Junior goalkeeper Rylee Litchfield of Ankeny Centennial has verbally committed to play for the Concordia St. Paul women’s soccer team in 2027.
Litchfield will be reunited with former Centennial teammate Maddison Balashaitis, who is a freshman defender on the squad. Balashaitis helped the Golden Bears to a 12-3-5 record last fall.
“Maddison has always been very positive about the program, and I value what she has to say,” said Litchfield. “I can’t wait to play with her again!”
Litchfield joined Centennial’s varsity team as a freshman and immediately became a starter. She helped the Jaguars to a 13-7 record and a state tournament appearance in 2024.
As a sophomore, Litchfield earned all-conference honorable mention after helping Centennial to a 15-4-2 mark and a trip to the Class 3A semifinals. She made 32 saves while allowing just 14 goals and was the leader of a defensive unit that posted 13 clean sheets.
“I’ve had lots of interest from other schools, but when I went to Concordia, I felt at home right away and knew it would be the perfect fit academically and athletically,” Litchfield said. “I really like the coaching staff and the welcoming environment.”