Photo by: Sam Craft/Texas A&M Athletics
Aggies Sign Five of the Nation’s Best for 2019 Campaign
Nov 14, 2018 | Soccer
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Texas A&M Aggies received certification on National Letters of Intent and appropriate paperwork for four of the top high school soccer players in the nation and a standout transfer, all slated to join the team for the 2019 season, head coach G Guerrieri announced Wednesday.
The list of high school players includes Kenna Caldwell (GK – Lone Tree, Colo.), Shantel Hutton (GK – Duluth, Ga.), Ali Russell (F – Katy, Texas) and Katie Smith (D – Tulsa, Okla.). The Maroon & White also add forward Taylor Ziemer, a transfer from the University of Virginia and sister of current Aggie freshman Tera Ziemer.
"This is a class that fits a lot of the needs that we have going forward," Guerrieri said. "It's not a class that has a lot of numbers to it, but it has a lot of very important people that can fit different roles for us in 2019 and beyond."
Caldwell is a top goalkeeper in Colorado. A three-year letterwinner at Rock Canyon High School, she garnered All-Colorado recognition following her junior season as she led the Jaguars to a 16-3 record and a state semifinal appearance. She is currently displaying her talents with Colorado Rush at the US Soccer Developmental Academy.
"Kenna is a great shot stopper," Guerrieri said. "She is someone who has been a fantastic teammate and leader on her club and high school teams. She is someone who we are excited about having. The last goalkeeper we got out of Colorado was tremendously successful here – Kristin Arnold. Kenna can be that good. She comes from a great family and someone who I know is going to fit in very well with our style and system here at Texas A&M."
Hutton is a top goalkeeper in Georgia. A three-year-letterwiner at Greater Atlanta Christian School, she guided the Spartans to Class AAA state semifinal appearances in 2016 and 2017 and the Sweet 16 in 2018. The 2018 campaign ended with Region 7-AAA Player of the Year recognition as well as All-Region 7-AAA First Team and All-Gwinnett County. She currently plays club soccer for Concorde Fire ECNL.
"Shantel is a very athletic, multi-dimensional goalkeeper," Guerrieri said. "She has the unique background of playing both in goal, but also being a first-team center back. Her best years are still ahead of her as she develops her goalkeeping skills here at Texas A&M. Her background fits in perfectly with the way we like to play out of the back. The fact that she's comfortable in building the attack from the back and playing with her feet gives her a great upside going forward as she develops in our program."
Russell is one of the most dangerous attacking players in the country. A seasoned veteran with the U.S. Soccer youth national teams, Russell has been playing with the best of the best since 2015. Her prep career has seen her earn Class 6A All-Texas and District 19-6A MVP each of the last three seasons. She set District 19-6A and Cinco Ranch career records for goals (120) and assists (51).
"Ali is one of the most electrifying attacking players to come out of Texas in a long time," Guerrieri said. "She has a lot of national team experience, both as a forward, as a winger and as an outside back. All of them keying on her change of pace and her desire to get near goal. She was a goal-scoring force in high school and a leader on her AHFC and Cinco Ranch team where she was a teammate with current Aggie Sophie Salverino. Ali comes from a great Aggie family who, I am sure, is excited about the opportunity to see their daughter play and develop in Aggieland."
Smith is a versatile all-around impactful athlete. Both a soccer and basketball standout at Cascia Hall, she played all over the field for the Commandos, seeing action at defender, midfielder and forward during her three varsity campaigns. Smith paced Cascia Hall to a state runner-up finish and earned TopDrawerSoccer Spring All-America recognition in 2018. She has shined for TSC Hurricane, currently playing with their ECNL squad. She earned Best XI status at the TopDrawerSoccer Unsigned Showcase in 2015.
"Katie is the No. 1 player out of Oklahoma," Guerrieri said. "She has played several roles on her TSC side. She plays up front when they need goals. She plays in the back when they need to protect leads. She has great athleticism and she is very good in 1-v-1 situations. She is somebody who we feel like can play several roles tremendously well here in Aggieland."
Ziemer is currently playing club soccer with ADO Den Haag in Eredivisie Vrouwen, the highest league of Dutch women's soccer. The forward has two years of eligibility remaining when she arrives in College Station. She appeared in 45 matches at Virginia, including 37 starts. Ziemer racked up 32 points in two seasons with 12 goals and eight assists. In 2017, she played in all 23 matches, including 22 starts, and led the Cavaliers with six assists and added four goals.
"Taylor has been one of the most dangerous forwards in the nation going way back to her days coming up with the United States Youth National Teams," Guerrieri said. "She had two super seasons for Virginia in the ACC. She is someone we are very excited about having in our attack. She comes from a storied soccer family and, obviously, we are excited about having her and Tera playing as college teammates in Aggieland."
Kenna Caldwell
Shantel Hutton
Ali Russell
Katie Smith
Taylor Ziemer
The list of high school players includes Kenna Caldwell (GK – Lone Tree, Colo.), Shantel Hutton (GK – Duluth, Ga.), Ali Russell (F – Katy, Texas) and Katie Smith (D – Tulsa, Okla.). The Maroon & White also add forward Taylor Ziemer, a transfer from the University of Virginia and sister of current Aggie freshman Tera Ziemer.
"This is a class that fits a lot of the needs that we have going forward," Guerrieri said. "It's not a class that has a lot of numbers to it, but it has a lot of very important people that can fit different roles for us in 2019 and beyond."
Caldwell is a top goalkeeper in Colorado. A three-year letterwinner at Rock Canyon High School, she garnered All-Colorado recognition following her junior season as she led the Jaguars to a 16-3 record and a state semifinal appearance. She is currently displaying her talents with Colorado Rush at the US Soccer Developmental Academy.
"Kenna is a great shot stopper," Guerrieri said. "She is someone who has been a fantastic teammate and leader on her club and high school teams. She is someone who we are excited about having. The last goalkeeper we got out of Colorado was tremendously successful here – Kristin Arnold. Kenna can be that good. She comes from a great family and someone who I know is going to fit in very well with our style and system here at Texas A&M."
Hutton is a top goalkeeper in Georgia. A three-year-letterwiner at Greater Atlanta Christian School, she guided the Spartans to Class AAA state semifinal appearances in 2016 and 2017 and the Sweet 16 in 2018. The 2018 campaign ended with Region 7-AAA Player of the Year recognition as well as All-Region 7-AAA First Team and All-Gwinnett County. She currently plays club soccer for Concorde Fire ECNL.
"Shantel is a very athletic, multi-dimensional goalkeeper," Guerrieri said. "She has the unique background of playing both in goal, but also being a first-team center back. Her best years are still ahead of her as she develops her goalkeeping skills here at Texas A&M. Her background fits in perfectly with the way we like to play out of the back. The fact that she's comfortable in building the attack from the back and playing with her feet gives her a great upside going forward as she develops in our program."
Russell is one of the most dangerous attacking players in the country. A seasoned veteran with the U.S. Soccer youth national teams, Russell has been playing with the best of the best since 2015. Her prep career has seen her earn Class 6A All-Texas and District 19-6A MVP each of the last three seasons. She set District 19-6A and Cinco Ranch career records for goals (120) and assists (51).
"Ali is one of the most electrifying attacking players to come out of Texas in a long time," Guerrieri said. "She has a lot of national team experience, both as a forward, as a winger and as an outside back. All of them keying on her change of pace and her desire to get near goal. She was a goal-scoring force in high school and a leader on her AHFC and Cinco Ranch team where she was a teammate with current Aggie Sophie Salverino. Ali comes from a great Aggie family who, I am sure, is excited about the opportunity to see their daughter play and develop in Aggieland."
Smith is a versatile all-around impactful athlete. Both a soccer and basketball standout at Cascia Hall, she played all over the field for the Commandos, seeing action at defender, midfielder and forward during her three varsity campaigns. Smith paced Cascia Hall to a state runner-up finish and earned TopDrawerSoccer Spring All-America recognition in 2018. She has shined for TSC Hurricane, currently playing with their ECNL squad. She earned Best XI status at the TopDrawerSoccer Unsigned Showcase in 2015.
"Katie is the No. 1 player out of Oklahoma," Guerrieri said. "She has played several roles on her TSC side. She plays up front when they need goals. She plays in the back when they need to protect leads. She has great athleticism and she is very good in 1-v-1 situations. She is somebody who we feel like can play several roles tremendously well here in Aggieland."
Ziemer is currently playing club soccer with ADO Den Haag in Eredivisie Vrouwen, the highest league of Dutch women's soccer. The forward has two years of eligibility remaining when she arrives in College Station. She appeared in 45 matches at Virginia, including 37 starts. Ziemer racked up 32 points in two seasons with 12 goals and eight assists. In 2017, she played in all 23 matches, including 22 starts, and led the Cavaliers with six assists and added four goals.
"Taylor has been one of the most dangerous forwards in the nation going way back to her days coming up with the United States Youth National Teams," Guerrieri said. "She had two super seasons for Virginia in the ACC. She is someone we are very excited about having in our attack. She comes from a storied soccer family and, obviously, we are excited about having her and Tera playing as college teammates in Aggieland."
| Player | Pos. | Ht. | Cl. | Hometown | High School/College | Club Team |
| Kenna Caldwell | GK | 5-10 | Fr. | Lone Tree, Colo. | Rock Canyon HS | Colorado Rush |
| Shantel Hutton | GK | 5-10 | Fr. | Duluth, Ga. | Greater Atlanta Christian School | Concorde Fire |
| Ali Russell | F | 5-6 | Fr. | Katy, Texas | Cinco Ranch HS | Albion Hurricanes FC |
| Katie Smith | F/D | 5-9 | Fr. | Tulsa, Okla. | Cascia Hall Prep | TSC Hurricane |
| Taylor Ziemer | F | 5-9 | Jr. | Santa Rosa, Calif. | Montgomery HS/University of Virginia | Santa Rosa United/ADO Den Haag |
Kenna Caldwell
- Currently showcasing her talents with Colorado Rush Developmental Academy under head coach Nick Blanco and goalkeeper coach Garrison Goodner
- Played with the Colorado Storm ECNL Club in 2016-17 under head coach Cacho Cordoba and goalkeeper coach Jeff Oleck
- Spent 10 years playing for Real Colorado's National and ECNL teams
- Led Real Colorado squad to three cup championships, a cup finalist, two regionals and two quarterfinals
- During her 2014 campaign with Real Colorado, had key PK saves that helped her team win the Colorado Cup
- In 2016, recorded shutouts at showcases in Houston and Phoenix
- Participated in the US Women's National Team Training Camps from 2011-13
- Three-year letterwinner at Rock Canyon High School for Coach Matthew Henbest
- As a junior in 2018, earned All-Centennial League First Team and guided her team to a 16-3 record and state semifinals
- Started every game of her freshman season, helping Jaguars to a 13-4 record and to the second round of playoffs
- In 2017, during her sophomore campaign, Caldwell missed the start of the season with an injury and returned about midway to help her team to a 9-7 record and to the second round of playoffs
Welcome to Aggieland!@kenna_caldwell is the top goalkeeper in Colorado. On her way to College Station to do great things!#GigEm pic.twitter.com/lYse7CRUpI
— Texas A&M Soccer (@AggieSoccer) November 14, 2018
Meet one of the newest Aggies! Howdy @kenna_caldwell! #GigEm pic.twitter.com/0RSE6LhXyz
— Texas A&M Soccer (@AggieSoccer) November 14, 2018
Shantel Hutton
- Played three years for the Concorde Fire Elite Club National League teams (2016-18)
- Spent 10 years playing for Atlanta Fire - recreational (2005-08), academy (2009-12), pre-ECNL (2013), and ECNL (2014-15)
- Helped the Atlanta Fire to three consecutive years of Super Y South Atlantic Division Championship Team and in 2015 she propelled the team to a U14 Jefferson Cup title, 2015 Atlanta Cup crown and a spot at the ECNL National Championships
- In 2015, Hutton earned Super Y Regional All-Star Team and Super Y League National Pool Selection Honors
- In her 2016 campaign with Concorde Fire, Hutton helped her team to U17 ENCL National Champions League Qualifier
- Participated five sessions at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center
- Attended National id2 Program Training camp in 2014
- Three-year letterwinner Greater Atlanta Christian School, under head coaches Mike Guiliano (2016-2017) and Tia Graves (2018)
- As a junior in 2018, named to Region 7-AAA Player of the Year, All-Region 7-AAA First Team, Gwinnett Goal Club All-Gwinnett County Team and Gwinnett Daily Post All-County Second Team
- During her junior campaign, guided team to the Sweet 16 of the state playoffs
- Led Spartans to the Class AAA state semifinals in 2016 and 2017
- Earned All-Region 7-AAA Second Team Honors in 2017
- Helped Greater Atlanta Christian to three region titles (2016-18)
Welcome to Aggieland!
— Texas A&M Soccer (@AggieSoccer) November 14, 2018
The best goalkeeper in Georgia is headed to College Station. Excited to have @shansoccer34 in the Maroon & White.#GigEm #NSD18 pic.twitter.com/BaxyFciDb7
Meet one of the newest Aggies!
— Texas A&M Soccer (@AggieSoccer) November 14, 2018
Howdy @shansoccer34!#GigEm pic.twitter.com/vdryMPx2sj
Ali Russell
- Member US Soccer National Team rosters in 2015, 16 and 17
- Has played for Albion Hurricanes FC ECNL squad from 2012-18
- Team captain for U18 All-Star teams that defeated the Japan National Team in 2015 and Guyana National Team in 2016
- Named to 2017 United Soccer Coaches Youth Girls All-South Region team
- Selected Texas Class 6A All-Texas in 2016, '17 and '18
- Named to Class 6A State Tournament All-Tournament Team in 2016 & 18
- Tabbed District 19-6A MVP in 2016, '17 and '18
- Selected the 2018 VYPE Houston Player of the Year
- Set District 19-6A and Cinco Ranch career records with 120 goals and 51 assists
- Earned Cougar Pride Award, is a member of the National Honor Society and boasts a 3.9 GPA
Welcome to Aggieland!@Ali_Russell1 is going to light up scoreboards across the SEC!#GigEm #NSD18 pic.twitter.com/xAFjamoR2h
— Texas A&M Soccer (@AggieSoccer) November 14, 2018
So excited to finally be apart of @AggieSoccer !!! Can't wait to begin my journey in college station!! pic.twitter.com/harihErHQF
— alexandra (@ali_russell1) November 14, 2018
Meet one of the newest Aggies!
— Texas A&M Soccer (@AggieSoccer) November 14, 2018
Howdy @ali_russell1!#GigEm pic.twitter.com/v3JC1TRlIA
Katie Smith
- Standout at TSC Hurricane for Coach Kerry Shubert
- Earned Best XI status at the 2015 TopDrawerSoccer Unsigned Showcase
- Participated in PDP in 2016 and 2017 and ECNL National Training Camp in 2017
- Tabbed a TopDrawerSoccer Spring All-American in 2018 and Spring All-Region in 2017 and '18.
- Named a TopDrawerSoccer Texas All-Star in 2017 and '18
- Three-year varsity letterwinner at Cascia Hall Prep for Coach Richard Beattie
- Helped the Commandos to a 40-10 mark in her three seasons with the varsity
- In 2018, captained squad to a 14-2 record and a Oklahoma Class 5A runner-up finish
- Also helped squad to state quarterfinals in 2016 and '17
- Member of Cascia Hall Prep's Academic State Champions squad in 2017
- Named to Tulsa World's All-World First Team in 2017 and 2018
- Tallied eight goals and six assists in 2017, playing primarily as a defender
- Also earned All-Pinnacle Conference recognition on the basketball court
- Three-year honor roll member
Welcome to Aggieland! @KatieSmith024, the No. 1 player in Oklahoma, is going to make an immediate impact with her versatility and athleticism. #GigEm #NSD18 pic.twitter.com/WfZb5hAJ0s
— Texas A&M Soccer (@AggieSoccer) November 14, 2018
Meet one of the newest Aggies!
— Texas A&M Soccer (@AggieSoccer) November 14, 2018
Howdy @katiesmith024!#GigEm pic.twitter.com/8hhjeLbgcC
Taylor Ziemer
- Spending 2018-19 in the Netherlands playing for ADO Den Haag in Eredivisie Vrouwen, the highest level of Dutch women's soccer
- Has appeared in five matches for the Storks, including one start
- Two-year starter at the University of Virginia
- Career numbers with the Cavaliers include 45 matches, 37 starts, 32 points, 12 goals and eight assists
- Played in all 23 matches for Virginia in 2017, including 22 starts, and tallied a team-leading six assists to go with four goals for 14 points
- Appeared in 22 matches as a freshman in 2016, including 15 starts, and tallied 18 points on eight
- Participated with the U.S. Soccer Women's U18 and U19 National Teams in multiple stints from 2016-18
- Two-time Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of California (2014-15 and 2015-16)
- Tallied 87 goals and 48 assists during her prep career
- Played club soccer for Santa Rosa United
- Tabbed a NSCAA Youth All-American in 2015
- Sister, Tera, is currently a freshman on the Aggies' soccer team
- Father, Marcus, coaches soccer at Sonoma State University
Welcome to Aggieland!@tayziemer13 is going to be reunited with @teraziemer. Magic will be made.#GigEm #NSD18 pic.twitter.com/wG3XzP7qPf
— Texas A&M Soccer (@AggieSoccer) November 14, 2018
Players Mentioned
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