LAKE CHARLES—McNeese head women’s soccer coach Drew Fitzgerald has announced the addition of LSUE transfer Isabelle Smith and freshman Meris Cody for the 2023 season. Smith and Cody join early signees Ava DuBois, Rebecca Romero, Averie McFarland along with Chloe Folse who will also join the team in 2023.
Isabelle Smith, 5-8, Forward/Defender, Duson, La. (LSU-Eunice)
• helped her 2022 LSUE team to a 9-4-1 record, playing in nine games and was second on the team with five goals and 18 shots.
• Graduate of Acadiana High School
• all-district
• All-Acadiana
• all-metro
• offensive MVP honors
• led her team with 25 goals and 15 assists.
“Smith comes to us from the JUCO ranks and is a competitor and an athlete,” said head coach Drew Fitzgerald. “We played against LSUE last spring, and she immediately stood out. Then we competed against them in a 7v7 tournament, and I knew she was a player we’d pursue. She is a talented player who gives us another offensive weapon. We believe she can use her speed and her composure in front of goal to help us immediately. Her former coach at LSUE, Ian McGimsey, and her current coach, Brock Ogami, have both done a fantastic job of preparing her for the next level. We are excited to be able to add an experienced talent like Isabelle.”
Meris Cody, 5-8, Midfield/Defender, Lumberton, TX. (Lumberton High)
• District MVP (2022-2023)
• all-state (1st team/2022-2023)
• TASCO All-Tournament State Team (2022-2023)
• all-state (Region 3 4A/2021)
• District 21-4A Midfielder of the Year (2021)
• Second team Super Gold Honor (2021)
• Undefeated district champs (2021, 2022)
• Legacy Varsity Soccer Defensive MVP (2020)
• Houston Dash Players’ Choice MVP (2020)
“Meris is going to be a great fit for our squad. She’s a versatile midfielder who can also slot in as a central defender. On the field she makes intelligent, simple plays and looks to play forward quickly whenever possible. She isn’t flashy, but she’s very effective because she’s always aware of what she wants to do when she receives the ball, and she does a nice job getting herself into the right positions. Off the field she’s put together a fantastic academic resume and I think the transition to college will be seamless for her. We are lucky she came available when she did and I’m excited to add her to our roster.”
2023 McNeese Soccer Signees
Ava DuBois, 5-7, Defender, Tallahassee, FL. (Florida State University School)
Rebecca Romero, 5-5, Defender, Katy, Texas (Seven Lakes High)
Averie McFarland, 5-5, Midfielder, Lumberton, Texas (Lumberton High)
Isabelle Smith, 5-8, Forward, Duson, La. (LSUE)
Meris Cody, 5-8, Midfield/Defender, Lumberton, Texas (Lumberton High)
Also joining the team: Chloe Folse, 5-4, Defender, Raceland, LA. (Southwest Mississippi Community College)
