2012 Lady Rattlers New Recruits

Stephanie House, a new recruit to the OJC Women’s Soccer program, will graduate from Grandview High School in Aurora this spring. She has been a member of the Grandview soccer team for the past two years, where she plays center midfielder. She also plays for the Westminster Soccer club, a club team that has made it to the state semifinals multiple times and is recognized as one of the top teams in Colorado. During her high school career, House has been an honor student, a Link Leader and has been named the Student Athlete of the Month.

Upon enrolling at OJC next fall, House plans to concentrate her studies on per-medical technology. After completing an associate’s degree at OJC, House plans to transfer to a four year college to pursue a degree in medical technology or forensic science. She plans to have a career in research science or forensic science.

Coach Donny Ribaudo stated that he is excited to have House sign with the team.

“Stephanie is a very talented student athlete who has some good experience at the youth soccer level. She is a very technical player with good size and solid understanding of the game. Added to that is the fact that she is a good student, which is very important to our program,” said Ribaudo

Keenan Moreta, a new recruit to the OJC Women’s Soccer program, will graduate from Bayfield High School, in Bayfield, Colo., this spring. Moreta has had a successful high school soccer career, earning her school’s Gold and Silver Boot awards as well as being named to All Conference teams and selected as the League Player of the Year.

Moreta plays in the forward position and has led her team and conference in goals for most of her high school career. She is a dual sport athlete, playing basketball at Bayfield High School as well as soccer.

Moreta plans to pursue an associate’s degree at OJC with an emphasis in business. She plans to continue her education at a four year college to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Moreta said there were several reasons she chose to attend OJC and become a part of the college’s inaugurals women’s soccer team.

“I really like the community and atmosphere that surrounds OJC, especially the athletic environment on campus. I like the people who are here and the small class sizes,” said Moreta.

Head Coach Donny Ribaudo said that he is looking forward to adding Moreta to the program.

“Keenan is very athletic and has proven to have the ability to produce goals. I’m looking for her to help our team in the attack next fall,” said Ribaudo.

Susana Abundiz, currently plays for El Paso Sol FC, in El Paso, Texas, and will be joining the inaugural Lady Rattlers soccer team next fall. Abundiz plays in the forward position and has been recognized for her scoring ability and was named Best Soccer Player for 2011.

In addition to being a stand-out on the soccer field, Abundiz has also made her mark on the track field as well. She was named Best Track Runner in 2011, was a regional qualifier in track and cross country and won second place in the district cross country championships where she was also named MVP.

Abundiz plans to work toward an associate’s degree at OJC with future plans of becoming a radiological health engineer. She said she would also like to set a goal of becoming a professional soccer player.

“I am excited to be a part of OJC’s new soccer program and am really looking forward to working with Coach Ribaudo. I think it is a great opportunity for me to play soccer and be successful in my academics as well,” said Abundiz.

Head Coach Donny Ribaudo said he is impressed with the overall athleticism of Abundiz and is looking forward to including her on the Rattler’s fall roster.

“Susana has a great work ethic and a tremendous amount of pace. She will be a great asset to our program next fall,” said Ribaudo.

Women’s Head Coach Donny Ribaudo is pleased to announce the recent signing of 5’7” goalkeeper Kimi-Ann Kaniaupio from Waipahu High School in Waipahu, Hawaii. Kaniaupio has been a four-year starter for the Waipahu Marauders, serving as the team captain for three years.

During her high school career, Kaniaupio led her team to a division championship while accumulating division all-star and all-state honorable mention awards. During her senior year she was named the most inspirational player while tallying up 62 saves and 4 penalty kick saves.

Kaniaupio plans to work toward an associate’s degree at Otero Junior College with an emphasis in sports medicine. She plans to transfer to a four year university to continue studying athletic training.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the new women’s soccer program at OJC and to be able to set the tone of the program,” said Kaniaupio.

Head Coach Donny Ribaudo said that he is very excited about adding Kaniaupio to the roster. “Kimi has a ton of playing experience and is a natural leader. She plays her club soccer with Hawaii Rush and recently led her high school team to a division championship. Her experience and success on the field will make her a great addition to the team,” said Ribaudo.

Ellen Koppenhafer signs a national letter of intent Tuesday morning to play soccer this fall at Otero Junior College in La Junta inside of Montezuma-Cortez High School. Pictured back left, athletic director Jimmie Lankford, M-CHS girls soccer coach Nate Ross and principal Gordon Shepherd. Bottom, parents Thad and Katie Koppenhafer.

Read the Cortez Journal Article

Amanda Garcia, a forward from South High School in Pueblo, will be joining the team as one of the few sophomore players academically; however she will have freshman athletic eligibility. During her high school career at South High School, Garcia was the leading scorer for the league her sophomore, junior and senior years. She earned First-team league recognition all four years and was named the MVP of the league her senior year. During her senior year she was an All-state nominee. Garcia also played with the Pueblo Rangers club team.

After graduating from high school, Garcia had initially decided not to continue playing soccer. She is currently attending college in Pueblo pursuing a degree in accounting.

“I wasn’t planning on playing soccer again in college,” said Garcia, “however, it was a pleasant surprise hearing from Coach Ribaudo who asked me if I would consider playing for Otero. Everyone at the school was very welcoming and supportive of student athletes. After getting to know Coach Ribaudo and visiting the school, I knew I still wanted to play soccer. OJC isn’t very far from home and I will still get a chance to be around my family and friends and watch my younger sister play soccer,” said Garcia.

Head Coach Donny Ribaudo said he was very happy that Garcia decided to continue playing soccer. “Not only am I excited that Amanda will be joining our program because she is simply a great player, I’m also excited because I think it is important for our new program to showcase the great local talent that is in the area. Amanda had a successful high school career and has proven she can take on defenders and score goals. I feel certain she will show that same kind of talent as she moves up to the next level,” said Ribaudo.

Mahryssa Robertson, a 5-7 left back will be joining the Lady Rattlers from Horizon High School in Thornton. During her high school career at Horizon, she played varsity for three years and was the team’s captain her senior year. In her free time she enjoys getting out into the mountains and is an avid snowboarder. Robertson was a member of the Westminster Youth Soccer Club.

Robertson said she chose OJC because it felt like the best fit for her both academically and athletically. She plans to study pre-medicine and pursue a career in the medical field.

Head Coach Donny Ribaudo said that Robertson will be a great addition to the team’s backline. “Mahryssa is a naturally left-footed player who is aggressive and a solid defender. She will definitely make an impact when she takes the field,” said Ribaudo.

Brittney Lacek will be coming to Otero from Campbell County High School in Gillette, Wyo. Lacek had an extremely successful high school career, being named an All-conference and All-state player for three years. Her team was the 4A Runner-up State Champions during her junior year and captured the 4A State Championship her senior year. In addition, she was a member of the ODP state team for two years and her club teams were Wyoming state champions for three years. During her high school career, Lacek has maintained a 4.0 grade point average.

Lacek said she is excited to be part of a new competitive women’s soccer program. She said Otero’s small class sizes and close-knit family feel also played a big part in her decision to sign with the inaugural team. Lacek plans to pursue a career in criminal justice and forensics. She also hopes to continue playing soccer after her two years at Otero.

Head Coach Donny Ribaudo said that Lacek’s experience and technical ability in front of the goal is very impressive. I believe Brittney will make an immediate impact for the team.

Erin Cortvriendt, a 5’ 10” forward from Standley Lake High School in Westminster will join the OJC Women’s Soccer inaugural team next fall. While playing for Standley Lake High School, Cortvriendt was named to the 2nd Team All-Conference team and was the Offensive Player of the Year.

Cortvriendt said she chose OJC Otero because she thought it was an amazing opportunity. “I loved the atmosphere of the campus and town. Coach Ribuado and Coach Amanda demonstrate the same interest in play and goals as I do. I just felt I could really see myself there for two years,” she said.

While a student at OJC, Cortvriendt plans to major in major in elementary education and after two years at Otero transfer to a university and continue earning a bachelor’s degree. She also hopes to have the opportunity to continue to play soccer throughout her college career.

Coach Donny Ribaudo said he is looking forward to adding Cortvriendt to the team.

“Erin is a tremendous athlete. She has been a starter on the varsity team for basketball and soccer at Standley Lake High School. Currently, she has contributed to her team’s success with 5 goals and 4 assist. I believe Erin’s strengths are her work ethic, physical attributes and leadership skills,” said Ribaudo.