CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Golden Eagles are thrilled to officially welcome 10 standout players to the University of Charleston Women's Soccer program for the 2026 season!

Building on a powerful tradition of excellence, this incoming class brings a fierce mix of technical skill, dedication, and high-level leadership to the pitch. With high ambitions and a strong team culture, the Golden Eagles are locking in their focus to challenge for a trip to the NCAA National Tournament.

When asked about her excitement for this incoming group, Head Coach Sarah Leiby said: "We are excited to welcome our 10 newest Golden
 Eagles to the nest! This is one of the most diverse recruiting classes in recent program history, with student-athletes representing seven states and three countries—a testament to the growing reach and reputation of UC Women's Soccer.

These 10 newcomers will add tremendous quality on the field, but what excites us even more is the character they bring to our program. They are outstanding young women who will make a positive impact on their teammates, our campus, and the Charleston community. We couldn't be more excited about the future of UC Women's Soccer. This class brings the talent, character, and ambition to help elevate our program and continue building toward even greater success."

Akayla Johnson: Fr / Midfielder / Rohnert Park, CA / Santa Rosa United ECNL
Named to the 2025 First Team All-League North Bay Oak Division. Played 5 years in the ECNL. Has played two seasons for NCFC SOL WPSL 2. Made the Dean's List (4.0+ GPA throughout all 4-years of high school), and was Top 15 in her graduating class. Johnson, the California native, chose Charleston for new experiences: "Relocating from California, I wanted a new environment with a different pace of life where I
could branch out and challenge myself without limits. I chose UC for its sports business program, athletic culture, and winning women's soccer team. Surrounding myself with driven, like-minded peers provides me with confidence that I will thrive here!"

Gracie Dooley: Fr / Defender / Spring Hill, TN / Tennessee Soccer Club
An All-District honoree. Named Midfielder of the Year and Attacking Player of the Year. When asked why she chose Charleston, Dooley shared: "I chose UC because of the commitment from the team and how welcoming all the girls and coaches were from the first practice. I loved the small town feel and community around!"

Jenna Brown: Fr / Forward / Elkview, WV / Lexington Sporting Club
A member of the ODP National Team. Named Cardinal Conference Player of the Year. Named First Team All-State. Graduated with Highest Honors. Reflecting on her commitment to UC, Brown said: "I chose UC because of the small community feel and campus culture. I have grown up being coached and trained by UC soccer players, so it has always felt like a second home."

Brooklyn Connelly: Fr / Defender / Fountain Inn, SC / Carolina Elite Soccer Academy
Named All-Region. Was on the Honor Roll in high school. On her decision to come to UC, Connelly said: "It had everything I was looking for in a school," and that she loves the small-town environment.

Devan Rosenzweig: Fr / Midfielder / Manalapan, New Jersey / Next Level Soccer Academy
ECNL RL All Regional League Girls. Named Jack Levy Sportsmanship Award winner for Shore Conference. Won Shore Conference Tournament. Honor Roll throughout high school. Reflecting her decision to come to UC from the Garden State, Rosenzweig shared: "I chose the University of Charleston because it offers a great balance of strong academics, a competitive women's soccer program, and a welcoming campus community."

Morgan Simonton: Fr / Midfielder / Frisco, Texas / Dallas Texans SC
Was named Texas 10-5A First Team All District. Member of the North Texas ODP 22-24. NHS 24-26, TASCO Academic All-State Simonton chose UC because she fell in love with the campus and, "really enjoyed the culture of the team!"

Ellie Zuskin: Fr / Defender / Baltimore, Maryland / IMG Academy and IFG Macclesfield
Florida State Cup 2024 Champion. Honor Roll her sophomore year. Champions Spirit Award at IMG Academy her Junior year. Looking at both aspects of being a student-athlete at UC, Zuskin said: "I chose UC because of the athletics and academics. I believe that I have many opportunities to learn (on and off the field) and that there is a high level of competition."

Abigail Harrison: Jr / Forward / Yeovil, England / Shaw University
Transfer from Shaw University. Named Rookie of the Year. USCAA All-Tournament. Made President's List 2x. Harrison chose to transfer to UC for its strong academic and athletic programs.

Nele Schuppe: Fr / Midfielder / Hamburg, Germany / Eimsbütteler TV
Competed at Germany's highest U17 level. District Champion during her Senior exchange year in the United States. Named to the Greater Cleveland Conference (GCC) First Team All-Conference. Selected to the Hamburg Regional Talent Development Squad, where she competed for four years. When asked why she decided to represent the Golden Eagles, Shuppe said: "I chose UC because the coaches made me feel welcome and valued from the very beginning. After speaking with some of the team members, I could see the positive team culture and imagine myself being part of it. UC gives me a great opportunity to continue my education, compete at a high level in soccer, and experience studying in the United States while growing both as a student and as a person."

Perla Kristjánsdóttir: Fr / Defender / Hafnarfjörður, Iceland / Haukar
Won the Iceland Championship of Soccer 2x. When asked why she chose UC, Kristjánsdóttir said: "The friendly environment, great school and lovely Coaches. So excited to join the team!"