By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn University soccer coach Davy Phillips has announced a signing class of six high school players who will join the Ichabods in the 2022-2023 school year, including Washburn Rural senior standouts Belle Kennedy and Hunter McWilliams.
Belle Kennedy
Hunter McWilliams
Kennedy and McWilliams were both All-Shawnee County and All-Class 6A picks last season after helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place finish in the Class 6A state tournament.
Phillips also announced the signing of Shandon Carr (Lenexa), Lakin Rold (Lee's Summit, Mo.), Hailey Rogers (Maize) and Brooke Powell (Spring Hill).
Washburn signee capsules:
Shandon Carr, Lenexa, 5-6, Defender -- The St. Thomas Aquinas senior has lettered three times in high school heading into her senior season … she played at Olathe North High School her freshman year where she earned newcomer of the year … after a canceled sophomore year, Carr helped the Saint Thomas Aquinas win the 5A State Title her junior year … with the KC Fusion Club team, she won the NPL League in 2020 … daughter of Sheleah and John McPherson … has two sisters, Jaylyn and Jamya, and a brother, Jahron. Brother Jahron plays football at K-State … plans to major in pre-dental.
Hunter McWilliams, Topeka, 5-7, Midfielder -- McWilliams has been a three-year letter-winner for Washburn Rural ... earned first-team All-City and first-team All-State while leading the Junior Blues to a Centennial League championship and state runner-up finish her freshman year … sophomore season canceled due to COVID-19 … she earned First Team All-City and All-State again while ranking second in assists and third in goals during her junior year … her team was once again were Centennial League Champions … daughter of Heather and Scott McWilliams … two sisters, Harley and Hayden McWilliams … plans to major in nursing
Lakin Rold, Lee's Summit, Mo., 5-5, Defender -- In her senior season at Lee's Summit West High School … played soccer throughout high school … she was a two-time all-conference honorable mention and earned first-eam all-district her junior year … in her two seasons, the Titans were first in the conference and district both times and were third and fourth in the state … daughter of Tami and Ben Rold … plans to major in nursing
Haley Rogers, Maize, Forward -- Currently a senior at Maize High School and has lettered in soccer three seasons heading into senior year … also played volleyball in 2020 when the soccer season was canceled due to COVID-19 … in her junior year she earned first-team all-league and second-team all-city and all-state … she finished with 16 goals and six assists, leading the Eagles to a 15-0-1 record … daughter of Jessica Rogers … her mother, Jessica, played softball at Newman University … one sister, Ryley Rogers … plans to major in biology or health science.
Brooke Powell, Spring Hill, 5-6, Defender -- In her senior season at Spring Hill High School and lettered in soccer her first three seasons … helped the Broncos win the Northeast 5A Regional championship her freshman year … her sophomore year was canceled due to COVID-19 … earned first-team All-Frontier League and second-team All-State in 5A while winning the Northeast 5A Regional again her junior season … she also lettered in basketball for three years … daughter of Krys and Keenan Powell … two brothers, KJ and Cody Powell … KJ played men's soccer at Baker University for one year … plans to major in biology or environmental sciences or kinesiology.
Belle Kennedy, Auburn, 5-3, Midfielder -- Currently in her senior year at Washburn Rural High School and lettered in soccer throughout high school… she helped the Junior Blues to a state runner-up finish her freshman year … her sophomore campaign was canceled due to COVID-19 … in her junior year, she earned 6A midfielder of the year and first team All-State … daughter of Ashley Kennedy-Cooney and David Cooney … has one brother, Bradley Cooney … plans to major in biology or medicine.
