The Kennesaw State soccer team officially welcomed in a crop of new talent on Wednesday (Feb. 4) as head coach Rob King announced the signing four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent.
 
The 2015 class includes forwards Kallie Balfour (London, England/Georgia Perimeter College) and Yvonne Ploeg (Grootegast, Netherlands/H.N. Werkman College), and midfielders Jackie Gray (Peachtree City, Ga./McIntosh HS) and Carly Pressgrove (Peachtree City, Ga./Starr's Mill HS), who are all set to join the Owls in the fall of 2015.
 
"We made great progress with our young team through the 2014 season and have a very committed squad that is working towards our 2015 team goal," said King. "The incoming 2015 recruiting class is an exciting group that addresses the specific needs of our team."
 
Balfour comes to Kennesaw following stints at Georgia Perimeter College during the 2014-15 year and Georgia Military College for the 2013-14 year. While at Georgia Military she earned Georgia Collegiate Athletics Association (GCAA) First-Team All-Conference honors after registering 38 points in her rookie campaign, including 18 goals on only 20 shots. The London native played for the Millwall Lionesses Ladies Football Club, earning multiple Player of the Match accolades while leading the Lionesses to the FA WSL2 League championship. She also saw action with Charlton Athletic Football Club, where she was named the manager's player of the year in 2011, as well as the Gillingham Ladies Football Club.
 
Coach King on Balfour:
"Kallie Balfour is a proven goal scorer. She has pace, skill, size and strength. Whether playing in a central or wide role, Kallie is a clever player that will score goals and create chances for others."
 
A standout for SC Heerenveen since 2011, Ploeg has scored 15 goals for her club, which is a member of the Eredivisie, the top level of football in the Netherlands. She totaled seven scores during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons, while making 56 starts in 67 appearances. She has also played with the Netherlands shadow team, as well as the KNVB North District team. 
 
Coach King on Ploeg:
"Yvonne Ploeg is a dynamic forward, capable of playing down the middle or in a more free, wide role. She has excellent technical ability and is a cool finisher with either foot.  Yvonne has gained great confidence from her experience with the national team, is an intelligent player and will make an immediate impact in our league."
 
A four-year varsity member for McIntosh High School, Gray has helped the Chiefs to two Georgia High School Association Class AAAAA state championships during her time at the school. Gray played club soccer with the Southern Soccer Academy, where she captained her squad to back-to-back state cup championships.
 
Coach King on Gray:
"Jackie Gray is a talented midfielder or central defender. She will provide a strong physical presence and has demonstrated excellent leadership abilities. Jackie is technically strong, reads the game well and will make an impact right away."
 
A talented midfielder for the Starr's Mill varsity soccer team, Pressgrove was named to the Region 4 Class AAAAA All-Region team following the 2014 season. A member of the AFC Lighting '97 elite club team, she led her team to 2014 Atlanta Cup championship and the 2012 Disney Showcase and was a member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) '97 girls team. 
 
Coach King on Pressgrove:
"Carly Pressgrove is a versatile central player, capable of playing in both the holding or more advanced midfield positions. Carly has good technique with both feet and is strong in the air. Carly is a terrific multi-sport athlete and will make a big contribution from day one."