HAMMOND, La. –When its 2023 season kicks off next month, the Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer program will welcome nine new faces to the program.
 
After a successful recruiting period, second year head coach Nathan Gillespie finalized his roster for the 2023 season.
 
Hannah McCord, a junior midfielder out of San Francisco, California is a transfer from Portland. She appeared in all 14 matches off the bench, attempted five shots on the year. She played a role in five shutouts for Portland.
 
"She brings with her a wealth of experience playing in a highly competitive West Coast Conference." Gillespie commented. "Her experience on and off the field is going to help her come in and be a leader. She has a great intensity to her game."
 
Rylee Franklin is a redshirt sophomore from Kennewick, Washington and is a transfer from Eastern Washington.
 
"Rylee will bring a great level of energy to our midfield and her intensity to work both in and out of possession is fantastic," Gillespie said.
 
Skye Kennedy is the third transfer added to the pride from Snow College in Utah. As a freshman she was third in the nation for goals scored in the NJCAA Division I with 26 goals scored.
"We're looking forward to adding Skye's talents to our attack," Gillespie commented. "Adding to our offensive firepower was a key focus for us in the recruiting process."
 
Kirsten Shulsky is an addition to the SLU defense. A transfer from Shulsky's size made her an appealing addition to the Southeastern program.
 
"As we look to bolster our defense Kirsten's height (6-0) and physical style of play definitely grabbed our attention. We are excited for Kirsten to bring her own qualities to an already experienced defensive unit," Gillespie said.
 
Piper Sullivan rounds out the transfers as a freshman forward from North Texas.
 
"Piper is coming off an injury, but she has a great intensity about her game and is a player that we are looking forward to helping recover," Gillespie stated.
 
 
Among the incoming freshmen, Tristen Gulzynski is the lone in-state product. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native prepped at Dutchtown High School, where she was an all-district performer.
 
"Tristen graduated a semester early, so she could dedicate herself to getting record for collegiate soccer," Gillespie commented. "Her getting a head start on preparing for the next level will be an aid in her development as an asset to our program."
 
Georgia Gemmell is a Vancouver, British Columbia native and freshman forward. Her craftiness on the field is what stood out to Gillespie.
 
"Her positional understanding and ability to read the game as play develops are great," Gillespie said.
 
Alyssa Turco is a freshman center who played at Desert Oasis HS and played club soccer for the Las Vegas Soccer Academy.
"Alyssa's diversity is going to be valuable to our program," Gillespie commented. "We expect her to be able to play multiple positions for us."
 
Isabella Walls rounds out the new Lady Lions and is a native of Geneva, Illinois. She played club soccer for the Rockford Raptors.
 
"Isabella is another tall defender that is comfortable with the ball at her feet who is also a fierce challenger," Gillespie commented. "Her speed and versatility make her an excellent addition to our program."
 
The newest Lady Lions are set to make their collegiate debuts Aug. 17, when SLU opens the regular season at UTRGV.
 
SCORE ONE MORE CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the women's soccer program are encouraged to join the Score One More Club.  Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Score One More Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern soccer program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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