W-Soccer secures Aerial Standout

Kenzie McNutt signs to play at SAGU

Ovilla Christian midfielder excels above the ground

WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- If the Southwestern Assemblies of God University women’s soccer team seeks to become the Flyin’ Lions next fall, they may have just signed a player who is known for her airborne prowess.

Ovilla Christian School senior Kenzie McNutt committed to SAGU during the recent, official signing of her National Letter of Intent. Ovilla (OH-vill-ah) is located just twelve miles north of Waxahachie.

The 5-foot-7 McNutt, the captain and top scorer of the Eagles this season, is very aggressive and has excellent vision on the pitch. She is also a dedicated student while working to develop her soccer skills.

According to SAGU’s second year head coach, Mandy Fortner, “she is dominant in the air with corner kicks and air balls.”

“She is strong and sees the field well,” Fortner continued. “Plus, she has very good shot.” The coach pointed out that McNutt could play forward or midfield for the Lady Lions.

At OCS, she played for head coach Heather Fisk.

“Kenzie is one of the most skilled players we've had here,” Coach Fisk stated. “She has naturally taken on a leadership role on the team. She always comes to practice with a smile on her face, and she sets a great example for the other girls.”

“She's a very hard worker and seems very coachable,” added Fisk. “Kenzie comes from a strong Christian family too. I definitely think she'll be an asset to your team.”

The daughter of DeSoto residents Robbie and Lori said she is considering Early Childhood Education and Teaching for her course of studies.

“I am very passionate about soccer. I play with enthusiasm and heart to win every game,” McNutt said on-line. “Teamwork is the center of my game.”

Following a rebuilding season in which SAGU went 4-14-1, the team seeks to continue the strong ending they enjoyed last fall. The young program is targeting several needs as they have begun off-season conditioning and spring practices.

The Purple Pride showed improvement on defense, reducing their goals allowed from 70 in 2008 to 51 in 2011. There is also focus on an offense that needs more playmakers, both in the midfield and front lines.

The team returns two key seniors; captain Jessica Powell (Terrell, Tx / Terrell HS) and Natalie Pena (Dallas, Tx / Union HS, Tulsa, Ok) and a solid host of others, including Gloria Lozano (El Paso, TX / Faith Christian Academy ).

Southwestern competes in Division I of both the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Christian College Athletic Association. The Lions are one of 15 members who are in the Red River Athletic Conference.

Contact: Mark "Link" Warde, Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 469-658-2847.