The SMU women's soccer team welcomed 10 freshmen into the Mustang family, adding Brooke Kuempel, Katharine Herron, Hailey Bishop, Emily Cope, Avery Ortmann, Allie Thornton, Mary Meehan, Katina Tsapos, Jessica Cooley and Robyn Maurer. Kuempel, who is from Pflugerville, Texas, starts off the series introducing fans to these 10 new Mustangs.

Prior to playing at SMU, Kuempel played club soccer for Lonestar SC ECNL 98 and was a four-year letterwinner at Hendrickson High School under Frank Hense.
Accolades include:

• Ranked No. 12 best goalkeeper in TopDrawer IMG Academy Top 150 Rankings
• First-Team All-District in District 16-5A
• District 16-5A Honorable Mention All-District selection in 2013
• Named to the 2012-13 U15 ECNL All-Event Team in Frisco, Texas. 

Head coach Chris Petrucelli on Kuempel…

"Brooke Kuempel is athletic, competitive and hardworking. She is a perfectionist in goal and wants to save every ball. She has a good deal of upside. Her focus on being the best reminds me of some of the top players I've coached."

Prior to the first game of the season, SMUMustangs.com caught up with Brooke to see how season preparations as well as her transition into the SMU community is going.

Why I Chose SMU…
I wanted a great soccer atmosphere with coaches that would help me succeed on the field, while also getting an amazing academic school – SMU seemed to fit that perfectly.

On her favorite part of SMU/Dallas so far…
SMU has such an incredible community of people on campus, including exceptional professors who care so much about my learning.

One word you would use to describe this year's team?
Passionate

What's going to be one of the greatest strengths of this year's team?
We have a lot of players, but most importantly they all have something to add to the team.

On her biggest strengths as a soccer player…
My athleticism and speed inside the box, but also my drive to be the best that I can be.

On her favorite/best moment in her soccer career…
Accepting the offer to play at SMU was definitely one of the best moments in my soccer career because I knew it would be a perfect school for me.

If not soccer, what sport/activity would you be doing instead?
If it wasn't for soccer, I would love to be a leader and reach out to others by being involved in programs like FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). I have been a part of these types of programs before, but finding the time is very difficult as a student-athlete.

How have your teammates and coaches helped you become acclimated to college?
The team and coaches have been amazing helping me this last spring when I graduated high school early and started at SMU.

On a job I'd like outside of soccer
I would love to run my own gym one day, which welcomes all athletes and provides opportunities to recover and get back from injuries or mental obstacles. Everyone goes through issues, so I would love to provide a place where they can get the support they need. I would also like to have a nutrition bar in the gym, so athletes can get the proper pre- and post-workout options to maximize potential. This gym will create an environment where athletes will be excited to come and work hard!

Something I'd like for SMU fans to know about me:
From the age eight to 16, I played competitive golf off and on.

Anticipated Major: APSM- Applied Physiology and Sports Management
Three Words that Describe Me: Perfectionist, Tenacious, Determined
What do you like to do in your free time? Nothing is better than spending time with all my family.
Favorite Food: Ice cream
Favorite Song: From the Ground Up by Dan + Shay
Favorite TV Show: Modern Family
Favorite Movie: The Best of Me
Pre-game Superstition/Ritual: When I am out there on the field, before the whistle blows I touch the cross bar on the goal and say my short prayer.
Favorite Quote: "The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but it was too low and we reach it." – Michelangelo
Favorite Professional Athlete: Tim Howard
Favorite Sports to Watch Other Than Soccer: Gymnastics

SMU will kick off its season Thursday night, as the Mustangs host Northwestern State at 7 p.m. on Westcott Field. The original season opener against Rice was cancelled due to severe storms in northern Texas. Fans can get tickets by calling 214-SMU-GAME (214-768-4263) or visiting SMUMustangs.com/tickets. All home games will be aired on PonyUp TV, with Steve Lansdale making the call. Live stats are also provided on SMUMustangs.com.