Conway – Coming off of a Southland Conference Tournament appearance and the loss of just two players to graduation, the Central Arkansas women's soccer team is bolstering its ranks with the addition of five players, head coach Jeremy Bishop announced on Wednesday.
The class covers the majority of the field, as the Bears are adding players at every position except keeper.
"I am excited about our 2016 class," said Bishop. "All of them come from successful high school and club backgrounds and have competed at an extremely high level. They are a high-character group that will bring athleticism, a strong work ethic, and solid soccer abilities. Adding this group to our 25 returning players creates a high level of optimism for next fall."
Anslea Haikey, a native of Bella Vista, Arkansas, will see action as both a defender and a midfielder for the Bears. A recipient of multiple individual and team awards at Bentonville High School, she helped lead the Tigers to 7A State Championships in both 2013 and 2014 while earning All-Conference and All-State honors during the 2014 season. As a member of the NWA Comets, she has been a part of repeated club success, helping the squad to six straight state championships from 2010 to 2015, and was a member of the 98' ODP State Team.
Bridget Mansour, from Glendora, California, will also serve as a defender and midfielder for Central Arkansas. A four-year starter for Glendora High School, she was the team captain for the Tartans for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. Mansour was named team MVP during the 2014-15 season and also earned All-League second team honors. An ECNL player since her U14 season, she has helped lead Arsenal FC ECNL to the ECNL Champions League Playoffs during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Haylie McCollum, from Henderson, Nevada, will serve on the Central Arkansas back line. She has played varsity soccer at Liberty High School since her freshman year and has been named the Patriots' MVP. Playing for the Heat FC ECNL, she has helped lead the team to a Vegas Cup Championship, and Mayors Cup Championship, and a Surf Cup Championship.
Sarah "Jordan" Slim, a native of Grapevine, Texas, will see action in the midfield and as a forward. A four-year varsity player at Grapevine High School, she was named Freshman of the Year and MVP Forward in 2013, before earning All-District First Team honors in 2014 and 2015. She has helped the Mustangs to an undefeated record in district play over the past three seasons, during which the team has won three district championships. She has also helped lead GHS to Bi-District Championships and Area Championships in 2013 and 2015, a Regional Championship in 2015, and a third-place finish in the Texas 5A State Championship Tournament in 2015. She helped lead her club team, Solar Chelsea ECNL, win the North American bracket in 2013.
Alexandria Wetteland, from Buckley, Washington, will provide help in the Central Arkansas defense. A 2015 Honor Roll member, she helped lead Bonney Lake High School to an Excellence in Scholastic Achievement Award, while earning Honorable Mention in 2015. She plays club soccer for Pacific Northwest SC.
