Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney head women's soccer coach Chloe Roberts today announced the names of six high school seniors who'll take to the pitch for the Lopers in the fall of 2022.

They are midfielders Keakalina "Kea" Barnes (Aurora, Colo.), Mia Lange (Papillion La Vista South H.S.) and Gracie Perez (Kearney H.S.), forwards Reagan Downes (Olathe, Kan.) and Elli Higashi (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) and defender Claressa "Scooter" Zepeda (Winchester, Calif.). UNK had five seniors/super seniors on this year's team. 

"This recruiting class is full of outstanding student-athletes and overall great people. We feel that each player brings different qualities that can have a positive impact on this program, both on and off the field," said Roberts. "As staff we have worked very hard to find players who are not only talented, but also have a willingness to learn and grow. We believe these players are going to add depth and strong competition to the team all over the field. We can't wait for them to get started."

Barnes (5-6) earned four varsity soccer letters while playing for the Grandview Wolves and the Millennium (Ariz.) Tigers. She was part of an MHS program that went 21-2-1 and finished as the Class 5A state runners up. Barnes scored 13 goals that fall and had two game winners. Currently, she is captain of her club team.

"Kea is an excellent addition to the Loper soccer team. She is a hard-working, smart midfielder who is very composed on the ball. Kea has the ability to create many opportunities for us going forward with her great vision and will provide great depth to the midfield role," said Roberts. 

Downes (5-7) hails from Spring Hill High, the alma mater of current Loper keeper Emery Mounce. The upcoming 2022 season will be her fourth on the varsity team and her fourth varsity letter. A second-team all-state and all-league selection, Downes helped the Broncos win two regionals twice and reach the state tournament. In the off season she helped her club team with two state cups.

"We are very excited to have Reagan join the Loper soccer family. She is a very smart, talented forward who will add a different dynamic to us going forward. Reagan has an eye for goal which can provide us with more of an offensive threat," said Roberts.

 

From Rock Canyon High, Higashi (5-9) will be a member of the Jaguars varsity team for a third straight year. She was part of a 2021 squad that finished as the Class 5A state runners up.

"We're very excited to add Elli to the Loper soccer family. She is a very dynamic forward with a high soccer IQ. She will provide us with a different dimension and is a great addition to our front line. She has the ability to score herself or create opportunities for others," said Roberts.

Perez (5-4) joins former Bearcat Hannah Hardy as Kearney natives on the Lopers. She is a four-year varsity letterwinner who helped KHS win the 2019 district title. In the off season, Perez is a member of the Nebraska Select Kearney SC who made the USYS President's Cup Finals.

"We are very happy to add Gracie to the Loper soccer family. She is a homegrown, technical and composed midfielder. She has good vision and is always looking for ways to get on the ball. Gracie will add depth to the midfield role," said Roberts.   

 

The other Nebraska newcomer is Lang (5-2) who is a basketball and soccer letterwinner for the Titans. She comes from solid soccer bloodlines as her mother, Heather, was a keeper at Wisconsin-Madison. She has helped Papio South twice reach the Class A state tourney while helping her club team win five state titles.

"Mia is a tremendous addition to our team. She is an intelligent player with a very high work rate," said Roberts. "Mia is an incredible talent with the ability to break lines going forward with her fantastic vision and distribution of the ball."

Zepeda (5-7) hails from Southern California and Murrieta Mesa High. She was the only freshman to make the Rams varsity squad and has helped the team finish second in the Southwestern League. Earning Academic all-league honors, Zepeda also has been involved in club programs (U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy and Elite Clubs National League). Finally, she'll be the fourth all-time Loper soccer player from California.

"Scooter is a fantastic addition to the Loper soccer team. She is athletic, strong, competitive, and an all-around solid defender. She is going to help us on both sides of the ball with her ability to defend well, and also wants to get forward into the attack," said Roberts.

The 2022 spring season begins in March.