The University of Oregon revealed that midfielder Paige Nakada and goalkeeper Gray Willson will don the green and yellow for the fall term, a move that underscores the program's ambition to sustain its recent rise in national rankings.
Nakada arrives after a stellar high school career at Grant High School in Portland, where she captained the team to back‑to‑back 6A state titles and earned Oregonian/OregonLive Girls Soccer Player of the Year honors for 2024. Her consistent performances earned her two selections to the Oregon All‑State first team and a reputation as one of the state's most dynamic playmakers.
Willson, a native of Rocklin, California, brings a strong collegiate résumé that includes a 0.89 goals‑against average and 60 saves from her recent stint at Colorado State. Over two seasons she compiled an 11‑7‑8 record, earned two Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week accolades, and helped the program build a defensive foundation that many analysts view as a model for future success.
A Strategic Boost for the Ducks
Both athletes will pursue degrees in kinesiology and sociology respectively, reflecting the university's emphasis on holistic development. Their arrival is expected to deepen the midfield and defensive units, providing the coaching staff with versatile options as the team prepares for a challenging schedule.
The commitments also highlight the growing influence of the Portland Thorns Academy in supplying talent to collegiate programs, a partnership that the university hopes will continue to yield high‑caliber recruits in the years ahead.