athletes to their roster. Two grad transfers from Central Methodist University along with a goalkeeper from NJCAA national champions Iowa Western Community College will join the Bulldogs this January. One more class of 2023 addition will join the other five signees from the 2023 recruiting class on campus in August for preseason.  
 
MARIA CERVELLO | MIDFIELDER | CENTRAL METHODIST UNIVERSITY | BARCELONA, SPAIN
 
Why Maria chose Drake: "I chose Drake because I felt very comfortable as soon as I stepped on campus. Drake has outstanding academics as well as a competitive soccer program. I think this environment will help me grow immensely as a player and as a person. Everything about Drake fits with what I'm looking for and I can't wait to be a part of the Bulldog family!"
 
What they are saying about Maria Cervello: "Maria was a member of our leadership panel and a very good teammate. Maria played a very important role for our team as our No. 6. She really controlled the tempo and rhythm of the game and allowed us to be very dominate in possession over the last four years. Her passing range is very good and she can deliver a variety of passes. Maria is one of the most technical players I have ever coached. She is very good on our set pieces, having generated a lot of goals and assists off them over the years. During her career, she helped our team to four straight regular season conference titles and four straight conference tournament championships. She was also a part of four straight national tournament appearances and our final four team. Maria was named to the all-conference team and a scholar athlete as well. We will really miss her on and off the field. I wish her all the best." – Dan Schmidlin, Central Methodist University head coach
 
AMANDA DUCHOW | WINGER/DEFENDER | GOLDEN HS | COLORADO RAPIDS ECNL
 
Why Amanda chose Drake: "I committed to Drake University because of its outstanding academics and competitive soccer team! I love the school's environment, friendly staff and students.   am beyond excited to play for Drake and be a Bulldog!"
 
What they are saying about Amanda Duchow: "Amanda is as hard a working player as I've seen in recent years. The thing is though, she does it with the biggest smile! A wonderful soccer player but an even better person. Drake got a good one! "– Luke Meadows, Colorado Rapids ECNL coach
 
SYDNEE MARLOW | GOALKEEPER | IOWA WESTERN CC | PRESTON, IDAHO
 
Why Sydnee chose Drake: "I was very impressed with the coaching staff and my recruiting visit. I got a great feeling while being on campus and my interaction with the team was comfortable and fun. I'm super excited to be playing and competing at the Division I level."
 
What they are saying about Sydnee: "We are super excited for Sydnee to join such a prestigious university and soccer program! Not only will she add value on the field and strengthen their goalkeeping core, but she will also strengthen their culture with her ability to bring teammates closer together and bring out their talents. Drake is getting a great goalkeeper, but an even better human being. This is going to be great for Sydnee and Drake Soccer!"  - Adam Sanchez, NJCAA Division 1 National Championship head coach at Iowa Western CC
 
LAURA RIESENBECK | DEFENDER | CENTRAL METHODIST UNIVERSITY | BEVERSTEDT, GERMANY
 
Why Laura chose Drake: "I committed to Drake because I felt very welcomed by the coaching staff.  It is a great school and another step in my collegiate soccer career with lots of opportunities and it will also help me grow as a person. I am excited to join the Drake community."
 
What they are saying about Laura: "I am very happy for Laura and I am excited to follow Drake. Laura was a team captain and served on our leadership panel. Laura was a very good teammate.  he anchored our backline for four years and was a three-time Defensive Conference Player of the Year. She is one of the best 1v1 defenders in the entire country. She has been named to the NAIA All-American list multiple years as well as being a scholar athlete." – Dan Schmidlin, Central Methodist University head coach