Big Sky Times

‘Jackets Soccer Add to 2023 Class with Five Signings

Montana State University Billings women's soccer head coach Stephen Cavallo announced the addition of five new signing to the Yellowjacket's program for the 2023 season.

 

"We are very excited to announce this next group of future Yellowjackets." Said Cavallo. "These five individuals are going to bring such great personality and skill to our class of 2023 and our returning group.  These five come from a wide background within the game, we have some true freshmen, junior college, and four-year transfers in this mix.  We believe their experience will be pivotal in our battle to make the GNAC playoffs in the fall."

Tandi Myers

Forward

Heber City, Utah

Wasatch High School

Intended Major: Undecided

Myers comes to the Yellowjackets after three years of varsity soccer at Wasatch High School under coach Breona Carter. Playing a variety of positions in the attack, Myers was the top scoring sophomore on her team in 2020 and showed an ability to both score and create goals. Myers is also a top student, earning, participating in a number of honors and AP courses.

Cavallo on Myers: "Tandi Myers is a versatile attacking player who is going to bring a lot of creativity to our attack. We are not sure where she will be playing in our attack this fall, but we see that as a good thing because of how skilled she is in multiple positions in the final third."

Myers on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because of the high level, high-performance school, and soccer team. MSUB is a place where, I believe, I can succeed and become a better person and player. When on campus this summer with my team, I saw the desire and passion that Coach Cavallo has for the game of soccer and his emphasis of the importance of a good, positive environment on the field and that stuck with me throughout the summer camp because we should surround ourselves with people who lift us up, not bring us down. I have family in Billings who were very excited and supportive with my decision to play in Billings, I felt that same support from my Parents, Club Coach, teammates and MSUB. I'm excited to also continue my education at MSUB going into the Medical Field. I'm so stoked for the next years of my life at MSUB."

Millie Bamer

Defender/Winger

Portland, Oregon

Cleveland High School

Intended Major: Undecided

A three-year letterwinner under coach Doug Diller, Bamer played in a variety of positions throughout her career. Bamer was a two-year captain at Cleveland High School, selected one time for both first team and second team all-league. Bamer also participated in track and field, lacrosse, and swimming in her high school tenure. On the club level, Bamer played for Northwest Elite FC.

Coach Cavallo on Bamer: "Millie is a technical player who we see fitting into many different roles and positions within our team.  Millie possesses great maturity on and off the field and is one driven individual.  We are excited for the leadership she is going to bring into our team and believe she is a great signing for this program."

Bamer on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because of the academics, along with the athletics. Academically, MSUB is a place where I know I can succeed and be pushed in the classroom. The coaching staff has created a positive team environment and culture. From the beginning, they were very helpful and supportive. I loved the team on my visit, they were kind and welcoming. It is a competitive environment, where I know I can thrive."

Lexi Harris

Outside Back

Preston, Idaho

Peninsula College

Intended Major: Business

Harris comes to MSUB after two stellar seasons with Peninsula College, where the team went undefeated in regular season play. Harris this previous season appeared in 13 games, starting ten, collecting one goal and assist each. Peninsula kept a clean sheet in nine of her appearances. Harris previously attended Preston High School, where she was selected to the all-conference second team two years in a row and was an all-valley player her senior year.

Coach Cavallo on Harris: "Lexi Harris is coming off a phenomenal two-year career at Peninsula.  She is a versatile outside back that can play on the left and right side.  We believe her experience and leadership is going to add a lot to our team in the fall.  She is quick, gets up and down the sideline very well, and is a scrappy defender."

Harris on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB simply because of the obvious drive for success. I wanted to be somewhere with a driven and hard-working mentality, which is exactly what MSUB offers me."

Erika Wilson

Midfielder

Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas

Sam Houston State

Intended Major: Business Marketing

Wilson joins the Yellowjackets after previously playing at Sam Houston State. The sophomore midfielder appeared in 10 games for the Bearkats during the 2022 season, and 12 in her career there. Before on to play in college, Harris attended Boerne Champion High School, where she played three seasons of varsity soccer. Harris was an honorable mention to the all-district team her first season, and was a first team selection for the next two seasons.

Coach Cavallo on Wilson: "Erika is a versatile midfielder that brings skill and athleticism on the pitch.  We are excited to keep expanding our recruiting network and are bringing in another player in this class from Texas.  Erika will come in and immediately strengthen our midfield core."

Wilson on choosing MSUB: "I really liked my meeting with Dr. Larsen. MSUB is a really good fit for me, and the soccer program has everything that was really important to me as well."

Sunny Bennion

Center Back

St. Anthony, Idaho

Lower Columbia College

Intended Major: Psychology

Bennion comes to the Yellowjackets after spending the past two years playing both soccer and softball at Lower Columbia College. Bennion played in 19 games last season, scoring three goals and helping the Red Devils keep 12 clean sheets on the season. She was selected as an NWAC all-star for her efforts. In softball, Bennion hit .349 in the 2022 season, with six home runs and 21 RBIs. Attending high school at Sugar-Salem, Bennion lettered in four years of soccer and volleyball, three years of basketball, and one year of football as a kicker. She was a four-time first team all-conference and first team all-state selection, a won multiple MVP and player of the year awards.

Coach Cavallo on Bennion: "Sunny is a strong, physical centerback that loves to get into tackles.  Her game is not all about force as she has the finesse on the ball and the technical ability to help strengthen our team in buildup play.  We believe Sunny is going to come in and add a lot to this team both on and off the field."

Original source can be found here.