MACOMB, Ill. - Fall practices have gotten underway, and Western Illinois women's soccer showcases 13 new faces across the roster for this 2021 season, officially announced on Wednesday (Aug. 4). 

"We are extremely excited to welcome in our new incoming freshmen class!" said WIU associate head coach Josée Primeau. "Each of these players will excel in the classroom and bring a competitive edge on the field. These players all embody the qualities we want in our student-athletes. We are confident that they will make us proud both on and off the field. We can't wait to get this season started."

Western's newcomers come from a handful of various locations, ranging from the West Coast to Canada. The Leathernecks' first test will happen this Sunday in an exhibition matchup at Southeast Missouri State.

Leah Ahlers | Freshman Defender | Marion, Iowa | Linn-Mar High School

HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year varsity letter winner for the Lions… earned second-team All-Mississippi Valley honors in 2019… stood out academically with two consecutive years of Linn-Marr Academic Achievement (2019-20)… also ran cross country.

PERSONAL: Born on Dec. 20, 2002… plans to major in Business and Marketing… played on a club team with current Leathernecks Bailey Burlingham and Angie Knies… enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with family, and traveling.

Why she chose Western: "I chose WIU because it provides the academic field I intend to major in. Also, the campus is big enough but not overwhelming. Western has a lot of green space, something I was looking for on a college campus. Everyone I have talked to, including Admissions, Financial Aid, Coach Josee Primeau, and professors, have all been very welcoming. WIU feels like home."

Rachel Balinao | Freshman Forward | Oak Forest, Ill. | Oak Forest High School

HIGH SCHOOL: Competed on the varsity women's soccer squad for all four years as a two-year captain… landed all-conference selections three times, along with an all-selectional pick… notched presidential honors in every year… secretary of the National Honor Society… vice president of the Executive Student Council… also played shooting guard in varsity basketball as a four-year letterman.

PERSONAL: Born Sept. 12, 2002… plans to major in Marketing… brothers Joshua and Ethan compete for North Central men's volleyball and Carroll University men's basketball, respectively… hobbies include watching 'Criminal Minds' and playing card games/small-sided games. 

Why she chose Western: "I chose Western because it felt like home away from home. The girls on the soccer team were welcoming, and the environment was the best fit for me."

Kelsie Barnard | Freshman Midfielder/Forward | Baltimore, Md. | John Carroll High School

HIGH SCHOOL: Started at defender on Carroll's women's varsity soccer team in all four years… part of a Maryland State Cup Champions group (2019)… spent three years with the Maryland Olympic Development Program (ODP) team… competed in Costa Rica versus professional teams and also in a Boca Raton Interregional event from 2018-19… rostered on a semi-pro team in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL)… earned straight A's in every semester of high school while being a member of the National Honors Society, National Spanish Honors Society, and National Art Honors Society.

PERSONAL: Born on Jan. 2, 2003… plans to major in Microbiology… brother Kyle is a member of the track and field team at Case Western Reserve University… enjoys running, hiking, painting, and shopping.

Why she chose Western: "I love that the soccer program is competitive and that we are in a great conference. Talking with Coach (Josee) Primeau, I knew I liked her coaching style and philosophy, which made me know that I would fit into her program. I am excited that Western is far from home, and I love that it is a mid-size school."

Alexis Betker | Freshman Midfielder | Racine, Wis. | Washington Park High School

HIGH SCHOOL: All-time school leader in goals… made multiple all-conference and all-county selections… all-state honorable mention nod in 2019… was a standout in golf and basketball as well.

PERSONAL: Born on May 21, 2003… plans to major in Biology… father, James, was a four-year tennis player at the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse… outside of sports, enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.

Why she chose Western: "I chose WIU because of the coaching staff, campus atmosphere, academics, and opportunity to compete at the highest level."

McKenzie Day | Freshman Defender | Fresno, Calif. | Clovis North High School

HIGH SCHOOL: Member of the Broncos' girls varsity soccer team.

PERSONAL: Father, Mike, played tennis at Allen Hancock College from 1989-91… planning to major in criminal justice… enjoys spending time with friends and family, going on adventures, and partaking in outdoor sports/activities.

Why she chose Western: "I chose Western because of the astounding academic and athletic programs they have, as well as the beautiful campus and the people they have here as well -- on and off the field."

Emmy Ellington | Freshman Forward | Woodbury, Minn. | Woodbury High School

HIGH SCHOOL: Conference leader in assists… notched academic letters in her junior and senior years… played lacrosse and tennis as well.

PERSONAL: Born on Feb. 24, 2003… plans to major in Psychology… enjoys hanging around family, and can be found drawing in her leisure time.

Why she chose Western: "I chose Western because of the Psychology program, high-level competition in the league, and great coaches."

Acacia Judkins | Freshman Forward/Defender | Tacoma, Wash. | Bellarmine Preparatory School

HIGH SCHOOL: Team captain as a senior… all-league section in 2019 and 2021… received Sportsmanship award in 2021… led her squad in goals (10) during senior season… played one year of tennis.

PERSONAL: Born on Aug. 8, 2003… plans to major in Pre-Health… enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and embarking on adventures.

Why she chose Western: "I initially chose WIU because of great talks I had with the coaching staff. The school was a great fit for me not only athletically but also academically. I am truly grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to play Division I and under a great coaching staff that will help guide and mentor me throughout my career!"

Jenna Lowery | Freshman Goalkeeper | Pembroke Pines, Fla. | West Broward High School

HIGH SCHOOL: In-goal contributor who was a part of a group that was crowned Southern Regional champions.

PERSONAL: Born on May 28, 2003… plans to major in Exercise Science… a common hobby consists of drawing.

Why she chose Western: "The nature of the women's soccer program caught my attention."

Alieya Pires | Freshman Midfielder/Defender | Ontario, Canada | Cardinal Carter Catholic High School

HIGH SCHOOL: Soccer Team MVP in 2019… also awarded Female Jr. Athlete of the Year in that same school year… given a Certificate of Sport Excellence in recognition of exceptional achievements and contribution to athletics and sports provided by a member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament (2019)… recipient of numerous school academic awards… excelled in cross country, swimming, basketball, badminton, track and field, and nordic skiing.

PERSONAL: Born on Jan. 14, 2003… plans to major in Exercise Science… father John competed in the Calgary 1988 Olympics in Bobsleigh for Portugal, and the Bobsleigh World Championship (1987-88, 1991)… won the bronze medal soccer match for the 2018 Ontario Summer Games in London, Ontario… hobbies include reading and drawing while holding an interest in history, the arts, fitness and traveling.

Why she chose Western: "I chose Western Illinois because it has a close-knit community feeling and allows me the opportunity to complete my post-secondary studies while playing at a high level of collegiate soccer."

Alexa Quaranta | Freshman Defender | Naperville, Ill. | Waubonsie Valley High School

HIGH SCHOOL: Member of ODP National Pool… ODP Regional Team… US Soccer Training invitee… iD2 Selection… selected to the ODP state team… played 46 of 46 development academy (DA) games while starting 39 of them.

PERSONAL: Born on March 12, 2003… plans to major in Exercise Science… coaches and trains younger soccer athletes in her spare time.

Why she chose Western: "I came to a camp, and the first thing the counselors performed was technical training. I love the technical side of soccer, and I had seen no other college do anything like that. So, I was super excited. I love the program Western has, along with the coaches' feedback. I also really enjoy how Western is a diverse school with many international students. Western isn't too far from home, so my family can come to watch me play, and I can go home to see them and see the kids I coach. Western had everything I wanted, academically and athletically."

Keely Rooker | Freshman Midfielder | Portland, Oreg. | Westview High School

HIGH SCHOOL: Varsity member since freshman year… national honors society… academic honor roll… AP scholar… ran 1500m and 800m in track.

PERSONAL: Born on Oct. 3, 2002… plans to major in Elementary Education… spends time doing plenty of outdoor activities.

Why she chose Western: "I always liked WIU. The campus was pretty, it was around the size I wanted, and I had heard only good things about it. However, I knew that Western was the school for me when I got to meet the team. They all immediately treated me like family, and I already felt at home. The most important thing to me is the people I surround myself with, and I'm confident I'm surrounding myself with the best."

Myla Stewart | Freshman Forward/Defender | Henderson, Nev. | Evergreen High School

HIGH SCHOOL: Completed four varsity letters… 2019 Class 4A Colorado State soccer championship runner-up… 2019 JeffCo Conference champions… 2019 All-JeffCo Conference first team; finished 2nd in League points… tallied a new 2019 Evergreen High School individual season all-time scoring record of 37 pts; (15 Goals & 7 Assists)… made her way into the 2019 Colorado High School Sports top 10 plays of the year; (#3 overall)… 2019 Colorado High School girls all-state soccer game participant.

PERSONAL: Born on April 24, 2003… plans to major in Marketing and minor in Sports Broadcasting… a close relative, Hannah Dittmar, played women's soccer at the University of Nebraska Lincoln… likes to play basketball, watch sunsets, and "eat good food with good people."

Why she chose Western: "I chose Western not only for its soccer program but to be a part of a town that represents the school. Knowing that the people in Macomb support the college athletics and academics programs, it pushed my decision to be a part of the Leatherneck family."

Kayla Turner | Freshman Midfielder/Defender | Owings, Md. | Northern High School

HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year varsity member for Northern's girls' soccer program… helped the Patriots win back-to-back state championships (2019-20)… named to the school's honor roll list every year… recipient of Northern's Presidential Award in 2020.

PERSONAL: Born on July 24, 2003… plans to major in Pre-Business Management… enjoys reading, listening to music, and taking care of different houseplants or flowers.

Why she chose Western: "I chose WIU because I love the distance from my hometown, which is about a 12-hour drive. I also enjoy what the city of Macomb has to offer."