Oklahoma State University Athletics
Soccer Recruiting Class Ranked No. 11 Nationally
May 26, 2005 | Cowgirl Soccer
The class is also ranked third in the central region and second in the Big 12 Conference. All four international signees are ranked in the top 25 including the second-ranked player, Angelika Feldbacher.
“Our recent success, especially winning the Big 12 Tournament in 2003, helped in the recruiting process,” commented associate head coach Colin Carmichael. “We also have more international connections due to current and former players and that allows for networking in Europe. These players enjoy their time at Oklahoma State and encourage others to follow.”
Feldbacher, a forward/midfielder from Bad Reichenhall, Germany, played in 22 games for the German Under-19 National Team. The well-decorated national team won the 2004 FIFA World Championship and was the runner-up at the 2004 UEFA Under-19 European Championships.
A native of Landsberg, Germany, Bettina Grossman has also excelled on the international level, playing in 11 games for the German Under-17 National Team and representing Germany at the 2002 Nordic Cup. In addition, Grossman served as the captain of the Bavarian All-Star team in 2002 and was named the MVP at the German National Championships.
Rachel Grand, a midfielder/forward, played in 25 games for the Swiss Under-19 National Team and scored 15 goals. The Switzerland native also played with the squad in the 2002 UEFA European Championship. Currently, Grand plays for the Swiss “A” National Team.
A native of Begtendorf, Germany, Johanna Loistl is a former teammate of current Cowgirl Adriane Radtke. Loistl played for the German National Team at all youth age groups, seeing action in 30 contests. The defender currently plays for the Under-21 National Pool “A” squad.
Leah Hope, a forward from Tulsa, Okla., is a member of TSC 87, the 2004 state runner-up. A three-sport standout at Tulsa Hale High School, Hope was named the Oklahoma Jim Thorpe Female Ahlete of the Year this spring and tabbed the 2001 MVP and the Best Offensive Player in 2001 and 2002. In 2003 she earned all-district accolades.
A native of Highland Village, Texas, Jessica Jarrell plays for the Sting 87 Royal Club Team, four-time North Texas State Champs. Jarrell also helped lead the squad to two Region III titles. On the high school level, the defender/midfielder led Marcus High School to a state championship. She also served as the team captain and was named the 2003 Alamo Cup Finals MVP and the District 7-58 Midfield MVP.
“We have high expectations for this group because they are very talented and have the ability to contribute immediately,” stated Carmichael. “They represented their countries and will not be intimidated by the style of play at the Division I level. Paired with our returning players, these newcomers will give us added depth and be a fun team to watch.”
Fans get their first chance to see the team in action on Saturday, Aug. 20, when Mississippi visits the Cowgirl Soccer Complex for an exhibition contest at 7 p.m.
