Bruins Soccer 2022 Season Preview
As head coach Levi Butcher enters his second season as a Bruin, he is excited for the group of women's soccer players he has brought in this fall both returners and newcomers. Butcher says they are returning several key members from last year and bringing in a strong group of freshmen.
Leading the team and group of key returners is sophomore midfielder, Chloe Leugers (Marshall/Marshall HS). Leugers has been named team captain and sets a great tone for the team. Butcher says, "Chloe's leadership and passion will steer us in the right direction this fall, no matter where she is deployed on the field."
Another key Bruin this fall will be sophomore forward, Allison Biergeder (Battle Creek/Pennfield HS). Biergeder comes back with some accolades from last year - 2nd Team All-MCCAA, All Freshman Team, KCC leading scorer – and is hungry for more. "Allison is just as pivotal in attack as she in in defense, said Butcher. "She split time between center back and forward last season, and we will rely on her to be versatile and dynamic again this season."
Rounding out the hat trick of leading returners is sophomore midfielder, Lillian Fulcher (Paw Paw/Paw Paw HS). Fulcher is a balanced and intelligent player who keeps things connected for the Bruins. Bucher said, "Lilly was an unsung hero for us last season at the base of our midfield. She did a lot of the dirty work and heavy lifting for our squad, and we look forward to involving her more on the attack this season."
Other sophomores returning this fall are midfielders, Bryn Cairns (Waterford/Kettering HS) and Natalia Egnatuk (Marshall/Marshall HS), as well as goalkeeper, Maya Ruelas (Kalamazoo/Homeschool).
Butcher is bringing in seven new players to join the returning group. Leading newcomer is Lydia Schamanek (Cadillac/Cadillac HS), a box-to-box central midfielder with the ability to dictate play. Butcher says she'll likely be the team's engine this fall and that her enthusiasm for soccer is contagious. He said, "We're excited to see her blossom as a field general, team leader, and force within the conference."
Another piece of the puzzle will be forward, Sara Bruns (Kalamazoo/Portage Northern HS). "Sara is an outstanding attacker with trickery, pace, and a nose for fishing," said Butcher. Bruns can play a variety of roles in the attack and brings a cutting edge to games. She will be key in success this fall.
Newcomer Rayna Richardson (Austin, TX/Gateway College Prep) has made quite the long haul, coming all the way from Texas. Richardson will play midfield and has a great technical ability and a quiet confidence to her game. Butcher said, "Rayna will help us in pressure moments. She in an intelligent, connective midfielder with good vision and excellent passing range."
Other newcomers include goalkeeper/forward Marissa Aiello (Portage/Portage Central HS), midfielder/forward Mackenzie Jordan (Battle Creek/Harper Creek HS), goalkeeper/forward Maya Walters (Battle Creek/Pennfield HS) and midfielder/defender Katie Williams (Big Rapids/Big Rapids HS).
"We'll be a very tightly knit squad this season, and the benefits of that are already showing early in our preseason. The vibe is great with these ladies, and training sessions are energetic, productive, and really enjoyable," said Butcher. "Overall, we are extremely excited to begin the journey with this group and help them grow as students, people, and players."
Click HERE to view the 2022 Soccer Schedule.
Click HERE to view the 2022 Soccer Roster.
Click HERE to view the 2022 Soccer Coaches.