West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois Women's Soccer program has announced the addition of six new players for its 2024 class. The recruits hail from various locations, including Iowa, Missouri, Wyoming, and New Zealand.

Callie McMurtrey, a transfer forward from Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri, is among the new recruits. Originally from Crocker, Missouri, McMurtrey was a two-time All-State selection at Crocker High School. She expressed her enthusiasm about joining Western Illinois University (WIU), stating: "I felt that Western has a great atmosphere for all student-athletes." She also highlighted the competitiveness of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) as a significant factor in her decision.

Hilary Halpin from Auckland, New Zealand will join WIU in the fall. Having played left back and left wing for Carmel College in Auckland, Halpin was named tournament MVP and contributed to her team's A1 and A2 championships. On choosing WIU, she remarked: "I chose Western Illinois because I wanted to find a team that was not only strong athletically and shared similar competitive qualities but also prioritizes having a strong team bond on and off the field."

Autumn Wilson from Cody, Wyoming is another addition to the Leathernecks. Wilson previously attended Northwest College where she scored 16 goals in 16 games during her sophomore season. Reflecting on her time at NWC, Wilson said: "I didn't realize how beneficial it was going to be for my future but… I've been so blessed by everything I've gotten from going to NWC and getting a better sense of my own game before transferring onto Western!"

Landry McCoid will join after an impressive season at Iowa Central Community College where she scored 35 goals in 17 games. Named First-Team All-American and ICCAC Div. II Player of the Year as a freshman, McCoid commented: "Western Illinois is a perfect fit... I feel like I will be able to compete at a level that is challenging yet I can still offer a lot to the team."

Ava Bell from Iowa City will enter WIU as a true freshman. Bell played as an attacking/outside midfielder at Iowa City High School and earned First Team All-Conference honors twice. Speaking about her decision to join WIU, Bell said: "the coaches and players made me feel comfortable and at home from the moment I stepped on campus."

Joining alongside Bell is Aoife Boulter who also hails from Iowa City. Boulter played as a defensive midfielder earning Second Team All-State honors alongside Bell at their high school. Her coach praised her field vision and work ethic.

The Leathernecks are set to showcase their new talent during their upcoming spring schedule.