BEAUMONT, Texas – On the horizon of another Lamar University soccer season, head coach Steve Holeman and the Cardinals announced to additions of Christine Kitaru Kagonya and Nicole Panis for the upcoming seasons.
 
"We are thrilled that Nicole and Christine will be joining us this fall.  They both bring collegiate and international experience and have the ability to make an immediate impact.," said head coach Steve Holeman. "We look forward to them joining our program."
 
Christine Kitaru Kagonya – Midfield/Forward – Nairobi, Kenya – Coffeyville Community College

Kitaru has only played one season of collegiate soccer in the United States, but she made an immediate impact at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas. The Nariobi, Kenya native, played, and started, in eight games for the Red Ravens. She finished the 2019 season with 15 goals and seven assists for a total of 37 points. She scored three game-winning goals during the season.
 
"Christine is an incredible athlete with speed, quickness, and flair.  She is a dynamic attacking personality who is very difficult to defend," said Holeman. "She can beat players 1v1 or use her creativity to set up her teammates.  She has the potential to do great things in our program and we are excited to have her."
In addition to her time at Coffeyville CC, she has also played for the U20 Kenyan National Team.
 
"Christine has been a tremendous player and an incredible teammate during her time at Coffeyville," said Coffeyville CC Head Coach Jerrid Schicke. "Her athleticism and ability to make players better will surely be an asset at the next level. I'm excited that she has the opportunity to continue her career at such a strong program as Lamar University. "
 
Nicole Panis – Goalkeeper – Opmeer, North-Holland, Netherlands – University of the Cumberlands
 
A Mid-South Conference First Team All-Conference selection in 2019 at the University of the Cumberlands, Nicole Panis will look to continue her dominance in between the pipes for the Cardinals. Panis played 1,779 minutes for the Patriots, recording 64 saves along the way for a goal allowed average of 0.71 goals. She posted a 15-4-1 overall record in goal with five shutouts.
 
"Nicole is high level keeper that will bring collegiate and international experience to our goalkeeping staff. She has an excellent knack for reading the game and stopping scoring chances without having to make a save," said Lamar Asst. Coach Nathan Stockie. "A natural shot stopper, her size and athleticism will make opponents trying to find the back of the net a tough task. Her dedication to improving her game should make for an exciting future here at Lamar."
 
"Nicole has all the tools to be a top-level goalkeeper both collegiately and internationally with the Netherlands. She's an excellent shot stopper and does well with crosses. She has also improved her feet and ability to play out of the back," University of the Cumberlands head coach Steve Hamilton stated. "Furthermore, she understands the game at a high level and her communication eliminates a lot of threats before they begin. Lamar is not only getting a top goalkeeper but a fantastic person. She's loved by her teammates for her quiet humility and sneaky sense of humor. She has great character and work rate and will continue to improve both on and off the field. I couldn't be happier for both her and the Lamar women's soccer program and am excited to see both take the next step in their success"