The Valparaiso women’s soccer program is incredibly excited to announce its four signees from the class of 2014. The four young ladies hail from three states and will look to make an impact on the program when they get to campus this August.  All four of the newest members to the Valpo soccer family come out of very successful high school and club programs. 

The first signee is Lily Chetosky from Hinsdale, Ill.  Chetosky led her very talented Hinsdale H.S. team to a second-place finish in the state championship in 2013 after winning regional, sectionals and super-sectional championships.   She also played for an accomplished Windy City Pride club team which won state and regional championships leading up to winning the U.S. Club National Championship this past year.

Marovich on Chetosky:  “Lily has great energy and passion for soccer which was on display as we evaluated each of her performances. It was clear on her visit to campus that her personality and character fit into the Valparaiso University environment academically and athletically.  She brings an exciting attacking presence on the flanks while having the ability to defend in all thirds of the field.  We are looking forward to her work ethic, winning mentality, and ability to create width for our 2014 squad. “

Chetosky on Valpo: “I chose Valpo because it felt like home to me. It was the perfect size school with great academics as well. I love the city of Valparaiso and its proximity to Chicago.  Valpo was the only school I could see myself all four year because of the outstanding atmosphere and people.  After my visit, I did not want to leave campus. That is how I knew I had to become a Crusader.  I got the feeling the first time I visited and I knew that was it.”

Sydney Gountounas comes to Valpo from Tinley Park, Ill.  She played for Andrew H.S., where she earned Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All-Sectional Honors, as well as All-Conference accolades as a junior.  Gountounas helped lead Andrew to regional titles her sophomore and junior years.  She was team captain and a three-year scholar-athlete award winner at Andrew.  Gountounas played with fellow Valpo signee Lily Chetosky for the Windy City Pride, where they won the U.S. Club National Championship this past year.

Marovich on Gountounas: “Sydney is a versatile player that can play in both the defensive or midfield thirds of the park.  She is a very solid player technically while making quality decisions in possession.  I have watched her develop over the recruiting process and I am continually impressed with her ability to make her teammates better while increasing her impact on the game. We are excited to be adding her dynamic influence in possession to the Crusaders this fall.

Gountounas on Valpo: "Valpo felt right.  After visiting campus, spending time with the girls, talking to my counselor, teachers, coaches, family and friends, it just felt right. Coming to Valpo allows me to continue my goal of playing the sport I love, at the Division I level, in the challenging and competitive Horizon League, and at the same time getting my degree from a great and accredited University.”

Third signee Grace Rogers hails from Woodbury, Minn.  She was an all-conference selection her sophomore and senior seasons, and earned all-state honorable mention recognition as a senior. Rogers led her team to conference and sectional championships during her sophomore season.  Her highly regarded St. Croix club team won State Cup and MYSA league championships, as well as the Disney Showcase title, this past year.

Marovich on Rogers: “Grace is a natural central defender that reads the game very well.  Her composure while under pressure and ability to connect passes made her stand out in the recruiting process.  She brings a wealth of experience having played in top level club tournaments and her personality and toughness will continue the outstanding defensive traditions here at Valpo.  We look forward to her calming presence and ability in the in the air this fall season.”

Rogers on Valpo: “I chose Valpo because it had a good academic program in the major I’m interested in (Actuarial Science). The small size also creates a personable atmosphere.”

Jordon Tindell is the fourth and final signee for the 2014 class and comes to Valparaiso from Jacksonville, Fla.  She was a four-year varsity starter at Bishop Kenny H.S., helping lead her squad to the district title her freshman year, when she was named Rookie of the Year.  Tindell was team captain and MVP in each of her final two seasons. Tindell was also a four-year scholar-athlete while leading her Creeks Clash club team in the Region 3 Premier League, helping guide her club team to runner-up finishes in the Florida State Cup the past two seasons.

Marovich on Tindell: “Jordon has an attacking toughness that will enhance our offensive third of the field.  She possesses nice touch on the ball and can create opportunities for other coming out of the midfield.  Jordon also can bring a flank presence and ability to win the end line as a forward. We look forward to using these qualities in our 2014 squad.”

Tindell on Valpo: “I chose Valpo because it was the perfect size school, and really felt like a family-oriented program. It is also a nice change of scenery from Florida. Out of the colleges I visited, Valpo was the only one where I could see myself continuing my journey.”