Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Raider Soccer Secures Six on National Signing Day
11/14/2018 1:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Head Coach Aston Rhoden and the Middle Tennessee soccer program have added six new Blue Raiders to the roster as the 2019 signees submitted National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.
The Blue Raiders added a defender, a midfielder, three forwards and a goalkeeper from the prep ranks, four of whom come from the same club team. The four signees hail from Memphis, Tennessee out of the Lobos Rush organization while the two others come from Florida and Georgia.
"I'm really pleased with the work our coaching staff, support staff, and team did in securing this group of quality student athletes," Head Coach Aston Rhoden said. "Besides their soccer abilities, all are strong students and persons of good character. They will certainly bring us closer to our athletic and academic goals."
Mackenzie Bonham comes to Middle Tennessee from Acworth, Ga. She is no newcomer to winning, the forward helped Harrison High School to a 2017 State Championship. In fact, Bonham took the winning PK and led the team in assists. She also earned a MDJ All-County Team nod for her efforts. She comes to MT from the club team, SSA Chelsea 00 Elite.
"Kenzie is a versatile attacking player with a high work rate and the ability to score goals," said Rhoden. "She can unlock defenses with her pace and creativity. She will be a great addition to our attack."
As previously mentioned, the Blue Raiders also signed four players from the '01 Lady Lobos Rush Premier team out of Memphis, Tenn. The team has won two Tennessee State Championships, the most recent in 2018. They also went on to become the runners up at the Regional Tournament after winning the Southern Regional Premier League. Additionally, the Lady Lobos captured the 2017 Disney Showcase event and were 2018 Jefferson Cup Champions. The team currently plays in Southern Regional Premier League and National League.
Two of the Lady Lobos are forwards, Elizabeth Slavinsky and Cambell Kivisto. The two also played together at Collierville High School where they helped the squad to two TSSAA DI AAA state semifinal appearances and two TSSAA DI AAA state championship appearances. The pair also helped CHS capture a 2018 Regional Championship this past year.
Slavinsky scored over 50 goals while at CHS and was the 2017 CHS Varsity Soccer Golden Boot Award Winner. Slavinsky thrives in high pressure situations and tournament play. She has twice been named a Tennessean Top Player to watch at the State Tournament and was most recently named a 2018 Top Performer at Day 2 of TSSAA State Championships. Slavinsky was also the 2018 CHS Offensive MVP and a 2018 TNHS Soccer Coaches AAA All-State Team member.
"Slav is your typical number nine with predatory instincts in the box," Rhoden shared. "She's a clinical finisher and seems to show up at the right place at the right time. Her aerial abilities will add another dimension to our attack as well."
Like Slavinsky, Kivisto has earned honors in the high school soccer world as well. A 2017 and 2018 Tennessee All-State honoree, Kivisto scored nine goals this past season.
"Cam is a hard-nosed attacking player with tremendous pace and athleticism," Rhoden explained. "She is very good in 1v1 situations and plays with both feet. Her ability to create and score goals will be an asset to our offense."
Another Lady Lobo joining the Blue Raiders is midfielder Lauren Capocaccia. A four-year letter winner at St. Agnes Academy, she was the squad's 2018 Team Captain. She is a two-time TSSAA West Region DII AA All-Region honoree and was named TSAA DII AA All-State in 2017 in addition to being voted onto the First Team All-Metro in 2016. At St. Agnes she was awarded Best Defensive Player twice and was the 2015 Rookie of the Year.
"Capo is a versatile player with a strong work ethic," shared Rhoden. "She's very good in possession and strong in the tackle. Her ability to break up plays and shut down skillful players will be an asset for us in the midfield."
The final Lady Lobo is defender Caroline Manley. A member of the Arlington High School team she helped her squad to a 2016 State Championship. Her efforts landed her on the 2016 HS Region 7AAA All-Region Team and Tennessee HS All-State Team. Manley was also the 2017 Varsity Team Captain, Golden Boot Award Winner and earned All-Region honors for the second straight year.
"Caroline is a very modern defender," Rhoden said. "She's strong on the ball when in possession and equally as good without it. Her athleticism and composure will fit well with our defensive philosophy and will allow us to frequently change our shape in the back."
The final signee for the Blue Raiders fills an important role in the goalkeeper department. Hannah Suder brings a wealth of experience to the position. The Florida native played soccer for two seasons at Ponte Vedra High School and was a 2016 State Finalist. She was named to the Montverde All-Tournament Team that year as well. Suder has 14 years of club soccer experience with United Soccer Alliance and Jacksonville Armada FC. She was also an ODP Florida National Finalist.
"Hannah is a solid all around keeper with great shot stopping and reaction abilities," explained Rhoden. "She plays well with her feet and has good hands too. She will certainly make the goalkeeping unit more competitive."
"I can hardly wait to get these players on campus and have them begin training with our talented returning group."
