(Argo Athletics Media Release)
GREAT FALLS -– The University of Providence women's soccer program announced the signing of five student-athletes for the 2020-2021 year.
The Argos' signees consist of two players from Montana (including one from Great Falls), two from Idaho and one from Hawaii.
"We found some young ladies that fit our culture," head coach Brian Clarke said. "That's what's really exciting about this group that's coming in. They check all the boxes of what we're trying to do and where we're trying to go. I think this class is going to come in and compete right away. There's a lot of talent there and we're really excited about what they'll showcase in the future."
The five freshmen will join a young Argo program looking to improve off a team that often played eight freshmen.
"We're going to be young again next year," Clarke said. "With the current freshman class getting a lot of experience this past year, we'll see huge improvements for the team. We're bringing in another good group of young players that will continue to grow the program."
Clarke hopes the additions will help replace the loss of their two seniors, Eme McLaughlin and Isa Ortman, who were both key players for the team.
"The dynamic is going to be different with this class coming in and the large number that are returning," Clarke said. "We're going to have a large senior class who really do a great job with the leadership and embodying what we're trying to do. Even though we'll be young there's a quality group of leaders in the upper class."
Hannah Eddy
Hannah Eddy will join the women's soccer program from Sandpoint, Idaho. A four-year varsity starter, Eddy led her high school team to a Idaho 4A State Championship as a senior and a second place finish as a junior, sophomore and freshman. She was named the All-League MVP and won the Golden Boot as a senior. Eddy will graduate from Sandpoint High School in the spring and plans on studying biology at Providence.
"Hannah is a creative player," Clarke said. "We're excited about what she can do in the midfield and the attack for us. She's a quality creative player."
Justine Humphry
Justine Humphry will join the program from Meridian, Idaho. Humphry played for Mountain View High School, where she helped lead the Mavericks to a 2nd place finish in state as a sophomore and a 4th place finish as a senior. Humphry was named All-Conference Honorable Mention and received an All-Conference Academic award. A member of the National Honor Society, she was also given the Presidential Academic Award and was vice president of student council. Humphry will graduate in the spring and plans to study biology at Providence.
"Even though Justine is young, she will challenge the upperclassmen from day one," Clarke said. "We'll have four quality goalkeepers next year and she'll come in and compete for a spot right away."
Makena Morris
Makena Morris will join the program from Belgrade, Montana. In three years playing varsity for the Panthers, Morris was named Academic All-State three times. Morris is also a member of the National Honor Society. She will graduate from high school in the spring and plans to study exercise science at Providence.
"There's a huge upside to Makena," Clarke said. "She's got great athleticism. She's going to surprise some people with her tenacity and aggressive play."
Lily Rust
Lily Rust will join the Argos from Charles M. Russell High School in Great Falls, Montana. She was named the Defensive MVP for the Rustlers this past season. She was also named to the Honor Roll and received the Heisey Award at CMR. She also played basketball for the Rustlers. Rust will graduate in the spring and is undecided about her major at Providence.
"Lillian is a quality defender who will come in and compete for a spot right away," Clarke said. "She does a lot of nice quality things on the backline so I'm excited to see what she can do."
Julia Tilton
Julia Tilton will join the Argos from Mililani, Hawaii. She played four years of varsity soccer for Damien Memorial School. She was named 1st Team All-Conference her sophomore year and 2nd Team her junior season. As a volleyball player, she also led her team to a state championship, and was named all-conference honorable-mention as a junior. She also received academic honors every semester. Tilton will graduate in the spring and plans to study forensic science at Providence.
"Julia is a very composed player with great vision," Clarke said. "She can play multiple positions for us and she comes from a good competitive background so we're really excited about her becoming an Argo."
