LeTourneau University

 

 

MEN’S SOCCER

The LeTourneau University men’s soccer program has announced the commitment of three players – Jackson Frankfurt, Andres Ledesma, and Drew Spencer – who will be asked to be key members of the YellowJacket defense. In 2015, the LeTourneau defense recorded three shutouts and allowed just one goal on four more occasions.

Jackson Frankfurt – Defender – 5-10 – 150 lbs. – Hinsdale, Illinois (Timothy Christian HS)

Frankfurt was a two-year letterwinner on a team that won the state championship as a senior and runner-up as a junior. As a senior, he helped lead Timothy Christian to a 17-4 record. He was named an Illinois State Scholar and a repeat member of the High Honor Roll for his efforts in the classroom. Frankfurt also played for the Oak Brook Soccer Club and head coach Chris Karabatsis, where they were a State Cup qualifier. At LeTourneau, he plans on majoring in mechanical engineering.

Head Coach Matthew Haesecke on Frankfurt: “Jackson is a very technical and composed outside back. He comes to us having just won a State Championship at Timothy Christian. I am very glad to have his winning mentality and great work ethic as part of our team.”

Andres Ledesma – Midfield – 5-8 – 170 lbs. – Tyler, Texas (Tyler Lee HS)

Ledesma was a four-year letterwinner at Tyler Lee High School. As a starter in his senior season, he had a goal and four assists en route to honorable mention all-district honors. Plus, as a senior, Ledesma and Tyler Lee High School were district champions for the first time since 2009. At LeTourneau, he plans on majoring in international business.

Head Coach Matthew Haesecke on Ledesma: “Andres is a very technical player who can help us as a center back or as a holding center mid. He is very comfortable on the ball and will fit in well with our style of play.”

Drew Spencer – Midfield – 5-8 – 160 lbs. – Commercial Point, Ohio (Teays Valley HS) – Pride Soccer Club

Spencer was a two-year starter at Teays Valley High School, where they won back-to-back conference titles. He led his team to a 7-5-3 record during his senior season en route to second team all-conference honors. Spencer was named honorable mention all-conference as a junior. He also played for the Pride Soccer Club before being promoted to the Midwest Regional League. At LeTourneau, he plans on majoring in biomedical engineering.

Head Coach Matthew Haesecke on Spencer: “Drew is a great all-around player that feels most comfortable as an outside back. He is an excellent fit for our school and our soccer program.”
The Coach’s Take:
“All three of these young men have the ability, talent and mindset to come in and make an immediate impact on our team. These three are the first of the largest and deepest recruiting class in the last eight years. It is a very exciting time for this program!”

MEN’S TENNIS

The LeTourneau University men’s tennis team has announced its third addition – Jimmie Henson – who will join the program in the fall of 2016.

Jimmie Henson – Sunnyvale, Texas (Sunnyvale HS)

Henson has been a four-year letter winner at Sunnyvale High School. He has been the district champion, the last two years and recently finished second at the regional tournament to secure a spot in the state tournament. As a junior, he finished third in the region. Henson has also been a strong performer in the classroom, receiving recognition as a National Merit Scholar and being in the top 10% of his graduating class. At LeTourneau, he plans on majoring in civil engineering. He is the son of Jimmie and Michelle Henson.

Head Coach Suzanne Merritt is very excited about the new addition to the roster. “I am very excited to welcome Jimmie to the YellowJackets. He is a great student and an excellent tennis player. He has an all-court game that will have an immediate impact in our program. He has had an impressive senior season and will compete at the state tournament May 16.”

Henson and fellow newcomers – Daniel Lopez and Nick McFarland will be competing at the state tournament on May 16 in College Station. Ironically, Lopez and McFarland will be playing against one another. The YellowJackets have reached the American Southwest Conference Tournament for the last three seasons.

The LeTourneau University men’s tennis team has added Christian Farris, who will join the program in the fall of 2016.

Christian Farris – El Paso, Texas (Home School)

He has participated in various USTA tournaments around El Paso, winning the El Paso Ear, Nose and Throat Associates Junior Tennis Championships. In the last year, he participated in the USTA National Selection Tournament, El Paso Tennis Club Jr. Challenger and the Jeff Myers Memorial Jr. Masters. Farris plans on majoring in biology. He is the son of Kelly Farris and Tracy Farris.

Head Coach Suzanne Merritt sees bright things ahead for Farris, “I am very impressed with all that Christian has accomplished on the court during his junior tennis career, and I am excited to have him join us for next year. He is a highly skilled player with a strong work ethic, great attitude, and high character. He will bring a lot to our team, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish in his college career.”

The YellowJackets have reached the American Southwest Conference Tournament for the entire three seasons.

Danny Kambel
LeTourneau University
Sports Information Director
www.letuathletics.com