Soccer Signs Highly-Ranked 2022 Class

NORMAN — University of Oklahoma soccer and head coach Mark Carr announced Thursday the addition of 10 signees from the 2022 recruiting class following Wednesday's first day of the early signing period.

The 10 new Sooners make up OU Soccer's highest ranked recruiting class in program history, coming in at No. 11 via Top Drawer Soccer's team rankings, including No. 1 in the Big 12. The class features five recruits ranked in the top 20 for their region per Top Drawer, including three four-stars, a trio of three-stars and a two-star prospect.

The class includes seven signees from the state of Texas in Marianne Baltmanis, Cassie Clifton, Hali Hartman, Hadley Murrell, Michelle Pak, Olivia Ramey and Alexis Washington. Two additions (Ellie Geoffroy and Chelsea Wagner) hail from Kansas and one joins the Sooners from Oklahoma (Zoe McCabe).

QUOTABLE: COACH CARR ON 2022 SIGNING CLASS

"I am extremely excited to announce the 11th-ranked recruiting class in the country with this 2022 signing class. I want to thank our technical staff, support staff, administration and our current student-athletes. They have all been instrumental in bringing these incredible young women and their families to OU.

"OU is a world-class institution, and our athletic programs are some of the best in the country. We have big ambitions and the young women in this class understand this expectation. Our progress and evolution always depend on the student-athletes we bring to OU, their talent and their desire to improve.

"I know this class aligns with our core values of high integrity and high performance. With their talent, hard work and ambition coupled with our high-performance environment, great things are ahead for each of them. We have more work to do, and we expect all these young women to make us better immediately both on and off the field as we look to build off a much-improved 2021 fall season."

Meet the members of OU's 2022 signing class below. #Legacy22

MARIANNE BALTMANIS

SOC Baltmanis

Defender | Flower Mound, Texas | Flower Mound HS | DKSC

Two-star recruit via Top Drawer Soccer
In her two seasons played at Flower Mound HS as center defender (missed one season due to injury and graduated early her senior year), helped the team allow a combined 18 goals against in two seasons, including just three her freshman year.
Scored five goals and registered two assists her junior season
Helped Flower Mound win the 2021 Texas 6A State Championship
Played club soccer for DKSC ECNL and coach Adam Flynn
Finished sixth in the 2020-21 ECNL National Standings with a record of 21-1-3
2018 USYS Southern Regional Champion
2018 USYS National Finals qualifier

Baltmanis on signing with Oklahoma Soccer: "I chose Oklahoma because of the environment. The coaches push you to be the best version of yourself, in and outside of soccer. The ferocity of the players was another important factor for me, I was inspired, and I realized that's what I want. A team that is a family, and a team that is hungry as wolves to win."

Head Coach Mark Carr on Baltmanis: "Marianne comes to us from DKSC and has been very well coached by Adam Flynn. Marianne will fit right into our team right away either in the backline or the defensive midfield position. I don't think I have come across a player as competitive, as combative, that has impeccable timing in the tackle and that is an absolute monster in the air. She will add that edge to our team, and I know her personality will be infectious. Marianne will be joining us January 2022."

CASSIE CLIFTON

SOC Clifton

Defender | Prosper, Texas | Prosper HS | Solar Soccer Club

Three-star recruit via Top Drawer Soccer
Ranked No. 24 recruit in the Texas Region and the No. 52 defender in the country.
Only played one year of high school soccer at Prosper HS, in her one season (junior year) scored nine goals and registered seven assists
Named 2021 First Team All-District and 2021 Academic All-District
Played club soccer for Ben Williams and Solar Soccer Club
Won the 2015 DA National Championship with FC Dallas

Clifton on signing with Oklahoma Soccer: "I chose to further my education and soccer career at the University of Oklahoma because of its reputation for academic excellence, passionate school spirit and amazing culture. I am most excited about my role in building a championship-level soccer program led by an exceptional group of coaches and staff. Boomer Sooner!"

Head coach Mark Carr on Clifton: "Cassie also comes from the Solar Soccer club under Ben Williams and is a dynamic attacking left full back that will look to fill the shoes of Erika Yost. Cassie is very offensive-minded, loves to get forward, gets into the final third and she has one of the best left foots around. Her crossing and finishing will add another dimension to our team. She is highly competitive and I am excited to take her game to the next level here at OU. Cassie will be joining us in January 2022."

ELLIE GEOFFROY

SOC Geoffroy

Defender | Andover, Kan. | Andover Central HS | Oklahoma Energy FC

Four-star recruit via Top Drawer Soccer
Ranked the No. 4 recruit in the South Region via Top Drawer Soccer
Played club soccer for Oklahoma Energy FC ECNL under coach Gareth Evans
Team captain for Oklahoma Energy FC
Also played tennis and ran track at Andover Central HS

Geoffroy on signing with Oklahoma Soccer: "I chose Oklahoma because champions are built here. I believe in Coach Carr and the other coaches' vision and it simply feels like home to me. Boomer!"

Head coach Mark Carr on Geoffroy: "Ellie is from Kansas but has spent most of her youth career playing here for OKC Energy (Dave Kunitz and Gareth Evans). Our goal is always to bring the best Oklahoma kids to OU and Ellie is certainly that. She has unlimited potential in my eyes and has all the tools to go right to the top. She is fast and athletic, a natural leader and has a level of versatility that she can play as a center back or a left back. She has a wicked left foot and an engine like a Ferrari to get up and down. She is arriving early in January 2022 and this will give us the time to help her understand and execute our style of play ahead of the fall season."

HALI HARTMAN

SOC Hartman

Defender | Grand Prairie, Texas | South Grand Prairie HS | Solar Soccer Club

Four-star recruit via Top Drawer Soccer
Ranked No. 91 in the IMG Academy 150
Ranked the No. 10 recruit in the Texas Region via Top Drawer Soccer
Ranked the No. 23 defender in the country via Top Drawer Soccer
Scored 16 goals as a junior at South Grand Prairie HS
2020-21 District Defensive MVP
2020-21 South Grand Prairie Player of the Year
Played club soccer for the Solar Soccer Club 04/03 ECNL under coach Ben Williams
Part of a Solar backline that went 12 consecutive games without allowing a goal against
2020-21 ECNL Texas First Team All-Conference
ECNL U17 Third Place National Medalist
2019-20 DA Elite 8 qualifier
Also ran track and field
National Honor Society member
Cousin, Marvin Mims, is a current football student-athlete at Oklahoma

Hartman on signing with Oklahoma Soccer: "I chose to attend OU because of the opportunity to receive a great education from a major university. The opportunity to be a part of the awesome athletic program as a soccer player was the icing on the cake for me. To be regarded as a candidate to impact the soccer program made me confident in my decision to continue my education and soccer career at the University of Oklahoma."

Head coach Mark Carr on Hartman: Hali is one of the best defenders in the country. She is battle tested playing for the Solar Soccer club under Ben Williams and will be an immediate impact for us on the backline. Hali has blazing speed and power and she will make it hard for anyone to get behind her. She reads the game exceptionally well, breaks lines with her passing and has that special OU DNA which is needed here at OU. We believe she will grow tremendously in our environment and you will see a special talent emerge."

ZOE MCCABE

SOC McCabe

Forward | Dewey, Okla. | Bartlesville HS | NEOFC

Scored 51 goals and registered 26 assists throughout HS career at Bartlesville
2019, 2020 and 2021 All-District honoree
Played club soccer for NEO FC under coach Joshua Smith
2019-21 All-Conference Academic honoree

McCabe on joining Oklahoma Soccer: "From growing up in Oklahoma I've seen the family environment at the University of Oklahoma. I choose OU because I got to experience being a part of the community and knew I would feel at home."

Head coach Mark Carr on McCabe: "Zoe is an Oklahoma native and another one of our state's top prospects who is coming to OU. She is a hidden gem and someone who has some incredible qualities which we feel we can highlight and develop further here at OU. Zoe is unplayable in the 1v1, quick, durable and able to get by opponents with her speed and skill, create chances and score goals. She has always been the best player on her club team, and we are excited to work with her in our environment and add more dimensions to her game."

HADLEY MURRELL

SOC Murrell

Forward | Prosper, Texas | Prosper HS | Dallas Texans

Three-star recruit via Top Drawer Soccer
Scored 63 goals in her two seasons of HS soccer at Prosper, also made 20 assists
2021 District MVP
2019-20 All-District honoree
2020 and 2021 Prosper Offensive Player of the Year
Academic All-District honoree
USA TODAY Player of the Year nominee
USA TODAY Girls Soccer Sports Award nominee
First Team All-Area All Star Team & All-Area forward
Collected All-Region and All-State honors
Played club soccer for the Dallas Texans under coach Kioumars Rezar
Father, Rod, played professional baseball for the New York Mets; Brother, Easton, plays baseball at Texas Tech

Murrell on joining Oklahoma Soccer: "I chose OU because of the incredible coaching staff and the family-like atmosphere. They are building something special there and I can't wait to be a part of it. Boomer Sooner!"

Head coach Mark Carr on Murrell: "Hadley comes from a very athletic family, so hard work and high performance is nothing new to her. Hadley is one of the top goal scorers coming out of the Dallas area and a former teammate of current Sooner Bailey Wesco. Hadley scores goals for fun and has done it at all different levels she has played at. The game comes alive when the ball is near her and she brings this bolt of electricity and relentlessness to her game which will get our fans off the edge of their seats. She will cause problems for defenders, create chances and score goals. The fact she is arriving in January 2022 will allow us to accelerate her development and help her bridge the transition to the college game."

MICHELLE PAK

SOC Pak

Midfield | Coppell, Texas | Coppell HS | DKSC

Three-star recruit via Top Drawer Soccer
Ranked No. 18 recruit in the Texas Region via Top Drawer Soccer
Ranked No. 44 forward in the country via Top Drawer Soccer
Lettered all four years at Coppell HS, playing in over 60 games in her three seasons, highlighted by 17 goals her sophomore year
2018-21 First Team All-District
2018-19 6A Utility Player of the Year
2018-19 Offensive MVP
2019-20 First Team All-Area and All-Region
Played club soccer for DKSC
2018 National Best 11
2020-21 ECNL First Team All-Conference

Pak on joining Oklahoma Soccer: "I chose the University of Oklahoma because I felt like it would help me best both academically and athletically. I also really liked the coaching staff and the campus and could see myself there."

Head coach Mark Carr on Pak: "Michelle comes from us from DKSC and has been coached by Adam Flynn. Michelle is one of the most creative midfielders coming out to the Dallas area. Her attacking ability on the ball is special. She can solve pressure off the dribble, has an ability to separate from defenders, combine and score goals from deep. She will add some great competition in our midfield unit. She is a forward-thinking player, and she will fit our system and style of play very well."

OLIVIA RAMEY

SOC Ramey

Goalkeeper | Frisco, Texas | Frisco Memorial HS | FC Dallas

Three-star recruit via Top Drawer Soccer
Ranked No. 16 GK in the country via Top Drawer Soccer
Ranked No. 20 recruit in the Texas Region via Top Drawer Soccer
In 21 games as a junior, had 14 shutouts and a 0.41 goals against average.
2021 Texas All-State First Team and DFW First Team
North Texas Region First Team
District, Area and Regional Quarterfinal Team Champions and Regional Semifinalists
District 9-5A Goalkeeper of the Year
District 9-5A All-Academic Team
Played club soccer for FC Dallas 04G ECNL under coach Aaron Gordon
In four years of club, had 113 games played and recorded 59 shutouts
2021-22 FC Dallas/Bayern Munch team training selection
2017-18 US Youth National Team Player Pool selection
2018-19 DA Nationals third-place team finish
2020-21 ECNL U17 National Team Quarterfinalists
National Honor Society member

Ramey on joining Oklahoma Soccer: "I chose OU because it is truly the best environment for someone to grow as an athlete and as a person. The strong, positive energy of the school and soccer program is contagious. You're held to a high standard and there's always an opportunity for growth. The team and coaches will always give you their everything to help you succeed. The OU family is really unlike any other and they will always be your biggest support system."

Head coach Mark Carr on Ramey: "Olivia is an incredible addition to our 'GK Union' and I know she will come in and fight for the No. 1 spot. She has been part of the FC Dallas club (coached by Aaron Gordon) in some of the biggest youth games so we know she will hit the ground running at OU. She is a massive presence, phenomenal shot stopper and leader that continues to improve her kicking game. Most of all which I admire about Liv is how she just works, grinds, never quits and is always wanting to improve. That fits out philosophy down to a tea and I cannot wait to see what levels she can reach here with us at OU."

CHELSEA WAGNER

SOC Wagner

Forward | Leawood, Kan. | Blue Valley North HS | KC Athletics Academy Elite

No. 12 recruit in the Heartland Region via Top Drawer Soccer
Scored 23 goals in a combined 30 games her freshman and junior seasons, also recording 14 assists
2021 First Team All-Eastern Kansas League and All-State
2019 and 2021 Blue Valley North Offensive Player of the Year
2019 Second Team All-EKL and All-State
Played three years of club soccer for KC Athletics Academy Elite Girls ECNL under coaches Goran Karadjov and Stefan Stokic
In 2019, scored eight goals and registered eight assists
Father, Jeff, played collegiate soccer at Navy; Mother, Kelly, ran track and field at Missouri

Wagner on joining Oklahoma Soccer: "I chose OU because the coaches' vision and goals for my future aligned with the player I want to be. The moment I stepped on campus I knew this is where I wanted to spend the next four years. Boomer Sooner!"

Head coach Mark Carr on Wagner: "Chelsea is the best prospect coming out of Kansas. She has unlimited potential and I really believe she can go all the way to the top if she can continue to apply herself. She is athletic, fast, powerful and is a goal scorer with a left foot that can finish from anywhere. Her mentality, will-to-win and attitude to improve separates her from others and I am so excited she is joining our program. Having Chelsea arrive in January is exciting as we can get to work right away in calibrating her to the college level and the OU standard."

ALEXIS WASHINGTON

SOC Washington

Forward | San Antonio, Texas | IMG Academy

Four-star recruit via Top Drawer Soccer
No. 19 recruit in the Florida Region via Top Drawer Soccer
Played at renowned IMG Academy in Bradenton Fla.
2019 IMG Soccer Most Valuable Player honoree
Father, General, played football collegiately; Mother, Ashley, ran collegiate track

Washington on joining Oklahoma Soccer: "When I visited the campus, there was an expectation of success, it was everywhere from the coaches, teammates and academic advisors. I loved everyone's attitude and wanted to be a part of that. I can't wait to contribute to their success."

Head coach Mark Carr on Washington: "Alexis comes to us from IMG so we know she already knows the meaning of training and high performance. Alexis has some great qualities. She is very ambitious and has big goals and I think she will fly in our environment. She is very quick, deceptive off the dribble, gets out of tight spaces and has the ability to set up her teammates and score goals. We will look to her to add flair and unpredictability out wide for us and I know she will flourish in our style of play."

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