James Madison University’s women’s soccer program has finalized its 2026 transfer window, confirming the addition of two experienced players.
Head coach Joshua Walters highlighted the maturity and high training standards each newcomer brings, emphasizing how their backgrounds will shape the squad’s dynamics.
Kennedy Rist, a redshirt senior goalkeeper from Northwestern State, arrives with an 84% save percentage and a rare goalkeeper assist to her credit, offering both shot‑stopping reliability and set‑piece creativity.
Midfielder Jasmine Ouatu, a sophomore who has represented Romania’s youth national teams, joins the program after a standout collegiate career at Coastal Carolina, where her vision and work rate have drawn praise.
Both athletes are slated to make their JMU debut on August 12, 2026, when the team opens its season against NC State, a match that will serve as the first test of the new‑look roster.
A Calculated Reinforcement
The coaching staff views the signings as a calculated reinforcement, filling gaps in goalkeeping depth and midfield creativity while maintaining the program’s competitive edge in the Colonial Athletic Association.