EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE women's soccer Head Coach Derek Burton announced the signings of four individuals who will join the Cougars in the fall of 2024.
"The 2024 class is a focused group of players," said Burton. "They are all coming in with high-level youth experience and a ton of quality coaching through their formative years. The group is smaller in number compared to most years, but not lacking for competitive fire and top-notch quality."
Burton announced the addition of Emma Czech (Lockport, Illinois), MaryClaire Imig (St. Louis, Missouri), Ava Lewis (Wentzville, Missouri), and Ava Talley (Ballwin, Missouri).
"As always, we will be working to continue honoring SIUE with our performance and representing Cougar Nation to the highest degree possible in everything we do, including bringing home that next championship," Burton added. "Our staff and team welcome the newest members of our program with open arms"
Emma Czech
Hometown: Lockport, Illinois
High School: Lockport Township High School
Position: Defense
Club Team: Chicago Inter
Coaches: Sena Halilovic , Neno Dautovic, Todd Elkei
Czech is a defensive midfielder/center defender for the Chicago Inter 06 Red team, which competes in USYS National League E64 and ECNL Regional Leagues … Maintains a 4.23 GPA with academic honors at Lockport Township High School.
From Coach Burton: Emma is a smart and steady decision maker in the back line. Athletic and technically good on the ball, the future is bright for her at the college level. She is all in when it comes to her approach and all in on her passion to be a Cougar.
Why I chose SIUE: I chose SIUE because I felt that it was the perfect place for me to pursue my goal of playing collegiate soccer at high level, as well as becoming an exercise science major. I love the competitive, winning environment that the coaches have created to make every player better, as well as how personable and supportive they were throughout my recruiting process. The campus environment made me feel right at home and I can't wait to get started next fall!
MaryClaire Imig
Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
High School: Ursuline Academy
Position: Forward
Club Team: Lou Fusz SC
Coaches: Chad Otec
All-State performer at Ursuline Academy … Led her team to a state championship in 2021 … Scored 15 goals and added seven assists last season. That includes a four-goal match against Villa Duchesne.
From Coach Burton: MC has the potential to influence our attack immediately. Great pace and physical ability, combined with the desire and quality to beat defenders, she will open some eyes quickly. She can play anywhere along the front line and has a finishing touch.
Why I chose SIUE: SIUE felt like home immediately when I stepped foot on campus. From the players to the coaches, everyone seems like family. The soccer program is amazing and I look forward to starting my athletic and academic college career at SIUE and hope to win more championships!
Ava Lewis
Hometown: Wentzville, Missouri
High School: Wentzville Holt High School
Position: Midfield / Defense
Club Team: Lou Fusz SC
Coaches: Chad Otec, Lucas Almeida, Liam Collins
Scored two goals and added three assists last season for Holt.
From Coach Burton: Ava is an intelligent player that will look to impact us in midfield. Tough and strong in the tackle, we like her competitiveness and grit in the middle of the park. But she combines that with a high-level ability to retain and regain possession for her team with good decision on the ball.
Why I chose SIUE: I want to go to SIUE because they have an outstanding science program that will allow me to pursue a career in Medical Science. I had a really good experience on my visit with the coaching staff and I fell in love with the campus. I also love that my family can come watch me play.
Ava Talley
Hometown: Ballwin, Missouri
High School: Marquette High School
Position: Midfield
Club Team: Lou Fusz SC
Coaches: Chris Kenny and Jenna King, Chad Otec
Three of her six goals last season for Marquette High School were game-winning goals … Talley recorded six goals and three assists overall.
From Coach Burton: Ava is a smooth operator in the middle of the field. Technically clean and makes great decisions on the ball with a wide range of passing. We look forward to seeing her grow into a midfield influencer in the fall.
Why I chose SIUE: I chose SIUE because I immediately felt a connection when I visited the campus. It is a beautiful campus, has a great academic selection, and is close to home so I can have my family at the games which means a lot to me. I was impressed with the coaching staff and how comfortable all of the players were with them. I am looking forward to joining such an excellent soccer program and making great memories.
