HSU Soccer alum heads to pro preseason camp
Humboldt State women’s soccer alumni Katelin Talbert is closer than ever to her dream of playing professional soccer.
The 22-year-old will be joining the Tacoma, Wash.-based OL Reign’s preseason training camp ahead of the upcoming season. The professional club competes in the top-flight National Women’s Soccer League and boasts the talents of United States Women’s National Team forward Beth Balcer and captain Megan Rapinoe.
Talbert played for Humboldt State’s women’s soccer program from 2016 through 2019. During her four years at the College Creek field, she solidified her place in the roster with an optimistic attitude and a strong work ethic. Her senior year highlights show off her amazing reflexes, aggressive play inside the box and great field vision for clearances and long passes.
After her student athlete days, Talbert joined the Sacramentobased California Storm of the Women’s Premier Soccer League, a second-division semi-pro league under the U.S. soccer pyramid system.
The Storm congratulated Talbert on the call up and wished her much success. “We’re going to miss her immensely but we are excited to see her dream of playing at the professional (level). Best wishes,” read the message shared via Twitter.
Formerly known as the Seattle Reign, the OL Reign is among the strongest teams in the top-flight National Women’s Soccer League. A majority stake in the club was recently purchased by French soccer giants Olympique Lyonnais, leading to the name change. Olympique Lyonnais domestic men’s and women’ teams are among world soccer’s most decorated clubs.
Lady Jacks hall of famer dies
The Humboldt State athletics department mourns the death of Suzi Farmer Simmons, a member of the department’s hall of fame and a standout basketball player during her time as a student athlete.
As announced by the HSU department of athletics, Farmer Simmons died Jan. 15 after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer.
The six-foot-tall hall of famer played out her collegiate hoops career as a Lumberjack from 1985 through 1989. Her performances led her to be named into the All-NCAC Honorable mention team during the 1987-1988 season and an inclusion in the All-NCAC First Team the following season. She was inducted into the HSU athletics hall of fame in 1994 for her achievements on the hardwood.
In a statement, HSU women’s basketball head coach Pam Martin remembered Simmons as a leader who was committed to hard work and a winning vision.
Suzi was an athletic post player that ran the court like a gazelle. She wasn’t just a scorer but she dominated the boards, played great post defense and was active in our press. She helped set the standard for future players,” Martin said.
Farmer Simmons was a resident of Eureka and worked at the Open Door Community Health Center. She is survived by her husband Matt, also a former HSU basketball player, and their daughters Matilda and Finley.