MSU Soccer Signs Four To National Letters Of Intent
Joining the MSU soccer program is Leanna Baldner (D/M, Meridian, Miss.); Danielle Kite (M, Hornchurch, England), Lauren Host (M/D, Madison, Miss.) and Hadley Gable (F/M, Plano, Texas).
Defender/midfielder Leanna Baldner is a six-year starter for Meridian High School, having started since the seventh grade. Last year, the Meridian, Miss. native hit score 18 goals and posted 11 assists for 47 points. The performance earned her All-Conference and All-Division honors. Baldner led her team in scoring every year since the seventh year, totaling 82 goals and 60 assists for 224 points over six years. She also led the Mississippi United club team to a Region 3 runner-up in 2005, while being ranked eighth in the country.
Midfielder Danielle Kite was a member of England's Under-15 National Development Pool, as well as the Under-17 National Team Pool. As a senior at the Sanders Draper School, the Hornchurch, England native led her team to the District Cup.
A two-year captain, Hadley Gable comes to Mississippi State as a defender/striker. As a junior, the Plano, Texas native led Frisco Centennial High School to a 9-6-3 and a Bi-District Championship. She also captured First Team All-District 6 - 4A honors. As a five-time captain of the Texas Spirit Red 90*s Club Team, Gable led her squad to a WAGS Championship, as well as a trip to the Texas State Cup Finals. She is also a member of the Texas Olympic Development Program.
Lauren Host helped lead Madison-Ridgeland Academy to an 8-8-2 record last year, as well as a No. 5 ranking in the state and a berth in the Final Four. She recorded 19 points on seven goals and five assists. The Madison, Miss. native earned First Team All-Conference laurels and was named the South All-Star game Most Outstanding Player. As a junior, Host was named First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Madison County, scoring 12 goals and recording seven assists. In 2005, she led the Mississippi United 88 to the Regional Finals.
"The class is going to bring a lot to the table for us," said MacDonald. "They are going to fill in some areas where we need help, and provide us with important depth in areas that we've been lacking. All have the potential to make an immediate impact. Overall, this is a very good class to help us build toward the future."