Coach Heather Nelson adds daughter to team

National Signing Day is when teams fill holes left behind from seniors graduating and in hopes of having a championship-caliber roster.

On Feb. 4, the Southeast Missouri State soccer team achieved that by signing five players.

"I believe that this class can bring a lot of speed and considerable depth to our team," Southeast coach Heather Nelson said.

Lauren Kaempfe (Columbia, Illinois.), Madilin Karstens (St Charles,Missouri), Jordan Nelson (Jackson, Missouri), Brooke Merseal (De Soto, Missouri), all inked their letters of intent and will join the team in the fall semester.

One signee, Siena Senatore from Australia, enrolled at the beginning of the spring semester and will be able to participate in the spring drills.

Senatore is a two-time national finalist and a contributor to the Australian National Team. Senatore has competed for the Australian Mini and Young Matildas at the under 17, 15 and 13 levels. She had 10 total international appearances in 2012 and 2013 combined, scoring 10 goals.

"Siena is an international level player, and I anticipate we can have her play six positions if we need her to," Nelson said. "We are fortunate that she is here this spring. It will give us an opportunity to see how she fits into the team. She has a good soccer mind and a tremendous amount of technique."

Nelson hopes to use Senatore in the central midfield and give her some tips on how to get better in that area of the field.

"One way or another, she will be down the spine of our field," Nelson said.

Coming from Australia, Senatore feels there is an adjustment period and things she will have to get used to in the United States.

"In terms of the training and education, I think it was good to get a gist of it all," Senatore said. "I think it's better to get to know all the girls and get support with the training and the workload."

Senatore and the rest of the signees will replace the talent of six seniors that compiled 38 wins over the last four seasons, including two Ohio Valley Conference regular-season championships.

Nelson knows that this is a tough task but feels that they will fit in and contribute.

"Our other four signees have a lot of speed, this class is highlighted by that and versatility," Nelson said. "They are all quick learners, but this will be the quickest they will be forced to play, but I'm sure they all have the skill set to be able to contribute in some way."

Jordan Nelson is the daughter of the of both Nelson and assistant coach Paul Nelson. Heather Nelson is looking forward to the opportunity to coach her daughter at the college level.

"We specialize in different areas as a coaching staff, and mine is on the recruitment side, so mom gets an 'A'," Nelson said. "I also focus on the health and conditioning side, so that's pretty cut and dry, she's either going to make the grade or she's not. Adam [Kleman] is there to give her balance in our staff as he will be able to best manage her in all fairness to her and the program. She has really soft and quick feet, and if anything, she just needs to gain confidence playing at this level. Skillwise she has all she needs."

The signees will be joining a team that last year were co-OVC regular-season champions with an 8-2 OVC record and 11-6 overall.

They will join a squad that already has sophomore goalkeeper and OVC Defensive Player of the Year Kindra Lierz and will also be returning junior forward Natasha Minor, the team leader in goals with eight.

"For all the players coming in, the speed and tactical sides is where we are going to have to make the most gains," Nelson said.