Redbird Soccer adds four to 2021 recruiting class

Photo courtesy goredbirds.com

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Redbird Soccer team added four new Redbirds to their team for the 2021 fall season on Wednesday.

Sophie Veytsman (Arlington Heights, Ill.), Kasey Neidhardt (Highland, Ill.), Kristiana Pappanastos (Orland Park, Ill.) and Sydney Smith (St. Louis, Mo.) signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at Illinois State University next fall.

“What a great day! We are thrilled to officially add Sophie, Kasey, KP, and Sydney to our Redbird soccer program,” said head coach Brad Silvey. “This is a group that comes with talent, character, energy, and a passion for the game of soccer. Their integration into our culture will put us in a position to grow as a program. We look forward to their contributions for the 2021 fall season and beyond.”

Veytsman is a 5’5″ goalkeeper who trained at the U.S. Soccer training center. She also competed at the U.S. Girls Showcase Development Academy and was part of the soccer exchange program in Hamburg, Germany.

Neidhardt is a three-time Missouri State Champion under Head Coach Lou Fusz. She was named the Riverbend Player of the Month in April 2019 and was an honorable mention on the IHSA All-State Team.

Kristiana Pappanastos was part of the 2019 Chicago Inter Soccer Club that placed 1st in the Midwest Regional League. She also recorded multiple goals and assists in the Illinois Cup and was a runner-up at the 2017 Disney Showcase.

Sydney Smith was a 2018 State Finalist in the 2018 Missouri State Cup. At Nerinx Hall High School, she started in all 25 games as a sophomore and was named a team captain as a junior.