(LEBANON, Ill. – Dec. 7) – The McKendree University women's soccer Head Coach Tim Strange announced the signing of seven athletes to join the Bearcats for the fall 2021 season.
 
"We are looking for great things from this class," said Strange. "They are a very high-level group.  We are so excited to have these student athletes coming in to make a huge impact for McKendree women's soccer."
 
Lena Higgins - Higgins comes from Fenton, Mo., and plays at Fox Hill High School. The forward received First Team All-Conference honors her freshman and sophomore years, as well as First Team All-Region her sophomore year. 
 


"I'm really happy and humbled that Coach Strange took a chance on me," said Higgins. "I have wanted to play at the next level since I was a little girl and I'm excited to fulfill my dreams and become a better person on and off the field."
 
Ellie Mollish
 – Mollish comes from Eureka, Mo., and plays at Eureka High School. The defender was a two-time varsity letter athlete at Eureka. 


 
"I had been looking forward to national signing day ever since I verbally committed to McKendree, so when the day finally rolled around, I couldn't contain my excitement," said Mosh. "I had the privilege of being coached by Coach Strange through Olympic Development Program. I am confident in his coaching abilities and the fact that I will be pushed out of my comfort zone, which was something I was looking for in a college soccer program."
 
Maria Voss – Voss comes from Maryville, Ill., and plays at Collinsville High School. The defender earned Third Team All-Southwestern Conference honors in her sophomore year, is a four-year varsity athlete, and team captain for St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club and Elite Clubs National League.



"I'm very excited to join the team and be able to learn from Coach Strange and the team," Voss said.
 
Kyle Gagen – Gagen comes from Millstadt, Ill and plays at Belleville West High School. The defender is a three-year varsity athlete, received All-Conference honors and was named Defensive Player of the Year in her sophomore year. In 2018, she was a part of Belleville West's Sectional Championship team.



"I look forward to playing soccer at McKendree and being coached by Coach Strange," said Gagen.
 
Natalie Gum – Gum comes from Waterloo, Ill., and plays for Waterloo High School. At Waterloo, Gum played midfield and forward.


 
"I am very excited to be joining the team and I can't wait to play with them," said Gum.
 
Gillian Nicholson – Nicholson comes from Cottleville, Mo., where she plays for Francis Howell Central High School. The forward was a part of Francis Howell Central's State Cup Championship in 2020 and was fourth in the state in the 2019-2020 season.



"The second I stepped on campus, it felt like home," said Nicholson. "Coach Strange made me feel comfortable and is very passionate about soccer. Signing this year was a little different because I had to do it all from home, but it was still a very exciting day."
 
Grace Clement – Clement comes from St. Louis, Mo., and plays at Westchester Christian Academy. At Westchester Christian Academy, Clement is a defender.


 
"I am excited to see what the next chapter in my soccer career is going to look like at McKendree," said Clement.