NATCHITOCHES – With a returning junior class of 12 players and a sophomore class of 10, Northwestern State soccer coach George Van Linder didn't need numbers in his incoming freshman class.

What Van Linder sought was impact and versatility, something he believes he's found in his three-player class signed Wednesday, the first day of the signing period.

Gabrielle Elise Veneziale (defender/forward), Jordyn Rae Warren (defender/midfielder) and defender Jayden Wheeler signed scholarship papers to be Lady Demons.

"We needed some depth at certain positions, and these players we brought in bring a blue-collar attitude that mixes nicely with the players we already have," Van Linder said. "We saw these signees play several different positions that we really liked, and we have the ability to pick what they do best to help our team."

Veneziale (5-foot-5), of Red Oak High School in Red Oak, Texas, brings an athletic and tough presence to multiple positions on the field.

"When we first saw her a year ago, she definitely was an athlete that brought a physical presence on the field," Van Linder said of the three-time all-district selection. "We were very impressed with her blue-collar work ethic and the fact that she is a leader amongst her teammates.

"We saw her try to lead her to a state championship with a sore ankle this summer, and she was playing her heart out to help her team win. She has managed to avoid the limelight in Texas, and we really feel that she is going to be someone that people ask how we found her."

Warren is a three-year starter at Allen High School (Allen, Texas), making two all-district teams entering her senior season.

Van Linder said current NSU defender Alison Palomo, a former high school teammate of Warren's, vouched for the 5-7 versatile athlete.

"We certainly take recommendations of current players seriously," Van Linder said. "Jordyn takes a lot of pride in playing defense and making sure the other team has a bad day in the attack.

"We saw her play in a State Cup game against a very strong attacking player, and she shut that player down. We have seen her play a bit up front, and again with her strength, we think she can play in a lot of different spots."

Wheeler (5-foot-1) might be shorter than the typical college defender, but VanLinder said her athleticism and tenacity will allow this district MVP out of Heath, Texas (Rockwall Heath HS) to compete as an outside defender.

"Jayden was our first commitment in the summer of 2015, and we are just as excited today as we were then," Van Linder said. "She has been playing outside defender … but she is certainly able to play other positions as well.

"FC Dallas ECNL is one of the top youth programs in Texas, and she has played against some of the top players and teams in the country since she was 13 years old."