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UNC Women's Soccer 2026-2027

3397char

3397char

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Snapshot of the 2026 team:

Starters Lost:
  1. Sr F Kate Faasse - 2024 NPOY, 2025 3rd Team All-ACC - 11 G, 6 A, .204 SH% - graduated, Houston Dash
  2. So MF Linda Ullmark - 4th Team A-A, 3rd Team All-ACC - 7 G, 8 A, .121 SH%) - went pro, Houston Dash
  3. Sr MF/D Tessa Dellarose - 3rd team 2024 All-ACC - 1 G, 2A, .333 SH% - graduated , Chicago Stars
  4. Jr F Olivia Thomas - 3rd Team A-A, 1st Team All-ACC - 13 G, 7 A, .138 SH%) - went pro, Denver Summit
Other Losses:
  • Fr F Eres Freifeld - 6 starts - 3 G, 0 A, .333% SH% - transferred to TCU
  • Sr MF Eden Bretzer - 3 starts- 0 G, 1 A, 0% SH% on 4 attempts - grad transfer to AZ
  • Gr D Ryann Brown - 8 games played - graduated
  • Fr D Djem Koppelaar - 19 minutes played in 2025 - transferred to AZ St
  • So GK Emile Maihs - DNP 2025 - transferred to Miami
Starters Returning:
  1. Jr D Bella Gaetino - 2024 ACC All-Freshman Team, TDS Freshman 2nd Team A-A, 2025 TDS mid-season #81 - 21 Starts, 1 G, 1 A, .111 SH%
  2. So D Hope Munson - 2025 ACC All-Freshman Team, TDS Mid-Season #5 Freshman - 20 starts, 0 G, 3 A, .000 SH% on 13 attempts
  3. Jr MF Ashley Pennie - 20 starts, 0 G, 2 A, .000 SH% on 12 attempts
  4. So MF/F Bella Devey TDS Mid-Season #3 Freshman - 21 starts, 5 G, 4 A, .104 SH%
  5. Jr D Aven Alvarez - 15 starts, 0 G, 1 A, .000 SH% on 4 attempts, DNP in 6 games
  6. Jr GK Hannah Johann - 10 Starts, took over job midseason, 11 GA 0.95 GA Avg, .711 SV%
  7. Jr D Caitlyn Mara - 10 starts, 3 G, 0 A, .273 SH%
Some Starts:
  • So MF Riley Kennedy - 9 starts #88 TDS Mid0Season Fr List - 0 G, 2 A, .000 SH% on 3 attempts
  • So MF/F Lauren Malsom - 7 starts, 4 G, 2 A, .400 SH% - missed 7 games due to USWJNT
  • Jr MF Shaela Bradley - Injured 2025, started 4 games prior - from Rutgers: TDS #12 ranked NCAA freshman, B1G All Freshman team as a prep 1st team All-American, Wash Gatorade POY
  • Sr GK Abby Gundry - 8 starts, 7 GA 1.10 GA Avg, .696 Save %
  • Fr GK Liya Brooks = 3 Starts 5 GA 1.41 GA Avg, .583 Save %
Incoming transfers for 2026 season:
  1. Sr D Izzi Stratton from BYU (2022 Freshman A-A, 2023 Top IX- 2025 Big XII 2nd Team - 0 G, 1 A, .000 SH% on 24 attempts - somehow she has 51 career shot attempts, only 10 on goal, and 0 goals, 🤷‍♂️
  2. Gr MF Summer Denigan from UGA - 2025 1st team A-A, Herman Trophy Semifinalist, All-SEC - 11 G, 1 A, 0.196 SH%
  3. Sr MF Lilliah Blum from Utah - 4 G, 0 A, .095 SH% (led her team)
Incoming Class of 2026:
Top Drawer Soccer #1 Recruiting Class on signing day
Player_NameNational_RankingTeam_USAAwards_NotablePosHigh SchoolStateClub TeamSigned_LOI
Scottlyn AntonucciPrepS #2
2024 TDS #7
2026 TDS #7		U15, U16 (Captain), U17ECNL A-A, ECNL SW Conf POY, NIL deals with Nike and InvisalignF/MFRancho CucamongaCALegends FCYes
Maggie Currie2026 TDS #84U17PrepS #5 in CA, Cali-Hi regional POY, ECNL NorCal All-Conf, 2025 torn ACL?MF/FLeigh HSCAMt View Los AltosYes
Leah KuklickunrankedPrepS #5 in NC, ECNL MidAtl All-ConfFN/ANCNC CourageYes
Ella Martinez2023 TDS #31-60 "players to watch"
2026 TDS #64		USA U16, Colombia U17PrepS #4 in GA, ECNL SE All-ConfMFMariettaGAConcorde Fire, Tampa Bay SunYes
Cali O'NeillPrepS 2024 Top 20 player
TDS #12		U16, U17PrepS #3 in NC, ECNL MidAtl All-ConfDSeaforth HSNCNC Courage youngest ever on their U23Yes
Samantha Rich2026 TDS #74U15, U17FOrindaCALamorindaYes
Wylie RoossienUnited Soccer All-StateFPhillips AndoverMAFC StarsYes
Chloe ShroffunrankedMF/DWilmingtonNCWilmington Hammerheads
Deus StanislausTDS #16 2025
TDS #15 2026
PrepS #6		U15 (Captain), U16, U17ECNL A-A, PrepS #1 in NJ, ECNL NoAtl Conf POY, Gotham FC Youth training CampMFFort WashPAPDAYes
Sealey StrawnTDS #9 2026U15, U19, U20USL Super League Young POY, Player's Choice Young POY, Pro player for Dallas Trinity in Youth ProgMFSouthlake Carroll HSTXFC Dallas, Solar SoccerYes
Peyton TrayerTDS #36 2026U17PrepS #4 in CA, ECNL SoCal All-Conf, Gotham FC Youth training CampGKSanta MargaritaCASlammers FC HB KogeYes
Amari ManningPrepS #16 for 2027 class, TDS #24 for 2026 class after reclassifyUSA U15, U16, U17PrepS #1 player in NJ, ECNL MidAtl All-ConfF/MFImmaculattaNJPDA ECNLYes
#1 2026 Recruiting Class still in May 2026 according to Top Drawer Soccer. On paper, this is the best recruiting class in recent history; since UNC's dynasty years.

*Note that 10 of the 21 player U-17 team were either already in college or on pro teams, and a few of others are HS juniors, so this is a really exclusive group: basically top 10 HS seniors. And Strawn is playing a level above.

Sealy Strawn is technically a pro player, but her Wikipedia and personal SM account still say she is committed to UNC. It says she is on an academy contract which allows her to retain eligibility. Recently named USL Super League Young Player of the Year (MOP under the age of 23) and also the Players Choice Young POY
 
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3397char

3397char

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Class of 2027 Commits as of 5/14/26
Player_NameNational_RankingNational_TeamAwards_NotablePosHigh_ScoolSTClub_Team
Madeline DiMariaPrepS #1
TDS #1		USA U15, U16, U172024 Gatorade NPOY (1st 9th-Gr winner ever), 2X Gatorade SPOY, ECNL A-AFFentonMOSt. Louis Scott Gallagher
Gianna HanfTDS #18USA U17ECNL A-AMF/FChesterfieldNJMatch Fit Academy FC
Wren KincaidPrepS #138, TDS #147USA Camp invite onlyECNL SE All-ConfMFBrookhavenGAFC Prime
Marin KotschauTDS #39USA U16, U17PrepS #2 player in CO, ECNL TX All-ConfMFThorntonCOColorado Rapids
Grace MurrayTDS #14USA U16, U17ECNL A-AMFRedondo BeachCABeach FC
Carolina ReynaPrepS #2
TDS #10		USA U15, U16, U17reclassified from 2008, Gio Reyna's sisFAustinTXAustin Sting
#1 2027 Recruiting class as of Spring 2026 according to Top Drawer Soccer
 
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3397char

3397char

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35 of our 49 goals scored last year are no longer on the team. We lost our entire starting 3 attackers and a key reserve. Devey Returns, but after that, it will all be new for 2026. That is obviously teh biggest question mark for 2026

Conversely, our defense and holding midfield is mostly intact, including goal keepers. Dellarose is our only notable loss. So we are looking for increased maturity and incremental gains in the back 7.

My guess at the starting 11:

  • Forward - Devey, Denigan, Antonucci OR Manning
  • Midfield - Strawn, Pennie, Gaetino, Stanislaus OR Bradley if healthy
  • Defenders - Alvarez, Munson, Mara OR Stratton
  • Goal - Johann
Gaetino would slide into a MF role in a 3 back, which we normally prefer, but would drop to defense in a 4 back.

Some freshmen and returning players who are traditionally listed a midfield will need to play attacking roles. That is pretty normal. But this team lacks an obvious center striker and perhaps a 2nd wing to compliment Devey is also a bit of a question mark.
 
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Jriv23

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I think a healthy Bradley will help out on the offensive end. Her numbers at Rutgers were solid. I think we are going to have some freshmen that are going to make their mark this year. 3397char you stated that Sealy was already a pro player. If that is true then I expect great things from here on the offensive end. Thanks for posting all the information 3397char. I know it took some time to put this together. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
 
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JohnnyYen

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Nice write-up 3397char.

Antonucci was the standout in the spring games. The backs and mids are solid with some depth. I'd say that the defensive side of the roster is as good as we've seen in a long time. There is some work to be done in the front. I could see a lot of 0-0 draws this season unless someone steps up as a scoring threat. Also, just really hoping that we can retain this roster through the summer break. Losing Shores last summer was a tough break.
 
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3397char

3397char

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JohnnyYen said:
Nice write-up 3397char.

Antonucci was the standout in the spring games. The backs and mids are solid with some depth. I'd say that the defensive side of the roster is as good as we've seen in a long time. There is some work to be done in the front. I could see a lot of 0-0 draws this season unless someone steps up as a scoring threat. Also, just really hoping that we can retain this roster through the summer break. Losing Shores last summer was a tough break.
Click to expand...
promising!

Who played center striker?
 
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JohnnyYen

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I don't know if there was a true 9, but if so, I think it was Gaetino or Deus. I wasn't impressed with either. TBF, it was a spring game, and blah, blah, blah. There are a lot of candidates on the roster so I'm really hoping that they find a post player and a real striker.

edited to add: not busting on Bella as a player. I'll bet that she would be a first team All-ACC defender this season, if she plays back there.
 
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Jriv23

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You have to remember that Deus was playing with team USA. That prevented her from being at UNC some during the 2nd semester. From what I read when she played with team USA, she was holding her on. Johnny Yen, I think you have to give her the benefit of the doubt for now. She was playing in high school last semester. Let's be fair. She came to UNC this semester, but she also got called up for the USA team during this semester as well. Gaetino is not a freshman, she will be a senior. I do not see how you can compare a player who will be a senior with a player who is coming in as a freshman who is still learning how Damon and UNC do things after being called up for the USA team. It is going to take time for Deus to learn what she has missed. Please give this young player the benefit of the doubt and not crucify her. To be honest, I think Deus is going to prove a lot of people wrong once she has been here working out from now until the end of the summer.
 
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Anon182318

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May 18, 2026
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The team is absolutely stacked this year. Bigger question will be how Damon manages playing time/starts with such a young, talented group. Most of these players would be starters at most other schools. Deus and Manning will be gone a lot (I presume) with the U17s in Morocco this fall, much like Malsom and Kennedy were last fall. Munsom, Devey, Sealey, Alvarez and a few others may be with the U20s in Poland in September. No shortage of talent to fill their spaces though! This is easily a College Cup team.
 
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Jriv23

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Damon must play these guys now. He has too much talent not too. There is no way he should be playing the starters a boat load of minutes. He can now put in waves of players thereby keeping them fresh, excited because they know they are going to play even if you are on the bench. They can keep up the pressure and intensity by having all this talent. If he needs help, then I would suggest he and his staff will need to go and talk with Jenny about how she does it with the Lacrosse team. There is no shame in asking coaches how they do it since our school is the University of Champions.
 
3397char

3397char

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Jriv23 said:
Damon must play these guys now. He has too much talent not too. There is no way he should be playing the starters a boat load of minutes. He can now put in waves of players thereby keeping them fresh, excited because they know they are going to play even if you are on the bench. They can keep up the pressure and intensity by having all this talent. If he needs help, then I would suggest he and his staff will need to go and talk with Jenny about how she does it with the Lacrosse team. There is no shame in asking coaches how they do it since our school is the University of Champions.
Click to expand...
In general I agree, but the issue this year may be that much of our depth is at the back 4 who tend to sub infrequently in college soccer. While on paper we have no depth at the front 3, which usually sub the most. But at a minimum I hope our midfield see significant rotation. And I definitely hope we identify some depth at the attack.
 
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3397char

3397char

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Also, just to add as the bigger picture, I think the days of significant depth and the platooning of players is simply over. Between players going pro early, a significantly wider talent pool, UNC losing dynasty status, the 28 player roster limit, and the transfer portal it may no longer be feasible to have significant depth where our 2nd team is as good as others' first team. All those young, future stars we used to bring in as "gamechangers" off the bench are now starting because the upperclassmen they would be behind have already made the jump to the pros.

Imagine if we still had King, Armstrong, Dahlien, Shores, Ullmark, Thomas on this team. If this were the 90's or even the 00's landscape they would have all still been here this Fall. Sentnor would have just graduated with Faasse and Dellarose this month. Then we would have had a ton of star power depth waiting in the wings... because to transfer out they would have to sit out a year. So you may as well wait your turn on your current team. And there would have been plenty of space because we use to carry around 40 women on our roster.

I'm not saying you can't build enough depth to sub out 4 or 5 a game. you can and should ideally. But those players may be more raw and less impactful than in times past.
 
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3397char

3397char

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FSU making waves in the transfer portal today:
  • Sr F/MF Tanner Strickland: 3rd Team All-SEC player at Kentucky
  • Sr D Olivia Page: Big XII All-tournament team at Kansas, their 2nd best defender
  • Grad MF Joelle Jung: 4 G, 8 A as a starter at Stanford
  • Sr D Grace Hoytink: 2nd Team All-SEC at Kentucky
  • F Anniyah Rodney: International U-21 pro from The Arsenal 9 G, 21 A, 19 y.o.
  • Jr MF Sam Erbach: Big east MF of the Year and 1st Team All-American from Xavier. (18G, 16A last year)
FSU only had 11 returning players. including 4 starters, from their national championship team. Thought the 4 starters are all very good players.

with these women included they are now adding 14 total new players.

The fall transfer portal included:
  • Jr F Anaiyah Robinson of Tenn (11 G two years ago at Arky)
  • Sr F Nyah Rose of SMU (20 career goals)
  • Sr MF Ashely Henderson Memphis (AAC Offensive POY)
  • GK Fernada Mayrink of Iowa (starting GK)
They also added a small but well regarded recruiting class
  • F Ryder Ajeto (U-18 USWJNT, #4 player nationally )
  • MF Shaneil Buckley: JuCo national player of the year
  • D Bridget Mutipula (Canada U-17 Team, reclassified to join early)
  • D Ryana Dill (U-18 USWJNT, reclassified to join early #82 ranking after reclass)
Normally all of these seniors would represent a short-term solution but with the pending 5 to play 5 rule some should have 2 years of eligibility remaining. This is possibly a pretty strategic year to add seniors to your team.

It looks like FSU patched most all of their holes and will be an ACC contender yet again.
 
B

Bricks

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Nov 11, 2025
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Jriv23 said:
You have to remember that Deus was playing with team USA. That prevented her from being at UNC some during the 2nd semester. From what I read when she played with team USA, she was holding her on. Johnny Yen, I think you have to give her the benefit of the doubt for now. She was playing in high school last semester. Let's be fair. She came to UNC this semester, but she also got called up for the USA team during this semester as well. Gaetino is not a freshman, she will be a senior. I do not see how you can compare a player who will be a senior with a player who is coming in as a freshman who is still learning how Damon and UNC do things after being called up for the USA team. It is going to take time for Deus to learn what she has missed. Please give this young player the benefit of the doubt and not crucify her. To be honest, I think Deus is going to prove a lot of people wrong once she has been here working out from now until the end of the summer.
Click to expand...
Bella is entering her junior season
 
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Kellymo0603

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May 11, 2025
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3397char said:
Snapshot of the 2026 team:

Starters Lost:
  1. Sr F Kate Faasse - 2024 NPOY, 2025 3rd Team All-ACC - 11 G, 6 A, .204 SH% - graduated, Houston Dash
  2. So MF Linda Ullmark - 4th Team A-A, 3rd Team All-ACC - 7 G, 8 A, .121 SH%) - went pro, Houston Dash
  3. Sr MF/D Tessa Dellarose - 3rd team 2024 All-ACC - 1 G, 2A, .333 SH% - graduated , Chicago Stars
  4. Jr F Olivia Thomas - 3rd Team A-A, 1st Team All-ACC - 13 G, 7 A, .138 SH%) - went pro, Denver Summit
Other Losses:
  • Fr F Eres Freifeld - 6 starts - 3 G, 0 A, .333% SH% - transferred to TCU
  • Sr MF Eden Bretzer - 3 starts- 0 G, 1 A, 0% SH% on 4 attempts - grad transfer to AZ
  • Gr D Ryann Brown - 8 games played - graduated
  • Fr D Djem Koppelaar - 19 minutes played in 2025 - transferred to AZ St
  • So GK Emile Maihs - DNP 2025 - transferred to Miami
Starters Returning:
  1. Jr D Bella Gaetino - 2024 ACC All-Freshman Team, TDS Freshman 2nd Team A-A, 2025 TDS mid-season #81 - 21 Starts, 1 G, 1 A, .111 SH%
  2. So D Hope Munson - 2025 ACC All-Freshman Team, TDS Mid-Season #5 Freshman - 20 starts, 0 G, 3 A, .000 SH% on 13 attempts
  3. Jr MF Ashley Pennie - 20 starts, 0 G, 2 A, .000 SH% on 12 attempts
  4. So MF/F Bella Devey TDS Mid-Season #3 Freshman - 21 starts, 5 G, 4 A, .104 SH%
  5. Jr D Aven Alvarez - 15 starts, 0 G, 1 A, .000 SH% on 4 attempts, DNP in 6 games
  6. Jr GK Hannah Johann - 10 Starts, took over job midseason, 11 GA 0.95 GA Avg, .711 SV%
  7. Jr D Caitlyn Mara - 10 starts, 3 G, 0 A, .273 SH%
Some Starts:
  • So MF Riley Kennedy - 9 starts #88 TDS Mid0Season Fr List - 0 G, 2 A, .000 SH% on 3 attempts
  • So MF/F Lauren Malsom - 7 starts, 4 G, 2 A, .400 SH% - missed 7 games due to USWJNT
  • Jr MF Shaela Bradley - Injured 2025, started 4 games prior - from Rutgers: TDS #12 ranked NCAA freshman, B1G All Freshman team as a prep 1st team All-American, Wash Gatorade POY
  • Sr GK Abby Gundry - 8 starts, 7 GA 1.10 GA Avg, .696 Save %
  • Fr GK Liya Brooks = 3 Starts 5 GA 1.41 GA Avg, .583 Save %
Incoming transfers for 2026 season:
  1. Sr D Izzi Stratton from BYU (2022 Freshman A-A, 2023 Top IX- 2025 Big XII 2nd Team - 0 G, 1 A, .000 SH% on 24 attempts - somehow she has 51 career shot attempts, only 10 on goal, and 0 goals, 🤷‍♂️
  2. Gr MF Summer Denigan from UGA - 2025 1st team A-A, Herman Trophy Semifinalist, All-SEC - 11 G, 1 A, 0.196 SH%
  3. Sr MF Lilliah Blum from Utah - 4 G, 0 A, .095 SH% (led her team)
Incoming Class of 2026:
Top Drawer Soccer #1 Recruiting Class on signing day
Player_NameNational_RankingTeam_USAAwards_NotablePosHigh SchoolStateClub TeamSigned_LOI
Scottlyn AntonucciPrepS #2
2024 TDS #7
2026 TDS #7		U15, U16 (Captain), U17ECNL A-A, ECNL SW Conf POY, NIL deals with Nike and InvisalignF/MFRancho CucamongaCALegends FCYes
Maggie Currie2026 TDS #84U17PrepS #5 in CA, Cali-Hi regional POY, ECNL NorCal All-Conf, 2025 torn ACL?MF/FLeigh HSCAMt View Los AltosYes
Leah KuklickunrankedPrepS #5 in NC, ECNL MidAtl All-ConfFN/ANCNC CourageYes
Ella Martinez2023 TDS #31-60 "players to watch"
2026 TDS #64		USA U16, Colombia U17PrepS #4 in GA, ECNL SE All-ConfMFMariettaGAConcorde Fire, Tampa Bay SunYes
Cali O'NeillPrepS 2024 Top 20 player
TDS #12		U16, U17PrepS #3 in NC, ECNL MidAtl All-ConfDSeaforth HSNCNC Courage youngest ever on their U23Yes
Samantha Rich2026 TDS #74U15, U17FOrindaCALamorindaYes
Wylie RoossienUnited Soccer All-StateFPhillips AndoverMAFC StarsYes
Chloe ShroffunrankedMF/DWilmingtonNCWilmington Hammerheads
Deus StanislausTDS #16 2025
TDS #15 2026
PrepS #6		U15 (Captain), U16, U17ECNL A-A, PrepS #1 in NJ, ECNL NoAtl Conf POY, Gotham FC Youth training CampMFFort WashPAPDAYes
Sealey StrawnTDS #9 2026U15, U19, U20USL Super League Young POY, Player's Choice Young POY, Pro player for Dallas Trinity in Youth ProgMFSouthlake Carroll HSTXFC Dallas, Solar SoccerYes
Peyton TrayerTDS #36 2026U17PrepS #4 in CA, ECNL SoCal All-Conf, Gotham FC Youth training CampGKSanta MargaritaCASlammers FC HB KogeYes
Amari ManningPrepS #16 for 2027 class, TDS #24 for 2026 class after reclassifyUSA U15, U16, U17PrepS #1 player in NJ, ECNL MidAtl All-ConfF/MFImmaculattaNJPDA ECNLYes
#1 2026 Recruiting Class still in May 2026 according to Top Drawer Soccer. On paper, this is the best recruiting class in recent history; since UNC's dynasty years.

*Note that 10 of the 21 player U-17 team were either already in college or on pro teams, and a few of others are HS juniors, so this is a really exclusive group: basically top 10 HS seniors. And Strawn is playing a level above.

Sealy Strawn is technically a pro player, but her Wikipedia and personal SM account still say she is committed to UNC. It says she is on an academy contract which allows her to retain eligibility. Recently named USL Super League Young Player of the Year (MOP under the age of 23) and also the Players Choice Young POY
Click to expand...
Been meaning to ask as a Nole fan, how have y'all been able to do such a good job this cycle and potentially next with keeping the high school talent. We've lost roughly 5 or so high schoolers to the pros and we don't have a single 2027 commit.
 
B

bradarb08

Senior
Aug 1, 2025
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Kellymo0603 said:
Been meaning to ask as a Nole fan, how have y'all been able to do such a good job this cycle and potentially next with keeping the high school talent. We've lost roughly 5 or so high schoolers to the pros and we don't have a single 2027 commit.
Click to expand...
It hasn't been the case the last couple of years... and there is still time. We've lost a handful over the summer the last couple of years if I am remembering correctly. Claire Hutton, Kennedy Fuller, for example...
 
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3397char

3397char

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Kellymo0603 said:
Been meaning to ask as a Nole fan, how have y'all been able to do such a good job this cycle and potentially next with keeping the high school talent. We've lost roughly 5 or so high schoolers to the pros and we don't have a single 2027 commit.
Click to expand...
You had two, but they both reclassified to 2026
  • D Bridget Mutipula
  • D Ryana Dill
In general, it appears that your coach has transitioned this year to finding older players in the transfer portal whether that is the start of an ongoing trend or just a one year stopgap measure, we shall see. But it might be a better strategy similar to men's basketball considering a) the best young players go pro and b) we are about to get the 5 years to play 5 rule which will increase the number of 20+ year old players who can bring extra maturity and development across D1.

As for UNC we had a good year this year avoiding top recruits going pro. Not sure why, but I'll take it. But we have lost top recruits most recent years just like FSU.
 
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JohnnyYen

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Aug 4, 2025
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Ok, looking at her wiki page, she committed to UNC but went pro as a junior. Didn't know that.

Good lord - she played on her high school's varsity team in the seventh grade. In the eighth grade, she scored 36 goals and had 19 assists. In her junior year, she started for the boy's team as a striker.
 
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