The Future is Now

NORMAN - Four states, six club teams and 10 high schools have together produced a group of 12 dynamic and electrifying student-athletes to join Sooner soccer in 2015. Head coach Matt Potter and the OU soccer program introduced its newest signing class Tuesday, welcoming an exciting group that will be part of the future that Potter is building at Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's signing class will bring talent and prowess both to the playing field and to the classroom, boasting an impressive listing of academic and athletic honors in its high school careers. The group is set to join an up-and-coming Sooner squad that qualified for the program's third NCAA Tournament appearance last season.

SoonerSports.com is excited to unveil the 2015 signing class. Use the links below to explore photos, videos and full bios for each new Sooner.

#30 BETHANY BLOCK

Midfielder
Phoenix, Ariz.
Desert Mountain H.S.
SC Del Sol (Club)
Highlights
Photos

Hailing from Scottsdale, Ariz., Bethany Block is a three-star recruit as a midfielder and has started every game of her high school career at Desert Mountain H.S. She helped her team to a pair of first-place finishes at the Horizon Tournament of Champions in 2013 and 2014 and was an honorable mention selection on the Arizona Republic Division I team. An All-City and All-Section honoree in 2014, Block's leadership has earned her the distionction of being a team captain for four years with her club team and one year at Desert Mountain.

Block plays club soccer for SC del Sol '97 under head coach Les Armstrong. She owns 12 goals so far in her club career with over 60 total appearances and was an ODP Regional Camp selection in 2009 and 2010.

Block also excells on the varsity track and cross country teams for Desert Mountain. She was a three-time AIA State Finalist and a two-time Desert Mountain Most Valuable Athlete; the Sooner signee also holds her high school's track record in the 3200 meter race.

Block is the daughter of Bruce and Jane Block. She has an older sister, Brianna, and plans to major in pre-physical therapy at Oklahoma.

"It was a very easy decision for me to commit to OU because from start to finish the coaching staff made me feel like I was “home” and part of their family. I loved the campus; the athletic facilities and dorms are amazing; and the progress of the women's soccer program is exciting." - Bethany Block

Noting Bethany Block:

Three-star recruit (Top Drawer Soccer)
Varsity team captain (2015)
Scottsdale All-City selection (2014)
Arizona Republic Division I Honorable Mention (2014)
All-City cross country selection (2014)
All-Tribute Girls' Soccer Honorable Mention (2013)
Four-time SC Del Sol team captain (2011-15)
Two-time Desert Mountain H.S. Most Valuable Athlete - track (2012-13)
Desert Mountain H.S. record holder - 3200 meter race
Three-time track AIA state finalist (2012-14)

#26 ANGELA BOYLE

Defender
Anthem, Ariz.
Boulder Creek H.S.
SC Del Sol (Club)
Highlights
Photos

Angela Boyle has already joined the Oklahoma soccer program this spring after graduating early from Boulder Creek H.S. in Anthem, Ariz. Boyle signed as a three-star defender and a top-50 player in her region out of high school, logging 14 goals, 10 assists and 280 steals in 70 games played throughout her career. Boyle played club soccer with SC del Sol under Les Armstrong in Arizona.

Boyle was named Defensive Player of the Year twice at her high school and made three career appearances on the All-Division team for her efforts. She also garnered multiple academic awards in her athletic career and has spent time in several countries, including Australia, New Zealand and Mexico.

The daughter of Stephen and Maureen Boyle, Angela has three older siblings, Stephen, Christine and Katie. She is a theatre major at Oklahoma.

"When Coach Potter and Coach (Graeme) Abel got in touch with me, it was almost as if I had found the two perfect mentors to make me a better player. When I finally visited OU I was nervous, but as soon as I stepped on campus, it felt like home. I think that was the most important thing to me: Oklahoma felt like a home, and I could grow us a person and player in an environment I loved and was appreciated." - Angela Boyle

Noting Angela Boyle:

Three-star recruit (Top Drawer Soccer)
No. 45 ranked player (Southwest / Rocky Mountain Region)
Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year (2013)
All-Division Second Team (2013, 2011)
Most Valuable Player (2012)
Played for No. 1 ranked ECNL squad
Principal's List and academic Honor Roll selection

#25 KAYLEE DAO

Midfielder / Forward
Tulsa, Okla.
Jenks H.S.
TSC Hurricane (Club)
Highlights
Photos

A standout four-star recruit from Jenks H.S. in Tulsa, Kaylee Dao joins Oklahoma after a stellar career that saw her earn All-District honors three times. Dao aided the Trojans to two conference titles and an appearance in the 2013 state finals as a midfielder. She was a three-time Principal's Honor Roll selection at Jenks, as well.

Dao has also shined at the club level for the TSC Hurricane under Kerry Shubert, helping lead her team to a North American League Championship title in 2014 and a seventh place finish at 2012 ECNL Nationals. Her efforts on the field have landed her a spot in the Top Drawer Soccer Top 150 in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Kaylee is the daughter of Delann Dao-Griego and Nicolas Griego. She has an older brother, Gabe, and a younger sister, Sarah, and has not declared a major at Oklahoma.

"I chose the University of Oklahoma because it just felt right. I fell in love with the campus, and the coaching staff is incredible. I also love the direction and vision Coach Potter has for the program, and I cannot wait to be a part of it." - Kaylee Dao

Noting Kaylee Dao:

Four-star recruit (Top Drawer Soccer)
Top 100 ranked player nationally (No. 81)
No. 2 ranked player (South region)
Three-time All-District selection (2012-14)
Top Drawer Top 150 (2012-14)
North American League Championship team member (2014)
State finalist team member (2013)
Two-time conference championship team member (2012-13)
ECNL Nationals team member - seventh place (2012)

#8 KYLE ESCOBEDO

Midfielder / Forward
Phoenix, Ariz.
Boulder Creek H.S.
SC Del Sol (Club)
Highlights
Photos

A four-star recruit from Phoenix, Escobedo is ranked among the top-50 players in the nation and is the No. 5 player in her region. She joins Oklahoma boasting an outstanding list of accolades including three first-team all-section, all-division and all-state selections. She was the 2013 West Valley Player of the Year and led her varsity team to the Division I semifinals during the 2013-2014 season. She has scored over 42 goals in her high school career and will graduate in the top 10 percent of her class this spring.

As a club athlete for SC del Sol under Les Armstrong, Escobedo's efforts have landed her in the Girls IMG Academy 150 player pool in back-to-back years (2014, 2015). She is an ODP state and regional team member and was a U16 National Team roster selection and an ID2 National Camp invitee. Escobedo was also named to the U15 ECNL All-Event team in San Diego in 2011.

Kyle is the daughter of Joe and Jac-Lynn Escobedo and has one brother, Joe. She comes from a strong soccer family as her father played collegiate soccer for three years and her brother was a four year player at Northern Arizona. She plans to pursue the pre-law track at Oklahoma.

"My very first college visit ended up being my last. The second I stepped foot on the OU campus I fell in love. The red brick embedded in every building structure, the sweet southern atmosphere and the hype and pride in their athletics really struck a chord in my heart. I love everything about OU: the coaching staff, the team and the overall care that each individual emits into the programs there. The quality education I will be getting is second to none; I believe I will be able to accomplish amazing things in my life with the skills and knowledge I will obtain from my courses at OU. I know I will be in great hands athletically and academically. I can't wait to be part of the family and call Oklahoma my new home!" - Kyle Escobedo

Noting Kyle Escobedo:

Four-star recruit (Top Drawer Soccer)
Top 50 ranked player nationally (No. 48)
No. 5 ranked player (Southwest / Rocky Mountain region)
No. 18 ranked midfielder nationally
Three-time All-Arizona State First Team (2012-14)
Three-time All-Division First Team (2012-14)
Three-time All-Section First Team (2012-14)
Grande Sports Academy TeamRank Top 25 team member (2014)
West Valley Player of the Year (2013)
ODP State and Regional team member
U16 National Team roster selection
U15 ECNL All-Event team - San Diego (2011)
ID2 National Camp invite (2012)
Two-time Girls IMG Academy 150 Player Pool (2014-15)
Girls' National Top 150 (2012)

#19 JORDAN HOBART

Defender
Broken Arrow, Okla.
Union H.S.
TSC Hurricane (Club)
Highlights
Photos

A dynamic defender from Broken Arrow, Okla., Jordan Hobart will join the Sooners as a four-star recruit and the No. 6 ranked player in the south region. She was a 2014 All-District selection, a two-time Frontier Valley All-Conference honoree and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year for Union H.S. As the 2014 team captain, Hobart helped lead Union to a district title and the state semifinals. She also led the team to back-to-back state quarterfinal appearances in 2012 and 2013. Hobart is ranked in the top 10 percent of her class at Union and is a National Honor Society member. She owns three Frontier Valley Academic All-Conference honors and is a three-time Athletic Director's Honor Roll selection.

Coached by Jesse Williams and Kerry Shubert at TSC Hurricane, Hobart tallied two game MVP awards and an appearance in the ECNL National Showcase. Her team earned a seventh-place finish in the ECNL National Finals in 2012 and an Oklahoma Premier League Championship in 2011.

Jordan is the daughter of Duane and Karla Hobart and has one younger sister, Paige. She plans to major in biology at OU.

"I have dreamt of going to OU for as long as I can remember. I fell in love with the campus, the top-notch facilities and what it means to be a Sooner." - Jordan Hobart

Noting Jordan Hobart:

Four-star recruit (Top Drawer Soccer)
No. 6 ranked player (South region)
All-District selection (2014)
Varsity team captain (2014)
District Championship team member (2014)
Two-time Defensive Player of the Year (2013-14)
Two-time Frontier Valley All-Conference pick (2012-13)
ECNL Nationals team member - seventh place (2011-12)
ECNL National Showcase - San Antonio (2011-12)
Oklahoma State Finals team member (2011)
Oklahoma Premier League Championship team member (2011)

#29 LUKA JOYNER

Midfielder
Norman, Okla.
Norman North H.S.
Oklahoma F.C. (Club)
Highlights
Photos

A three-star recruit from Norman, Luka Joyner was the 2014 Norman Athletic Association Female Athlete of the Year in girls' soccer. She has aided her team to an Oklahoma 6A state title in 2014 and back-to-back state quarterfinal appearances in 2012 and 2013.

Even more impressively, Joyner is ranked No. 1 in her class of 475 at Norman North H.S. She is a National Honor Society inductee and boasts a GPA of 4.159.

As a club player with Oklahoma F.C. and Norman Fury, Joyner tallied two Region III Championships (2013 and 2014) and a Region III finalist appearances in 2012. She aided her team to an Oklahoma State Cup title in 2012 and added a seventh-place finish at nationals in 2013.

Luka is the daughter of Mike Joyner and Dinah Joyner-Gantz and the stepdaughter of Ryan Gantz. She has three younger siblings: Owen, Hannah and Hayden.

"I chose OU because it's a top-ranked public university with strong academics, as well as athletics. I've lived in Norman for most of my life and I've wanted to play soccer for OU since I was eight years old." - Luka Joyner

Noting Luka Joyner:

Three-star recruit (Top Drawer Soccer)
Norman Athletic Association Female Athlete of the Year (Girls' Soccer - 2014)
State Championship team member (2014)
Two-time state quarterfinals team member (2012-13)
Two-time Region III Championship team member (2013-14)
National Championship team member - seventh place (2013)
Region III finalist team member (2012)
Okahoma State Cup Championship team member (2012)

#33 GRACIE KOONCE

Forward
Norman, Okla.
Norman H.S.
Norman Fury (Club)
Highlights
Photos

Hometown Sooner Carolina “Gracie” Koonce owns a strong career with Norman H.S., earning two all-district honors and three all-conference awards. She stacked up multiple individual accolades as a four-year letterwinner as well, including the Norman Athletic Association Female Athlete of the Month award, a Norman Athletic Association Outstanding Athlete honor and a pair of team offensive MVP awards.

Koonce is also a standout in the classroom, holding a class rank of No. 1 out of 426 students. She is the Norman H.S. Student Congress President and a National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta inductee. Outside of soccer, Koonce lettered three years on the varsity cross country team and one year on the varsity track team, earning multiple awards including all-conference honors.

Koonce's efforts aided her high school to three straight Oklahoma 6A state playoff appearances and three top-three conference finishes. Her Norman Fury club team claimed the 2013 state title and earned a state runner-up finish in 2012, both under the tutelage of Bryan Young and Anthony Yousey.

Gracie will carry on the OU tradition of her parents, Barry and Trish Koonce, both Oklahoma graduates. She has two sisters: Katie, who is currently playing soccer at Westminster College, and Lizzie.

"Selecting Oklahoma was an easy choice for several reasons. Coach Potter and his staff are building a nationally-ranked soccer program with a great style of play and unmatched facilities. Equally important, OU offers amazing opportunities and resources to help me succeed academically. Finally, I'll be carrying on a family tradition, as my father, mother, and several other relatives have degrees from Oklahoma." - Gracie Koonce

Noting Gracie Koonce:

Varsity soccer team captain (2014-15)
Norman Athletic Association Female Athlete of the Month (2014)
Norman Athletic Association Outstanding Athlete (2014)
Norman H.S. Offensive MVP (2013-14)
Three-time All-Conference selection (2012-14)
Two-time All-District pick (2013-14)
State Championship club team member (2013)
State Runner-Up club team member (2012)
All-Conference cross country selection (2011)

#28 MARISSA McMAHAND

Midfielder
Round Rock, Texas
Round Rock H.S.
Lonestar S.C. (Club)
Highlights
Photos

A midfielder from Round Rock, Texas, Marissa McMahand earned first team all-district honors for her performances at Round Rock H.S. during the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons. Her efforts led the team to a district title and a regional semi-finalist appearance in 2014. She was also her team's MVP in 2013.

McMahand played for Lonestar S.C. under Don Cameron, earning six total game MVP honors throughout her club career. She was the 2011-12 team captain and aided her club team to back-to-back appearances in the national playoffs in 2013 and 2014.

Marissa is the daughter of Michael and Maribel McMahand and has one sister, Madison. She plans to major in pre-physical therapy at Oklahoma.

"Having parents who are Longhorns, I never would have expected to be attending the University of Oklahoma. From the moment I visited OU, however, I immediately fell in love with the beautiful campus, remarkable coaches, great academics and heartwarming family culture." - Marissa McMahand

Noting Marissa McMahand:

Three-time All-District First Team (2012-14)
District Championship team member (2014)
Regional semi-finalist team member (2014)
Two-time National Play-Off Bracket team member (2013-14)
Six-time game MVP (2011-14)
Club team captain (2011-12)
USF Training Center attendee (2011)

#9 EMILY PARKER

Forward
Tucson, Ariz.
Catalina Foothills H.S.
SC Del Sol (Club)
Highlights
Photos

Emily Parker is Oklahoma's fourth signee from the state of Arizona, hailing from Tucson as a four-star forward. Parker has played high school soccer at state powerhouse Catalina Foothills, aiding her team to two state championships in 2012 and 2013 and a state runner-up finish in 2014. Parker has netted plenty of honors in her career as a two-time first team all-state, all-division and all-section honoree.

2013 marked a break-out season for Parker as she was named an Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year finalist, the Arizona Daily Star High School Player of the Year and the All-Section Player of the Year.

Parker played club soccer for SC del Sol under Les Armstrong, notching 18 goals and seven assists in two seasons. She also participated in varsity track as a freshman at Catalina Foothills and is a National Honor Society inductee.

Emily is the daughter of Glenn and Casey Parker and has three siblings, Madeleine, Caroline and William. She comes from athletic roots as her father played football for the University of Arizona and later made five Super Bowl appearances in a 12-year NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants. Her mother was a student-athlete in synchronized swimming at Arizona and her sister Madeleine plays soccer for the University of New Mexico.

"I chose Oklahoma for many reasons. The first was how kind the coaching staff was and how they interacted with their players. Along with the academic staff, they made me feel like part of the Sooner family! I also loved the campus and the college town 'feel' of Norman. I felt that Oklahoma had everything I was looking for in a school." - Emily Parker

Noting Emily Parker:

Two-time State Championship team member (2012-13)
State Runner-Up team member (2014)
Two-time All-State First Team (2013-14)
Two-time All-Division First Team (2013-14)
Two-time All-Section First Team (2013-14)
Gatorade Player of the Year Finalist (2013)
Arizona Daily Star High School Player of the Year (2013)
First-team All-City (2013)
Most Exciting Player to Watch - Arizona Republic (2013)
All-Section Player of the Year (2013)
Southern Arizona Player of the Year (2013)
4x800 relay state finalist (2012)
National Honor Society member (2014-15)

#31 ALLIE RIGGS

Defender
Castle Pines, Colo.
Rock Canyon H.S.
Real Colorado (Club)
Highlights
Photos

Three-star defender Allie Riggs will arrive at Oklahoma after earning four varsity letters at Rock Canyon H.S. in Castle Pines, Colo. Riggs helped lead her high school team to the Continental League title in 2014 and recorded appearances in the Colorado state quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. She was a standout in the classroom as a National Honor Society member, a National Charity League member and an academic honor roll selection.

Riggs played club soccer for Real Colorado under Lorne Donaldson, leading her team to back-to-back appearances in the Colorado state finals in 2013 and 2014 in the U18 division. Her team was 2009 state semifinalists and 2010 state finalists. She also made two Olympic Development Program appearances.

Allie is the daughter of Roger and Annie Riggs and has an older sister, Kaylyn. She plans to student finance and business at Oklahoma. She also participated in competitive snow skiing for seven years in slalom, giant slalom and super G.

"I chose the University of Oklahoma because it truly has so much to offer. The campus is beautiful (Norman blew me away), OU has a great academic reputation, the business school is ranked highly and I truly love the soccer program. I love the atmosphere of it all and can't wait to be a Sooner!" - Allie Riggs

Noting Allie Riggs:

Three-star recruit (Top Drawer Soccer)
Two-time club state finalist (2013-14)
5A Continental League Championship team member (2014)
State quarterfinals team member (2013-14)
State Finals team member (2012-13)
State semifinals team member (2011-12)
Two-time ODP participant (2011-12)

#27 PAIGE WELCH

Defender / Midfielder
Austin, Texas
Vandegrift H.S.
Lonestar S.C. (Club)
Highlights
Photos

Paige Welch joins Oklahoma as a four-star defender and midfielder and a top 50 player from the state of Texas. The Austin native lettered four years at Vandegrift H.S. and was a two-time first team all-district pick in 2013 and 2014. She also captured second team all-district honors in 2012 and was an all-region first team honoree in 2014.

Earning Team MVP and team Defensive MVP honors in separate seasons, she led her high school team to two district, three bi-district and one regional title to go along with a 2014 Texas State Championship. In addition to her athletic honors, Welch was an AP scholar with honors and a National Merit Semifinalist.

Welch was also a standout on the club field for Lonestar F.C. under Alex Tapp, tallying a total of 10 game MVP honors while aiding her team to a Premier League title and a Region III finalist appearance. She earned a spot on the ECNL Dallas All-Event team and was named ECNL Frisco Peak Performer in 2013.

Paige is the daughter of Matthew and Candyce Welch. She plans to major in engineering at OU.

"I chose OU because it is the perfect combination of academics and athletics, and I connected with the goals the program is working toward. I fell in love with the campus and the community of OU." - Paige Welch

Noting Paige Welch:

Four-star recruit (Top Drawer Soccer)
No. 40 ranked player (Texas)
Team captain (2014-15)
Two-time All-District First Team (2013-14)
Ten-time game MVP (2011-14)
State Championship team member (2014)
Team Defensive MVP (2014)
All-Region First Team (2014)
ECNL Frisco Peak Performer (2013)
ECNL Dallas All-Event Team (2013)
All-District Second Team (2012)
Team MVP (2012)
Region III Finals team member (2011)

#32 KRISTIN WILPITZ

Defender
Norman, Okla.
Norman North H.S.
Norman Fury (Club)
Highlights
Photos

A native of Norman, Kristin Wilpitz rounds out five Oklahoma signees for 2015. Wilpitz was a four year letterwinner at Norman North H.S., aiding her team to a 2014 state championship.

Wilpitz also played defender for Norman Fury under Don Rother, finishing as state runners-up in 2014.

She is the daughter of Ken and Rhonda Wilpitz and has one younger sister, Tori.

"Norman has always been my home and where my heart is. With the academic and athletic opportunities present at Oklahoma, I am certain OU is the perfect fit for me!" - Kristin Wilpitz

Noting Kristin Wilpitz:

State Championship team member - Norman North (2014)
State Runner-Up team member (2014)

Players Mentioned

Bethany Block

Kaylee Dao

Kyle Escobedo

Jordan Hobart

Marissa McMahand

Emily Parker

Paige Welch

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics