With the signing of Katie Kieffer, the NIU women’s soccer team gets a talented midfielder and NIU forward Katie Klaas reunites with a familiar face.

Kieffer, a Rockford Christian Life High School senior and a former teammate of Klaas, signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Huskies next fall. Klaas and Kieffer formed the nucleus of Christian Life’s potent offensive attack last spring, when Kieffer dished a school-record 24 assists and Klaas netted 50 goals.

But Kieffer said she didn’t choose NIU just to join her old teammate.

“I chose NIU because it was close to home, so I could still have my friends and family watch me play soccer,” Kieffer told the Rockford Register Star. “I really liked the school, and the overall program and coach [Frank] Horvat.”

Although Kieffer and Klaas formed a one-two offensive punch for Christian Life, Horvat said Kieffer’s role probably will be different at NIU. She could play up front with Klaas, but may be needed at outside midfield.

“It’s going to be an opportunity for both of them to grow in different ways,” he said.

Either way, Klaas still thinks Kieffer will help her no matter where she plays on the field. Kieffer, she said, has good ball control that enables her to shield the ball from opposing defenders. Klaas struggled to put the ball in the net last fall, and believes Kieffer will make it easier.

“I am thrilled,” Klaas said. “I think it’ll help me because she will be a huge asset as far as giving passes on the ground. A lot of times I have trouble getting passes.”

A club soccer veteran, Kieffer not only can distribute assists, but also has scoring ability. She netted 52 goals in three years heading into her senior season this spring, and became acquainted with NIU’s campus when she participated in the Olympic Development Program hosted in DeKalb.

The Huskies managed just 22 goals in 19 games last fall. They return three goal-scoring threats in Klaas, Jill Heikkila and Jane Mucci, who sat out last fall with a medical redshirt.

The Huskies also announced the signing of Carry Walker, whom Horvat expects to contribute next fall.

“She’s got great distribution skills and reads game well,” Horvat said. “She knows how to take away passing lanes. We’re counting on her to give us some depth and challenge people for playing time.”