BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University women's soccer coach Steve Holeman announced Thursday that three student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent to attend LU and play soccer starting in August 2016.
 
Signing with LU center back Macie McFarland (Lumberton, Texas/Lumberton HS), forward Mikayla Johnson (Port Arthur, Texas/Port Neches-Groves HS) and goalkeeper Rachel Gries Katy, Texas/James E. Taylor HS).
 
"I'm happy that these three student-athletes have decided to attend Lamar University for their education and to continue their soccer careers," said Holeman, who was named LU soccer coach in January. "It's great to see students wanting to stay close to home. It will be a tremendous opportunity for their family and friends to see them play."
 
McFarland plays club soccer for the Albion Hurricanes in addition to playing for Lumberton High School. She also plays in the US Club Soccer Championship D1 league in Houston.
 
"It has been an honor to coach Macie McFarland for the past several years with the Albion Hurricanes," said Chris Carter, her coach with the Hurricanes. "Macie has been a dedicated hard working member of the club. She has worked tirelessly to develop her skills as a top level center back. She was an original member of the AHFC 99G Blue East team that advanced to the USYSA Premier League. She also contributed significantly to the AHFC 99G ECNL team."
 
Johnson has been a scoring machine for Port Neches-Groves High School. As a junior, she scored 42 goals en route to earning district MVP honors. She has earned all-district accolades every season.
 

"Mikayla is a relentless forward who knows how to put the ball in the back of the net," Port Neches-Groves Aimee Bates said.  She has played varsity for all four years. She is also a fantastic student-athlete and has all the skills necessary to help the Lamar University soccer team be successful." 
 
Gries, who played club soccer for the Albion Hurricanes, was a second-team All-District 19-6A selection as a sophomore at Taylor High School.
 
Rachel is one of the hardest working kids I've ever been around," said Daniel Hill, the director of coaching for the Hurricanes.  "She is an outstanding shot stopper, very vocal, and great at organizing her back line.  She has a fantastic personality and is a pleasure to coach."  
 
The Cardinals begin their 10^th season of competition in August.