Haldeman signs with USD

Trojan Rylee Haldeman fights for the ball during one of her last soccer games as a West Central Trojan during their semifinal match against Sioux Falls Christian. Haldeman has signed to continue her soccer career next fall at the University of South Dakota. (Photo/Sara Stadem)

Sara Stadem | Editor

West Central Trojan Rylee Haldeman has signed with the University of South Dakota (USD) to continue her soccer career next fall.
Haldeman started soccer at the young age of four years old, being drawn to the sport due to the fast pace and competitiveness, Haldeman explained. “I found an advantage at an early age because I am left footed,” she said.
Haldeman became a starter for the Trojans her freshman year of high school. During her off seasons with the West Central Trojans, Haldeman plays for a club team called Dakota Alliance Soccer Club (DASC) which she has been a part of since the beginning at the age of four.
When asked what made her decide to continue her soccer career at USD, Haldeman said, “I put way too much time and effort into soccer to not continue to play.” She continued, “USD was a good fit for me. Some of my family graduated from there and it is close to home.”
Head Coach Greg Anderson, who has been coaching Haldeman since her 8th grade year, explained Haldeman brought a lot of good qualities to their Trojan team. According to Coach Anderson, Haldeman’s first couple of steps are quick which helps her create space and separate from defenders. Since Haldeman is very fast, it allows her to get to 50/50 balls or beat defenders off the dribble.
“Rylee has been playing for a long time, so she has a tremendous amount of experience. This gives her great knowledge of the game, including field awareness and a calm presence when she is on the ball,” Coach Anderson said. “She also uses her experience to help other players on the field, making passes to where her teammate will be able to get to the ball or to set herself up for a return pass so she can attack the goal.”
Haldeman’s favorite memories with the Trojans are the wins. “My favorite memories with the WC soccer team is winning state my senior year. To leave on a win is the greatest feeling ever,” said Haldeman.
Next fall as Haldeman starts her new path at college, she will still miss her teammates. “I will miss how close I became with all of them. Every year we made state I always was thinking ‘this is the best year’ and as I was getting older, I made a tighter bond with the grades below me,” Haldeman said. She continued, “I will miss how much energy they have and how fun they would make practice.”
Coach Anderson said next year, what he will miss most about Haldeman is her field presence. “Teams will commit a defensive player specifically for her, which opens up opportunities for her teammates. As I mentioned earlier, she makes players around her better and that is something that is difficult to replace.”
What Haldeman is excited for in her next season is meeting her new teammates from other states and continuing to play soccer at the next level.
Throughout her seasons as a Trojan, Haldeman has received several awards and accomplishments which include:
2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 – SD High School Girls State Champions
2018 – Offensive Player of Championship game, Girls SD soccer honorable mention player
2019 – SD High School Girls State Runner-up Champion
2020 – Offensive Player of Championship game
2021 – SD High School Sports Awards Fall Nominee
Coach Anderson said, “Rylee has played five years of high school soccer, competing in five state championship games and winning the state championship four of those years.” He continued, “Rylee was our leading goal scorer this year with 17 goals. She was also the assist leader with five. She is an outstanding player; USD is lucky to have her.”
In addition to soccer, Haldeman has been active in basketball since the 8th grade and track since 7th grade with taking home the Girl’s State Track title last season.
While continuing her soccer career, Haldeman will be majoring in Dental Hygiene at USD next fall.