THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls State University head women's soccer coach Robert Podeyn announced Tuesday the signing of seven new student-athletes for 2023. 

 "This class represents the next step in the process to bring Nicholls forward to be more competitive in the Southland Conference. After breaking the winless streak of more than 50 games, our goal is to now take that next step to challenge to represent Nicholls in the conference tournament," Coach Podeyn said. "This class is very talented and will challenge our current players and the opposing players in our conference. We are excited about the future of women's soccer at Nicholls State University. .  
 
The signing class for 2023 includes one Spring 2023 entry and six for Fall 2023.  The signings include the following:
 
Berkley Payne (South Jordan, Utah) -- 5-9, Defender/Holding Midfielder

Berkley plays for ECNL side Utah Avalanche, the top club in the state at her age level.  Berkley also played high school at Bingham High School where she was a two-time Defensive League MVP and an All-Region performer.  She also was invited to train with the Liverpool Academy in England.  

"Berkley is a very strong and physical presence on the field.  She has good pace and reads the game well.  We look forward to seeing Berkley compete as a Colonel over the next four years," said Coach Podeyn.  

Berkley will be an early graduate from high school as she will begin at Nicholls State University in January of 2023.  


Kelsey Villatoro (Nacogdoches, Texas) -- 5-3, Wing Attacker

Kelsey is a very fast and dynamic wing attacker who plays for ETX FC Dallas in the Dallas Classic League.  Kelsey plays at Nacogdoches High School where she has been a First-Team All-District performer every year and was also  selected as the District MVP in her junior year.  Kelsey was recently invited to the u20 El Salvadorian National Team Camp. 

"Kelsey is an excited attacking player who is very dangerous 1v1.  She is quick and deliberate and creates chances off of the dribble and as an option off of the ball.  Kelsey will be an exciting player to watch the next four years", said Coach Podeyn. 

Kelsey will join Nicholls State University in the Fall of 2023.
 

Nevaeh Garris (Boerne, Texas) -- 5-3, Attacking Central Midfielder

Nevaeh is a quick and forward-thinking attacking central midfielder who plays for Boerne Soccer Club and at Samuel V. Chapman High School where she serves as team captain. Nevaeh was also a member of the South Texas ODP Team and was recently selected to the Regional ODP Squad. 

"Nevaeh is very quick with possession and her movements off of the ball.  She is very dynamic in possession and is always looking towards goal and is a fun player to watch.  We are excited to see Nevaeh as a Colonel the next four years", said Coach Podeyn.  

Nevaeh will begin her journey as a Colonel in the Fall of 2023.    


Lily Ellis (New Orleans, La.) -- 5-8, Central Defender

Lily has been a member of one of the strongest high school programs in the country at St. Mary's Dominican where they have won seven state titles and were ranked No. 1 nationally in 2021-2022.  Lily has been a starter since her eighth grade year at central defender where she has been selected each year as a First-Team All-District performer on four consecutive state championship teams.  

"Lily is a very accomplished defender for one of the top performing high schools in the country.  She has great size, range, and physicality while also being very good at protecting the ball and playing possession.  Lily will be an exciting player to watch over the next four years", said Coach Podeyn.  

Lily will begin her journey at Nicholls State University in the Fall of 2023.  
 
 
Braiden Fletcher (Houma, La.) -- 5-4, Central Midfielder

Braiden is a member of HL Bourgeois High School where she has been a starter and All-District performer since her freshman year.  Braiden also plays club soccer for Legacy Lafourche for Ryan Breaux where she has competed in the strongest league in the state.  

"Braiden is an exciting Central Midfielder who sees the field very well.  She is a tireless worker who is a strong leader and a game-changer.  We are excited to see her as a Colonel over the next four years", said Coach Podeyn.  

Braiden will begin her journey at Nicholls State University in the Fall of 2023.
 
 
Hannah Rice (Ball, La.) -- 5-6, Wing Attacker/ Wing Defender

Hannah began her playing career as a young kid coming up through the Houston Dash where she performed at the DA Level.  In her last two years she moved to Northern Louisiana where she now plays for the Cajun Rush GA Team.  Hannah is an All-State performer at Tioga High School.  

"Hannah is fast and dangerous.  She has that rare combination of speed and athleticism that make her dangerous whether she has the ball or not.  She will be an exciting player to watch over the next four years", said Coach Podeyn.  

Hannah will begin her freshman year at Nicholls State University in the Fall of 2023.
 
 
Brooke Cox (Fresno, Calif.) -- 5-5, Attacking Central Midfielder

Brooke comes to Nicholls State University from Fresno, California where she has been a four-year starter and Offensive MVP for Clovis West High School.  Brooke also competes for Clovis Crossfire 05GA where she was selected in the National Team ID Program for trials in Portland, Oregon.  

"Brooke is a very quick and talented attacking central midfielder who likes to break down defenses by attacking them 1v1.  She is dynamic and has great vision.  She will be an exciting player to watch over the next four years", Said Coach Podeyn.  

Brooke will begin her journey at Nicholls State University in the Fall of 2023.  

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