Women's Soccer Signs Seven Newcomers in Spring 2017 Class

CINCINNATI - Xavier women's soccer added seven new student-athletes during the Spring 2017 signing period, marking Kacey White's first recruiting class as head coach of the Musketeers. Caitlyn Baron, Emily Burton, Abigail Janszen, Kara Sanders, Sydney Schembri, Megan Sullivan and Camryn Yacks will join the Xavier program in Fall 2017.

"We are absolutely pleased to announce the addition of seven players to our program," said White. "This versatile class hails from very successful clubs and will provide depth to our roster in a number of positions. This will only help to contribute to the competitive environment here at Xavier. In addition, these young women are excellent students and I know will represent Xavier with the highest level of integrity on and off the field."

CAITLYN BARON
Novi, Michigan
Mercy High School
Michigan Jaguars FC (Club)
Center Midfielder/Forward

Caitlyn Baron comes to Xavier from Novi, Michigan. The center midfielder/forward has four years of experience in the Olympic Development Program, as part of the 1999 Pool at both the state level, playing for Michigan, as well as the regional level, for Region II.

With her club team, Michigan Jaguars FC, she took part in the USYSA Regional Championship in June 2014 and June 2015 as well as the US Youth Soccer National Championship in July of 2015.

Baron, a National Honor Society Candidate who earned honor roll each year of high school, plans to study biomedical sciences, focusing on pre-dental curriculum with plans to attend dental school.

Baron is the daughter of Jeff and Shannon Baron. She has an older sister, Nikki.

Baron on Xavier:

"I chose Xavier for the advanced and challenging Jesuit education, the atmosphere on campus, and the competitive soccer program. I thought Xavier was the best place for me to succeed on the soccer field and in the classroom."

EMILY BURTON
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Joseph's Academy
St. Louis Scott Gallagher (Club)
Midfielder/Forward

Emily Burton is a midfielder/forward combo coming to Xavier out of St. Louis, Mo.

Burton spent four years as a member of the St. Louis Scott Gallagher ECNL team, including the squad that earned a spot in the Champions League in 2015 and won the ECNL North American League National Championship in 2016. Burton earned the opportunity to compete in ECNL showcases in Florida, Arizona, and Texas during her four-year career.

At St. Joseph's Academy, Burton was a four-year member of the varsity squad which qualified for state three years in a row. As a freshman, Burton was a member of the state championship winning squad. They earned a return trip to the title game during her junior season where they finished as runners-up.

Burton is the daughter of Mel and Anita Burton. She has an older sister, Katie, who is currently a sophomore at Xavier, and a younger brother, Jack.

Burton on Xavier:

"I am very excited to join the Xavier family because of the religious foundation, the ratio of students to teachers, its location, and reputation in the BIG EAST."

ABIGAIL JANSZEN
The Woodlands, Texas
Concordia Lutheran High School
Texas Rush ECNL 98/99 (Club)
Defender

Abigail Janszen is a three-star defender as rated by Top Drawer Soccer, coming to Xavier from the Woodlands, Texas.

As part of the Select Team for Texas Rush ECNL 98/99, Janszen as part of two ECNL Champions Brackets squads (2015 and 2017), including the team that went to the 2015 ECNL Elite Eight. At Rush, Janszen was a six-time team captain who also earned U.S. Soccer Training Invite.

At Concordia Lutheran, Janszen was a two-time district champion. She was named a TAPPs First Team All-District defender four straight years (2013-16). Janszen was also TAPPs All-State from 2013 to 2016, including earning First Team All-State in 2015.

Janszen, a member of the National Honor Society, was named to the honor roll each semester of her high school career. She plans on pursing a degree in Business at Xavier.

Janszen is the daughter of Timothy and Michelle Janszen, both of whom are Xavier alums. She has two older brothers, Andrew and Mitchell. Andrew is a 2013 Xavier graduate.

Janszen on Xavier:

"I grew up immersed in Xavier community. Both of my parents and my oldest brother attended Xavier. I am excited to join the BIG EAST Conference and the Jesuit traditions and education at Xavier."

KARA SANDERS
Fishers, Indiana
Hamilton Southeastern High School
FC Pride (Club)
Defender

Defender Kara Sanders joins the Musketeers from Fishers, Ind.

As part of her club squad, FC Pride, Sanders was a member of the 2013 and 2015 Club State Champion teams.

At Hamilton Southeastern High School, Sanders was named ISCA First Team All-State and Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association First Team All-State.

Sanders earned the Scholar Athlete Award and earned a spot on the honor roll all four years at Hamilton Southeastern. She was also named an ISCA All-Academic Player.

She is the daughter of Todd and Natalie Sanders, and has an older brother, Brock.

Sanders on Xavier:

"I loved the campus and Cincinnati area in general. Plus, I have family in Cincinnati, so it will be great to be close to them."

SYDNEY SCHEMBRI
Northville, Michigan
Northville High School
Michigan Jaguars (Club)
Forward

Sydney Schembri is a forward hailing from Northville, Mich.

Schembri played as part of the Michigan Jaguars club program since 2011 where she was a member of a state semi-finalist squad twice. Schembri also earned the opportunity to play up in the program, making a pair of regional appearances with the older team.

At Northville High School, Schembri was a four-year member of the varsity squad. She was a part of the MHSAA Division 1 state championship squad in 2014 and helped the team repeat as district champions in 2015 by scoring the game winner in the district championship game. Schembri was named All-District in 2015 and 2016.

Schembri earned the Northville High School Academic Excellence Award, awarded to those who earn a 3.5 GPA or above, every semester of high school. She earned numerous academic accolades, including the Leadership Council Award, the Northville High School Scholar Award and the KLAA Scholar Athlete Award.

Schembri plans to study pre-medical sciences at Xavier. She is the daughter of Joel and Jenny Schembri, and has a younger brother, Ty.

Schembri on Xavier:

"I chose Xavier for its exceptional academic and athletic programs, as well as the family-like atmosphere of the women's soccer team!"

MEGAN SULLIVAN
Saint Louis, Missouri
St. Joseph's Academy
Saint Louis Scott Gallagher (Club)
Midfielder

Margaret (Megan) Sullivan is a center midfielder joining the Musketeers from St. Louis, Mo.

Sullivan, like Burton, also played for the St. Louis Scott Gallagher ECNL team which won the 2016 North American Cup.

At St. Joseph's Academy, Sullivan was a part of the 2014 State Championship squad. The team repeated as district champions, earning third at state in 2015 and finishing runners up in 2016. Sullivan earned All-Conference, All-Region and All-State honors during her career at St. Joseph's

Academically, Sullivan, a member of the National Honor Society, earned High Honors each year at St. Joseph's Academy.

She is the daughter of Mike and Kim Sullivan and has two older brothers, Sean and Danny.

Sullivan on Xavier:

"I chose Xavier because I love the family-like aspect of the team and the strong athletics and academics the school has to offer."

CAMRYN YACKS
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Rock Canyon High School
Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Camryn Yacks joins the Musketeers out of Highlands Ranch, Colo.

She was a four-year member of the varsity squad at Rock Canyon High School. She was named second team All-Conference in 2016. Yacks currently holds the Continental League's record for fewest goals against.

Yacks earned Highest Academic Honors each year at Rock Canyon. She also a member of the National Society for High School Scholars from 2015 to 2017.

She has been honored with the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Outstanding Academic Award, First Team All-State Academic, DCEF Outstanding Student Award and was the Douglas County Women in Sports Honoree.

Yacks is also active the community as a three-time recipient of the Community Service letter, awarded to those who serve over 500 hours. Her commitment to the community earned the Presidential Gold Award for Service and the Jag Award, awarded by the team for character, in 2016.

Yacks plans to pursue a degree in Exercise Science at Xavier. She is the daughter of Chris and Audra Yacks. She has one sister, Lauren.

Yacks on Xavier:

"Xavier has been in my blood since I was born. Ever since I could talk, I was cheering on the Musketeers. Xavier was the perfect fit as it allowed me to further my soccer career and obtain an unrivaled education in Exercise Science. They campus screams positivity and I am confident Xavier will give me all the tools necessary for a successful future in the career I choose."

Schedule

Upcoming Events