Washington State adds nine for 2015

by TopDrawerSoccer
February 9, 2015

Meet the 2015 Washington State women’s soccer signees. Cougar Head Coach Steve Nugent and his staff welcome the following student-athletes.

Emma Dahline - Goalkeeper - Mill Creek, Wash. - Crossfire Premier

Club: Member of Crossfire Premier…played for coach Justi Baumgardt…third nationally as a U15...qualified for national playoffs in U16 and U17 seasons.

Why WSU?: “I chose to attend WSU to play soccer not only because the campus is beautiful, but because I have the opportunity not only to compete in the classroom, but to compete in one of the toughest conferences in Division I Athletics as well. I am excited to be a part of a great program that instills discipline and teamwork. Go Cougs!”

Tia Gavin - Forward - Sydney, Australia - Western Sydney Wanderers

Club: Member of Australian U-17 National Team, 2012-14…member of Western Sydney Wanderers (W-League) in 2014...top five goal scorer in NSW Women’s Premier League in 2014 as team captured league title.

Why WSU?: “I chose WSU because of the unique school spirit and excellent reputation for women’s soccer. With reference from other Australian student athletes who attended WSU and coaches, I have heard it is the perfect college experience. With such amazing people surrounding you, it is the perfect environment to grow and develop as a person, player and teammate. Very excited to be a Coug!”

Elizabeth Griffith - Midfielder - Puyallup, Wash. - Washington Premier FC

Club: Member of Washington Premier FC led by coach Seth Spidahl…EC NL National Flight B champions…captured three-consecutive league crowns, 2012-14.

Why WSU?: “I chose to go to WSU because when I got to Pullman for the first time I fell in love with the campus and it’s atmosphere! I am also excited to be able to have the chance at playing in the PAC 12. WSU is also far enough away from home where I am going away, but still close enough where I can go home if I needed to. I don’t know for sure what I want to major in yet and WSU has a lot of different options if I change my mind. So pretty much WSU is the perfect school for me!”

Grace Hancock - Defender/Midfielder - Boise, Idaho - FC Nova

High School: Four-year starter for coach Chris Siegenthaler…Southern Idaho Conference Second Team defender as a freshman…SIC First Team defender and Idaho All-State selection as a sophomore...team captain as a senior…team won District III and was a state finalist in 2011…state champions in 2013.

Club: Member of FC Nova coached by Eric Simmonsen…state runner-up in 2009 and 2010 before winning state titles in 2011 and 2012…won Far West Regional in 2011 and 2012…U17 Women’s National Team pool in 2013…ODP Region IV Team, 2011-14 with championships 2012-14…US Youth Soccer National Player of the Month, March 2013.

Why WSU?: “Out of all the schools I visited while being recruited, Washington State had something a little bit more special about it. The amount of loyalty and love the students have for their school is something I didn’t see anywhere else. The team has also shown me that being a Coug isn’t just about reaching your potential on the field, but also as a person, which is something I will always strive for.”

Madeline Haro - Midfielder/Forward - Corona, Calif. - Legends FC

Club: Played three-different positions for Legends (Calif.) FC under coach Jim Wain… selected to 2011 and 2013 ODP pool…club won 2012 USYS national title, 2013 and 2014 Region IV championships and 2014 National Cup crown.

Why WSU?: “Ever since I was little, my parents always encouraged me to experience something different, something I wasn’t used to, and when I came to Washington State I felt like it was where I belonged; everything about the campus, people, and the environment felt exactly right and nothing can compare.”

Maegan O'Neill - Midfielder/Defender - Spokane, Wash. - Spokane Shadow

Club: Played for Spokane (Wash.) Shadow and coach Kevin Moon…team captain from 2008-11 and 2013-present…selected as 2013 Top XI Championship player…USYS Washington Championship state title and regional participant...third place in 2013 Surf Cup…volunteer for Spokane Soccer Academy.

Why WSU?: “The ultimate reason I chose WSU was because it feels like home and has the program that I want to study. I knew the second time I was able to visit the campus and spend time with the girls that I wanted to play with them in the future! WSU is the complete package for mecollege programs and a fantastic soccer program with players and staff where I will grow!”

Abbey Porter - Defender - Sammamish, Wash. - Eastside FC

Club: Captain for Eastside FC in Bellevue, Wash., under coach Chance Fry…state championships in 2009, 2010 and 2012…won Northwest Champions League threestraight seasons, 2010-12…captured Surf Cup in 2012 and 2014…Far West Regional champions in 2014.

Why WSU?: “Washington State was an easy choice for me. Both my parents are alumni, and I grew up with crimson and grey and Bob Robertson blaring on the radio. I got my first WSU jersey when I was three. When I finally got the chance to visit, I fell in love with the beautiful campus, amazing people, and tight-knit college town. I was also very impressed by the team and rising soccer program. When it turned out that I could play the game I love at the school I always wanted to go to, I was elated. I cannot wait to get to WSU.”

Julia Reneau - Goalkeeper - Ojai, Calif. - Pleasanton Rage

Club: Member of Pleasanton (Calif.) Rage in the ECNL…played for coach Tina Estrada…goalkeeper for 2013 Region IV ODP team and 2013 ODP Interregional Boca Raton event.

Why WSU?: “As soon as I arrived on campus, I knew it was where I wanted to be. I love the close-knit Pullman community and school spirit. I was able to visit several other school, but after spending the day at WSU, seeing the facilities, talking with players, and touring the campus, I immediately knew it was the right fit for me.”

Shayna Whieldon - Midfielder - Upland, Calif. - Legends FC

Club: Member of Legends (Calif.) FC under the direction of coach John King…Surf Cup champion…national finalist.

Why WSU?: "The moment I stepped onto the campus I knew this is where I belonged. Everything about the atmosphere screamed pride, strength, courage, success, unity and teamwork. My dream has always been to be a part of a competitive team and I know the academics and athletics will challenge me to be the best player and person I can be. I cannot wait to step on the campus and field as a cougar!“

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