The Drake women's soccer program officially welcomed five student-athletes on Wednesday, Nov. 8 as part of Fall National Signing Day.
ISABELLA BALSLEY | FORWARD | JOHNSTON, IOWA | JOHNSTON HS | SPORTING IOWA
Why Isabella Chose Drake: "I committed to Drake because of the focus on academics, a strong soccer program and I will be close to my family."
What They Are Saying About Isabella Balsley: "Isabella is our version of the Road Runner. She has elite speed and the uncanny ability to make defenders think that they are going to win the ball only for her at the last minute to find an extra burst and get to the ball first. The defender is left scrambling to catch her. More times than not this results in a quality shot, a penalty kick or a goal. With her skill set, I can see Isabelle making an impact as a freshman. She is going to stretch the field, put MVC foes on their toes and create chances for herself or her teammates. I think Balsley is going to have an amazing four-year career at Drake." - Daryl Brazeau, Sporting Iowa
CLAIRE EMMERICH | MIDFIELDER | CEDARBURG, WIS. | DOMINICAN HS | NORTH SHORE UNITED
Why Claire Chose Drake: "I knew Drake could be the school and program for me because of its high standards in both academics and soccer. Once I got to know my future coaches and teammates, I knew for sure that I wanted to be a Bulldog."
What They Are Saying About Claire Emmerich: "Claire has all the tools to be a big-time player in the MVC! She has an incredible work rate, excellent 1v1 ability, sharp technical skills, and has the ability to take over games. Her quickness and ability to drive at defenses is what separates her from other top players. She has the skill set and great mentality to have an amazing career at Drake and the potential to play beyond college." - Joe Hammes, North Shore United
HANNAH RENZ | DEFENDER | GRIMES, IOWA | DALLAS CENTER-GRIMES HS | SPORTING IOWA
Why Hannah Chose Drake: "I decided to be a Bulldog because of the awesome team atmosphere and coaching staff. The team was so welcoming and I could really see myself meshing well with them outside of the game as well as being competitive on the field."
What They Are Saying About Hannah Renz: "The day Hannah steps foot on Drake's campus the competitiveness and work rate levels of the team will make a massive jump. For most doing "extra" is a chore, for Hannah, it is in her DNA. It's part of her daily grind. Hannah is going to fight, battle and do everything within her power to be successful in a Bulldog uniform. Right now, she is laser-focused on coming in as a freshman and making an impact and I believe she will. Drake fans, you are getting a warrior." - Daryl Brazeau, Sporting Iowa
IZZY SNOWDEN | DEFENDER | OMAHA, NEB. | MARIAN HS | GRETNA ELITE ACADEMY
Why Izzy Chose Drake: "I committed to Drake because of the athletic and academic opportunities. I am super excited to be a part of the community Drake women's soccer has created."
What They Are Saying About Izzy Snowden: "Resilient… Brave… Industrious… These are just three qualities that encompass not only the soccer player, but the young woman that Izzy has become. There is no doubt that Izzy will be a phenomenal addition to the Drake soccer family and will work tirelessly in the pursuit of raising MVC trophies." - Grant Johannes, Gretna Elite Academy
KATE HOPMA | GOALKEEPER | LIBERTYVILLE, ILL. | LIBERTYVILLE HS | CHICAGO FC UNITED
Why Kate Chose Drake: "I decided to become a Drake Bulldog because of the team culture and competitive environment. I knew Drake was the right fit for me when the coaching staff was incredibly welcoming to me and made Drake feel like home."
What They Are Saying About Kate Hopma: "Kate is an extremely gifted goalkeeper. She is going to be a great addition to Drake on and off the field. Kate is a great teammate and elite in the goal. Her poise and calmness along with her ability to make the difficult saves routine is what she is known for. Drake is also getting a great person in their locker room." - Sean Palacios, Chicago FC United
