Women's Soccer Announces 2023 Signing Class

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Belmont University Women's Soccer is proud to announce the additions of six signees to join the Bruins upon the 2023-24 school year. 

Kate Virtel, Midfielder, Saint Louis, Missouri, Cor Jesu Academy
Virtel is currently under the leadership of Rachel Brcic at Cor Jesu Academy, Virtel has earned Second-Team All-Conference and the 110% effort athlete award. During the club season Virtel competes for the Saint Louis Scott Gallagher Navy. At Cor Jesu Academy, Virtel is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, admissions ambassador, and the pickleball club. 

Lillie Tabor, Defender, Brookfield Wisconsin, Brookfield East High School
Tabor attends Brookfield East High School playing year round for Wisconsin FC ECNL. Tabor is a four year captain of Wisconsin FC ECNL as she led her team to the national playoffs. In her time at Wisconsin FC ECNL Tabor has been selected for the ECNL Spring Super Team, was named preseason player to watch in the Midwest Region, and was named to the ECNL Midwest Region Selection Program. Tabor comes from a family of athletes as her father is a two-time NCAA Division lll National Champion in football alongside her twin sisters who play Division I soccer at Marquette.

Laken Whittington, Forward, Plainwell, Michigan, Plainwell High School 
Whittington comes from a plethora of experience at Plainwell High School as she led her team to districts. In her high school career Whittington has been named to the All-District First Team, All-Regional, Most Valuable Player, and received an All-State honorable mention. Whittington currently competes with Midwest United FC. Whittington aspires to be a Physician Assistant and plans to major in Biology during her time at Belmont. 

Anna Samuel, Forward, Apopka, Florida, Apopka High School
Samuel joins the Bruins, well renowned in her high school career at Apopka High School. During her junior season Samuel was voted the Most Valuable Player, and was named to the All-Metro and All-State Team. For club, Samuel currently plays for Florida Krush Kraze and led her team to Champions League Bracket at ECNL Nationals. Current Bruins Avery Nowak, Sarah Doyle, and Amanda Waggoner each played for the Florida Krush Kraze. Samuel is a member of the National Beta Club, National Honor Society, English National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Social Studies National Honor Society.

Graciella Segundo, Forward, Franklin Tennessee, Fred J. Page High School
Segundo, Tennessee native has already made an impact in the state as a member of the Fred J. Page High School Team. Segundo was a two time captain who led her team to two Tennessee AA State Championship titles. In 2021, Segundo was named to the All-District and All-Tournament teams while receiving the Coach's award. In 2022 she was the All-District Offensive Most Valuable Player. Segundo is a member of the Tennessee Soccer Club where she clinched the Ohio Valley South Conference Championship. Segundo plans to study nursing in her time at Belmont. 

Emily Peters, Defender, Stevensville, Michigan, Lakeshore High School  
Peters joins the Bruins from Lakeshore High School where she is an All-Academic athlete. Peters also competes on the cross country team and has been named to the All-Conference, All-Regional, and All-County teams. Currently, Peters competes with Midwest United FC. Both Peters and Whittington compete together during the club season. In her time at Belmont Peters will pursue a major in Legal Studies. 

The Bruins are very excited to welcome each athlete to continue the success of Belmont.