BEAUMONT, Texas - Following a solid run to the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference soccer tournament, Lamar University will look to make big strides for next season and it begins with the early signing period. LU recently added two members to the squad in Morgan McBride and Ashley Washburn, who both signed their National Letters of Intent Wednesday.
 
Morgan McBride - Goalkeeper - Nederland High School (Nederland, TX)
 
An all-region first-team member and all-district goalkeeper, McBride has lettered four times as the starting goalkeeper for the Bulldogs. She was named district goalkeeper of the year and was also selected to the Beaumont Enterprise's Super Gold Team.
 
McBride has also applied her goalkeeping skills to the Houston Dynamo/Dash Soccer Club since 2018. She won the Player's Player award in her first season with the team and has been named team captain for the upcoming 2022 season. McBride even spent time as part of the US Olympic Development program.
 
In the classroom, McBride earned UIL all-academic district honors, was part of the National Honor Society, and twice earned All A honor roll. In addition to her other accolades, she received the Pre-Calculus Award.
 
"I just want to say congratulations to Morgan! She is a tremendous leader and captain for her team. All her hard work and shot stopping has paid off and now she gets to play at the highest level. Can't wait to see all those clean sheets at Lamar, well done Morgan!"
- Mikey Olabarrieta - Dash Beaumont - Girl's Director
 
"We are extremely excited to have Morgan joining our program and the goalkeepers. Her work ethic and personality should continue to make training competitive and make our whole goalkeeper staff better. She is a natural shot stopper with a consistency every coach loves to see. As one of the top keepers in the Golden Triangle we are happy Morgan chose to stay close to home and come to Lamar."
 
- Nathan Stockie, LU soccer assistant coach
 
Ashley Washburn - Forward - Conroe Park High School (The Woodlands, TX)
 
Washburn is a two-time all-district selection during her two years on varsity with Conroe Park High School. Throughout her high school career, Washburn scored 30 goals and recorded 20 assists, including her final season where she tallied 20 goals and recorded eight assists. As a senior, she was the Offensive MVP and helped the Cavaliers to the second round of the playoffs.
 
Washburn would also play for the Houston Dash Girls' Academy club team and was also a two-time academic all-district selection.
 
"The first time I saw Ashley I knew she was a player we wanted at Lamar. She is fast, dynamic, and can score goals. She has the ability to make us better right away and her personality will fit in well with our team dynamic. We are excited to add her to a retuning core of talented front runners."
 
- Steve Holeman, LU head soccer coach
 
"I am extremely proud of Washy and her commitment to Lamar University. She is a dynamic all-around player that can score multiple different ways, but above all Washy is an exceptional human being that pushes through every time there is an obstacle in front of her. Congratulations to both Lamar and Washy!"
- Omar Morales, Houston Dynamo | Dash Youth Soccer Club
 

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