The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Women’s Soccer Debuts Talented Newcomer Class
August 14 | Women's Soccer
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron women's soccer squad under the leadership of second-year head coach Jen Simonetti, has added a talented 13-member newcomer class that will hit the pitch for the Zips during the 2023 campaign.
Donning the Akron uniform this fall will be Sara Bower (Cincinnati, Ohio), Kiana Harsh (Waterville, Ohio), Olivia Heskett (Lewis Center, Ohio), Lucia Johnson (Cincinnati, Ohio), Sophie Kirsten (South Elgin, Ill.), Abby Koly (Avon, Ohio), Hannah Langstaff (Washington, Ill.), Jordanne Oberhaus (Wadsworth, Ohio), Kylie Schiemann (Geneva, Ohio), Anna Simmons (Manassas, Va.), Karlie Sugar (Medina, Ohio), Emalee Szablewski (Lancaster, N.Y.) and Rachel Wenzel (Akron, Ohio).
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Bower, a goalkeeper, comes to Akron after playing her senior season for GA Club Team. Additionally, she competed for three seasons at Saint Ursula Academy.
Simonetti on Bower – "Sara is an awesome addition to our goalkeeping. She has strong hands and holds the ball well, communicates and organizes the team in front of her, and can play out of the back with her feet like a midfielder. She is brave off her line and has quick reactions as well."
A native of Waterville, Ohio, Harsh, a midfielder, arrives at Akron having gained valuable playing experience with her Michigan Hawks ECNL and Pacesetter club teams. She played her senior campaign at Anthony Wayne High School and led squad to regional finals in 2022 after competing for six seasons with Michigan Hawks ECNL. A second-team all-state, first-team all-district and first-team all-conference honoree as a senior she was selected to compete in NWOSSCA Senior All-District and NLL vs. TRAC Senior All-Star games.
Simonetti on Harsh – "Kiana is an athletic defender who uses her body well to win possession of the ball. She connects well with teammates and holds down the middle of the field defensively."
A native of Lewis Center, Ohio, Heskett, a forward, comes to Akron after a decorated four-year career at Olentangy Lewis Center High School where she helped her squad to a state runner-up finish in 2020. A two-time all-conference selection, she registered 15 goals and 14 assists as a senior. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience with Ohio Premier ECNL club team.
Simonetti on Heskett – " Olivia is a tall athletic forward with good top speed and a quick release powerful shot. She knows how to hold up the ball and get in behind so she has some versatility to how we can use her in our system."
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Johnson, midfielder/forward, arrives at Akron followed a stellar four-year letterwinner at Turpin High School where she was a two-time all-conference and all-region performer. She registered 14 career goals and 15 assists, including 11 goals and 10 assists as a senior. A two-time All-Cincinnati first-team honoree, she was selected to participate in All-Southwest Ohio Senior All-Star Game in 2022. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience with Internationals SC club team.
Simonetti on Johnson – "Lucia is a fitness fanatic with great athleticism and strength and technical creativity to go with it. She can break players down with her first touch, split lines on passes, and score goals."
A native of South Elgin, Ill., Kirsten, a midfielder, comes to Akron after a decorated four-year career at St. Charles North High School where she helped her squad to a conference and regional title as a junior. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience with Eclipse SC ECNL club team.
Simonetti on Kirsten – "Sophie is a technical and athletic midfielder who defends hard, but with composure, likes to keep the ball, and loves to be involved in the attack."
A native of Avon, Ohio, Koly, a forward, arrives at Akron from Bowling Green where she appeared in 17 games a season ago en route to registering five points on two goals and an assist. A four-year varsity team member at Avon Lake High School, she helped the Eagles to the Southwest Conference championship and a regional finals appearance in 2021. A year earlier, her team went to the Elite 8 in 2020. A team captain, she earned multiple all-conference and All-Greater Cleveland honors. Additionally, she garnered call-up to Puerto Rican Women's National Team as well as U-20 national squad and gained valuable playing experience with Cleveland Force SC.
Simonetti on Koly – "Abby is a strong technical midfielder who sees the game well and has a great work ethic."
A native of Washington, Ill., Langstaff, a defender comes to Akron gained valuable playing experience with Sockers FC club team.
Simonetti on Langstaff – "Hannah is an incredibly fit defender who is strong 1v1 and who loves to get involved in the attack. She has a great soccer brain and communicates well."
A native of Wadsworth, Ohio, Oberhaus, a defender, arrives at Akron after competing her final two campaigns for nationally recognized Internationals Soccer Club ECNL program with teammate Karlie Sugar. A two-year letterwinner at Highland High School, she led squad to conference title as a sophomore on the strength of earning second-team all-league accolades.
Simonetti on Oberhaus – "Jo has a great soccer background that demonstrates a strong technical base, great field awareness, and awesome 1v1 defending skills. Her athleticism allows her to cover ground and get involved on both sides of the ball."
A native of Geneva, Ohio, Schiemann, a forward, comes to Akron from Valparaiso, where she appeared in five matches a season ago en route to tallying three shots on the season, two of which were on goal. A four-year letterwinner at Geneva High School, she was named conference MVP as a senior, while tabbed as County Player of the Year as a junior. A three-time First-Team All-Conference choice and member of the All-Greater Cleveland team in each of her final three campaigns she scored 75 goals over the course of her career. A two-time team MVP, she helped team to conference title in 2019. Played club soccer most recently for Cleveland Force (MRL, DA, ECNL) as well as for Croatia Juniors side in the WPSL in summer of 2021. Member of Ohio ODP.
Simonetti on Schiemann – "Kylie has a great attitude and mentality to compete, she's good in tight spaces, and is dangerous with service into the box. She's also excellent in her ability and willingness to press."
A native of Manassas, Va., Simmons, a midfielder, arrives at Akron following a stellar four-year career at Anna High School where she helped her squad to State and Regional titles as a senior with a 21-1-1 record as well as capturing district crowns in each of her final three seasons. A team captain, she earned Second-Team All-State and All-Regional accolades as a senior and garnered all-district laurels in each of her last three seasons. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience with the Virginia Development Academy.
Simonetti on Simmons – " Anna is a technically savvy midfielder that possesses good awareness to help create scoring chances and combine with teammates."
A native of Medina, Ohio, Sugar, a defender comes to Akron after a decorated four-year career at Medina High School where she helped her squad advance to state semifinals as a freshman in 2019. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience competing for nationally recognized Internationals Soccer Club ECNL program with teammate Jordanne Oberhaus.
Simonetti on Sugar – " Karlie is a smart center back that organizes her team in front of her very well. She is extremely strong on and off the ball, builds out of the back well, challenges in the air and supports her team with proactive movement."
A native of Lancaster, N.Y., Szablewski, a forward, arrives at Akron following a four-year career at St. Mary's High School where she helped her squad to Monsignor Martin titles as a freshman and junior as well as a state runner-up finish in 2021. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience with Western New York Flash club team.
Simonetti on Szablewski – "Emalee is a strong hold up center forward that can turn or dish to teammates, has a dangerous shot from anywhere, and can connect with teammates to create scoring opportunities."
A native of Akron, Ohio, Wenzel, a forward, comes to Akron after a decorated four-year career at Ellet High School where she helped her squad to four city titles on the strength of 135 career goals and 98 assists. She garnered all-district accolades as a senior, while earning all-city laurels each of her four seasons.
Simonetti on Wenzel – "Rachel is a strong, tough and technical workhorse who knows where to be and puts the ball in the back of the net. We are super excited to see her excel on the field but also grow in our program."
2023 Akron Women's Soccer Signing Class
Sara Bower, goalkeeper, Cincinnati, Ohio (St. Ursula Academy)
Kiana Harsh, midfielder, Waterville, Ohio (Anthony Wayne)
Olivia Heskett, forward, Lewis Center, Ohio (Olentangy)
Lucia Johnson, midfielder/forward, Cincinnati, Ohio (Turpin)
Sophie Kirsten, midfielder, South Elgin, Ill. (St. Charles North)
Abby Koly, forward, Avon Lake, Ohio (Avon/Bowling Green)
Hannah Langstaff, defender, Washington, Ill. (James Madison)
Jordanne Oberhaus, defender, Wadsworth, Ohio (Highland)
Kylie Schiemann, forward, Geneva, Ohio (Geneva/Valparaiso)
Anna Simmons, midfielder, Manassas, Va. (Charles J. Colgan)
Karlie Sugar, defender, Medina, Ohio (Medina)
Emalee Szablewski, forward, Lancaster, N.Y. (St. Mary's)
Rachel Wenzel, forward, Akron, Ohio (Ellet)
Donning the Akron uniform this fall will be Sara Bower (Cincinnati, Ohio), Kiana Harsh (Waterville, Ohio), Olivia Heskett (Lewis Center, Ohio), Lucia Johnson (Cincinnati, Ohio), Sophie Kirsten (South Elgin, Ill.), Abby Koly (Avon, Ohio), Hannah Langstaff (Washington, Ill.), Jordanne Oberhaus (Wadsworth, Ohio), Kylie Schiemann (Geneva, Ohio), Anna Simmons (Manassas, Va.), Karlie Sugar (Medina, Ohio), Emalee Szablewski (Lancaster, N.Y.) and Rachel Wenzel (Akron, Ohio).
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Bower, a goalkeeper, comes to Akron after playing her senior season for GA Club Team. Additionally, she competed for three seasons at Saint Ursula Academy.
Simonetti on Bower – "Sara is an awesome addition to our goalkeeping. She has strong hands and holds the ball well, communicates and organizes the team in front of her, and can play out of the back with her feet like a midfielder. She is brave off her line and has quick reactions as well."
A native of Waterville, Ohio, Harsh, a midfielder, arrives at Akron having gained valuable playing experience with her Michigan Hawks ECNL and Pacesetter club teams. She played her senior campaign at Anthony Wayne High School and led squad to regional finals in 2022 after competing for six seasons with Michigan Hawks ECNL. A second-team all-state, first-team all-district and first-team all-conference honoree as a senior she was selected to compete in NWOSSCA Senior All-District and NLL vs. TRAC Senior All-Star games.
Simonetti on Harsh – "Kiana is an athletic defender who uses her body well to win possession of the ball. She connects well with teammates and holds down the middle of the field defensively."
A native of Lewis Center, Ohio, Heskett, a forward, comes to Akron after a decorated four-year career at Olentangy Lewis Center High School where she helped her squad to a state runner-up finish in 2020. A two-time all-conference selection, she registered 15 goals and 14 assists as a senior. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience with Ohio Premier ECNL club team.
Simonetti on Heskett – " Olivia is a tall athletic forward with good top speed and a quick release powerful shot. She knows how to hold up the ball and get in behind so she has some versatility to how we can use her in our system."
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Johnson, midfielder/forward, arrives at Akron followed a stellar four-year letterwinner at Turpin High School where she was a two-time all-conference and all-region performer. She registered 14 career goals and 15 assists, including 11 goals and 10 assists as a senior. A two-time All-Cincinnati first-team honoree, she was selected to participate in All-Southwest Ohio Senior All-Star Game in 2022. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience with Internationals SC club team.
Simonetti on Johnson – "Lucia is a fitness fanatic with great athleticism and strength and technical creativity to go with it. She can break players down with her first touch, split lines on passes, and score goals."
A native of South Elgin, Ill., Kirsten, a midfielder, comes to Akron after a decorated four-year career at St. Charles North High School where she helped her squad to a conference and regional title as a junior. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience with Eclipse SC ECNL club team.
Simonetti on Kirsten – "Sophie is a technical and athletic midfielder who defends hard, but with composure, likes to keep the ball, and loves to be involved in the attack."
A native of Avon, Ohio, Koly, a forward, arrives at Akron from Bowling Green where she appeared in 17 games a season ago en route to registering five points on two goals and an assist. A four-year varsity team member at Avon Lake High School, she helped the Eagles to the Southwest Conference championship and a regional finals appearance in 2021. A year earlier, her team went to the Elite 8 in 2020. A team captain, she earned multiple all-conference and All-Greater Cleveland honors. Additionally, she garnered call-up to Puerto Rican Women's National Team as well as U-20 national squad and gained valuable playing experience with Cleveland Force SC.
Simonetti on Koly – "Abby is a strong technical midfielder who sees the game well and has a great work ethic."
A native of Washington, Ill., Langstaff, a defender comes to Akron gained valuable playing experience with Sockers FC club team.
Simonetti on Langstaff – "Hannah is an incredibly fit defender who is strong 1v1 and who loves to get involved in the attack. She has a great soccer brain and communicates well."
A native of Wadsworth, Ohio, Oberhaus, a defender, arrives at Akron after competing her final two campaigns for nationally recognized Internationals Soccer Club ECNL program with teammate Karlie Sugar. A two-year letterwinner at Highland High School, she led squad to conference title as a sophomore on the strength of earning second-team all-league accolades.
Simonetti on Oberhaus – "Jo has a great soccer background that demonstrates a strong technical base, great field awareness, and awesome 1v1 defending skills. Her athleticism allows her to cover ground and get involved on both sides of the ball."
A native of Geneva, Ohio, Schiemann, a forward, comes to Akron from Valparaiso, where she appeared in five matches a season ago en route to tallying three shots on the season, two of which were on goal. A four-year letterwinner at Geneva High School, she was named conference MVP as a senior, while tabbed as County Player of the Year as a junior. A three-time First-Team All-Conference choice and member of the All-Greater Cleveland team in each of her final three campaigns she scored 75 goals over the course of her career. A two-time team MVP, she helped team to conference title in 2019. Played club soccer most recently for Cleveland Force (MRL, DA, ECNL) as well as for Croatia Juniors side in the WPSL in summer of 2021. Member of Ohio ODP.
Simonetti on Schiemann – "Kylie has a great attitude and mentality to compete, she's good in tight spaces, and is dangerous with service into the box. She's also excellent in her ability and willingness to press."
A native of Manassas, Va., Simmons, a midfielder, arrives at Akron following a stellar four-year career at Anna High School where she helped her squad to State and Regional titles as a senior with a 21-1-1 record as well as capturing district crowns in each of her final three seasons. A team captain, she earned Second-Team All-State and All-Regional accolades as a senior and garnered all-district laurels in each of her last three seasons. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience with the Virginia Development Academy.
Simonetti on Simmons – " Anna is a technically savvy midfielder that possesses good awareness to help create scoring chances and combine with teammates."
A native of Medina, Ohio, Sugar, a defender comes to Akron after a decorated four-year career at Medina High School where she helped her squad advance to state semifinals as a freshman in 2019. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience competing for nationally recognized Internationals Soccer Club ECNL program with teammate Jordanne Oberhaus.
Simonetti on Sugar – " Karlie is a smart center back that organizes her team in front of her very well. She is extremely strong on and off the ball, builds out of the back well, challenges in the air and supports her team with proactive movement."
A native of Lancaster, N.Y., Szablewski, a forward, arrives at Akron following a four-year career at St. Mary's High School where she helped her squad to Monsignor Martin titles as a freshman and junior as well as a state runner-up finish in 2021. Additionally, she gained valuable playing experience with Western New York Flash club team.
Simonetti on Szablewski – "Emalee is a strong hold up center forward that can turn or dish to teammates, has a dangerous shot from anywhere, and can connect with teammates to create scoring opportunities."
A native of Akron, Ohio, Wenzel, a forward, comes to Akron after a decorated four-year career at Ellet High School where she helped her squad to four city titles on the strength of 135 career goals and 98 assists. She garnered all-district accolades as a senior, while earning all-city laurels each of her four seasons.
Simonetti on Wenzel – "Rachel is a strong, tough and technical workhorse who knows where to be and puts the ball in the back of the net. We are super excited to see her excel on the field but also grow in our program."
2023 Akron Women's Soccer Signing Class
Sara Bower, goalkeeper, Cincinnati, Ohio (St. Ursula Academy)
Kiana Harsh, midfielder, Waterville, Ohio (Anthony Wayne)
Olivia Heskett, forward, Lewis Center, Ohio (Olentangy)
Lucia Johnson, midfielder/forward, Cincinnati, Ohio (Turpin)
Sophie Kirsten, midfielder, South Elgin, Ill. (St. Charles North)
Abby Koly, forward, Avon Lake, Ohio (Avon/Bowling Green)
Hannah Langstaff, defender, Washington, Ill. (James Madison)
Jordanne Oberhaus, defender, Wadsworth, Ohio (Highland)
Kylie Schiemann, forward, Geneva, Ohio (Geneva/Valparaiso)
Anna Simmons, midfielder, Manassas, Va. (Charles J. Colgan)
Karlie Sugar, defender, Medina, Ohio (Medina)
Emalee Szablewski, forward, Lancaster, N.Y. (St. Mary's)
Rachel Wenzel, forward, Akron, Ohio (Ellet)
Players Mentioned
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MF/F
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MF
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D
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F
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MF
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D
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F
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