ROGERS -- Stacey Schimmel enjoys a strong bond with her sister, Ashley, and she made sure her sister could also enjoy a special time for their family Thursday, even if she couldn't be there in person.
Schimmel signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Avila University in Kansas City in a ceremony at Rogers Heritage, while Ashley looked on albeit on Facetime through her iPad.
Ashley Schimmel is a sophomore at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo.
"My sister wanted to be there for me, but she couldn't because of school so she asked my mom if she could Facetime," Stacey Schimmel said. "We have spring break the same week, so we will get to have time together next week."
Schimmel chose Avila initially because of academics, but the chance to also play soccer was the perfect combination, Schimmel said.
"I wasn't looking for anywhere specific, but Avila has an amazing nursing program," Schimmel said. "I got offered for soccer and it was the perfect fit for me. I looked at schools in Louisiana and Mississippi but nothing really clicked."
Heritage girls soccer coach Craig Frank has watched Schimmel mature as a four-year starter as goalkeeper for the Lady War Eagles. Schimmel also already has the school record for career shutouts with 16 and counting.
"When she was a freshman she came in and had to get used to the level and speed of play compared to playing with club kids her age," Frank said. "But she's matured. She had no choice but to grow. She relieved her sister in goal and allowed her to move to a field player role. Avila is a great NAIA school in Kansas City that travels the Midwest.
"It's also rare to have two signings in the same family."
Avila soccer coach Sara Matthews, who was only recently hired, was present Thursday to share in the festivities.
"I've only had the opportunity to visit with her the last couple of weeks," Matthews said. "I was only hired about two weeks ago. I'm just getting to know everybody, but we've signed seven and we're looking to get a couple more."
Sports on 03/22/2014