Jasmin Yoder became the third Sweet Home athlete this school year to sign a letter of intent to play at the college level, committing to play soccer next fall at Hesston College in Kansas.
Yoder signed her letter in a ceremony at Sweet Home High School’s library Thursday, May 10, flanked by her parents, Dean and Lola Yoder, and high school coach Ramiro Santana. She said she chose Hesston after visiting there and because it has a “great nursing program.”
Also, her dad attended there, so it’s not completely foreign territory, though, Dean Yoder noted, “It’s a long way from here.”
Jasmin Yoder said she sees a program on the rise at Hesston and she liked what she experienced there during a Spring Break visit.
Yoder was one of three players signed in recent days by Hesston College women’s soccer coach Bryan Kehr. In addition to Yoder, they are Emma Cloud, a midfielder/defender from Mesquite High School in Gilbert, Ariz. and Brooke Hodgson, a midfielder from Dacula (Ga.) High School .
“Jasmin will be a great fit in the Hesston College soccer program,” Kehr said. “We expect her to make a significant contribution on the field next fall and we are excited with the talent she brings to the team.”
Santana said he expects Hesston to be a “great” fit for Yoder, whom Hesston has referred to as a midfielder, but who can play anywhere on the field.
“She knows every aspect of the game,” Santana said. “She can play any position on the field, except, maybe, for goalie, and do a great job.”
After playing softball for three years, Yoder went out for track this year and Santana, who also serves as an assistant with the track team, said the speedwork is paying off.
“Not many kids have the endurance and the ability to move on the field that she does,” he said. “It’s never-ending. Not only that, she has a great work ethic. She’s a great kid.
“She’s one of those you would like to call your own.”