The newest Warrior

After an impressive Panther career and a senior season that caught the attention of college programs, Kalan Bloodgood signed her letter of intent to play soccer at Indian Hills Community College Thursday.

The recent Creston graduate caught her newest coaches’ eye during a game this season that, despite the Panthers losing, quickly encapsulated her ability on the pitch.

“Just getting a real hard-nosed player. She is very skilled. She is very quick and she’s just got a really great work ethic to her,” said Indian Hills soccer coach Anthony Longo. “A kid with a great attitude and that’s what we want to build our program on.”

Her speed will help bolster a back line that Longo jokingly referred to as one of the slowest teams in college soccer even with their high skill level.

The Warriors went 12-2-3 last season and have posted winning seasons for a number of consecutive years.

The newest Warrior is planning on majoring in the EMS/Paramedic program with hopes of becoming a paramedic when she graduates.

“I like how they said they do scenarios,” said Bloodgood referring to the training methods used to prepare students to become paramedics.

The Panther graduate discovered IHCC as the best option because of the educational options as well as the ability to continue to be an athlete.

Bloodgood joins an incoming IHCC class that has a lot of talent and she will have to battle for time on the field, but Longo thinks her versatility is a big plus.

“She’s got a chance to play anywhere along the backline. ... There is a lot of possiblitiies for her. We’re bringing in a big freshman class that’s very talented,” said Longo.

She will have the summer off before the preaseason starts on August 1.

Creston head coach Kim Lauffer was excited to have another girl in her program advance on to play at the college ranks.

“I think they’re getting a phenomenal player. She really does a fantastic job of getting through players so it’s really of matter of where they need her. ... I think she has a great chance of giving them a run for their money,” said Lauffer of Bloodgood’s chances to play with the other incoming recruits.

Bloodgood registered five goals and three assists in her four years as a Panther, when she wasn’t chasing down attackers looking to get in on goal.

As a program, Lauffer took pride in the fact that Bloodgood is moving on to play college soccer and found a program that she is excited about.

“It always feels good because we get great players and it’s fantastic when we as coaches can find programs that they want to be part of,” said Lauffer.

As far as filling Bloodgood’s role next season, that’ll be a wait and see approach as the Panthers will look to a number of different candidates that they hope can be as stingy as Bloodgood on the backline.

“I think at first we are going to be looking toward a group of people,” said Lauffer on filling Bloodgood’s shoes. “... It’s going to be a tough one to fill.”