HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team secured five student-athletes to finalize its 2025 roster as Aja Nelson, Daniella Muro, Alex Knight, Sally Bero, and Charlotte De Keukelaere will continue their academic and athletic endeavors for the upcoming season, announced SLU head coach Nathan Gillespie.
With five new signees inked, Southeastern completes its 2025 signing class as Nelson, Muro, Knight, Bero, and De Keukelaere come to Hammond, America as true freshmen.
Nelson, from Red Oak, Texas, joins the green and gold out of Red Oak High School as a powerful, direct forward. As a true freshman, Coach Gillespie and his staff are excited about the threat Nelson can bring to Southeastern's attacking phases of play.
"She has a good eye for the goal and when the ball is at her feet, she has great strength to protect it," stated Gillespie.
Muro, a defender from Pasadena, Calif., comes to Southeastern after a successful high school career at La Salle High School. The newcomer was named to the ECNL Southwest All-Conference All-Regional Team after the 2023-24 season for the LA Breakers.
"Daniella is a classy defender that can play both sides of the ball," commented Gillespie. "She has a great ability to read the game and position herself where the danger will be. In possession, she is calm and composed, and is able to pick out a good pass that can start a dangerous attack."
Knight, a forward from Shreveport, La., arrives in Hammond, America after a successful career at Captain Shreve High School as a two-sport athlete. Knight scored 105 goals throughout her high school career and holds the record for the most goals scored in a season (40). The new addition to the green and gold was also a member of the Girls Academy League Champions Cup Winning team. Knight closed out her high school career as a three-time Offensive MVP, named to the All-State Team, and claimed overall MVP for Dist. 1 Div. 1.
"Alex is a dangerous forward with high quality," said Coach Gillespie. "She creates good space for herself to play in, and has a great eye for finding both the goal and team mates in dangerous positions."
Bero, a midfielder from Placentia, Calif., joins the Lady Lions after a career at El Dorado High School - Placentia. The 5-4 newcomer also participated in varsity tennis and lacrosse with three years of club experience in soccer for the ECNL-RL. With the Pateadores, Bero claimed Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman and was named First Team All-Conference in the 2023 season.
"Sally really stood out for her ability to control a game in the middle of the field," stated Gillespie. "She does a lot of work that could potentially go unnoticed, but has a great ability to retain possession, and can also chip in with goal contributions too."
De Keukelaere, a defender from France, brings a high IQ and soccer education to the Lady Lions, having played for the famous FC Nantes Academy in her native country.
"Charlotte has a competitive side to her game where she will get great pressure on her opponent," commented Coach Gillespie. "She has a great skill of recovering the ball and wants to join in all attacks."
SLU will open the 2025 season on the road against Louisiana-Monroe Thursday, Aug. 14 at 5 p.m.
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
For more information on Southeastern Soccer, follow @LionUpSoccer and @Nathan90G on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow slusoccer on Instagram.
