By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports
A decade ago, having more than one local high school girls soccer player sign to play in college was very rare. Now it’s the norm to have five or more. This year, there are five, and that number is sure to rise. Captain Shreve’s Alex Knight and Ella Grace Davis, Byrd’s MyJoi Anderson, Benton’s Lana Whiteman and Calvary’s Pamela Lee have all committed to play college soccer.
Knight signed with Division I Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond Nov. 13 at the Captain Shreve gymnasium.
Knight came into this season with 105 goals, and as of Thanksgiving she has added 21 goals in eight games. Awards are nothing new to Knight, she was a member of the 2024 Shreveport-Bossier Journal All Metro team. the Division I District I overall MVP, and was selected to the All-State second team. SLU coach Nathan Gillespie expects Knight to compete for a starting spot as their center forward.
Davis signed her letter of intent alongside Knight, committing to Division I McNeese State University in Lake Charles. Davis was selected for the 2024 SBJ All Metro team, the Division I District I first team as well as the Division I All -State first team. Although Davis has spent her high school career playing center back, McNeese head coach Drew Fitzgerald believes she can compete for a starting role as their outside right back.
Davis and Knight play club soccer with the HTX Girls Academy 06/07 team in Houston. The team competes in the highest level of competition in girls club soccer, regularly competing with highly recruited players around the country.
Anderson will be signing her letter of intent, confirming her verbal commitment, to Division I Texas A&M-Corpus Christi within the next couple of weeks. Anderson was also selected to the SBJ All Metro team in 2024, was chosen the Division I District I offensive MVP and won All-State first team honors.
Anderson plays her club soccer with the Louisiana Academy team (LATDP) in Baton Rouge, and sometimes guest plays with her old Shreveport United club team.
It seems Knight, Davis and Anderson didn’t get enough of each other in high school. They will be facing each other at least once a year as all three schools compete in the Southland Conference, which also includes nearby members Northwestern, Stephen F. Austin and East Texas A&M.
Whiteman has verbally committed to Division III LeTourneau University in Longview. She has been a four year starter for Benton, and was selected to the second team all Division I District I team. Coach Jesse Dyer said, “she has been one of the hardest workers on the field. I am glad she’s earned the opportunity to compete at the next level and have no doubt will excel at LeTourneau.”
Lee has verbally committed to Division III Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. Lee has played, and lettered, at Calvary for six years. She is the unquestioned leader of the soccer team. Lee was selected for the Division IV All District I second team.
Lee and Whiteman will also be facing each other as their respective schools compete together in the American Southwest Conference.
There will be more girls committing to play in college, including Loyola’s Ainsley Matlock and Grace Weiford, who are currently fielding offers but yet to make a decision. After the season is complete we will update this list to include all others who have made their commitments official.
Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net