Women's Soccer 12/3/2018 3:36:00 PM Communications

@WSU_WSoccer Signs Seven

Wright State women's soccer head coach Patrick Ferguson has announced the signing of seven high school seniors who will attend WSU and play soccer for the Raiders in the fall.

Lena Jenssen of Springfield, OH, Alexa Sommer of Wooster, OH, Autumn Sturdevant of Toledo, OH, Michelle Rings of Strongsville, OH, Makaylee Zuercer of Loundonville, OH, Kaylin Helinski of Bellville, OH and Elle Scheider of Rockford, MI have signed national letters of intent for Wright State.

Lena Jenssen, a graduate of Global Impact STEM Academy, played midfield/forward for Shawnee High School where she lettered four years while being named first-team All-State, Player of the Year in the Buckeye Conference and Player of the Year Dayton North as she collected 32 goals and 14 assists as a senior. Overall, she scored 78 goals with 57 assists. Jenssen was also named All League, All District and All Regional three straight years as well as team MVP in 2018. She also played for Ohio Galaxies Elite 2001 as they advanced to the State Cup Semifinals in 2017.

Why I Chose WSU: "I chose Wright State for many reasons. Wright State has a lot of degree programs to choose from. Especially in the medical field, which is what I am interested in. Also, when I went to the summer ID camp, I was so impressed at the level of play and the closeness of the team. As soon as I stepped on campus for my unofficial visit, I knew I wanted to go to school there. I really enjoyed the atmosphere not only on campus; but also with the team. Playing for Ohio Galaxies gave me an amazing opportunity to get to know the coaching staff and gain a lot of respect for them as people and as coaches. I really like Wright State's coaching and playing style, "Grit or Quit". I am so excited to play at the next level at Wright State."

Alexa Sommer, a forward/midfielder at Wooster High School, was a three-time team MVP, All League, All District and All Region player as well as an area Player of the Year finalist. As a senior, she posted 31 goals and 11 assists while setting school records for both as well as overall points. Sommer also played for Ohio Strikers United that was runner-up at the 2016 State Cup.

Why I Chose WSU: "I knew I wanted to be a raider after attending ID camps. I instantly felt like Wright State was the place for me. I am excited about becoming part of the school, the soccer program and the community."

Autumn Sturdevant, a striker at Whitmer High School, was selected to All League, All District and All-State teams while playing for the boys team as she scored three goals. She also lettered in cross country, track and basketball. Sturdevant also played for the Pacesetter Soccer Club.

Why I Chose WSU: "I picked Wright State because I never felt such a loving family and school before. Right when I got there I felt at home. Everyone was so welcoming, students, coaches and players!! Also, they have one of the best Marketing/ Business Major. I also love their formation, how they play, and how the coaches are. They're strict, but they know what they want and need. They know what they're doing. They may be strict on the field, but after they're a family. The girls there are sweethearts and very outgoing. The day I went there, I met and remembered everyone. Wright State is a great community that I'm excited to join!"

Michelle Rings, a back at Holy Name High School, was named All League and All District the last two years as she scored four goals with five assists, leading her team to a 12-4-1 record and a conference title. Rings acted as team captain for the CSA Impact United, winning the State Cup in 2017 and national title in 2015.

Why I Chose WSU: "I chose to be a Raider because Wright State has a great, new collaboration between their neuroscience and engineering programs. When I visited, I felt so at home and knew right away that this is where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. I really like the coaching staff, especially their philosophies and mentalities for the team. All the girls are so welcoming and genuinely fun to be around. I chose to be a Raider because Wright State offers me an excellent neuroscience education with the huge added bonus of the opportunity to keep playing the sport I love, I am so excited to start my next chapter at WSU."

Makaylee Zuercher, a forward at Perrysville High School, was named All League, All City, All District first team each year and All State second team as a senior. As a senior, she collected 21 goals and 15 assists and holds the career school records with 104 goals, 61 assists as well as the season record for assists with 22 in 2017. She also played for Ohio Strikers United, which advanced to the 2016 State Cup Semifinals.

Why I Chose WSU: "I chose Wright State because it has always been my dream to play college soccer. The problem was that I did not know what college. That all changed when I visited Wright State. I loved the campus, the facilities, and the people. Wright State is the perfect fit for me, and I'm happy to be going there next year."

Kaylin Helinski, a forward at Clear Fork High School, was selected All League, All District and All-State each of the last three seasons. In 2018, she posted 34 goals and seven assists while collecting 97 goals and 31 assists for her career. Clear Fork went 13-4-2 in 2018 while winning the conference title. She also played for the Ohio Strikers United Club Team.

Why I Chose WSU: "I spent a great deal of time exploring universities of various sizes (popular wise), in addition to different divisions (athletically). Soccer has been a passion of mine since I was four years old. I knew in addition to my education that I wanted to continue my career in soccer as well. I attended ID camps and spent time on the campus, visiting with the team. I felt immediately accepted, and I knew this was a place I was meant to be. I love the overall atmosphere of Wright State. It presents itself as an extremely laid back, people friendly and enjoyable place to be. The area has so much to offer when off campus as well. There are endless opportunities! I know that I will receive a top-notch education while participating on a competitive team with great teammates and an excellent coaching staff. Wright State has everything I had hoped for in a college experience both academically and athletically. I am looking forward to my future as a RAIDER!"

Elle Schneider, a back at Rockford High School, was named to the Honorable-Mention All-State team in 2018 as well as All Region and All District as she helped her team to an 18-1-1 record, reaching the regional semi-finals and winning the school's first district title. She also played for the Midwest United FC and participated in the Olympic Development Regional Camp.

Why I Chose WSU: "I chose to be a Raider because of the many positive athletic and academic opportunities that Wright State University offers to me. I am looking forward to competing and playing at a college level. Also, I always knew I wanted to go to a mid-size university, coming from a large high school. The distance from home also played a factor in my decision. With a five-hour car ride from home to Wright State, while being on campus, it felt much closer to home.

In his 14 years as head coach of the Raiders, Ferguson has posted eight double-figure win seasons with an overall winning percentage of .558.

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