Western Carolina's women's soccer program is set to welcome a fresh infusion of talent for the 2026 season, as nine new freshmen join the squad, pushing the total number of newcomers to fifteen when transfers are included.
A diverse group with national roots
These newcomers hail from seven different states, with North Carolina and Florida each contributing two athletes. The rest of the class spreads across Pennsylvania, South Carolina, New Jersey, Colorado and Virginia, underscoring a coast‑to‑coast recruitment effort.
Coach Chad Miller praised the incoming group, noting their potential impact and the variety of backgrounds that will enrich the team's dynamic.
The returning core includes three established starters — Mary Mueth, Samantha Whitaker and Emma Soucy — while five seniors, including Isabella DeMarco, Milla Syska, Ava Robitaille, Leanne Trudel and Abbie Wise, will move on after graduation.
Spotlight on standout recruits
Among the fresh faces, Sara Sanders from Fairview, Pennsylvania, earned Pennsylvania all‑state honors and a spot on the D10 First Team; Piper Mathers of Waxhaw, North Carolina, was a three‑time all‑conference defender and conference MVP; and Rebecca Quintero of Wellington, Florida, brings international experience from a stint in Spain where she captured MVP honors.
Lauryn Smith from Plantation, Florida, adds a Puerto Rican National team pedigree and four‑time All‑County recognition; Brielle Von Colln of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, is a two‑time All‑State and State MVP selection; Katarina Schmidler of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, earned ECNL All‑Conference Second Team honors; Elizabeth Rupert from Huntersville, North Carolina, posted a 75 % shutout rate in high school; Alexandra Zents of Castle Rock, Colorado, started for Real Colorado ECNL teams that reached the playoffs; and Darien Vita of Burke, Virginia, collected multiple regional and district accolades.
The team will reconvene on campus in late July before kicking off the season in August, a timeline that promises a quick transition from offseason training to competitive play.