Anderson and Bertschler signed with four-year schools

Two Holmes Community College Lady Bulldog soccer players signed with four-year universities on Wednesday, May 1, in the new soccer fieldhouse on the Ridgeland Campus. Laila Anderson signed with the Jackson State University Tigers, and Jordan Bertschler signed with the Millsaps College Majors.

Anderson, the daughter of Danielle Latham and Greg Anderson, played forward for the Lady Bulldogs while majoring in pre-athletic training. Anderson is graduate of Richland High School.

This season, Anderson was in the starting lineup for 13 of the 22 games she played in, including eight conference games. She had three assists and scored a goal, which happened to be a game-winning goal.

In addition to playing for the Lady Bulldogs, Anderson also coaches two youth cadet girls soccer teams in Madison and helps coach skills for tots in Pearl. Her career goal is to work in the medical field helping athletes mentally and physically. She also plans to continue coaching young athletes to become to best versions of themselves.

"Laila has done really well in her time at Holmes," said Head Women's Soccer Coach Wesley Noble. 'She switched positions from where she was used to and has rapidly grown week in and week out. She will do well at the next level and we are excited to watch her journey!"

Bertschler, daughter of Erica and Brian Bertschler, was a goalkeeper for the Lady Bulldogs. A graduate of Jackson Academy, she studied pre-med at Holmes. Additionally, she is employed with Chik-fil-A and is a member of Christ United Church of Jackson. Her future plans are to attend medical school and become a radiologist.

Bertschler played in six games this season, including two conference games, and represented the college as part of the North women's team during the 2023 MACCC All-Star Soccer Games hosted at Holmes.

"Jordan will bring a great demeanor to Millsaps," Coach Noble said. "She is a sure handed keeper that is also a favorite amongst her peers. We are thrilled she is playing at the next level!"

Both players were a vital part of the 2023 team who ended the season 19-3 and won a share of the MACCC title. They traveled to Arizona for the NJCAA Division II National Tournament and won their first two pool games before falling in the semifinals.