BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar University is making strides towards the start of the 2025 soccer season, and that all begins with the addition of six newcomers to bolster the roster. Head coach
Nathan Kogut announced Friday morning that the Cardinals are bringing in four midfielders, a forward, and a defenseman, all of whom were enrolled and competed in the 2025 spring season for LU.
"Our staff was very intentional in the fall transfer portal window to address specific needs after a disappointing season," said Coach Kogut. "We knew we needed to bolster our midfield, as well as add talent to our backline and attack. I think we hit on all of these players and they were able to step in and raise our level all spring, and they're able to hit the ground running this month when preseason starts."
Reese Burch - 5-10 - Defender/Midfielder - Gainesville, Va. (Battlefield HS/Jacksonville State)
One of two transfers from Jacksonville State, Burch appeared in 18 games for the Gamecocks, including 14 starts. During her two seasons, she was on the pitch for 1,005 minutes leading the defense to seven shutouts. On the club circuit, she was part of the Metro United Soccer Club team and led them to the Showcase Bracket Championship in Oceanside, Calif.
She also spent two seasons for the Washington Spirit youth team from 2017-2019. In addition, she was a two-sport athlete for the Bobcats of Battlefield High School where she earned team MVP and all-region honors on the basketball court.
"Reese adds size and adaptability to our backline," said Coach Kogut. "She is comfortable with both feet and offers the ability to bounce outside or tuck in as a center back. Her ability to win the ball in the air as well as the experience of playing at a high level for her first two years has really helped her settle into what we ask from our players."
Lauren Fincher - 5-9 Forward - Houston, Texas (Friendswood HS/UTSA)
Fincher will join the Cardinals following her freshman season with UTSA where she played five games. Before heading west to San Antonio, the Houston native graduated from Friendswood High School in 2024 following a 21-5 senior season and leading the Mustangs to the regional quarterfinals.
She earned District 1-5A MVP honors and first-team all-state honors as a freshman. In her career, she scored 32 goals and recorded 28 assists. Fincher also played club soccer for Rise 06 GA.
"Lauren is someone we are so thrilled to have join our program in 2025," said Coach Kogut. "Not only is she a fantastic attacker, but her personality meshed quickly with our group, and she integrated herself quickly in the team. She is dangerous 1v1 and crafty in the box, showing a variety of ways to score all spring. We are so excited she chose LU to continue her career and excited to see her growth over the next three seasons."
Marissa Gross - Forward/Midfielder - Grand Prairie, Texas (South Grand Prairie HS/Northern Iowa)
Gross returns to the Lone Star State after spending two seasons with the Panthers of Northern Iowa. She logged 1,561 minutes in 38 games while starting 11 contests. Gross scored three goals while dishing out six assists, which earned honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Conference team honors.
In high school, she received four first team all-district honors with the Warriors while leading them to a district title in 2022. She collected other district awards including player of the year (senior), attacker of the year (junior), midfielder of the year (2020), and newcomer of the year (2019). Gross also ran cross country, where she set the school record in the 5K run and also qualified for the regionals every season.
"Marissa is a game changer in our team," said Coach Kogut. "She can thrive up top as a forward or drop into the midfield and play make for her teammates. She has shown her leadership skills as much as she's shown off her talent, and we are thrilled to watch her continue to grow as a person and player here in Beaumont."
Emma Oubrik- 5-5 - Midfielder - Besancon, France (Jacksonville State)
Oubrik joins her Jacksonville State teammate,
Reese Burch – in the Golden Triangle for this upcoming season. A native of France, she was on the field for 1,221 minutes in 24 games during her career with the Gamecocks in which she scored her first collegiate goal against Louisiana Tech in 2023 and dished out two assists last season. In addition, she played club soccer with the Olympique Lyonnais.
"Emma adds international flair to our midfield," said Coach Kogut. "She is a technical, dependable player who can play a variety of systems and styles, and you can tell her club background in France was a high level. She has solidified our midfield all spring and she has shown herself to be someone we can count on when we get started this fall."
Katherine Williams - 5-2 - Midfielder - Spring, Texas (The Woodlands HS/North Texas)
Over the last three seasons,
Katherine Williams spent time with North Texas, appearing in 29 games and making two starts. Last season, she recorded two assists for the Eagles with one coming against fellow Southland Conference foe UIW. A Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll member, Katherine played her high school career at The Woodlands.
The Spring native led the Highlanders to the state semifinals and earned first-team all-district 13-6A and all-region honors from the Texas Association Soccer Coaches. She was also a member of the Houston Dash's club soccer team.
"We are so grateful Katherine joined LU for her last year of college soccer," said Coach Kogut. "She is technical, adaptable, tough, and fun all rolled into one dynamic midfielder. She added a spark to our program this spring, and I think she is poised for a big senior year here in Beaumont."
Sydney Williams - 5-7 - Midfielder - Allen, Texas (Allen HS/UTEP)
Heading east to Beaumont after spending her freshman year as a Miner at UTEP,
Sydney Williams played 16 games while starting 10 last season. She posted one assist against Sam Houston and took 10 shots with two on goal. Sydney was also on the pitch for 899 minutes and helped the Miners to four shutouts.
"Sydney has added a level of technique, size, and physicality that we lacked in our midfield this past year," said Coach Kogut. "She is creative on and off the ball, always searching for pockets to receive and make plays, while also being a ball winner all over the field. Adding someone with her accolades and experience to our team has been a huge bonus, and I can't wait to see her continue to grow at LU."
