(LEBANON, Ill., - Sept. 8) McKendree University Head Coach Tim Strange welcomes 13 new student athletes to the women's soccer roster for the 2020-2021 season. 

"We lost a good number of players, but we have a good number of players coming in," Strange said. "They're (a young group) and they have to work into the program, I think that will be the biggest thing. Will there be some freshman that come in and start for us? We had five freshman start for us last year. They'll push themselves, and hopefully they'll push into what we'll need for the season."

Mercedes King (Troy, IL/Triad) - Goalie

King is a junior from Troy, Ill. who played two seasons at Lewis and Clark Community College and played her high school soccer at Triad. At Lewis and Clark Community College, King appeared in 42 games, posted a 38-4 record in net, allowed 0.64 goals per game, and made it to the NJCAA DI National Tournament Semifinals in her sophomore season. At Triad, she was a part of the 2017 State Championship team, and was named MVP of the state championship.

Abigail Norbury (Trenton, IL/Wesclin) - Defender

The freshman comes from Trenton, Ill. where she played at Wesclin High School. Norbury was a three-year starter at Wesclin, and an All-Conference Team honoree her junior year.

Sophia Sacco (Ballwin, MO/Westminster) - Defender

The freshman comes from Ballwin, Mo. where she played at Westminster High School. Sacco was a First Team All-State honoree and named Defensive Player of The Year in her sophomore season.

Veronica Svajgl (Council Bluffs, Iowa/St. Albert) - Goalie

The freshman comes from Council Bluffs, Iowa. where she played at St. Albert High School. During her time at St. Albert, Svajgl was named an All-Conference honoree her senior year, and was a member of their state quarterfinal team.

Emma VanBuskirk (Granite City, IL/Granite City) - Defender

The freshman comes from Granite City, Ill. where she played at Granite City High School. During her time at Granite City, VanBuskirk was a captain in her senior year.