Soccer recruits have much to offer
Despite the 2011 women’s soccer season still being a ways away, two of the team’s newest additions are already excited and ready to compete in Panther uniforms.
The 2011 recruiting class for head coach Summer Perala’s squad was announced last week, adding eight new incoming freshman to the roster for next season.
Two members of the 2011 recruiting class are Lauren Rusk of Woodridge and Allie Lakie of Homer Glen.
Rusk comes to the Panthers after competing for the NSA Premier Storm U-18 club team and her high school Downers Grove South.
Rusk said she visited the Eastern campus last year and liked how close together things were, as well as the good amount of people.
Rusk will look to follow in the footsteps of her older sister Sarah Rusk, who finished her senior season on the Panther soccer team this past year.
Rusk said she has a lot to offer to the Panther team next season.
“I work hard, I’m a team player, and I can always help. I think I’m a decent player, and I can play any position,” Rusk said.
Also joining the Panther soccer team is Allie Lakie, who competed as a member of the Chicago International club team, where she serves as team captain.
Lakie first visited Eastern after attending cross country and soccer camps, giving her a good view of the campus. Lakie said with the campus being about three hours away from her home in Homer Glen, its far away, but still close enough if she wanted to return home.
Lakie said she really likes the coaching styles of Perala and assistant coach Grant Williams.
Lakie is excited about playing for the Panthers and wants the current team to know she is a team player.
“What I would want the team to see is that I bring a lot of energy, I’m a motivator, and I pick players up while they’re down, and I’m very competitive,” Lakie said.
Lakie said she is the type of player who plays until the final whistle.
“I never give up, I play until the last minute, I have fun and I work hard,” Lakie said.
The women’s soccer regular season will begin play this August.
Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7944
