Women's Soccer Announces 2017 Recruiting Class
2/3/2017 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO - DePaul women's soccer is welcoming in a talented recruiting class as it reloads for another run at a BIG EAST Championship title and NCAA tournament berth.
The class of 2017 features three standout defenders, one forward and a versatile recruit who could play either forward or along the back line.
One of the new Blue Demons has followed her older sister to Lincoln Park while another played at the same high school in Minnesota as DePaul coach Erin Chastain and broke some of her records.
All five recruits will help bolster DePaul's depth and make contributions up top and in the back line.
"We are really excited about our 2017 class," Chastain said. "It really fills some specific needs for our program. All five young women have the outstanding character traits we look for as we add versatile and athletic new players to our program."
Here's a rundown on the incoming freshman class.
Morgan Turner, Forward, Maple Grove, Minn., Wayzata HS/Minnesota Thunder Academy
Starred at the same high school as Chastain and played for the same coach. The two-time All-State selection was the Minneapolis Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, Ms. Soccer finalist and NSCAA All-American.
Coach Chastain: "We expect Morgan to come in and score goals for our team. She has exceptional pace and athleticism and is a wonderful striker of the ball."
Jade Eriksen-Russo, Forward-Defender, Naperville, Ill., Metea Valley HS/Team Chicago
The talented All-State performer is versatile enough to play multiple positions at a high level. She helped Team Chicago advance to the 2016 nationals.
Coach Chastain: "Jade can play anywhere on the flank. She's got great pace and is a very good soccer player."
Kristina Barczak, Defender, Menomonee Falls, Wis., Menomonee Falls HS/FC Wisconsin Eclipse
This recruit is one relentless defender who has competed the last five years in the Elite Clubs National League. The perennial honor roll student ranks in the top five percent of her class while earning the AP Scholar with Honors Award and the Chevron Academic Merit Award.
Coach Chastain: "Kristina is a center back and a student of the game. She is very fit and will run through a brick wall for her coaches and her teammates."
Jackie Batliner, Defender, Barrington, Ill., Barrington HS/FCX Barrington
An All-State performer, the Daily Herald Player of the Year, captain of the all-area team and Mid-Suburban League West Player of the Year. FCX Barrington captain for seven years while leading the program to the State Cup semifinals and a Disney Showcase runner-up finish.
Coach Chastain: "Jackie is a defender who is great in the air, good 1 v 1 and super tough. She can play in the middle or wide."
Gwen Walker, Defender, Lake Forest, Ill., Lake Forest HS/FC United
The younger sister of Blue Demon freshman defender Adrian Walker, Gwen will be the third Lake Forest standout playing in Lincoln Park along with Adrian and junior star Lucy Edwards. She helped lead the Scouts to regional and sectional championships in 2016 and was all-conference and all-sectional last season.
Coach Chastain: "Gwen is also a defender and has great potential. She's hard-nosed, good on the ball and has a great work-rate."
