After previously announcing four new Lady Toppers last week, Western Kentucky women’s soccer coach Jason Neidell announced another trio of players who will join the team next fall – Samantha Francis (Raleigh, N.C.), Taylor Stanley (Macomb, Mich.) and Jordan Strauss (Parkland, Fla.).

The Lady Toppers are coming off a 5-8-4 campaign.

Samantha Francis – Midfielder

,

Raleigh, N.C.

Francis produced a double-overtime goal to win a State Cup championship and ECNL national final trips in 2017 and 2018. The former came during the 2016 season: Francis led her squad in goals scored, but none came at a more important time that the State Cup final, where she converted a penalty kick in double overtime to clinch the victory.

During her playing time at Wakefield High School, Francis was a four-year starter for coach CJ Komons and the Wolverines. She captured a pair of all-conference and all-region honors in both 2017 and 2018.

Taylor Stanley – Forward

,

Macomb, Mich.

Stanley gained national championship experience at the ODP level. A two-time Michigan State Cup champion in 2016 and 2017, Stanley helped to lead her squad to even further heights during that 2016 season, claiming the regional championship before the season culminated in a national championship.

In high school, Stanley competed at Eisenhower High School under coach Merhdad Nekoogar. During her time with the Eagles, Stanley picked up all-district and all-county honors.

Jordan Strauss – MidfieldeR, Parkland, Fla.

Strauss was a three-year member of the Florida ODP team (2014-17) while also competing with the Region III ODP squad (2014-16). A captain with her club team, Sunrise Sting 2001, Strauss was a two-time Southern Regional Championship participant, claimed the championship at the September 2017 Disney Showcase Qualifier and helped to lead her squad to the 2018 Florida NPL, SRPL and R3PL First Division championships.

In high school, Strauss was a three-year letterwinner at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School under coach Laura Rountree, competing for her final three seasons after missing her freshman season due to injury. Strauss had a breakout 2017-18 season with the Lady Eagles, scoring five goals and assisting on six others en route to earning a spot on the Miami Herald All-Broward County Team.