Hesston College women’s soccer coach Bryan Kehr announced Jessica Donnelly, a defender from Gresham (Ore.) High School, as the newest addition to the women’s soccer team for the 2012 season.

Donnelly played varsity soccer for the Gophers for four years, started for three years, served as captain her senior year and was selected as a second team all-star defender. In her junior year, the Gophers took the 6A conference title, allowing only six goals in the season.

“Jessica’s work ethic is the part of her personality that caused her teammates to elect her team captain,” said Gresham coach Kathy Childress. “Jessica is very difficult to beat, and her tenacity anchored our back line.”

A two-sport athlete, Donnelly competed in middle distance and javelin as a varsity member of the high school track team and played club soccer for both Eastside United Football Club and Centennial Classic. She is also a founding member of the Portland (Ore.) Adventist Academy String Orchestra and principal viola player for six years.

“Jessica is a well-rounded student who will be a wonderful addition to the Larks team,” said Hesston coach Bryan Kehr. “In addition to being a strong defender, Jessica is also efficient at registering assists.”

Donnelly is the daughter of Patrick and Shirley Donnelly of Troutdale, Ore.