GREEN BAY, Wis. – Head Coach Julie Grutzner announced additions to the Green Bay women's soccer roster today, boasting 27 players for the 2023 season. The Phoenix welcomes 11 incoming freshmen and three transfers, while a dozen players return from the 2022 squad.
TRANSFERS
LANEY HOEHNKE | SENIOR | MIDFIELDER | BEXLEY, OHIO
Grutzner on Hoehnke: "Laney is a quality player who brings D1 experience to our midfield. She is poised with the ball, reads the game at a high level, and can battle. These attributes, along with her competitive attitude, will allow her to make an immediate impact."
VERA ASARE | GRADUATE | FORWARD | ACCRA, GHANA
Grutzner on Asare: "Vera is an athletic forward that can influence the game in many ways. Her runs off the ball, her explosiveness, and her ability to close down space make her a valuable addition to our program. We are thrilled to have her join our team."
VALERIA BACA | GRADUATE | FORWARD | PORTERVILLE, CALIF.
Grutzner on Baca: "Another solid transfer, Valerie adds depth to our central midfield. She is a solid player that has a combination of technical abilities, tactical awareness, and physicality that will allow her to contribute immediately."
FRESHMEN
ALEAH REESMAN | MIDFIELDER | BURLINGTON, WIS.
Grutzner on Reesman: "Aleah is a player we identified at our ID camp and have gotten to know over the past year. She is a strong offensive player from FC Wisconsin that knows how to score. Her decision-making on and off the ball, along with her finishing skills and desire to compete, are top-notch. Aleah is the type of player who is all into Green Bay and embodies what we look for in a future Phoenix."
MALLORIE BENHART | GOALKEEPER | LAKEVILLE, MINN.
Grutzner on Benhart: "After meeting Mallorie and watching her play, we knew she had the competitive personality we want in our program. She is a strong and technical goalkeeper from Salvo SC who will battle for minutes between the pipes. Her confidence and strong work ethic will make her a great fit for our level."
NELL SMITH | DEFENDER | STILLWATER, MINN.
Grutzner on Smith: "We are lucky to add another strong player from Minnesota who has played in multiple state tournaments for Stillwater High School. Nell is a gritty defender that wins the 1v1 battles and matchups. She is a strong, confident defender from St. Croix Academy who will add physicality to our outside backs."
SANTINA GARCIA | DEFENDER | RACINE, WIS.
Grutzner on Garcia: "What stood out to us about Santina was her competitiveness and leadership on the field. She is a powerful defender from North Shore United who can play across the backline. She continues to impress with her tough tackling abilities and will add great quality to our defensive unit."
LANEY WEIKERT | FORWARD | MUSCATINE, IOWA
Grutzner on Weikert: "Laney stood out immediately with her drive to compete and passion to win possession. She is a dynamic, athletic, attacking forward who will stretch defenses. She plays for Sporting Iowa ECNL and has the 1v1 mindset to take players on and get to the endline or hit the long shot from a distance."
GRACE DOWNEY | FORWARD | WYNNEWOOD, PA.
Grutzner on Downey: "We identified Grace at the ECNL Showcase in Seattle and were impressed with her strong work ethic and her hunger to compete. Grace is a versatile player with great vision and field awareness from FC Bucks. She is technically calm under pressure and dominates in the air. We are excited to have her join our Green Bay family."
MADDIE LADISH | DEFENDER | WAUKESHA, WIS.
Grutzner on Ladish: "Another top player from Wisconsin, we are thrilled to add Maddie to the Phoenix family. She is a gritty versatile player from Elmbrook SC who can play on the wing or backline. Her tenacious defense, work rate, and ability to win the 50/50 battles help strengthen our defense."
ALLISON STEENO | MIDFIELDER | KIMBERLY, WIS.
Grutzner on Steeno: "Alli is a local kid who plays for Wisconsin United. We knew right away after talking to her that she would fit into our family culture. She brings athleticism, game intelligence, and toughness to the midfield, allowing her to contribute from the start."
RYANN HAFENBRAK | FORWARD | MANITOBA, MB.
Grutzner on Hafenbrak: "After watching Ryann play, we knew we needed to add her to our offensive attack. She brings athleticism and speed to our frontline. A member of Soccer Best Academy, her ability to get behind the defense will help create scoring opportunities."
ELLE BLESSINGER | DEFENDER | EVANSIVLLE, IND.
Grutzner on Blessinger: "Getting to know Elle over the last several months, we are even more excited to have her join the Phoenix family. Elle is a big defensive presence on the backline who is not afraid to battle for the ball. Coming from FCE United SC, she is not afraid to play physically and take on the best attackers on opposing teams."
EMILY WEISGERBER | DEFENDER | MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS.
Grutzner on Weisgerber: "Emmy joined us last spring from SC Wave, and she has stepped right in and has made an immediate impact. She is a hard-nosed defender who will create problems for the opposition. Along with her toughness, her positive personality and desire to improve make her a valuable addition to our squad."
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