Ursuline Soccer Trio Celebrates on Signing Day

By Kelly Morris / Special Contributor

Kate Hajdu, Katie Lund, and Jenny Neil spend a lot of time playing soccer together.

The trio spent National Signing Day together, too.

Hajdu and Lund signed their letters of intent on Wednesday with Texas A&M and Boston College, respectively, and Neil will continue her soccer career at Rhodes College, a Division III school in Memphis, Tenn.

“We’re all friends,” Lund said. “Kate and I grew up playing soccer together, and we’re on the same club team. It’s really fun to sign with your best friends.”

Lund and Hajdu, both four-year starters and team captains, committed to their respective schools as sophomores, so they’re excited it’s now official. Their club team, Sting Soccer, won the Elite Club National League National Championship in Richmond, Va.

All three players celebrated Wednesday with their families, teachers, and teammates in the Jane Neuhoff Athletic Center. Coach Kelly Wilmoth wore maroon to the festive event, but the color choice wasn’t just honoring her former school Texas A&M.

“The maroon works with Boston College and A&M, and a little red with Rhodes,” Wilmoth said. “I’m really proud of these girls. (These colleges) aren’t just getting good players. They’re getting the heart and the desire to never lose. They’re constantly trying to get better.”

Said Hajdu: “Coach Wilmoth has been talking about A&M’s fitness test, and all their traditions. Ursuline soccer, we have thousands of traditions, so I’m excited to learn about theirs. Texas A&M is a family. I wouldn’t want to be at any other school.”

Lund signed to Boston College as a goalkeeper. Her best friend, Jana Jeffery, is a current player and Ursuline alumna.

“I’m really excited,” said the 6-foot Lund, who has eight goals and seven assists this season as a midfielder. “I started playing goalie my freshman year. I like making the big saves.”

Ursuline is vying for its 25th straight TAPPS state title this spring, and Hajdu, Lund, and Neil already have won eight state titles combined.

Hajdu, a midfielder with three goals and a team-best eight assists, will study biomedical engineering at Texas A&M. Hajdu’s interest is marketing and law, while Neil (two goals, six assists) plans on studying business.

“I always wanted to play soccer in college,” Neil said. “I can’t believe it’s actually happening. This is a dream come true.”

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