Bemidji State University head soccer coach Jim Stone announced the commitments of 10 recruits for the 2018 season Feb. 7. Jessica Bartz (Chisago City, Minn.), Erin Becker (Andover, Minn.), Devin Breeggemann (Waconia, Minn.), Megan Dahl (Rosemount, Minn.), Megan French (Colgate, Wis.), Megan Majewski (Elgin, Ill.), Isabelle Morin (Bemidji, Minn.), Mackenzie Seim (Coon Rapids, Minn.), Anna Steadland (Andover, Minn.) and Sara Wendt (Arden Hills, Minn.) each signed National Letters of Intent to play soccer for the Beavers beginning next season.

The 2018 signing class is made up of three forwards, four midfielders and three defenders.

“This class is not only one of the deepest classes we’ve had, but it is also one of the most athletic and technical,” said Stone. “I don’t think there is a player we have signed today that isn’t athletic and that isn’t far enough along in her development as a player that she can’t challenge for minutes early.

“More so than any class we’ve ever signed, I think this class will create really great competition up and down the line up from day one.”

Bemidji State completed the 2017 campaign with an overall record of 15-1-4 and finished the regular season as one of four teams in the country with an unbeaten record (14-0-3). BSU finished second in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference with a 12-0-3 mark and made its ninth straight appearance in the NSIC Tournament. After a quarterfinal exit, BSU earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.

At the conclusion of the season, BSU made an unprecedented sweep of the NSIC individual awards and had seven members selected for All-NSIC honors. Rachael Norton was named Offensive Player of the Year, Miranda Famestad was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year, Catherine Arneson earned Goaltender of the Year, Allyson Smith got the Freshman of the Year nod and Jim Stone was named Coach of the Year. In addition, Anna Fobbe received the NSIC’s Elite 18 Award. The Beavers also earned eight all-region awards. Famestad, Norton and Dani Nelson were tabbed to the D2CAA All-Central Region Team, while Famestad, Norton, Arenson, and Allyson Smith were voted to the United Soccer Coaches’ organization’s All-Central Region Team. Famestad earned a spot on the 2017 Division II Conference Commissioners Association Women’s Soccer All-America Team, marking just the third Beaver to earn national honors, while Arneson was placed on the College Sports Information Directors of America College Division Academic All-America® First Team for her efforts on the field and in the classroom.

Stone and the Beavers will return seven primary starters for 2018 after losing Raquel Thelen, Famestad, Natalie Engel, Annika Kussow and Arneson to graduation. BSU returns eight of its top 10 scoring players, led by Norton, who paced the team in scoring (38 pts) with 14 goals, while newcomer Allyson Smith returns for her sophomore season after finishing second on the team in scoring (27 pts) and finished behind Norton with nine goals.

All signees are contingent upon admission to BSU and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Jessica Bartz (Defense/Midfield, 5-5; Chisaco City, Minn. / Chisago Lakes HS / North Metro Hurricanes)

An eight-time letterwinner at Chisago Lakes High School, is a three-sport athlete participating in gymnastics and track and field in addition to soccer… Earned four varsity letters on the Wildcats’ girl’s soccer team… Was named to the All-Mississippi Conference Honorable Mention team in 2016 and All-Mississippi in 2017… Earned her team’s hardest worker award in 2016… … A soccer captain in 2017, she led the Wildcats in scoring and assist as a senior… A four-year letter winner for CLHS track and field, Bartz was selected as the team’s rookie of the year in 2015 and was part of a school record in the 4×800-meter relay en route to All-Mississippi Conference accolades… As a member of the North Metro Hurricanes club program, was a part of a team that won a 2015 state title, a St. Croix Indoor League championship and USA Cup U15 semifinal appearance in 2015… Helped the Hurricanes to a league championship, a state championship (C1) and NSC Cup U16 C1 title in 2016… Was a club teammate of fellow signees Erin Becker, Mackenzie Seim and Anna Steadland.

Stone’s comments on Bartz: “I think Jessica personifies the hard work piece of our program. Every time we watched her she was going 110 miles per hour and she has that same work rate in the classroom. She just has a great engine. In addition, she brings a good challenge component to our program.”

Chisago Lakes High School Coach Wayne Kugel on Bartz: “We are absolutely thrilled to see Jessica go to Bemidji State! Her leadership, personal drive and athleticism will be missed at Chisago Lakes. She plays with a passion in all phases of the game. I can’t wait to see what great things Jessica will do at the next level.”

Personal: Jessica Darlene Bartz is the daughter of Nathan and Carol Ann Bartz… Born October 8, 1999… An eight-time academic all-conference honoree, a recipient of an Excel Award and the Minnesota Academic Excellence Award in 2016-17… Plans to major in pre-medicine with a minor in Spanish at Bemidji State.

Erin Becker (Forward, 5-8; Andover, Minn. / Andover HS / North Metro Hurricanes)

Becker comes to Bemidji State after a prep soccer career at Andover High School, where she participated in both soccer and track and field… A highly-decorated soccer player she has been an All-Northwest Suburban Conference honoree, has been named to the All-Metro First Team two times, All-State First Team and earned All-America honors… She recorded 26 goals and eight assists and led her team to a Section 7AA title and the Class 2A state semifinals… With the North Metro Hurricanes Club team, she was part of two state championships in 2015 and 2016 and a runner-up finish at Premier… Was a club teammate of fellow signee Jessica Bartz, Mackenzie Seim and Anna Steadland.

Stone’s comments on Becker: “She is everything we look for in a player. She has a great GPA, she will be one of the most athletic players in our league from day one, and she is good on the ball and finishes well and is a good teammate. She is the type of player you put on your board and pray, ‘I hope we are able to sign this kid,’ so we are blessed to have her here.”

Andover High School Coach Tracy Griess on Becker: “Erin Becker is a high quality student-athlete. On the field, her speed is uncanny and she has a knack for finding the back of the net from every sort of unfathomable angle. I am excited to see how she flourishes surrounded by the many talented players at Bemidji State.”

Personal: Erin Patricia Becker is the daughter of Rick and Jodi Becker… Born August 2, 2000… She has earned academic letters during each of her four years of high school, was selected academic all-state, earned an academic achievement scholarship and was a member of the National Honor Society in 2017 and 2018… Is undecided on her major field of study at BSU.

Devin Breeggemann (Midfield, 5-4; Waconia, Minn. / Waconia HS / Chaska Chan United)

Breeggemann comes to Bemidji State after helping Waconia High School to its first appearance in the Minnesota State High School Tournament in 2016… Earned All-Wright County Conference honors in 2016 and 2017… Was selected to the 2016 All-State team after posting the state’s third-highest assist total… Was voted as the Wildcats’ hardest worker and as the team’s Most Valuable Midfielder two times… Was a member of a Chaska Chan United club team.

Stone’s comments on Breeggemann: “Devin was a late find for us. She is one of those players who have come through our camp. A big reason we have our camp in place it to find a player like her. When she was at camp, she checked all the boxes: Work rate, technical, attitude and good on the ball. She will slide into the midfield somewhere, probably in an attacking role and probably has a chance to push for minutes early and keep moving our program forward.”

Waconia High School Coach Ivan Woyno on Breeggemann: “Devin Breeggemann embodies the term ‘team player.’ A tireless worker, her passion, dedication and work ethic are second-to-none. She positively impacts any match she is in, be it with her dribble or her defensive work. Beyond the field of soccer, she is a positive influence on those around her. She is always willing to help her teammates and she brings a contagious, competitive edge to practice and games.”

Personal: Devin Ann Breeggemann is the daughter of Pat and Lisa Breeggemann… Born July 26, 2000… Plans to major in environmental science at BSU.

Megan Dahl (Defense, 5-8; Rosemount, Minn. / Rosemount HS / Minnesota Thunder Academy)

A four-year soccer letter winner for Rosemount High School, Dahl was named to the all-tournament team following the 2015 and 2016 section championships and helped lead the Irish to the 2016 Minnesota State Tournament, where she was selected to the all-tournament team… As a senior, Dahl was selected to the All-South Suburban team and was voted as the Team MVP en route to All-State accolades… As a member of the Rev SC Academy from 2008-2017, Dahl was a part of teams that won a US Club Cup Soccer National Championship in 2015 and was a semifinalist at the 2016 Minnesota State Cup… A member of Minnesota Thunder Academy club program since 2017, she helped the team to a USA Cup runner-up finish last summer… Also traveled to Iceland and Sweden to complete in the Gothia Cup in 2016.

Stone’s comments on Dahl: “While nobody can replace Miranda [Famestad], I think Megan is a piece of that. She is so gifted in the air. She will bring a physical presence, but also has a really soft first touch, has good vision, can distribute well and can strike a ball. She is a big piece for us to be able to continue to play the way we were able to play with Miranda.”

Rosemount High School Coach Gretchen Stramel on Dahl: “Megan is a player with great vision and strength on the field. Megan’s ability to take the ball out of the air and find her teammates or the back of the net is unrivaled.”

Personal: Megan Bea Dahl was born January 18, 2000 to Jon and Sarah Dahl… Earned an academic letter, is a mentor for English language learners and a drug prevention leader… Is undecided in a major at BSU.

Megan French (midfield, 5-7; Colgate, Wis. / Germantown HS / Strike FC)

A member of the Germantown High School girl’s soccer team, French is a four-year letter winner for the Warhawks… A team captain in 2016 and 2017… Recorded her first prep goal as a freshman in a battle of state ranked teams, tipping the match in favor of Germantown High… Is a member of the Strike FC soccer club.

Stone’s comments on French: “She has some versatility to her game. I think she could play an attacking role, she could play a defensive holding mid role, or she could play as a center back, so she brings a diverse skill set. Like all of these players, I think she is technical and athletic and has the intangibles we look for. She has a positive personality, will be a good teammate and will care about the people around her.”

Germantown High School Coach Paul Sikinger on French: “Megan is the definition of a blue collar player. She will go the extra distance to see her teammates succeed while consistently putting herself in a position to be successful on and off the field. Megan signing today is an example of her work ethic the past four years. Megan is a great leader who will make a positive impact at Bemidji State next year.

Personal: Megan French was born June 13, 2000… Daughter of Russell and Christine French… Plans to major in nursing at BSU.

Megan Majewski (Defense, 5-5; Elgin, Ill. / Burlington Central HS / Campton United Soccer Club)

A four-year letterwinner at Burlington Central High School heading into the spring season of her senior year… A three-time team captain… Earned All-Kishwaukee River Conference accolades following her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons and was named all-area honorable mention in 2015, all-area in 2016, as well as all-section and all-Chicagoland to cap the 2017 season. As a junior she led her team in scoring and was selected as the team MVP… Has competed for the Campton United Soccer Club since 2009 where she helped lead her team to two state cup finals appearances, two regional appearances, a fourth place finish of the premier 1 Division in the Midwest Regional League in 2017, a third place finish in 2015 and multiple tournament titles, including the Walt Disney World Soccer Showcase Championship.

Stone’s comments on Majewski: “Megan was one of the first to commit to this class. She is also a player who could play in a few different positions. We see her as an outside back, but know she was an all-state forward for her high school team and scored 20 goals last year. She is good on the ball and can drive the ball distance. I think she has a really high work rate and has an intensity to her She will bring a professional attitude to training and to the game.”

Burlington Central High School Coach Jessica Arneson on Majewski: “Megan truly stepped up last year as a leader for her team. She leads by example, has a team first mentality and is reliable under pressure. I threw Megan into a position she was not familiar with last year and she took on the role head first with no questions asked. She became a crucial part of the team not only because of her versatility, but also her desire to reach for a goal and to take her team with her. I expect her to be just as much of an inspiration to her team for her senior year. The girls soccer program at Central High School will without a doubt miss her after she graduates, but we are extremely proud of her for continuing her soccer career at Bemidji State.

Personal: Megan Theresa Majewski was born Sept. 9, 1999… She is the daughter of Eric and Kristi Majewski… An honor student at BCHS and IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award recipient… Plans to study secondary education and history at BSU.

Isabelle Morin (Midfield, 5-6; Bemidji, Minn. / Bemidji HS / Bemidji Extreme)

A three-sport athlete at Bemidji High School, Morin has earned varsity letters in soccer, gymnastics and track and field… Earned All-Lakes to Prairie Conference honors in 2017 after scoring 16 goals and recording 10 assists… Led the Lumberjacks to a 2017 Section 8A title and trip to the Minnesota State Tournament… Scored a game-winning, overtime goal to clinch BHS a berth into the State Tournament… Has been a member of the Bemidji Extreme Soccer Club since 2009.

Stone’s comments on Morin: “I think Isabelle is a perfect example of how soccer has grown on a local level. She has the athletic ability, technical ability, drive and experience to come into a top 25 Division II program and challenge to make an impact at some point. I am certainly excited to have her join us. I coached Isabelle when she was nine or 10 years old, so I am really excited to see how she develops into our program.”

Bemidji High School Logan Larson on Morin: “Isabelle Morin’s style of play, which is punctuated by fearless physicality and composure during the most contentious competition, is the style of play that creates lasting memories. Memories like winning sections with a goal in sudden death, a hat trick in a 5-4 win, and many more.”

Personal: Isabelle Alice Morin was born October 24, 1999… Daughter of Craig and Eleanor Morin… A three-time academic letter winner and honors student has maintained a high school GPA of above 4.0… Plans to major in pre-physical therapy at BSU.

Mackenzie Seim (Defense, 5-6; Coon Rapids, Minn. / Blaine HS / North Metro Hurricanes)

A two-sport athlete at Blaine High School, Seim has won three letters in soccer and two as a member of the Bengals’ track and field team… She is a two-time all-conference honorable mention selection and won all-conference honors following her senior soccer season… A captain of the 2017 BHS soccer team… Helped the Bengals to three section finals and a section championship… Was voted as the recipient of her team’s leadership award and the Bengals’ Defensive MVP… As a member of the North Metro Hurricanes, helped the club to back-to-back state championships, a league title and four straight state qualifications.

Stone’s comments on Seim: “Mackenzie’s club team came here to play us and she was lights out. I think she really showed that she can play at this level and showed that she wants to be here. While she is right-footed, I think her left foot is as good as her right so she could play a left back position and give us the left foot we have not had in a while.”

Blaine High School Scott Zachman on Seim: “Kenzie is a fierce competitor. She’s determined on and off the field. Kenzie will represent the Bemidji State Soccer program with class and integrity. One of our most consistent players the past few years.”

Personal: Mackenzie Paige Seim was born June 9, 2000… Daughter of Gordon and Sandra Seim… A four-time winner of spotlight on scholarship… Is undecided on a major field of study at BSU.

Anna Steadland (Forward, 5-3; Andover, Minn. / Andover HS / North Metro Hurricanes)

Steadland comes to Bemidji State after a prep career at Andover High School… A five-time letter winner, she has been a three-year participant on the AHS girl’s soccer team… A two-time All-Northwest Suburban Conference honorable mention pick… She helped guide the Huskies to a 2016 conference title, Section 7AA championship and trip to the state tournament on a game-winning goal in sudden death… Repeated as Section champions in 2017… Was a member of the North Metro Hurricanes club team… Led the team to a 27-2-2 record in 2016 en route to a NSC Cup title and league championship… The Hurricanes won a MYSA State championship in 2017 and earned first place at the College Search Kick-off Tournament.

Stone’s comments on Steadland: “Anna was the first to commit to this class, which I think speaks volumes about her as a person, that she was able to take a step forward when nobody else had. Anna came to our camp and made an impression with her compete level and work rate. She has a great engine. She has a positive personality. You know she will also give her best. She has some God-given speed that can’t be coached. She is extremely quick and I don’t think she has reached her potential as a player. I think she has enormous potential and wants to be at Bemidji State.”

Andover High School Coach Tracy Griess on Steadland: “Anna Steadland is quick, speedy and relentless on the field. Her work rate is second-to-none and her focus on the field is intense. She flies up the wing on a regular basis and is always scoping out the place to be in the middle of the box. It will be exciting to see her develop with her teammates at Bemidji State.”

Personal: Anna Colleen Steadland is the daughter of Kevin and Erin Steadland… Born August 5, 1999… Plans to major in business administration at BSU.

Sara Wendt (Forward, 5-10; Arden Hills, Minn. / Mounds View HS / White Bear Royals)

A three-sport athlete at Mounds View High School… Participated in soccer, basketball and golf for the Mustangs… A two-time captain of the MVHS golf team, she helped her team to the 2016 state tournament and is a two-time All-Suburban East Conference selection… A 2017-18 captain of the Mustangs’ girls basketball team, she became the 10th player in school history to earn a spot in the 1,000-point club and was a 2016-17 all-conference pick… Helped the Mounds View girl’s soccer team to a section final… Also a member of the White Bear Royals club, she led the team to a 26-8-9 record, netting 11 goals and six assists in 2017… Propelled her club team to a North C1 Division Championship, All-American Cup final, Puma Cup Champions Cup runner –up finish, USA Cup semi-final appearance and an appearance in the state cup.

Stone’s comments on Wendt: “Another really athletic player who can play different positions from forward to attacking mid and maybe even play in the back. She is really good in the air. She also has a great personality. I think she will being a lot of intangibles to the field and could challenge early for playing time.”

Mounds View High School Coach Katelyn Fast on Wendt: “Sara has been a joy to coach in the Mounds View Girl’s Soccer program and brings a competitive level and work ethic into every game and training session. She has an internal drive and motivation that will continue to bring her far in life and future endeavors academically, professionally and athletically. We will miss Sara’s spirit and presence on the field next year and can’t wait to continue to support her successes next year at Bemidji State.”

Personal: Sara Langlie Wendt was born October 27, 1999… Daughter of Jeff Wendt and Shelly Langlie… An 11-time academic letter winner and member of the National Honor Society… Plans to major in pre-physical therapy at BSU.

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Nestled in Northern Minnesota’s wooded region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).