COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou soccer Head Coach Bryan Blitz announced the addition of six new Tigers on Wednesday (Feb. 7). Ariela Beharry (Coral Springs, Fla.), Blythe Beldner (Eureka, Mo.), Hailey Blanchard (Frankfort, Ill.), Julissa Cisneros (Moreno Valley, Calif.), Skye Kingsley (Naperville, Ill.) and Keiarra Slack (Stuart, Fla.) signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Missouri and compete for the Mizzou soccer team in the fall.
"This class adds needs we have for the fall," Blitz said. "It's a very versatile class with athletic and creative players, along with a grit that fits in with our blue-collar mentality. It's also a geographically diverse class with signees from California to Florida and all points in between."
| 2018 MIZZOU SOCCER SIGNING CLASS | |||
| NAME | POS. | HOMETOWN | CLUB TEAM |
| Ariela Beharry | D/M | Coral Springs, Fla. | Sunrise SC |
| Blythe Beldner | Attacker | Wildwood, Mo. | St. Louis Scott Gallagher |
| Hailey Blanchard | M/D | Frankfort, Ill. | Eclipse Select Soccer Club |
| Julissa Cisneros | Attacker | Moreno Valley, Calif. | Inland Empire Surf SC |
| Skye Kingsley | Attacker | Naperville, Ill. | Eclipse Select Soccer Club |
| Keiarra Slack | F/M/D | Stuart, Fla. | Sunrise SC |
Defender/Midfielder | 5-5 | Coral Springs, Fla. (Cardinal Gibbons) | Sunrise SC
Parents: Eric and Aleta
Club Coach: Gus Camacho
High School Coach: Margo Flack
Accolades
- Helped Sunrise SC to state cups in 2014-2015 and 2016-2017
- Named to state ODP teams in 2015, 2016 and 2017 as well as regional ODP team in 2017
- Helped her Cardinal Gibbons to a district championship in 2016
- Earned All-Broward County 3A-2A-1A second team honors in 2016 and honorable mention honors in 2017
Why Ariela chose Mizzou:
"I chose Mizzou because my family and I felt welcoming and at home. It was a warm environment where I feel I can grow both academically and athletically."
Club coach Gus Comacho on Ariela:
"Ariela is a very coachable, talented and athletic player. She continues to grow and learn as an athlete. I am so proud to have been her coach for the past six years."
Chose Mizzou over:
Vanderbilt, Florida Gulf Coast, VCU
Attacker | 5-7 | Wildwood, Mo. (Eureka) | St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Parents: Brad and Rebecca
Club Coaches: Ralph Richards, Scott McDoniel
High School Coaches: Gary Schneider and Anna Volgt
Accolades
- Led Eureka to a 2017 Missouri Class 4 State Championship
- Named 2017 Class 4 Offensive Player of the Year and All-State First Team
- Member of the 2015 and 2016 ECNL Midwest Region Player Development Program
- Helped Eureka to District Championships in 2015, 2016 and 2017
- Played club for St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Why Blythe chose Mizzou:
"I chose Mizzou because it's always been part of me and my family. I grew up going to football games in the fall. I loved atmosphere and seeing what the University was all about. Mizzou has the people, the resources, and the opportunities to push me both academically and athletically."
Club coach Ralph Richards on Blythe:
"Blythe's technique in breaking down a back line is one of the best. Her creativity and imagination, added to her technique, makes for a dangerous combination for any defensive line to cope with. Furthermore, Blythe's distribution and combination play allows her to play in a variety of roles. Her versatility gives a coach a different perspective on how to penetrate the opposing defense in a tight and compact game."
Chose Mizzou over:
No other schools
Midfielder/Defender | 5-8 | Frankfort, Ill. (Lincoln Way East) | Eclipse Select Soccer Club
Parents: Jeffrey and Terri
Club Coach: Rory Dames
Accolades
- Member of the Eclipse Select SC State Cup Championship team as a U12, U13, U14, and U15
- Selected as a member for the state ODP team in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and the regional ODP team in 2013 and 2014
- Attended ODP National Camp in 2013 and 2014
- Had success with the Lincoln Way East track & field team, where she was a conference champion on the 4x200 and 4x400 relay teams
Why Hailey Chose Mizzou:
"I chose Mizzou because of the community aspect its strength both academically and athletically. It was a fit for me as soon as I visited campus and I feel I can really thrive as a student and an athlete."
Club coach Rory Dames on Hailey:
"Hailey has shown that she can compete, is willing to put in the work, and has the skill to succeed at Missouri. She has some very unique qualities that show her personality when she plays, making her fun to watch. We wish her all the best as she continues to pursue her dreams at the next level."
Chose Mizzou over:
Illinois
Attacker | 5-3 | Moreno Valley, Calif. (Rancho Verde) | Inland Empire Surf SC
Parents: Alfonso and Maribel
Club Coach: Ted Small
High School Coach: Dana Czubakowski
Accolades
- Scored 35 goals in her high school career
- Holds Rancho Verde's single-season goals record
- Helped Inland Empire Surf SC to the 2016 Disney Showcase championship
- Also helped Inland Empire Surf SC to the 2017 SoCal Summer Showcase title
Why Julissa chose Mizzou:
"My dad always told me, 'You just need one important person to truly believe in your ability,' and I feel that I have that with Mizzou."
Club coach Ted Small on Julissa:
"Julissa is a superstar. Her goal-scoring rate is unbelievable, scoring 85 goals in 43 matches at the highest levels of club soccer. I have no doubt I will see her on TV one day playing this sport."
Chose Mizzou Over:
Penn State, UNLV, UC Riverside
Attacker | 5-6 | Naperville, Ill. (Neuqua Valley) | Eclipse Select Soccer Club
Parents: Ross and Kiersten
Club Coach: Rory Dames
High School Coach: Joe Moreau
Accolades
- Scored a goal to help Eclipse Elite (U-16) win the 2016 Illinois State Cup
- Helped her high school team to a conference championship in 2017
- Named to 2014-2015 regional ODP team
- Also a conference champion for Neuqua Valley's Track & Field team
Why Skye chose Mizzou:
"I chose Mizzou because the spirit and energy of the campus made it feel like home. I knew this was where I wanted to study and play the sport I love for the next four years."
Club coach Rory Dames on Skye:
"Skye's combination of technique and speed make her a constant threat to break back lines and create chances for herself and her teammates. Her unselfishness with her final choice is what separates her from most forwards and is what makes her special. Regardless if she is scoring or creating, she simply wants to win and will be a great addition to the Mizzou program."
Chose Mizzou Over:
Michigan, Northwestern, Tennessee, Rutgers, West Virginia
Attacker/Midfielder/Defender | 5-6 | Stuart, Fla. (The Benjamin School) | Sunrise SC
Parents: Keithlyn and Tamika
Club Coach: Gus Camacho
High School Coach: Hillary Carney, Edward Chaplin
Accolades
- Scored the golden-goal her freshman year in to advance The Benjamin School to the district finals
- Helped Sunrise SC to a 2016 State Cup Championship and a 2017 State Cup runner-up
- Served as team captain during the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons at her high school
- Named to state ODP teams in 2014 and 2015 as well as to the Region III ODP team in 2016
Why Keiarra chose Mizzou:
"I committed to the University of Missouri because it is a school that will support my athletic and academic wishes as well as being an institution that I know will help me flourish as a person and a player. The coaches and staff have showed so much love and support toward my family and I. Mizzou's style of play is a style that I can see myself in and playing along some of the best players in the country is a dream come true. The atmosphere on campus reminds me of home and the students are all so lively and spirited. I have overcome many obstacles to get to where I am today, but I can't wait to finally be a Tiger."
Coach Andres Camacho on Keiarra:
"Keiarra isn't just a top prospect. She possesses a high moral compass and a work ethic that is rivaled by few. Her sacrifice and selflessness are traits that make her an unheralded leader. Her determination and drive have awarded her spots on regional teams and multiple state championships. Keiarra is a living example of perseverance and toughness. She leads by example, and encapsulates what a student athlete should strive to be. She's tenacious, and genuine. She's a role model."
Chose Mizzou Over:
Alabama, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, Brown, Northeastern, Miami (Fla.)