Women's Soccer Signings

Jessica Bickle - Women's Soccer
August 4, 2010

Grace College's women's soccer program and head coach Michael Voss signed its third recruit for 2010-11 in Columbia City High School standout Jessica Bickle.

Jessica is a four-year member of Columbia City's soccer team where she was an Honorable Mention award winner for the Northeast Hoosier Conference. As a junior, she scored seven goals and was named Team MVP. As a sophomore, Jessica was named to the Second Team All-Conference.

"When I visited Grace, I felt like I belonged," Jessica said. "I feel like Grace will help me to strive to do my best academically and athletically as well as helping me to grow stronger in my faith."

The Columbia City, Ind., native is a member of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has been on the Distinguished Honor Roll throughout her high school career and she currently sits at fifth in her class.

Jessica plans to continue to keep her academic standards high while at Grace while she pursues a degree in Secondary Education.

"The Grace Soccer family is excited to add Jessica to the mix," said Grace College head coach Michael Voss. "Her effort off the field is just as strong on the field, and I know she will bring God glory through her time here at Grace."

Jessica is the daughter of Jerry and Karen Bickle.

Elizabeth Casey - Women's Soccer
June 26, 2010

Grace’s women’s soccer team has added Elizabeth Casey from Westminster Catawba Christian School (SC) to their 2011 class.

“I wanted to be challenged and felt it was the right fit for me,” Elizabeth said. “I felt God's calling to go to Grace and I hope to be a contributor, reaching my full potential.”

Elizabeth is a three-sport standout at Westminster Catawba Christian. She participates in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. During her junior year she received the teams coaches award in soccer.

Elizabeth is a member of the Honor Roll during her time at Westminster Catawba Christian, she also won the English and Spanish awards during her junior year. She plans to major in Elementary Education & Spanish during her time at Grace.

“It is great to have Elizabeth join our family at Grace,” said Grace head coach Michael Voss. “She is a great example of our program and will work hard to make our program better.”

Elizabeth is the daughter of Ramon and Esther Casey.

Courtney Grant - Women's Soccer
June 24, 2010

Grace’s women’s soccer team has signed Harford Christian School (MD) standout Courtney Grant for the 2010 season.

“I chose Grace College because of the spirit I saw on the soccer team and from Coach Voss,” Courtney said. “They convinced me that Grace was where I needed to be for my education and soccer experience.”

Courtney was a three-sport standout at Harford Christian School (Darlington, MD). She was a three-year letter winner in soccer tallying 36 goals and 42 assists during her career. During her junior year she was named MACSAC - 1st team All-Conference and selected team MVP. Her senior year she was named MACSAC - 2nd team All-Conference, team MVP, and was named Harford County All-Star.

“Courtney will be a great addition at Grace,” said Harford Christian head coach Harley Parks. “She competes with passion and purpose. She will be a fine representative of Harford Christian and Harford County Soccer.”

At Harford Christian, Courtney was a member of the National Honors Society, member of the junior and senior class officers, and received the prestigious Al Cesky Scholarship which recognizes one student from all 11 Harford County high schools for athletic, academic, and community involvement.

Courtney plans to major in Sports Management at Grace this upcoming fall.

“We are very excited to have Courtney join our family at Grace,” said Grace head coach Michael Voss. “She demonstrates a life that is passionate in both making Christ known and ‘balling it up’ to the glory of God.”

Courtney is the daughter of Joe and Sharon Grant.

Beth Kuhl - Women's Soccer
April 30, 2010

Grace's women's soccer team signed another component for their 2010 campaign in Saline's Beth Kuhl.

"I chose Grace because I felt like this is the place God wants me to be," Beth said. "I just want to glorify God with my playing, become a better player and have fun helping Grace build their program."

Beth plans on majoring in youth ministry. She is the daughter of Dave and Diana, and they reside in Saline, Mich.

"Grace is excited to welcome Beth," said Grace head coach Michael Voss. "She is a good fit in the family of Grace, and I am so excited to see Beth grow academically, spiritually and in her soccer."

Holly Bennett - Women's Soccer
April 25, 2010

Grace’s women’s soccer team picked up another big recruit for 2011 in Morton High School’s Holly Bennett.

“I chose Grace College because of the overall atmosphere and the attitude on campus,” Holly said. “They care about you not only as a soccer player but also as a person. You can just tell this college loves Jesus.”

Holly is a three-year varsity starter at Morton and tallied 23 goals and 13 assists during her sophomore year. She was also named to the All-Sectional team and Quincy All-Tournament team. She is 5-foot-8 and will graduate in 2011.

“Holly is the epitome of the complete student-athlete,” said Morton head coach Brian Deters. “She is not only one of the most talented soccer players to play in the Morton High School soccer program, but she’s also one of the most hard-working, dedicated, and focused athletes to come through here.”

At Morton, Holly is a High Honor roll student, a National Honors Society Member, and an ACE Award winner. She plans on majoring in youth ministry upon her arrival at Grace.

“It has been so exciting to see Holly’s joy and commitment to walking God’s trail,” said Grace head coach Michael Voss. “She demonstrates a life that is passionate in both making Christ known and ‘balling it up’ to the glory of God. The family of Grace is thrilled to welcome Holly on the next part of her journey with Jesus.”

Holly is the daughter of Steve and Melody Bennett. They reside in Peoria, Ill.

Kaitlan Wiles - Women's Soccer
April 10, 2010

Grace College's women's soccer program has landed one of central Indiana's best players for the 2011-12 season in Kaitlan Wiles.

Kaitlan has been a three-year starter for Pendleton Heights High School. As a freshman, she led all freshmen in the IHSAA with 12 goals and three assists. As a sophomore, she was among the Indianapolis Metro Area leaders with 21 goals and eight assists, leading her team in scoring. She has won All-Conference and All-District honors as an Arabian.

“I felt Grace College was a great fit for my personality,” Kaitlan said. “I was very impressed with the coach and the team. They are great people both on and off the field.”

Outside of her high school team, Kaitlan has excelled as a member of the Carmel United Soccer Club. Her club team won state championships in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008 and was a state semi-finalist in 2009. She was also a national runner-up in a 3v3 tournament.

"I have been so encouraged in the Lord by Kaitlan. Her spiritual maturity, professionalism and depth of character combined with a passion to ‘ball it up’ for God’s glory is fantastic,” said Grace head coach Michael Voss. “The family of Grace is excited to welcome her into the next phase of her journey with the Lord.”

Kaitlan, who will graduate high school in 2011, is a member of the National Honor Society and is currently in the top six percent of her class academically. While at Grace, Kaitlan intends to major in Pre-Med.

“I am pursuing a dream come true to play soccer in college,” Kaitlan continued. “I am looking forward to using my athletic talents to share my faith. I am excited and proud to be a Lady Lancer!”

Kaitlan is the daughter of Tom and Mandy Wiles.

Jalisa Thayer - Women's Soccer
March 30, 2010

Grace's women's soccer team signed another piece to its puzzle in Jalisa Thayer. Jalisa is defender from Faith Heritage School in Syracuse, N.Y. During her four-year career, she was named First Team in her league and All-Section twice.

"Jalisa has been a positive leader on and off the field, in both actions and words," said Faith's head coach Larry Cathcart. "She is an excellent soccer player who will be a great representative for Grace College."

Jalisa also played volleyball and ran track at Faith, winning All-League awards in both sports. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and was the class vice president three times. While at Grace, she intends on majoring in Pre-Physical Therapy and Psychology.

"I knew Grace was the college as soon as I visited," Jalisa said. "It has a Godly atmosphere both on the soccer team and in the community. I'm excited to become a leader and to play to the best of my ability while maintaining the fun of the team."

Jalisa is the daughter of Roger and Brenda Thayer.

Emily Hickerson - Women's Soccer
December 14, 2009

Grace College's women's soccer team added another piece to its puzzle in local Warsaw Tiger standout Emily Hickerson.

Emily is a senior at Warsaw Community High School and a two-time Offensive Player of the Year for the Tigers. She is a three-time All-Conference Honorable Mention and was a part of a sectional runner-up team.

"I love the coach and the team and everything about Grace," Emily said. "I want to be a part of this team and help out any way that I can while improving my own skills."

Emily is also a sprinter on the swim team and track team. As a member of the track team, she was named All-Conference twice and was a three-time 4x400 state qualifier.

"We are excited to have Emily join the squad," Voss said. "Her passion, determination and nose for the goal will help our program continue to be successful with possession attacking futbol. Her personality and character will mesh well with the team."

Emily is the daughter of Bryan and Jo Hickerson.

Carmen Barnhill - Women's Soccer
December 8, 2009

Grace College's women's soccer team landed another recruit for the 2009-10 signing class in goalkeeper Carmen Barnhill.

Carmen is a senior at Mansfield Christian School in Mansfield, Ohio. She was a four-year varsity letterman and a two-year captain. During her senior season, Carmen allowed only five goals all year and recorded 15 shutouts. She has been named First Team All-District, First Team All-Conference, and Second Team All-State.

"Carmen was the backbone of our great defense," said Mansfield soccer head coach Steve Storkel. "She has been a great leader on and off the field and was always one of the hardest workers on the team."

Carmen was involved in student government at Mansfield and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She intends to major in graphic design.

"I want to be a servant to this team and help in any way God will allow," Carmen said. "I really saw the passion in the lives of the students and faculty here, and I love their thirst for God."

Carmen is the daughter of Dan and Connie Barnhill.

Keeley Booher - Women's Soccer
December 8, 2009

The Grace College women's soccer team has added another piece to its puzzle in Covington, Ohio, native Keeley Booher.

Keeley, who will graduate from Newton Local High School in the spring of 2010, is a four-year varsity letterman who broke her school's career and single-season record for assists. She was a three-time First Team All-Conference and also was named to the All-Miami Valley 1st Team.

Keeley also played basketball and softball and ran track during her high school career. She has a 3.9 GPA and was inducted into the National Honor Society as a junior. Other ways Keeley was involved in high school include: the Spanish Club, student government, the Art Club, the school play, as well as numerous community service organizations.

"I knew the first time that I went to Grace that it was somewhere that I could see myself going," Keeley said. "The girls on the team were so great, and Coach Voss was very encouraging. I really feel like it is going to be a place where I can grow educationally, athletically, and most importantly spiritually."

While at Grace, Keeley plans on majoring in either psychology or early childhood development.

Keeley is the daughter of Kent and Amy Booher.

Hannah Alcorn - Women's Soccer
November 19, 2009

The Grace College women's soccer team welcomes its newest member for the 2009-10 signing class in defender Hannah Alcorn. She comes from Argos, Ind., and has been a four-year letter winner for Argos High School.

Alcorn, an Academic All-State honorable mention winner, was the captain for Argos her senior year. She was a 1st Team All-Conference selection for three years and also is a three-time winner of the Mental Attitude Award. She is undecided about her major but will look into Nursing at Grace.

"Grace is small and close to Argos, and I love the atmosphere," Hannah said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to play and contribute to the soccer team.”

Hannah is the daughter of Jon and Jacki Alcorn. Her sister, Kayla, is a current member of Grace's soccer team, and her brother, Kyle, is an assistant coach for Grace's men's soccer team.

Cassie Gareiss - Women's Soccer
November 19, 2009

Cassie Gareiss has signed to continue her soccer career with the Grace College Lancers. Gareiss is from Columbia City, Ind., where she is a senior at Columbia City High School. The forward is a four-year starter who was named to the 1st Team All-Conference and 2nd Team All-State as a junior.

Cassie, an outstanding student, is a member of the National Honor Society and also is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader. She has even won the Silver Key Award for graphic design, which she intends to major in while at Grace.

"I feel God called me to Grace and I’m excited I get to play the sport I love with a team whose main focus is living for the Lord." Gareiss said. “I want to improve as a player and help the team reach their goals.”

Cassis is the daughter of Mark and Kim Gareiss.

Jackie Seal- Women's Soccer
August 22, 2009

The Grace College women's soccer team has signed its first recruit for the 2010 season in Jackie Seal of Grand Blanc, Mich. She is a four-year varsity soccer player at Faith Baptist High School.

Jackie was a two-year captain on her school team, and she's also played club soccer for the Genesee Stars and Flint Steelers. During her junior year campaign, she scored 28 goals. She has also been on the debate team and served as class president her junior year. Currently she is interning with the Michigan Republican Party.

"After visiting and meeting Coach and the girls and lots of praying and seeing God work in different areas, I feel that this is where God wants me," Jackie said. "I hope to become a better player and do whatever I can to help with the team's goal to get to Nationals."

While at Grace Jackie intends on majoring in Political Science. She is the daughter of Tony and Joanne Seal.