Soccer Announces Freshman Signees

NORMAN — University of Oklahoma head soccer coach Mark Carr announced on Friday seven incoming freshmen who have signed with the Sooners for 2020.

In Carr's first recruiting class as the program's head coach, the former U.S. Soccer U20 Women's National Team head coach signed on talented prospects from across the country. The incoming freshmen include three California products, two local athletes from Oklahoma City and one a piece from the Phoenix and Austin areas.

"Being a new coach to OU, we adopted an extensive and thorough process to learn as much as possible about each incoming student-athlete," said Carr. "During the research and evaluation process, my staff and I wanted to assure we got the right type of student-athletes here at the University of Oklahoma.

"We believe the 2020 class is a solid group who will all represent our program well both academically and athletically." - Mark Carr

"We know these young women will come in and continue to develop and improve themselves as players and most importantly, people," concluded the Sooners head coach. "From the start, there will be an expectation that they contribute to the university and community, help build our culture on and off the field and fight for championships."

Meet the seven new Sooners below.

CORDELIA "CECE" CROSS

Forward/Midfielder | Granada Hills, Calif.

Granada Hills High School
- 30 goals and 10 assists in HS career
- Two-time CIFLACS Girls' City Player of the Year
LAFC Slammers ECNL

Head Coach Mark Carr on Cross: "Cece comes from one of the most esteemed clubs in the country, LAFC Slammers. An unpredictable attacking midfielder, good off the dribble, intelligent with the last pass/action, you will see the game come alive when the ball is at her feet in the attacking third. I'm looking forward to the energy and style of play she will bring."

CAILEY ENGLAND

SOC Signees, England

Midfielder | Dripping Springs, Texas

Dripping Springs High School
Lonestar SC
2019 U.S. Soccer U18 WNT Training Camp Participant
Three years as part of U.S. Soccer Development Academy

Head Coach Mark Carr on England: "I have had the experience of working with Cailey at a USA U18 WNT camp. She is a top recruit out of Texas, a talented midfielder with a high soccer IQ. She is hungry to learn, extremely coachable and really driven to be the best she can be. She is a versatile player who can play in any of the three midfield positions. I look forward to having her make an impact on our field and in the classroom."

MARY KATE MAGNESS

SOC Signees, Magness

Midfielder | Oklahoma City, Okla.

Heritage Hall High School
- 32 goals and 10 assists in HS career
Oklahoma Energy FC DA
- Three-year team captain

Head Coach Mark Carr on Magness: "M.K. will be great addition to our team and culture. She is a top local midfielder who is a real leader, team player and competitor. She has very high standards in everything she does. She is a ball winner, full of endurance and does the work that you don't always notice during a game. She will provide competition to our central midfield unit. I know I can count on her to always put the team first."

ABBY MITCHELL

SOC Signees, Mitchell

Midfielder | Oklahoma City, Okla.

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
FC Dallas DA

Head Coach Mark Carr on Mitchell: "Abby comes from the nationally renowned FC Dallas program where she most recently played for Matt Grubb. She also is an Oklahoma native. Abby is your typical wide player, loves to take initiative and go 1v1. We are excited to see her transition to the college level and see her potential impact she will bring to create chances and score goals."

MACKENZIE RUDDEN

SOC Signees, Rudden

Midfielder | Phoenix, Ariz.

Horizon High School
- Senior class president, also ran varsity track, Dean's list honoree
SC Del Sol
- 11 career goals

Head Coach Mark Carr on Rudden: "Mackenzie hails from SC Del Sol where she worked under the tutelage of experienced Les Armstrong. She is a technical attacking central midfielder and playmaker. She finds good spaces and is able to link the game well when she gets on the ball. Her discipline to play her role makes her a great connector. Good things always happen when she's involved in the play."

SYDNEY SHARTS

SOC Signees, Sharts

Defender | Newbury Park, Calif.

Westlake High School
LAFC Slammers
- ECNL Southwest Region Champion
- ECNL National Finalist

Head Coach Mark Carr on Sharts: "Straight out of LAFC Slammers, Syd comes from a strong athletic background and has the profile and pedigree of player we want here at OU. A tough physical defender, good in the duel (air and ground). She is a monster in the air on set pieces as well. She will bring that competitiveness we need. She will provide added competition as a central defender and as a left outside back. Her attitude and passion she has will be a delight to have on our program."

JAYCEE VLADIC

SOC Signees, Vladic

Defender | Coto de Caza, Calif.

Tesoro High School
LAFC Slammers
- Two-time First Team All-League honoree
- Defensive MVP
- Team MVP

Head Coach Mark Carr on Vladic: "Jaycee, like CeCe and Syd, comes from the reputable LAFC Slammers. A combative and competitive defender, good in 1v1 situations, reads game very well, positions her body in excellent situations to intercept passes and initiate the attack. Jaycee is a smart player and will be a good addition in the outside and center back position."

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