As the Fall Season get set to kickoff, I thought I’d post an update on Zizzer Soccer alumni who are playing and coaching soccer.
Jacob Plocher, former Zizzer Soccer player (Class of 2004) and Assistant Coach (Fall 2006), finished up a 3-year playing career at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA. This Fall, Jacob begins his first season as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the Statesmen. William Penn will open their season August 27 at Home against Concordia (Neb.).
Alina Alaimo Thanadabouth, former Lady Zizzer Soccer player (Class of 1998) who went on to a great career at Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University), is coaching soccer in Chicago. Alina played in the W-League for 3 years and got to play against a lot of world class players. At that time it was the highest level of soccer for women, since there was not a true Pro league. The Goalkeeper for her team was the former Goalkeeper for the Brazilian national team. Currently Alina is staying busy with her nine month old son, Kado, and still finds the time to coach girls and boys teams from U8 through U19 for the Windy City Pride Soccer Club. She is also the head administrator for the club, she does all the scheduling, tournaments applications, player passes, tryouts, etc. Their U17 girls just won a national championship this past summer. It is the first one for the club. Alina said, “That was pretty exciting to be a part of.”
Julie Long (Class of 2003) is the Head Girls Soccer Coach at Bryant High School in Bryant, AR. The High School soccer season in Arkansas is in the Spring. Julie enters her second season at Bryant after playing soccer at Harding University and then coaching at Nettleton High School in Jonesboro, AR. This past Spring, Julie led Bryant to their first ever trip to the Class 7A State Semi-final where they lost to a strong Fayetteville team. Julie was named as Coach of the East Team for the Arkansas High School All-Star Game that was held in June.
Mollie Plocher (Class of 2009) will begin her college soccer career this Fall at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA after spending a year at MSU-West Plains. Listed as a Defender on the roster, Mollie and her teammates will open their season with games August 27 at Embry-Riddle and August 28 at Southern Utah.
Beth Kittle (Class of 2009) enters her second season as a Defender on the Hannibal-LaGrange Women’s Soccer Team. The Trojans open the season August 27 at Benedictine College.
Stuart Ziegler (Class of 2008) is a Junior at Medaille College in Buffalo, NY. A Midfielder, Stuart Appearred in 23 games last season making 21 starts after transferring from Missouri Southern State University where he played as a Freshman. In his first season at Medaille, Stuart scored 6 goals and add 10 assists as the Mavericks reached the 2nd Round of the NCAA Division III National Tournament. Medaille opens their season September 1 at Home against Cortland State. The Mavericks have been ranked #25 in the NSCAA Preseason National Rankings of NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Teams.
Brice Hunt (Class of 2008) returns to Birmingham Southern College for his Junior season. A Midfielder, Brice has appeared in 28 games in his first two seasons for the Panthers, recording 2 Assists. BSC kicks off their season September 1 at Home against Mississippi College.
Justin Scicluna (Class of 2008) enters his third season at Missouri State University. A Forward/Midfielder, Scicluna appeared in 4 games last season after redshirting his first season due to an injury. Missouri State opens their season September 1 at Southern Methodist.
Cody Townsend (Class of 2007), is listed as a Midfielder as he enters his Junior season at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, MO. The Griffons open their season September 2 against Maryville University and then travel to Birmingham for a tournament September 4 & 6. They will face the host school, Birmingham Southern and former Zizzer Brice Hunt on September 6.
Zach Auala (Class of 2007) returns to the pitch after some time playing basketball. Auala is a Goalkeeper for the Harding University in Searcy, AR. The Bison open their season September 2 at Missouri S& T.
If I have missed anybody, I apologize. Please send me any updates and we will be glad to share the information.