Feb. 5, 2003

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (February 5, 2003)-The Southeast Missouri State Otahkian soccer team, coming off back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference Regular Season Championships, signs five incoming freshman as announced by Coach Heather Nelson. Molli Beard, Caitlin Huber, Christine Keim, Dee Mayer, and Jessi Wuellner will join the Otahkian's next season.

With the loss of only three players to graduation, head coach Heather Nelson, and assistants Beth Guccione and Paul Nelson are looking forward to the 2003 season when they will mesh a group of talented returners with an elite class of five incoming freshmen.

"We're extremely excited to announce this recruiting class," said Nelson. "As a team in 2002, we made great strides competing on par with and beating nationally recognized programs. With the expected talent of this year's incoming class it will be a great year for Southeast soccer."

Molli Beard Forward...Attacking MF..... Libertyville, Illinois....member of powerhouse Eclipse Select coached by Rory Dames... 2001 Illinois State Cup Champion, IYSA State Tournament MVP, Regional Champion, National Semi-Finalist...... club teammates with current Otahkian Amanda Wrzos and signee's Dee Mayer and Jessi Wuellner....Illinois State Select Team 1997-2001....2000-2002 All Conference and 2002 All Sectional Player....37 goals and 50 assists in high school career at Libertyville H.S .....intends to major in exercise science....chose Southeast over Butler, Purdue and NIU.

Coach Nelson Says: "Molli is a skillful and dangerous player who has proven herself as a goal scorer. If we can get her the ball in and around the penalty area she has the ability to create and score spectacular goals. As a long time member of the Eclipse club she will draw on a wealth of experience in her freshman season."

Caitlin Huber Midfielder.... St. Louis, Missouri..... member of dominant Busch Soccer Club in St. Louis coached by Larry Hulcer and Nerinx Hall High School team that reached State Semi-Finals in 2002.....intended double major in accounting and criminal justice..... chose Southeast over Southwest Missouri State and Drury.

Coach Nelson Says: "Caitlin has a long history of competing and winning, at the highest levels of club soccer. Her playing experiences with Busch have provided Caitlin with a solid understanding of forward, midfield and defensive positions, making her a valuable utility player for Southeast."

Christine Keim Forward... Chesterfield, Missouri..... member of prestigious J.B. Marine Soccer Club coached by Tim Boul .... 2000, 2001 and 2002 State Champion with J.B. Marine ....Region II Champion and National Semi-Finalist in 2000...member of 2000, 1A-3A Missouri State Soccer Champions with Incarnate Word Academy....intends to major in psychology or interior design......chose Southeast over Indiana State, UT-Martin and SIU-E.

Coach Nelson Says: "Christine is a playmaker with the potential to both create and finish opportunities in the attacking third. In addition to free play, Christine has proven to be a dangerous player on corners and other set pieces."

Dee Mayer Midfielder....Arlington Heights, Illinois....member of dominant Eclipse Select Team coached by Rory Dames who is also Dee's high school coach at St. Viator......club teammate of signees, Beard and Wuellner..... 2001 Illinois State and Region II Champions, 4th at National Championhips... high school accomplishments with St. Viator include: 2000 and 2001 Sectional Champion, and Super-sectional Finalist with current Otahkian Amanda Wrzos..... 2002 IHSA State Champion....intended to major in business.....chose Southeast Missouri State University over Southern Mississippi and Illinois State.

Coach Nelson Says: "Dee's shear speed makes her a threat to create and score goals from the wing-mid position. She has a passion for the game, and an incredible work rate."

Jessi Wuellner Defender.... Roselle, Illinois......member of elite Eclipse Select Team in 2002-2003... 2001 Disney Showcase and Alamo Cup Semi-Finalist....2002 President's Day and Surf Cup Semi-Finalist and Best of the Midwest Finalist.... In 2002 took 2nd Place at 3v3 Nationals... High School Accomplishments include 2000-2002 Captain..... as a junior, All-Conference, All Sectional, MVP and All-Area Team Special Mention....intended to major in occupational therapy... chose Southeast Missouri State University over Chicago Loyola.

Coach Nelson Says: "Jessi is a dominant defender with explosive speed and confidence on the ball. I expect Jessi to impact our team in both central defense and the wing-back position. She is extremely difficult to beat and will add depth to our already strong defensive unit."