Strengthening the SSA ROYALS - Laney Steed and Macie Rainwater announced as the first two signings for the Royals USL W League campaign.
The SSA Royals are excited to announce Laney Steed and Macie Rainwater as the first two signings for their USL W League roster. These two players stood out to the coaching staff during the open tryouts with constant energy and style of play.
Through its history in women’s soccer, Southern Soccer Academy has produced many female professional athletes, national team athletes and leaders within the women’s side of the game. As the Royals gear up for the inaugural USL W League season, the club looks forward to strengthening the support and focus for the women’s programs at SSA and creating a team structure and atmosphere that will compete for the USL W Championship on a yearly basis.
Laney Steed made her mark at the SSA Royals open trial in January with her high intensity and excellent field vision. A versatile, attacking midfielder, Laney’s addition to the team sets the tone for the Royals growing roster of strong, dynamic players. “I’m excited to join a team that is passing oriented with the goal to win and have fun every game, ” commented Laney. “I feel confident that being a part of the Royals will increase my love for the game and support my development as a player and an aspiring future coach”.
Laney played for SSA as a youth player coached by Jordan Davis, the current SSA Girls Academy director. “Laney is a tremendous individual on and off the field and I'm thrilled to see her back in the club at the highest level. Playing her entire youth career at SSA speaks volumes and we're fortunate she will bring her wealth of experiences into the club and continue to be a role model for our youth players. I know everyone will enjoy watching her on the field this summer!” said Jordan.
From SSA, Laney was recruited to play for the Florida Gators where she had a successful first two years with both a goal and an assist in the Gators 6-5 overtime win versus Kentucky at the Southeastern Conference Tournament. She recently transferred to the University of San Diego where she will prepare for the USL W League season during her Spring season. “Laney is a confident, possession oriented player who leads her team through her distribution and quick decision making,” assistant coach Kailyn Deutrich commented. “I’m very excited to have her rejoin SSA, she will be a key player as we continue to build our roster”.
Joining Laney in the midfield is Macie Rainwater who made her debut last year playing for SSA’s WPSL team. Promoted from the SSA U19 Regional team, Macie shows the clear pathway from Academy to Pre-Professional at SSA. Macie wasted little time at the Royals USL W League tryouts demonstrating her speed and technical ability. During the Fall 2021 season, the Kennesaw State University freshman was named to the ASUN All-Tournament Team, scoring a crucial goal from 25 yards out to send the Owls to the ASUN Tournament Final. Macie ended her freshman debut with 7 goals and recorded 1236 minutes.
“Macie is a great example of the quality we want to add to our W League roster. An extremely dangerous and attacking threat, Macie has the ability to score all types of goals. I have had the opportunity to work with Macie in the past and know she is exactly the type of player we want to have. She has been identified as a player that will fit seamlessly into our intended style of play and improve our team both on and off the field”, commented Head Coach Jack Coulton.
The SSA Royals look forward to welcoming supporters to Southern Soccer Academy’s new multi-million dollar soccer-specific stadium for the USL W League season this summer. Marathon Soccer Park is complete with two floodlit showcase fields, a 1,000 seat capacity stand, as well as men’s and women’s locker rooms, classrooms and a conference center.
For more information and to stay up to date on the latest SSA new women’s team, the Royals, fans can follow the Royals on Twitter (@SSAEliteSoccer), Facebook and Instagram (southernsocceracademy).