Division II squad lures local talent

PALMER -- For the last three seasons the work of Jessica Tuomi has been integral to Colony's defense of the Region III title, next season Tuomi will be working on defense for the Northern State University women's soccer squad.

On Thursday Tuomi signed a national letter of intent to attend the Division II institution in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

"We are excited to add Jessi to our team, she is a very versatile defender who can play at any position," Northern State head coach Steve Kehm said in a press release. "She will be able to come in and compete for playing time right away."

Tuomi, who was courted by and considered attending several schools on a variety of levels, has played virtually every position for the Knights during her high school career, but Tuomi and her coaches feel playing defense is what she is best suited for in the college game.

"I definitely feel most comfortable there," Tuomi said. "I feel that's where I can help out the most."

Colony head coach Lorie Miner feels Tuomi's versatility will lead to her success.

"She has a great amount of potential," Miner said. "The skill and knowledge she has conveyed to us, and knowledge she has sought out from other coaches, she has a lot to offer."

Miner said during Tuomi's prep career her skills have evolved into a well-rounded game.

"She has come full circle," Miner said. "Jessi's a versatile player."

Miner said Tuomi has always had a great strength in moving the ball forward, but late in her career has shown a huge potential to shoot and score.

Throughout the recruiting process, Tuomi said she researched potential schools looking for not only athletic promise, but academic. Tuomi, who intends to major in music, said Northern State's music program, in addition to its soccer program, led to her decision.

She also said the level of play and her role in it was attractive.

"I wanted to play at a level where I have to work to get playing time," Tuomi said.

A Knight captain for the last two seasons, Tuomi has been named All-Region III in each of her three seasons. She earned first-team All-Region III defense as a freshman and junior and second as a sophomore. Tuomi has also earned the Colony Ironwoman Award, given to the team's top player on defense, as well as the Colony Coach's Award and Colony Most Consistent Player Award. Last year Tuomi was named to the sportsmanship team at the state tournament.

Tuomi is the second member of the Colony girls' soccer team to sign a national letter of intent. Last spring Siana Garrod signed with Gonzaga University.

This spring Tuomi and the Knights are in search of their fourth straight Region III crown.

Colony begins its trek toward the four-peat on Thursday with a home date against Nikiski. Colony begins the season with three games in as many days.