The Missouri women’s soccer team is adding six new freshmen this season. The Tigers hope to advance further into postseason play than their quarterfinal loss in the Southeastern Conference tournament during the 2015 season.

Four of the six newcomers will add to Missouri’s already stellar defense. The team only allowed 17 goals last season, the fewest in program history. Three defensive players and a goalkeeper will keep that solid defense going for the Tigers.

As well as filling holes left by graduating seniors, the six freshmen will add much needed depth to various positions:

**Sarah Luebbert | Forward**

As an early signee, Luebbert came a semester early to play for Missouri during the spring season. A Jefferson City native, Luebbert attended Mizzou soccer games frequently when she was younger.

Luebbert played on St. Louis Scott Gallagher for her club team in high school and helped her team place second at the Elite Club National League (ECNL) North American League Nationals in 2015. She was also a two-time Nike national training camp invitee.

Luebbert’s quick feet on the ball give her an advantage when going one-on-one with an opponent, helping her get around the defense and take shots on goal. Her 53 goals and 57 assists during her three high school years are evidence of that.

**Grace Kitts | Midfielder**

Kitts has roots embedded in Mizzou. Her uncles Tim and Tom Hornof played football at Missouri in the 1980s, so the right midfielder will continue the family’s connection with the Tigers.

The Leawood, Kansas, native brought her high school powerhouse team, St. Teresa’s Academy, to the Class 4 state title in 2015 and was a first team All-State honoree.

Kitt’s 29 goals and 13 assists throughout her high school career show that she has the athletic ability to cover the field for Mizzou, and she will no doubt help the Tigers on their quest for an SEC championship.

**Anna Frick | Defender**

Frick also has roots tied to Mizzou as her father, Brad, played football for Missouri. The Webster Groves, Missouri, defender played with Luebbert on St. Louis Scott Gallagher and helped the team finish second in the 2015 ECNL North American Division national playoffs.

Frick was named a 2015 St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame Future Star after earning all-conference first team accolades in 2015 for Nerinx Hall High School.

The tenacious defender is aggressive and knows how to tackle the ball in a way that shuts down opponents on their way to the goal.

**Peyton Joseph | Defender**

The effective defender from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, helped Mountain Vista High School bring home a 5A state championship in 2013. At Mountain Vista, she played with U.S. Women’s National Team member Mallory Pugh.

Her club team, Real Colorado, finished second at ECNL nationals in 2013 and third in 2015. Joseph also earned ECNL National Finals Best XI honors in 2013.

Her energy on the field will help the Tigers defense keep setting program records. Joseph is quick to attack opponents and should have a successful career with the Tigers.

**Izzy Coulter | Defender**

The hard-working defender from Niceville, Florida, was part of Niceville High School’s 19–1 2016 team, only losing in the 4A state finals.

Coulter played club soccer for the Gulf Coast Texas East team and with the San Diego Football Academy for a time as well.

The best thing Coulter will bring to Missouri’s team is her simplicity of the game. Coulter keeps things basic, focusing on getting the ball away from the opponent and back up to her offense, and it works.

**Mercedes Sapp | Goalkeeper**

The Windermere, Florida, native was named the Florida Athletic Coaches Association 2A player of the year in 2015 as well as earning All-State honors. She helped Lake Highland Preparatory School win the district championship by saving a penalty kick that would have won the game. Her father, Warren, is an NFL Hall of Famer.

Sapp knows the game very well and consistently plays well as a goalkeeper at a high level. Her athletic ability brings an extra level of difficulty for anyone who tries to challenge her at the goal. She’ll be a big help to Missouri’s defense.

_Edited by Peter Baugh | pbaugh@themaneater.com_