Eastern Michigan Athletics
Soccer Announces 2021 Signing Class
11/16/2020 3:00:00 PM | Soccer
The nine signees will join EMU for the 2021 fall season
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - Eastern Michigan University Head Soccer Coach Scott Hall announced nine student-athletes have signed their National Letters of Intent to join the Eastern Michigan soccer program today, Nov. 16.
The nine-player class is the largest signing group for Hall and assistant coach Joe Malachino since 2017, when 10 student-athletes were inked. Covering four states and one province over two countries, the signing class features the program's first-ever player from the state of Minnesota.
"We could not be happier with this large group of incoming student-athletes," began Hall. "They not only fill the void of graduating players on the field, but in the classroom as well. We are bringing in high-character competitors on the field who are also very motivated students with high expectations in the classroom, and we could not be more excited to have them as part of our program."
The nine signees are: Sophia D'Ambra (Glen Ellyn, Ill.-Glenbard South), KJ Hudson (Delaware, Ohio-Delaware Hayes), Jamie Lefebvre (London, Ontario-A.B. Lucas Secondary), Meagan Lukowski (Bay City, Mich.-Bay City Western), Emilia McGiffert (Duluth, Minn.-Marshall School), Maddie O'Farrell (Haslett, Mich.-Lansing Catholic), Chloe Rajewski (Midland, Mich.-Midland), Ashley Schneider (Johnstown, Ohio-Johnstown Monroe), and Tess Williams (Okemos, Mich.-Okemos).
Sophia D'Ambra MF/F 5-7 Glen Ellyn, Ill.-Glenbard South
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Played two seasons for Sockers FC Chicago as part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy team...Went undefeated in conference play for the 2019-20 season...Previously played for Chicago Inferno and later Eclipses Select...Also lettered in volleyball and track and field for the Raiders...PERSONAL: Full Name: Sophia Letitia D'Ambra...Daughter of Billy and Tish D'Ambra...Has two brothers, Nick and Dominic...Nick plays Division I football at Western Illinois University...Major: Business.
Scott Hall Quote: "Sophia is your prototype MAC player. She is strong and composed on the ball and has a drive to compete. In the attack, she creates chances and in defense she is physical and can shut teams down, making her a great two-way player. Sophia also adds to our legacy of Chicago players."
KJ Hudson GK 5-7 Delaware, Ohio-Delaware Hayes
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year soccer letterwinner for Coach Bradd Smiley at Delaware Hayes High School...2020 Ohio Capital Conference champion...First Team All-Conference selection...Second Team All-District honoree...Compiled over 50 saves, a 1.0 goals against average, and four shutouts during her time as a Pacer...Went undefeated in the OCC during her senior season...Also played 10 seasons for Warren County Soccer Academy...Two-time Ohio South Olympic Development Program State Team selection (2016, 2018)...Region 2 ODP team member in 2018 and 2019...ODP National Team player in 2020...PERSONAL: Full Name: Kennedy Justine Hudson...Daughter of Brian and Brandi Hudson...Major: Undecided.
Scott Hall Quote: "KJ is a very dynamic goalkeeper who continues to get better every day. Her drive and personality are infectious. She has an incredibly high passion for the game, and great physical and mental tools that will make her a legit competitor at the Division I level."
Jamie Lefebvre F 5-4 London, Ontario-A.B. Lucas Secondary
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association AAA Conference champion...Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations AAA finalist...Is an identified High Performance Player for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy...Three-time Whitecaps FC Player of the Month...2018 and 2019 Ontario Provincial Team trials finalist...Two-time Ontario Cup finalist...2017 Ontario Regional champion...Five-time Western Region Soccer League champion...Also competed as a member of the Ontario Gymnastics Provincial Team in 2015 and 2016...Member of the Eastern Canadian Gymnastics Championship team in 2016...PERSONAL: Full Name: Jamie Marie Lefebvre...Daughter of Benny and Marcia Lefebvre...Has two brothers, Josh and Drew...Major: Psychology.
Scott Hall Quote: "Our only Canadian this signing class, Jamie brings pace and athleticism to our front line. Her pace allows her to unbalance defenses, which ultimately leads to her creating chances for her teammates and scoring goals."
Meagan Lukowski F 5-8 Bay City, Mich.-Bay City Western
EMU: Joins EMU for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year soccer letterwinner for Coach Brian Scherzer at Bay City Western High School...All-Saginaw Valley League First Team selection in 2018 and 2019...All-District selection in 2019...Led the Warriors in goals scored for both the 2018 and 2019 seasons...Also a three-time basketball letterwinner for Bay City Western...Competed for Tri-County Nationals Soccer for four seasons...PERSONAL: Full Name: Meagan Nicole Lukowski...Daughter of Scott and Tracy Lukowski...Has one sister, Kylie...Major: Business.
Scott Hall Quote: "Meagan has a knack for putting herself in the right place to score. She is an attacking player who can slash through defenses, and is strong and powerful with the ball."
Emilia McGiffert MF 5-5 Duluth, Minn.-Marshall School
EMU: Becomes the first EMU soccer player from the state of Minnesota...Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year soccer letterwinner for Coach Nic Bacigalupo at Marshall School...Team captain for one season...Aided the Toppers to an 11-1-0 record in her senior season, amassing 14 points in that span...Sectional and Conference champion...State tournament participant...Named First Team All-Conference...12 year veteran of Gitchi Gummi Soccer Club...Olympic Development Program State Team member in 2018 and 2019...ODP Midwest Team selection in 2019...Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Award of Achievement recipient in 2019...Selected to and attended West Ham's (London, England) National and International Academy from 2015-18...Also earned eight additional letters in ice hockey and track and field...Was the team captain for both the hockey and track teams during her final seasons...All-Conference honoree in track...Section finalist in the 800 and 1,600...Hockey section finalist...PERSONAL: Full Name: Emilia Ann McGiffert...Daughter of Wells and Krsity McGiffert...Has two sisters, Bianca and Giulia...Major: Pre-pharmacy.
Scott Hall Quote: "What stood out to us immediately about Emilia was her flexibility to play multiple positions. She is quick, feisty, and composed on the ball. She has a great soccer IQ and drive to get better."
Maddie O'Farrell MF/F 5-6 Haslett, Mich.-Lansing Catholic
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Two-time soccer letterwinner for Coach Bill Pettit at Lansing Catholic High School...Two-time Capital Area Activities Conference White League champion (2018, 2019)...2018 Division 3 All-Area selection...2019 Division 3 Second Team All-State honoree...Named to the Lansing State Journal Dream Team in 2019...Also played basketball for the Cougars...Played 10 seasons for TNT Dynamite and Cap City '03 Girls Grey...Olympic Development Program State Team member in 2017 and 2018...ODP Regional Team pool player in 2018...National League First Division White champion in 2018...2019 State Cup quarterfinalist and 2020 State Cup finalist...PERSONAL: Full Name: Madeline Grace O'Farrell...Daughter of Michael O'Farrell and Ivana Marinig...Has one brother, Ethan...Major: Undecided.
Scott Hall Quote: "Like Sophia, Maddie is another prototype MAC player. She is athletic and very competitive. She has the ability to play in a lot of positions, with skills to score and create goals but also the drive to make an opponent crazy with her two-way play."
Chloe Rajewski MF 5-7 Midland, Mich.-Midland
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Two-time soccer letterwinner for Coach Rico Barassi at Midland High School...Two-time District Champion for the Chemics...Saginaw Valley League champion, Regional champion, and state quarterfinalist in 2018...Twice named All-District (2018, 2019)...All-Region and All-State Honorable Mention honoree in 2019...PERSONAL: Full Name: Chloe Ann Rajewski...Daughter of Dan and Wendy Rajewski...Has one sister, Riley, who plays soccer at Northwood University...Major: Undecided.
Scott Hall Quote: "What Chloe lacks in size she more than makes up for in bite with her effort. She is a a box-to-box midfielder who is comfortable with the ball, and has no problem creating opportunities off the dribble."
Ashley Schneider D/MF 5-5 Johnstown, Ohio-Johnstown Monroe
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year soccer letterwinner for Johnstown Monroe High School for Coach Travis Brooks...Two-time team captain...First Team Licking County League selection...Nine year veteran of Freedom Soccer Club...2019 Region 2 Olympic Development Program team member...ODP National Team player in 2020...Also played basketball and earned honorable mention honors...PERSONAL: Full Name: Ashley Nicole Schneider...Daughter of Conan and Amy Schneider...Has two brothers and two sisters...Major: Undecided.
Scott Hall Quote: "Ashley is a physical defender and midfielder who is very comfortable with the ball. She is very competitive and also a two-way player, which is always needed in this league."
Tess Williams D 5-6 Okemos, Mich.-Okemos
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Two-time soccer letterwinner at Okemos High School for Coach Darus Ward...District champion and two-time Capital Area Activities Conference Blue Division champion...All-District and All-Conference selection...Division 1 All-Area honoree...Also named to the All-Academic team...Midwest Regional finalist and competed at the National Championship tournament in futsal...Played club soccer for Cap City Athletic and Michigan Jaguars...National League champion and State Cup finalist as a member of the Athletic...Mid-American Division Development Academy League champion and Girls DA Cup qualifier with the Jaguars...PERSONAL: Full Name: Tess Meredith Williams...Daughter of Sean and Molly Williams...Has one sister, Mari...Major: Pre-dentistry.
Scott Hall Quote: "Tess impressed us with her great attitude, work ethic and constant willingness to find ways to improve. She will add depth to our back four and we know she'll grow to be a complete defender."
Due to COVID-19, the normally-fall soccer season has been pushed to the spring of 2021. For updates on all things soccer, continue to check EMUEagles.com, or follow the team on twitter, @EMUSoccer.
The nine-player class is the largest signing group for Hall and assistant coach Joe Malachino since 2017, when 10 student-athletes were inked. Covering four states and one province over two countries, the signing class features the program's first-ever player from the state of Minnesota.
"We could not be happier with this large group of incoming student-athletes," began Hall. "They not only fill the void of graduating players on the field, but in the classroom as well. We are bringing in high-character competitors on the field who are also very motivated students with high expectations in the classroom, and we could not be more excited to have them as part of our program."
The nine signees are: Sophia D'Ambra (Glen Ellyn, Ill.-Glenbard South), KJ Hudson (Delaware, Ohio-Delaware Hayes), Jamie Lefebvre (London, Ontario-A.B. Lucas Secondary), Meagan Lukowski (Bay City, Mich.-Bay City Western), Emilia McGiffert (Duluth, Minn.-Marshall School), Maddie O'Farrell (Haslett, Mich.-Lansing Catholic), Chloe Rajewski (Midland, Mich.-Midland), Ashley Schneider (Johnstown, Ohio-Johnstown Monroe), and Tess Williams (Okemos, Mich.-Okemos).
Sophia D'Ambra MF/F 5-7 Glen Ellyn, Ill.-Glenbard South
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Played two seasons for Sockers FC Chicago as part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy team...Went undefeated in conference play for the 2019-20 season...Previously played for Chicago Inferno and later Eclipses Select...Also lettered in volleyball and track and field for the Raiders...PERSONAL: Full Name: Sophia Letitia D'Ambra...Daughter of Billy and Tish D'Ambra...Has two brothers, Nick and Dominic...Nick plays Division I football at Western Illinois University...Major: Business.
Scott Hall Quote: "Sophia is your prototype MAC player. She is strong and composed on the ball and has a drive to compete. In the attack, she creates chances and in defense she is physical and can shut teams down, making her a great two-way player. Sophia also adds to our legacy of Chicago players."
KJ Hudson GK 5-7 Delaware, Ohio-Delaware Hayes
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year soccer letterwinner for Coach Bradd Smiley at Delaware Hayes High School...2020 Ohio Capital Conference champion...First Team All-Conference selection...Second Team All-District honoree...Compiled over 50 saves, a 1.0 goals against average, and four shutouts during her time as a Pacer...Went undefeated in the OCC during her senior season...Also played 10 seasons for Warren County Soccer Academy...Two-time Ohio South Olympic Development Program State Team selection (2016, 2018)...Region 2 ODP team member in 2018 and 2019...ODP National Team player in 2020...PERSONAL: Full Name: Kennedy Justine Hudson...Daughter of Brian and Brandi Hudson...Major: Undecided.
Scott Hall Quote: "KJ is a very dynamic goalkeeper who continues to get better every day. Her drive and personality are infectious. She has an incredibly high passion for the game, and great physical and mental tools that will make her a legit competitor at the Division I level."
Jamie Lefebvre F 5-4 London, Ontario-A.B. Lucas Secondary
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association AAA Conference champion...Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations AAA finalist...Is an identified High Performance Player for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy...Three-time Whitecaps FC Player of the Month...2018 and 2019 Ontario Provincial Team trials finalist...Two-time Ontario Cup finalist...2017 Ontario Regional champion...Five-time Western Region Soccer League champion...Also competed as a member of the Ontario Gymnastics Provincial Team in 2015 and 2016...Member of the Eastern Canadian Gymnastics Championship team in 2016...PERSONAL: Full Name: Jamie Marie Lefebvre...Daughter of Benny and Marcia Lefebvre...Has two brothers, Josh and Drew...Major: Psychology.
Scott Hall Quote: "Our only Canadian this signing class, Jamie brings pace and athleticism to our front line. Her pace allows her to unbalance defenses, which ultimately leads to her creating chances for her teammates and scoring goals."
Meagan Lukowski F 5-8 Bay City, Mich.-Bay City Western
EMU: Joins EMU for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year soccer letterwinner for Coach Brian Scherzer at Bay City Western High School...All-Saginaw Valley League First Team selection in 2018 and 2019...All-District selection in 2019...Led the Warriors in goals scored for both the 2018 and 2019 seasons...Also a three-time basketball letterwinner for Bay City Western...Competed for Tri-County Nationals Soccer for four seasons...PERSONAL: Full Name: Meagan Nicole Lukowski...Daughter of Scott and Tracy Lukowski...Has one sister, Kylie...Major: Business.
Scott Hall Quote: "Meagan has a knack for putting herself in the right place to score. She is an attacking player who can slash through defenses, and is strong and powerful with the ball."
Emilia McGiffert MF 5-5 Duluth, Minn.-Marshall School
EMU: Becomes the first EMU soccer player from the state of Minnesota...Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year soccer letterwinner for Coach Nic Bacigalupo at Marshall School...Team captain for one season...Aided the Toppers to an 11-1-0 record in her senior season, amassing 14 points in that span...Sectional and Conference champion...State tournament participant...Named First Team All-Conference...12 year veteran of Gitchi Gummi Soccer Club...Olympic Development Program State Team member in 2018 and 2019...ODP Midwest Team selection in 2019...Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Award of Achievement recipient in 2019...Selected to and attended West Ham's (London, England) National and International Academy from 2015-18...Also earned eight additional letters in ice hockey and track and field...Was the team captain for both the hockey and track teams during her final seasons...All-Conference honoree in track...Section finalist in the 800 and 1,600...Hockey section finalist...PERSONAL: Full Name: Emilia Ann McGiffert...Daughter of Wells and Krsity McGiffert...Has two sisters, Bianca and Giulia...Major: Pre-pharmacy.
Scott Hall Quote: "What stood out to us immediately about Emilia was her flexibility to play multiple positions. She is quick, feisty, and composed on the ball. She has a great soccer IQ and drive to get better."
Maddie O'Farrell MF/F 5-6 Haslett, Mich.-Lansing Catholic
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Two-time soccer letterwinner for Coach Bill Pettit at Lansing Catholic High School...Two-time Capital Area Activities Conference White League champion (2018, 2019)...2018 Division 3 All-Area selection...2019 Division 3 Second Team All-State honoree...Named to the Lansing State Journal Dream Team in 2019...Also played basketball for the Cougars...Played 10 seasons for TNT Dynamite and Cap City '03 Girls Grey...Olympic Development Program State Team member in 2017 and 2018...ODP Regional Team pool player in 2018...National League First Division White champion in 2018...2019 State Cup quarterfinalist and 2020 State Cup finalist...PERSONAL: Full Name: Madeline Grace O'Farrell...Daughter of Michael O'Farrell and Ivana Marinig...Has one brother, Ethan...Major: Undecided.
Scott Hall Quote: "Like Sophia, Maddie is another prototype MAC player. She is athletic and very competitive. She has the ability to play in a lot of positions, with skills to score and create goals but also the drive to make an opponent crazy with her two-way play."
Chloe Rajewski MF 5-7 Midland, Mich.-Midland
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Two-time soccer letterwinner for Coach Rico Barassi at Midland High School...Two-time District Champion for the Chemics...Saginaw Valley League champion, Regional champion, and state quarterfinalist in 2018...Twice named All-District (2018, 2019)...All-Region and All-State Honorable Mention honoree in 2019...PERSONAL: Full Name: Chloe Ann Rajewski...Daughter of Dan and Wendy Rajewski...Has one sister, Riley, who plays soccer at Northwood University...Major: Undecided.
Scott Hall Quote: "What Chloe lacks in size she more than makes up for in bite with her effort. She is a a box-to-box midfielder who is comfortable with the ball, and has no problem creating opportunities off the dribble."
Ashley Schneider D/MF 5-5 Johnstown, Ohio-Johnstown Monroe
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year soccer letterwinner for Johnstown Monroe High School for Coach Travis Brooks...Two-time team captain...First Team Licking County League selection...Nine year veteran of Freedom Soccer Club...2019 Region 2 Olympic Development Program team member...ODP National Team player in 2020...Also played basketball and earned honorable mention honors...PERSONAL: Full Name: Ashley Nicole Schneider...Daughter of Conan and Amy Schneider...Has two brothers and two sisters...Major: Undecided.
Scott Hall Quote: "Ashley is a physical defender and midfielder who is very comfortable with the ball. She is very competitive and also a two-way player, which is always needed in this league."
Tess Williams D 5-6 Okemos, Mich.-Okemos
EMU: Joins Eastern Michigan for the 2021 season...HIGH SCHOOL: Two-time soccer letterwinner at Okemos High School for Coach Darus Ward...District champion and two-time Capital Area Activities Conference Blue Division champion...All-District and All-Conference selection...Division 1 All-Area honoree...Also named to the All-Academic team...Midwest Regional finalist and competed at the National Championship tournament in futsal...Played club soccer for Cap City Athletic and Michigan Jaguars...National League champion and State Cup finalist as a member of the Athletic...Mid-American Division Development Academy League champion and Girls DA Cup qualifier with the Jaguars...PERSONAL: Full Name: Tess Meredith Williams...Daughter of Sean and Molly Williams...Has one sister, Mari...Major: Pre-dentistry.
Scott Hall Quote: "Tess impressed us with her great attitude, work ethic and constant willingness to find ways to improve. She will add depth to our back four and we know she'll grow to be a complete defender."
Due to COVID-19, the normally-fall soccer season has been pushed to the spring of 2021. For updates on all things soccer, continue to check EMUEagles.com, or follow the team on twitter, @EMUSoccer.
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