Four members of the Harlan County High soccer team will play at the University of the Cumberlands after signing on Feb. 12.

The HCHS program has been going only three years but has had someone sign with a college every year, according to coach David Day, who said Hannah Sturgill, Madison Blanton, Elizabeth Ball and Abigail Stephens will be moving to the next level.

Sturgill has played for the past three years and has been a starting midfielder the past two seasons.

“She is an excellent team player bringing a great work ethic and attitude on, as well as off, the field,” said Day.

Blanton had been a three-year starter until a season-ending knee injury during the third week of this past season.

“Her size and athleticism gave her a presence on the field that other teams had to respect,” Day said. “She was voted midfielder of the year for two years as well as named to the all-district team during her career.”

Stephens has played soccer for the past three years for the Lady Bears, both as a defender and striker. She led the Lady Bears in both goals and points last season as well as becoming the all-time leader in goals. She has been named most valuable player on defense, most valuable player on offense and most valuable player overall throughout her three-year career. She has also been named to both the all-district and all-region teams.

“Abby is a game changer,” Day said. “Opposing teams have to respect her speed and quickness or she makes their defense pay for it. Stephens will be an impact player for the Cumberlands right out of the gate.”

Ball has played soccer for two years and was a starting goalkeeper for most of her career with the Lady Bears. She was named to the all-region team as a sophomore.

“Elizabeth is built to play goalkeeper at the college level,” Day said. “Her reach and height allow her to cover pole to pole in the goal. She will be a strong addition to University of the Cumberlands.”