Colorado College introduces 7-member women’s soccer recruiting class
Colorado College head women’s soccer coach Keri Sanchez introduced the seven members of her first incoming class, announcing the following signings: Shalom Prince, Evie Biggs, Erin Ewers, Makenna Kolson, McKenna O’Toole, Kylie Smith and Haley Williams.
Prince, a transfer from the University of Oklahoma, Biggs, a defender from Vineyard, Utah, Ewers, a forward/midfielder from Spokane, Wash., Kolson, a midfielder/defender from Ladera Ranch, Calif., O’Toole, a forward/attacking midfielder from The Hills, Texas, Smith, a forward from Centennial, Colo., and Williams, a forward from Longmont, Colo., will officially join the roster when the team begins pre-season training next week.
“We are excited to add these talented players for 2022,” Sanchez said. “They are hardworking, competitive and driven student-athletes that will bring great energy to our team.”
Prince appeared in 18 games during the 2019 and 2021 seasons at the University of Oklahoma, collecting a pair of starts and six total shots in her two years on the pitch.
The forward from Aurora, Colo., helped Grandview High School to three Colorado State titles and played for Colorado Rapids ECNL. She also was invited to the U.S. Soccer Club’s Player Development Program in 2017.
“Shalom comes to us with some great experience in the Big 12,” Sanchez said. “She knows what it takes to compete and win at the college level. She likes to attack on the dribble and can help us create goal-scoring opportunities.”
Biggs trained with the Utah Olympic Development Program and was a starting defender in 2020 when she helped her team reach the Finals of the West Region Championship in 2020. She also played club for USA Metro Premier since 2020 as well as Utah Celtic from 2018-2020.
During her prep career at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, she earned four varsity letters and was a two-time captain. As a senior, she earned first-team all-region honors and was selected to play in the Utah High School 5A All-Star Game.
“Evie is a versatile wide player that has good mobility,” Sanchez said. “She competes hard and is always a positive force for her team and teammates.”
Ewers trained with the Eastern Washington Region IV Olympic Development Program since 2017. She earned multiple invitations to Region IV camps and one Interregional ODP camp in Florida. Ewers also played club soccer for Spokane Sounders GA.
A four-year starter at Gonzaga Preparatory School in Spokane, Ewers was a two-time Greater Spokane League selection and helped lead the Bullpups to back-to-back GSL championships, a pair of district titles, and a third-place finish in the 2019 state tournament.
“Erin is a tough, physical and mobile player who can score goals,” Sanchez said. “She plays with a joy that is fun to watch.”
Kolson played club for the Strikers FC in the Elite Clubs National League. She also played three seasons with Pateadores SC in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and was invited to train with the California South Olympic Development Team in 2017.
During her prep career, Kolson played soccer at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
“Makenna reads the game well and can play in the midfield or back line,” Sanchez said. “She wins balls in the air, tackles hard, and is confident and composed on the ball.”
O’Toole played for both the Lonestar Soccer Club of the United States Soccer Federations Girls Development Academy and the Sting Soccer Club of the Elite Clubs National League. She helped Lonestar DA advance to the national tournament and was named the Sting Player of the Week nine times.
During her two seasons playing for Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas, O’Toole helped the Cavaliers record back-to-back undefeated seasons at the district level. She also led LTHS to the 6A District 25 tournament each year, advancing to the third round in 2020-21 and the second round in 2021-22.
“McKenna is feisty, versatile and active on the field,” Sanchez said. “She plays with energy and a competitive spirit that will elevate those around her.”
Smith played for Real Colorado of the Elite Clubs National League and her 04G side was ranked No. 5 in the nation. She helped Real Colorado advance to the quarterfinals of the ECNL national playoffs and win the conference championship in 2021.
During her career at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colo., Smith earned four varsity letters and was named a team captain as a senior. She helped the Warriors finish as runner-up in the 2019 state tournament and was all-Centennial League selection as a freshman.
“Kylie is quick, agile, and confident on the ball,” Sanchez said. “She likes to take players on 1v1 and plays with a creative flare.”
Williams also is a two-sport athlete who competed in soccer and track at Mead High School in Longmont. She was a two-time all-Northern Colorado Athletic Conference selection as a sophomore and junior, and an honorable-mention all-state and all-Tri Valley League selection as a freshman. Williams played club soccer for St. Vrain FC.
As a freshman, Williams was a CHSAA 4A first-team all-state selection in track after running a leg on the state champion 800-meter sprint medley relay team in 2019.
“Haley consistently finds ways to get in behind defenses and then has great composure when finishing,” Sanchez said. “I like her fire and attitude when playing.”
CC’s newcomers will have an opportunity to contribute early in their careers with only 17 veterans returning from last year’s team.
