Ursuline Teammates Head to College
Ursuline’s soccer signees include, from left, Adrienne Bland (St. Edward’s), Peyton Robertson (Emory), Katey Kansler (Rhodes), and Anna Kate Coker (Trinity).
By Kelly Morris / Special Contributor
Ursuline’s table was a crowded one on National Signing Day.
Soccer teammates Peyton Robertson (Emory), Katey Kansler (Rhodes College), Adrienne Bland (St. Edward’s), and Anna Kate Coker (Trinity) will all continue to play in college.
“St. Edward’s was always the right fit,” said Bland, who has played forward since she was 4. “This day is so special with so many people here. I always wanted to play in college.”
Robertson’s biggest soccer influence is former indoor standout Tatu, who coaches her select team, the Dallas Sting.
“He always tells me to trust my ability and always pushes me to be better,” Robertson said. “I came to Ursuline four years ago to play on this soccer team. It’s been the best experience. You can’t beat the camaraderie, and I love to win. I love representing this school.”
Coker transferred to Ursuline during her sophomore year, but she played club soccer with Robertson and Bland growing up. Coker is left-footed, so she’ll be used plenty on the left side of the field at outside back and wing at Trinity.
“There aren’t a lot of left-footed players in general, so I’m excited to make my mark,” Coker said. “We’ve all worked so hard to get here, and to get here together is even better.”
Kansler will play defensive midfield or outside midfield at Rhodes, which is located in Tennessee.
“I love Rhodes’ campus, and academically it’s renowned,” she said. “Soccer is not just a sport I play. It’s a passion. This season has been amazing, and we have an unbelievable bond.”
The seniors have three state titles already, and they’re eager for one more. Ursuline is eyeing its 28th TAPPS state title in 29 years. The Bears, who open the playoffs against Bishop Dunne on Feb. 11, finished the regular season with a head-turning 4-0 district win against Bishop Lynch. Bland and Kylie Dobbs each scored twice in the game.
“These ladies are amazing,” said first-year Ursuline head coach Auggie Trevino. “I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish the last part of this season.”
