Avila Assistant Coach Estelle Johnson Returning to the Professional Ranks
February 5, 2013
Kansas City, MO – 225 days after losing in the 2012 WPSL semi-finals as a member of the New York Fury, Avila assistant women’s soccer coach Estelle Johnson finds herself returning to professional women’s soccer. Johnson, who has just finished her first season with the Avila soccer coaching staff, was selected in the first round of the NWSL Supplemental Draft by the 2012 WPS champions Western New York Flash.
After four years at Kansas University where she started all but one of her 85 collegiate games, Johnson was selected in the second round of the 2010 Dispersal Draft by the Philadelphia Independence. In two seasons in Philadelphia, she started in 25 matches, and was a member of the 2011 squad that reached the WPS final.
After the Independence folded in 2012, Estelle signed on with the New York Fury and again featured in a team that made it deep in to post season play.
In 2013, Johnson will be playing with undoubtedly the best professional women’s team in the US. The Flash have won three straight championships including the 2010 USL W-League championship, the 2011 WPS championships, and the 2012 WPSL-Elite championships. 
Johnson will be knocking heads against some of the best players in the world and will be teammates with US National team players Carli Lloyd and Abby Wambach. With preseason starting in just a weeks time, Johnson had the following so say about playing along side Olympic gold medal winners and world cup participants, “I’m very excited to have another opportunity to compete at the top level against some of the best players in the world. Getting to train with Abby and Carly everyday is going to be an amazing experience and help me step my game up to the next level”.
Johnson will remain on the Avila Coaching staff, with plans to return to Kansas City after the 2013 NWSL season finishes to help the women’s team in their goal to claim a first ever conference title and national tournament bid. “I had an awesome experience working with Avila this past season and I really look forward to returning to Kansas City in the fall”.
Prior to her return to coach at Avila, Estelle will be returning to Kansas City to take on the FC Kansas City Blue’s on July 7th.
Coach Clements had the following to say about Estelle’s signing. “"As a team we will miss Estelle during the remainder of the spring season but we are excited for Estelle and this chance to keep playing. The experience that Estelle will gain will be a great asset for the Soccer program and also Avila University"
Avila University wishes Estelle the best of luck in the upcoming season and looks forward to her return in late August.
Five Eagles
Selected to NAIA Scholar-Athlete List
December 3,. 2012
Kansas City, MO – The NAIA office released their 2011 Daktronics Scholar-Athlete's list
this week, with five Eagles making the cut, equal to their 2011 total. The following
Eagles received the award: Complete List
Tracie Geile – Junior | St. Peters, Missouri
Renee Ruder - Senior | Brisbane, Australia
Amanda Schwartz – Senior | Blue
Springs, Missouri
Emily Volker - Junior | Hays, Kansas
Lisa York – Senior | Raymore,
Missouri
Both Schwartz and York received the
honor for their second consecutive year. To qualify for the honor,
student-athletes must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0
scale and must have achieved a junior academic status in order qualify. 492
women's soccer student-athletes nationally have been named 2012 Daktronics-NAIA
Scholar-Athletes.
Eagles Reach Double Digit Wins For Third Consecutive Season
November 27, 2012
Kansas City, MO - While the Eagles didn't achieve all they hoped they would in 2012, Head Coach Chris Clements and his nine seniors had a lot to be proud of. For the third time in Coach Clements five years at the helm, the Avila women's soccer program won at least ten games, and for the second consecutive year, the Eagles reached the HAAC Tournament. This is the first time in the program’s history that the Eagles have reached the HAAC tournament in consecutive years.
The nine seniors, six of which have played all four years at Avila, have never experience a season with a losing record and combine for an overall record of 41-28-7.
Year |
Record |
2009 |
9-9-1 |
2010 |
10-8 |
2011 |
12-3-5 |
2012 |
10-8-1 |
After a very successful 2011 campaign, the Eagles looked to increase the difficulty of their non-conference schedule and did just that as they faced four programs that featured in the NAIA National Top 25 Poll. After falling to the 22nd ranked Westminster College of Salt Lake City in Utah, the Eagles went on to win seven of their next ten games to finish with a 7-3-1 record against non-conference opponents.
The Eagles opened up HAAC play with a heart breaking 1-2 loss in double overtime to Graceland University at home. The Yellowjackets would go on to win both the HAAC regular season title and conference tournament and reach the NAIA National Tournament.
Unfortunately, the opposition got no easier as the Eagles suffered back-to-back losses to 13th ranked Baker University and Benedictine College who finished the 2012 season ranked 18th in the nation. Both Baker and Benedictine went on to qualify for the NAIA National Tournament.
With their backs against the wall and qualification for the HAAC tournament in doubt, the Eagles closed out their conference schedule with three consecutive wins, 5-1 vs. Culver-Stockton, 3-2 vs. MidAmerica Nazarene, and 2-0 at Missouri Valley.
In similar fashion to 2011, the Eagles received a fifth seed in the HAAC tournament and traveled to Marshall, Missouri to take on Missouri Valley College. That was to be the only similarity though for the Eagles as their season ended with a tough loss.
The Eagles were led offensively for the second consecutive year by senior forward Alyssa D'Egidio. The Canton, Ohio native scored 12 goals, bringing her two year total at Avila to 27 goals. Other notable offensive contributors include:
Junior Stephanie Gartner featured in goal for the Eagles in the first 14 contests while senior Renee Rudder, a Brisbane, Australia native held the number one spot for the final four contests.
Gartner, who ranked 16th in the nation in goals against average in 2011, surrendered 32 goals while making 66 saves. Rudder, a former NAIA National Player of the Week, allowed seven goals and made 31 saves in 471 minutes of play.
While the Eagles will lose nine seniors, they will return seven starters and have a talented group of underclassmen ready to step in and write their own history. Returning starters include: GK - Stephanie Gartner, M - Chelsea Tilbury, M - Tracie Geile, D - Jamie Nilica, D - Brittany Smith, M - Cara Duke, F - Caryn Wlech.
Similar to the men's soccer program, the Eagles will have a very balanced make up of upper and underclassmen for 2013 season.
Freshman |
? |
Sophomore |
5 |
Junior |
5 |
Senior |
5 |
Coach Clements had the following to say on the 2012 season and what the future may hold: "The 2012 season didn’t go as we would have liked it to, but with that said, any time you win 10 or more games in the HAAC is something to be proud of, and to achieve this three years in a row is something special. The seniors that are leaving the program can be truly proud that they leave the Avila Soccer program better than when they joined it. Making the conference tournament is nothing to take for granted and we have a great group of players returning for 2013. "
Five Eagles Selected to All Conference Squads
November 12, 2012
Kansas City, MO – Five Eagles recently received All-HAAC honors this past week. Alyssa D’Egidio led the Eagles with a first team selection while Jamie Nilica, Ariel Rank, and Caryn Welch all received second team honors. Chelsea Tilbury rounded out the honors with a third team selection.
After suffering a season-ending loss at the hands of Missouri Valley College in the HAAC Tournament Quarterfinals, the Eagles closed out their 2012 campaign with a record of 10-8-1. View the enitre list of All-HAAC Selections by clicking here.
D’Egidio, a senior forward from Canton, Ohio received All-HAAC honors for the second consecutive year after being name third team All-HAAC last fall. Her 12 goals led the Eagles and ranked 5th in the conference. After scoring 15 in 2011, she rounds out her two year Avila career with 27 goals. She also tailed three assists on the year, ranking 2nd on the team.
Jamie Nilica received second team All-HAAC honors for the second consecutive year. The outside-back from St. Louis featured in 18 of the Eagles 19 contests and scored her first career goal in a 3-0 victory over Dordt. She also had an assist and goal against Morningside College.
Ariel Rank, like D’Egidio, is rounding out a two year career at Avila with her second consecutive All-HAAC honor. The senior midfielder from Raymore, Missouri was fourth on the team in goals with four on the year and was the only Eagle to start all 19 contests this past season. Rank had her first multi-goal game against Morningside College this past fall and finishes her career with six goals and two assists.
After scoring 16 goals during her freshman year at Bethel College (Kan.), Caryn Welch reached double digit scoring again this season after transferring to Avila this past spring. The sophomore forward tailed 11 goals this season, ranking second in the program. After scoring just one goal in the Eagles first four contests, Welch exploded for four goals against William Woods and collected her second hat-trick of the year against Culver-Stockton.
Like Welch, Chelsea Tilbury was also a spring transfer for the Eagles. The junior from Blue Springs, Missouri started 16 contests for the Eagles and scored two goals while grabbing three assists. Her first career goal at Avila came in a 5-0 victory at home against Briar Cliff.
Expectations High as Eagles Return Nine Starters
2012 Season Preview
August 15, 2012
Kansas City, MO – After finishing the 2011 season with an impressive 12-3-5 record, the Eagles are returning their core group of players and are hoping to make a run deep into the postseason this fall.
Chris Clements begins his fifth year at the helm and has coached the Eagles to a record of 37-27-9 during his tenure. Clements mentioned the strength of the senior class, which features nine athletes, as well as added depth to the program as two keys for success this fall.
Head Coach Chris Clements had the following to say about his 2012 squad, “I’m very excited about our team this fall; we’ve got a large group of returning seniors that have played all four years for me, and they’re going to provide excellent leadership.”
The Eagles are led up top by senior forward Alyssa D’Egidio, who transferred to Avila last fall. D’Egidio was named NAIA Offensive Player of the Week last fall and was in the top five nationally in goals scored for several weeks before suffering a season-ending injury in the Eagles home contest against Benedictine College. She finished the 2011 season with 15 goals in 13 contests.
After seeing Danielle Price (15 goals) graduate a year, the Eagles added sophomore transfer Caryn Welch in January of 2012 to give the Eagles an added threat in front of goal. Welch came to Avila by way of Bethel College (Kan.) as she featured in 18 contests for the Thrashers scoring 16 goals, ranking 32nd in the nation.
In the midfield, the Eagles return two All-HAAC athletes in Cara Duke and Ariel Rank. Duke, a sophomore, will be looking to build off a strong freshman campaign that saw her received first team all-conference honors as she scored six goals while gathering two assists. Rank, a senior transfer from UMKC received third team All-HAAC honors due to strong performances at center-mid in the Eagles final six contests.
Duke and Rank will be joined by junior transfer Chelsea Tilbury, and seniors Lisa York, Kara Coffee and Mollie Brown.
On defense, the Eagles have sought to replace first team All-HAAC performer Alex Jung as six of the programs eight newcomers have vast experience playing in the back line. Brittany Smith, a junior transfer from Southwest Baptist University, featured in 17 matches for the Bearcats at center-back and will serve as one of many options to fill Jung’s role. The Eagles return senior Amanda Schwartz who has played in 57 games in her career as an Eagle and looks to lead the back line. Jamie Nilica (2nd Team All-HAAC) and Lindsey Sieg also return after starting in 2011 at outside back.
In goal, the Eagles bring back tons of experience in junior Stephanie Gartner and senior Renee Rudder. Gartner, a Liberty, Missouri native started in every match last fall allowing just 16 goals in 20 contests. Her 0.850 goals against average ranked 24th in the nation as she registered 85 saves in 2011.
Clements expects the Heart of America Athletic Conference to be very competitive and predicts the conference title will be decided in the final week of conference play.
“No matter how good we are, the HAAC will always be a battle, and having two teams in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Poll shows that.”
Women's Alumni Game to Take Place Friday, August 18
August 13, 2012
Kansas City, MO - Avila University would like to invite all former Avila Eagle Women's Soccer players to the annual alumni contest which will take place Friday, August 18th at the Zarda Multisport Complex on the campus of Avila University. The Women's game will kick off at 7:30PM while the Men's game will start at 6:00PM.
The annual alumni game serves as a great opportunity to catch up with old teammates and friends while getting a preview of the 2012 team. Contact Head Coach Chris Clements for more info at 816-501-2475.
St. Louis Defender Lucy Devereux Signs with Eagles
February 21, 2012
Montgomery, Texas Defender Amy Anderson Signs with Eagles
February 21, 2012
(Top L-R) Principal Phil Eaton, Athletic Director Coach Heard, (Bottom
L-R) Mother Rita Anderson, Amy Anderson, High School Coach Kelly
Farrar
Five Eagles Selected to NAIA Scholar-Athlete List
February 21. 2012
Kansas City, MO – The NAIA office released their 2011 Daktronics Scholar-Athlete's list this week, with five Eagles making the cut, up from four in 2010. The following Eagles received the award:
Danielle Price – Senior | DeSoto, Kansas
Amanda Schwartz – Junior | Blue Springs, MO
Lisa York – Junior | Raymore, Missouri
Alex Jung – Senior | Troy, Illinois
Katie Poulin – Senior | St. Louis, Missouri
Both Poulin and Jung received the honor for their second consecutive year. To qualify for the honor, student-athletes must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status in order qualify. 485 women's soccer student-athletes nationally have been named 2011 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
Avila Advance to Semifinals of HAAC Tournament with Shootout Victory
November 9, 2011
Kansas City, MO – The fifth seed Avila Women’s soccer team (12-2-5) were able to hold their nerve on the road against fourth seed Missouri Valley (8-6-4) as they hit all five of their penalty kicks to win in a shootout 5-4. The contest finished 0-0 after regulation and two 10-minute overtimes.
Danielle Price (Senior - DeSoto, KS) nearly gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead 10 minutes into the contest when she found herself 1v1 with the Missouri Valley keeper, Nicole Goad. Her shot eluded Goad but found the leg of a Missouri Valley defender before crossing the goal-line.
Both teams created quality chances to open the scoring throughout regulation and overtime, but it was a night of goalkeeping as Stephanie Gartner (Sophomore – Liberty, MO) matched Goad’s efforts registering 6 saves on the night.
The Eagles will face number one seed Baker University in Baldwin City, KS Thursday night in the Semifinals of the HAAC tournament. The Eagles previously tied Baker 2-2 last month in Baldwin City. The winner will face the winner of Benedictine v Graceland in the final of the HAAC tournament with the winner receiving an automatic bid to the National Tournament.
