Belmont University women’s soccer team announces signing class

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Head coach Heather Henson announced the signing class for the Belmont University women’s soccer team on Monday.

“We are excited to welcome these ladies to our Bruin family,” Henson said. “The 2020 signing class makes us better in every area of the game: goal scoring, playmaking and relentless defending. This class of hardworking, disciplined and faithful young women will also sustain our culture of integrity and commitment both on and off the field. I have high expectations for them to contribute to the future success of this program on the field, but also contribute to the Belmont University community and use their talents to help the world around them.”

Carly Ross, Midfielder, Olentangy High School, Lewis Center, Ohio

Ross currently plays for head coach Earl Devanny at Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio. This past fall season, Ross lifted Olentangy to the state playoffs and a state runner-up finish. Earning multiple Ohio Capital Conference All-Conference honors, Ross is also an active member of the soccer leadership council and is a four-year member of the distinguished honor roll at her school.

At the club level, Ross plays for head coach William Gage with Ohio Premier. Playing with the club for five years, Ross played a key part in helping her team to a third place national finish in the Elite Clubs National League.

Henson said: “Carly helped lead her ECNL Ohio Premier team to No. 3 in the country. She understands the work it takes to win championships. Her energy on and off the ball creates havoc for the opponents. I know she will continue the tradition of a creative and energetic midfield unit.”

Leah Firsdon, Forward, Centerville High School, Dayton, Ohio

Firsdon currently plays for head coach Jim Gobrail at Centerville High School in Centerville, Ohio. Scoring a combined 18 goals and dishing out 10 assists in her junior and senior seasons, Firsdon’s teams had a combined record of 27-4-2 while becoming district finalists in her junior season. As an active member of her school’s dive team, Firsdon was fifth in her school’s conference for individual diving in her junior year.

At the club level, Firsdon plays for head coach Pat Ferguson with Ohio Galaxies FC. Playing for the club for five years, Firsdon helped her team to the State Cup Championship in 2019.

Henson said: “Leah’s passion for the game drives her to improve every time she steps on the field. Her athleticism and ability to drive into the attack will continue to deepen our attacking style.”

Kristina Arwady, Forward, Lake Brantley High School, Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Arwady currently plays for head coach John Morand at Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, Fla. Scoring 49 career goals heading into her senior year, Arwady earned Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-State team honors twice and is a three-time Seminole Athletic All-Conference honoree. In addition to leading her team in goals scored, Arwady led Lake Brantley to the District finals.

At the club level, Arwady plays for head coach Mark Hansen with the Florida Kraze Krush. As a club member for four years, Arwady has helped her team earn a bid to the ECNL national event in 2017 and 2019. Off the field, Arwady has earned the Principal’s Award and ranks second in her class of 600 academically with a 4.56 GPA.

Henson said: “Kristina’s strong faith in God drives her courage and perseverance, in which she shows her never give up attitude. We are excited to watch her grow in her dynamic runs to stretch the opponent.”

Allison Brockelman, Defender, Coronado High School, Henderson, Nev.

Brockelman currently plays for head coach Dana Neel at Coronado High School in Henderson, Nev. In 2019, Brockelman helped Coronado to a state runner-up finish. She is also an active member in Student Council, AP Academy, and is a New Song youth leader volunteer.

At the club level, Brockelman plays for head coach Eric McDonald with Heat FC. In 2019, Brockelman helped her team become finalists in the Surf Cup, Mayor’s Showcase, and Vegas Cup.

Henson said: “Allison’s commitment to training and improving her game is tremendous.  Allison is a hard tackler, good vision and has a determination to attack and defends for 90 minutes. Her work ethic will fit in perfectly with our ladies and create a successful transition to the college game for Allison.”

Summer Curtis, Forward, Cary-Grove High School, Cary, Ill.

Curtis currently plays for head coach Ray Krystal at Cary-Grove High School in Cary, Ill. In her first two seasons, Curtis helped her team into sectionals and played an instrumental role in helping Cary-Grove win a conference championship in her sophomore year. She combined for six goals and nine assists in her first two varsity seasons, helping her team combine for an overall record of 25-6-3.

At the club level, Curtis plays for coaches David Richardson and Rudy Cleveland with Sockers FC Chicago Academy. Being the leading forward in goal-scoring and assists, Curtis lifted her club team to a No. 4 ranking in the U-17 Mid-America U.S. Development Academy. She was also listed as a top 10 player in the Mid-America U.S. Development Academy for goals scored.

Henson said: “Summer has a tireless work ethic and this break in games was a great time to show her how much control she had to develop the technical side of her game. She will battle to keep the ball in play and create many goal-scoring opportunities.”

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