Oklahoma Baptist women’s soccer coach Mike White got seven National Letters of Intent during the early signing period a few weeks ago.
Here’s a quick look at those seven soon-to-be Bison with White’s thoughts on each player.
Maya Anderson | Midfielder | Owasso, OK | Metro Christian School
- Two-time Class 3A All-District selection
- Helped Rejoice Christian reach state semifinals for first time
Coach White’s thoughts: “Maya will be a solid addition to our midfield. Stable, consistent and a strong possessor of the ball, Maya will add depth to an already talented group.”
Brae Baker | Defender | Bethany, OK | Bethany HS
- Helped lead Bethany to District 4A-1 title in the spring of 2021
- Plays both forward and defender for the Lady Bronchos
- Her sister, Asley, is a current member of the Bison
Coach White’s thoughts: “Brae brings more depth and versatility to our back line…and possibly to other areas of the field. She comes from a great, soccer-loving family, with a dad who coaches. Having another coach’s kid on the roster is always welcome.”
Anna Branham | Midfielder | Edmond, OK | Deer Creek HS
- Named to the Oklahoman’s 2022 All-City Girls Soccer Team
- Helped lead Deer Creek to 2022 6A State Title over Norman North
Coach White’s thoughts: “Anna will likely come in and make a difference to our back line right away. She has played many years for good coaches, on solid teams, and at the highest levels. She’s dynamic and physically fit. Expect to see her working end line to end line. Her family has strong ties to OBU and Anna will no doubt add to the Branham legacy on Bison Hill. I look forward to watching Anna secure our back line.”
Ryann Caruth |Defender | Tulsa, OK | Broken Arrow HS
- All-District Honorable Mention honoree last year
- Helped Broken Arrow reach 6A-1 State Semifinals
- Her club team, West Side Alliance ECNL-RL, won Texas League Regional Championship
Coach White’s thoughts: “Ryann is another strong defender from a successful club that will come in and make a difference right away. She’s strong on the ball, physical, and a good distributor of the ball.”
Hali White |Midfielder | Norman, OK | Christian Heritage Academy
- Guided Christian Heritage to Class 3A State Championship appearance in 2022
- Has scored over 40 goals and registered more than 95 points in career
- Daughter of coach White and sister to current team member Michaela
Coach White’s thoughts: “I’m excited to have another daughter join us. She’s the only daughter I never got to coach, so I’m excited. Hali brings a work ethic, competitiveness, and versatility to our roster that will make the 2023 team even tougher to beat. She’ll do well wherever we put her in the midfield or up top.”
Alexis Williamson | Midfielder | Rockwall, TX | Rockwall-Heath HS
- Has been a two-time All-District 10-6A honoree
- Primary position is attacking mid but has also lined up at forward
Coach White’s thoughts: “Alexis is another workhorse in the midfield that has grown up on competitive teams and playing at the highest level. She’s a player that never quits. I’ve been anxiously awaiting Alexis joining us for what seems like forever. She’ll come in and impact the team right away.”
Sophia Ziesemer | Forward | Hallsville, TX | Hallsville HS
- Was News-Journal’s All-East Texas Girls Soccer 2022 District Midfielder of the Year
- Tallied 10 goals and 20 assists for Hallsville
Coach White’s thoughts: “Sophia comes to us from a strong soccer family with ties to Brazil. Her love for the game and desire to play at OBU makes her a great fit for us. I look forward to seeing her develop and add to our depth in the attack.”
Original source can be found here
