Payton Neal (Left) and Drew Baty (Right) will join the WWU Women’s Soccer program beginning in the 2019 season. PHOTO: WWU Athletics
Vikings Add Neal & Baty to 2019 Recruiting Class
February 13, 2019
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington University head women’s soccer coach Travis Connell has announced the addition of two players to the 2019 recruiting class that now features eight players.
Forward/Midfielder Payton Neal out of Seattle’s Bishop Blanchet High School and the Seattle Reign Development Academy and forward Drew Baty out of Castle View High School in Larkspur, Colo., are the two program additions.
The class now includes four midfielders, two defenders and two forwards, with six of the eight hailing from the state of Washington:
“Both of these student-athletes are of the highest character,” said WWU head coach Travis Connell, who recently completed his 16th season leading the Vikings. “They excel in the classroom, on the field and in their communities. We are excited about these two players joining our program, with the eight of them forming a great future for WWU soccer.”
DREW BATY » Forward // Larkspur, CO // Castle View HS // Colorado Rapids ECNL
Baty is a 5-5 forward hailing from Larkspur, Colorado…she has been a member of the Colorado Rapids ECNL team for the last three years, and also played for the Colorado Storm and Real Colorado in club play…she is a three-year starter for Castle View High School (finishes prep career in the spring)…tallied 11 goals and 13 assists in her career…was a Douglas County Women in Sports honoree…has been coached by former USA Women’s National Team player Tiffeny Milbrett…interested in pursuing a degree in journalism with a minor in Spanish at WWU.
Baty on why she chose WWU:
“I’ve had this dream of being a collegiate student-athlete for as long as I can remember, so I can’t wait to be in Bellingham and be part of such a strong soccer program and school. I am looking forward to this huge new adventure in my life and being able to continue playing the game I love.”
Coach Connell on Drew:
“Drew is a clever wide player. She continues to the attack with her dribble and her ability to break the offside line with runs and passes. She is also an excellent 1v1 defender. Her fitness enables her to use these talents on both ends of the field.”
PAYTON NEAL » Forward & Midfield // Seattle, WA // Bishop Blanchet HS // Seattle Reign FC DA
Neal is a versatile 5-7 forward and midfielder…earned varsity letters as a freshman and sophomore at Bishop Blanchet High School before moving on to the Seattle Reign FC Development Academy…named All-Metro League in 2016 helping lead her team to a 4th-place finish at the 3A WIAA state tournament…was the player of the game in the 2016 state semifinal game…interested in pursuing a degree in chemistry or psychology at WWU.
Neal on what excites her about joining the WWU soccer program:
“I am excited to have the opportunity to play on a team that is extremely competitive, plays at a high level and has the goal of winning a national championship every year. This will give me the opportunity to create and establish life-long relationships with my teammates.”
Coach Connell on Payton:
“Payton’s athleticism, talent and work rate fit our system perfect. She has experience playing against the toughest competition in our country and that has sharpened her ability to compete on the soccer field. Her motor enables her to affect so many plays and she has the talent to be a dominant ball winner and dynamic attacker.”
-- @WWU_WSoccer --
