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Gonzaga University Athletics

Women's Soccer

WSOC Adds Twelve on Signing Day

SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga women's soccer head coach Amy Edwards and her staff will welcome 12 new student-athletes in 2015.

"We are elated about our 2015 class," Edwards said. "First and foremost, these student-athletes are outstanding individuals with immense integrity and character. With utmost athleticism and skill, our incoming players take competitiveness to a new level and are truly winners on and off the field."

Ariana Pumpelly
5-9 * Center BackTualatin, OR/Crossfire Oregon United ECNL/Tualatin HS

Pumpelly joins Gonzaga after a stellar career at Tualatin High School and her club Crossfire Oregon. She was named to the NSCAA Girls' Fall High School All-American team in 2014. She was also tabbed All-Northwest Region last year. In 2014, Pumpelly was the Oregon State Player of the Year and The Oregonian Girls' Soccer Player of the Year. As the state's Player of the Year, she was also named First Team All-State. She was named Second Team All-State following her junior season in 2013.

Tualatin High School won the OSAA Class 6A state title in 2013 and 2014 under head coach Kale Dwight. Pumpelly was named First Team All-Conference in both of those years. She was the Conference Player of the Year in 2014. During her high school career, she helped the Timberwolves to 33 defensive shutouts. Pumpelly scored one goal and had 10 assists.

"Through the college search process, I felt Gonzaga was overall the best fit," Pumpelly said. "I had the opportunity to visit Gonzaga in the fall of 2013, and loved everything about the University. Gonzaga offers a promising academic experience and the opportunity to play college soccer."

Pumpelly was a two-sport athlete at THS. In 2012, she was Second Team All-State and First Team All-Conference in track and field. She holds the school records in the 200 meters, 400 meters, and as a member of the 4x400-meter relay team. Pumpelly received the MAC scholarship in 2012.

Coach Edwards on Pumpelly: "Ari is a very tenacious and athletic defender. She will improve our defensive presence with her pace and strength. Her recent high school success will provide tremendous experience in remolding our defense."

Callie Best
5-6 * Midfield/ForwardNine Mile Falls, WA/SSC Shadow/Lakeside HS

Best comes to Gonzaga following her career at Lakeside High School in Nine Mile Falls, Wash. She scored 91 goals during her high school career. She was named the state's Athlete of the Week and given the WIAA Sportsmanship Award while at Lakeside. Her club team, SSC Shadow, was the state champions in 2013, and she was tabbed a Golazo Best Eleven Player for under-16 girls.

Best scored 36 goals in her senior season, and was named the LHS offensive most valuable player. She was First Team All-League in 2013, after scoring 30 goals. She scored 25 goals in her sophomore season. Best accomplished all of those accolades after sitting out her freshman year due to fractures of her tibia and fibula.

"The community seems very welcoming and generous to Gonzaga students," Best said. "I am close to home, but far enough away to be able to get a college experience. The school includes my major (nursing), and I am blessed with the opportunity to play soccer there as well. Ever since I was a little girl, my family and I have been fans of this school, and have loved watching their basketball team play. So, I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to attend this University."

A standout in the classroom as well, Best was a member of the National Honors Society. She received WIAA scholastic awards, while keeping her GPA above a 3.5. Best was a point guard on Lakeside's basketball team for four seasons, and ran sprints and did the long jump on the track and field team.

Coach Edwards on Best: "Callie can turn on a dime and is extremely explosive while exhibiting composure on the ball. Her versatility is going to make a significant impact on our program."

Maddie Kincaid
5-5 * Midfield/ForwardPortland, OR/Crossfire Oregon United ECNL/Jesuit HS

In 2015, Kincaid will be a freshman for the Zags. As the Jesuit High School team captain, she played in the 2014 high school All-American game. She was a candidate for the Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year and The Oregonian Player of the Year. Kincaid was also named the All-Metro League Player of the Year following her senior season.

Kincaid was tabbed First Team All-Metro League after her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. She was Second Team in 2011 after being the league's top scorer as a freshman. She tallied 62 goals and 30 assists during her high school campaign.

"I chose Gonzaga because it seemed like the perfect place for me," Kincaid said. "I wanted to make sure I stayed in the Pacific Northwest, it offers the programs and classes I am interested in, has a competitive and fun atmosphere and the soccer program seems like a great fit for the player I am."

In the classroom, Kincaid was an honor roll student for four years at JHS. She has a 3.95 GPA, and is a member of the National Honors Society.

Coach Edwards on Kincaid: "Maddie is a perfect fit for the direction of the program. With her competitive drive and goal scoring mentality we are eager to add her creative flair to our attack."

Hope Tsuneyoshi
5-6 * Midfield/Center BackHonolulu, HI/Leahi 98 Premier/Kamehameha Kapalama HS

Tsuneyoshi was a standout on her club team, Leahi 98 Premier, in Honolulu. The incoming freshman was the captain of Leahi 98 and a four-year starter as a center back. Her club won the state title in 2012 and 2014, and placed second in 2013. They also placed first in the Texas Shootout in 2014.

At Kamehameha Kapalama High School, she was the starting defensive midfielder, and made the top list of leading scorers in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division 1. She was the lone defender on the list. She helped guide KHS to the 2014 state title.

"I loved the family environment and the sense of community I felt at Gonzaga," Tsuneyoshi said. "Academically, it is a really strong school, as well as it is athletically. Gonzaga has a really well-rounded approach in developing student-athletes, and was a great fit for me."

The daughter of Chad and Heidi Tsuneyoshi would like to major in human physiology. She would like to become an athletic trainer in the future.

Coach Edwards on Tsuneyoshi: "Hope brings tremendous passion, pride, motivation, and a sheer warrior work ethic. Her devotion to challenge herself and others will elevate our program to another level."

Kawai Makue
5-10 * ForwardKailua, HI/Leahi 97 Premier/Kamehameha Kapalama HS

Makue joins Gonzaga after a standout career at Kamehameha Kapalama High School. A four-year member of the team, she helped guide the Warriors to the 2012 and 2014 Interscholastic League of Honolulu state titles. She was named First Team All-State in 2014 and honorable mention in 2013. She was HHSAA All-Tournament First Team in 2012 and 2014. Makue was the 2012 HHSAA Tournament MVP after scoring the lone goal in the state championship game against Iolani. She was the tournament's leading scorer in 2014.

"Gonzaga was a top choice for me because of its location, smaller student population, academic rigor, and women's soccer program," Makue said.

As a member of the Leahi Soccer Club, Makue was a member of many state champion teams. She was on the Leahi 97 Premier team for six years, grabbing both MYSA and MISO state titles multiple times. The team also advanced to the FarWest Regionals finals during her time on the team. While playing for the 96 Premier team, she won HYSA and MISO state titles as well.

Coach Edwards on Makue: "Kawai is a goal scorer. Leaning on her dynamic abilities, she will be a difficult attacker for the most experienced defender."

Lucy Ferrari
5-8 * DefenseEncinitas, CA/San Diego Surf SC/Torrey Pines HS

Ferrari will be a freshman for the Zags in 2015. She was a stellar soccer and lacrosse athlete at Torrey Pines High School in San Diego, Calif. She has been a catalyst for the TPHS defense that has posted nine shutouts already this season. They've outscored opponents, 26-9, so far this season. The Falcons had 10 shutouts during her junior season.

"I chose Gonzaga because I love the school, the location, and the team," Ferrari said.

Ferrari was also recruited by NCAA Div. I schools for lacrosse, after being named All-League multiple times. She has a 3.94 GPA at TPHS. Her father, Ron, was a member of the San Francisco 49ers' from 1982 to 1987. He was on the Super Bowl XIX champion team. He was also the team captain at the University of Illinois.

Coach Edwards on Ferrari: "Lucy exudes strength and a strong defensive presence. Her positive mentality combined with her athleticism will bring enormous benefits to our team."

McKenna Ferrera
5-5 * MidfieldKirkland, WA/Washington Premier FC ECNL/Lake Washington HS

Ferrera joins Gonzaga after being named First Team All-KingCo in 2014 at Lake Washington High School. She was the team's MVP. The Kangaroos went 13-6 overall in 2014, including 10-2 in district play, before falling to Mt. Spokane in the WIAA Class 3A tournament. LWHS outscored its opponents 45-15 during Ferrera's senior season.

"I chose Gonzaga because it felt like home," Ferrera said. "It is a great academic fit for me, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the amazing soccer program."

Ferrera's club team, Washington Premier FC, was the ECNL Northwest Conference champions in 2013 and 2014. They won the ECNL B Flight national title in 2012, after being the US Club national champions Super Group in 2011. Ferrera boasts a 3.9 GPA and has been on the honor roll each of her four years of high school.

Coach Edwards on Ferrera: "Mac's fierce competitiveness adds gritty mentality to our pressing style. A multifaceted defensive player, she delivers composed attacking qualities along with her relentless tackling."

Alison Seifert
5-5 * GoalkeeperPoway, CA/San Diego Surf SC/Poway HS

Seifert joins the Bulldogs after playing 43 games in the net for Poway High School in San Diego, Calif. She has made 256 saves in her high school career, an average of nearly six saves per game. She has posted 12 shutouts and won 24 games at PHS. Poway is the team captain this season in her senior year. Poway won the 2013 Palomar League title and advanced to the CIF semifinals.

"I chose Gonzaga because of its great academic history along with its school spirit and strong community feel," Seifert said.

Seifert was named a UT San Diego Academic Athlete in 2013, 2014 and 2015. She received the Student Recognition Award in 2014, and was a member of the student government from 2013 to 2015. She has a 3.91 GPA.

Coach Edwards on Seifert: "Allie's passion for Gonzaga and appreciation of the game is infectious. She brings immense reliability and trustworthiness to the depth of our goalkeeping position."

India Jencks
5-8 * MidfieldSeattle, WA/Washington Rush/University Prep HS

Jencks comes to Gonzaga after leading the Emerald City League with 16 goals for University Prep High School in Seattle in 2014. She was named All-State Second Team, and was a member of UPHS two state title teams. The Pumas also placed third twice at the WIAA Class 1A tournament, while Jencks played for them. She has been named the Emerald City League MVP, First Team All-Emerald City League, and Second Team All-Emerald City League twice.

"I love the sense of community that Gonzaga has," Jencks said. "On top of the school itself, I loved the coaching staff from the second I met each of them. They showed me that they cared about me as a person and not just what I can do with a ball. When visiting the school, another thing that sold me was the players. They greeted me so warmly, and they painted me a picture of what my next four years could look like, and from there, I knew that I wanted to spend those four years as a Bulldog."

Jencks has been a member of the Pumas' girls' basketball team for four years.

Coach Edwards on Jencks: "India bleeds Bulldog Pride. As a reliable and creative midfielder, she will bring playmaking and consistency to the midfield."

Presley Azarcon
5-8 * DefenseDraper, UT/NOMADS SC/Juan Diego Catholic HS

Azarcon was a four-sport athlete at Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper, Utah. She starred on the Eagles' girls' soccer team for four years under head coach Myriah Fankhauser. She has been a two-year captain at Juan Diego Catholic. She was named All-State honorable mention after the Eagles advanced to the state title game. Azarcon was an Academic All-State nominee the same year.

"I was drawn to the incredible liberal arts education offered at Gonzaga," Azarcon said. "I love the community atmosphere that it provides as a smaller, private school."

Azarcon was named to the All-Academic team in 2012. She boasts a 4.0 GPA, and received the Torch Award of Scholastic Excellence. She's a member of the National Honors Society, and has been on the honor roll at Juan Diego Catholic. She would like to major in biology at Gonzaga, and aspires to be in the medical field in the future.

Coach Edwards on Azarcon: "Presley is a constant force in the backline. Passionate and coachable, she will add much needed depth to our defense."

Sammy Nishiyama
5-4 * MidfieldHonolulu, HI/Leahi 97 Premier/Punahou School

Nishiyama was a four-year varsity letterwinner at Punahou School in Honolulu. She has tallied 20 career goals at Punahou, including nine this season. The Buff n' Blue won the ILH title in 2015, and was in the state championship game in 2013. Nishiyama is the team captain this season, after being named honorable mention ILH in 2014.

"I chose Gonzaga because it is an excellent academic institution," Nishiyama said. "I wanted to experience the four seasons, especially since I have never seen snow. I loved the school's tight-knit community. I have the utmost respect for Coach Edwards and her coaching staff. I really appreciate how they stress the importance of the team being a family."

Nishiyama was a member of the Hawaii state champion teams in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014 with the Leahi 97 Premier club team. They reached the Far West regional quarterfinals in 2014, semifinals in 2012, and finals in 2010 and 2011. Nishiyama was a member of the Hawaii Olympic Development Program team from 2009 to 2013.

Nishiyama is a member of the National Honors Society, and has a 3.67 GPA. She's also received the Japanese Language Recognition Award.

Coach Edwards on Nishiyama: "Sammy's skilled distribution abilities and vision will enhance our midfield. Her inspiring and unselfish attitude will be a huge asset to our program."

Jodi Ulkekul
5-3 * MidfieldSammamish, WA/Crossfire Premier SC ECNL/Eastlake HS

Ulkekul comes to Gonzaga after a great career at Eastlake High School in Sammamish, Wash. Her talents continued to grow at EHS, as did her accolades. She was honorable mention All-KingCo her freshman season, Second Team following her sophomore and junior seasons, and was First Team after her senior season. The past two years, she was named the team's MVP and given the team's Most Inspirational award.

The past nine years, Ulkekul has been a member of the Crossfire Premier Soccer Club. She progressed from the development team in 2006, to the "B" team, and has been on the "A" team since 2010. She helped guide the "A" team to the Washington State Championships Quarterfinals in 2012.

"I've always admired Gonzaga for being so beautiful, and once I found out my sister was going to be attending GU, it became my top choice," Ulkekul said. "I love how the campus is close to downtown Spokane, but also separated from the city. GU provides an impressive education for students while creating an enthusiastic and inspiring environment. I feel that Gonzaga gives students the opportunity to pursue their career goals while growing in their spirituality."

Ulkekul is a solid student as well. In the classroom she boasts a 3.6 GPA. She has also been a member of the National Honors Society since her sophomore year. Ulkekul is interested in majoring in pre-health or sports management, and would like to find a career in sports medicine.

Coach Edwards on Ulkekul: "We were able to watch Jodi play with her ECNL team, as well as at multiple Gonzaga camps. In turn, we are very familiar with her character and the qualities she will bring to Gonzaga on and off the field. She has an incredible engine to go box to box. Her competitive mentality, growth, and development over the past year have proven to us that she will be a player who can play in a number of positions for the Zags."

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Players Mentioned

McKenna Ferrera

#2 McKenna Ferrera

Defender
5' 5"
Junior
Lucy Ferrari

#3 Lucy Ferrari

Defender
5' 8"
Junior
Jodi Ulkekul

#4 Jodi Ulkekul

Defender
5' 3"
Junior
Ariana Pumpelly

#6 Ariana Pumpelly

Defender
5' 9"
Junior
Callie Best

#8 Callie Best

Midfielder
5' 6"
Junior
Maddie Kincaid

#10 Maddie Kincaid

Midfielder
5' 5"
Junior
Hope Tsuneyoshi

#11 Hope Tsuneyoshi

Defender
5' 6"
Junior
India Jencks

#21 India Jencks

Midfielder
5' 8"
Redshirt Sophomore
Sammy Nishiyama

#7 Sammy Nishiyama

Midfielder/Defender
5' 4"
Freshman
Kawai Makue

#22 Kawai Makue

Forward
5' 10"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

McKenna Ferrera

#2 McKenna Ferrera

5' 5"
Junior
Defender
Lucy Ferrari

#3 Lucy Ferrari

5' 8"
Junior
Defender
Jodi Ulkekul

#4 Jodi Ulkekul

5' 3"
Junior
Defender
Ariana Pumpelly

#6 Ariana Pumpelly

5' 9"
Junior
Defender
Callie Best

#8 Callie Best

5' 6"
Junior
Midfielder
Maddie Kincaid

#10 Maddie Kincaid

5' 5"
Junior
Midfielder
Hope Tsuneyoshi

#11 Hope Tsuneyoshi

5' 6"
Junior
Defender
India Jencks

#21 India Jencks

5' 8"
Redshirt Sophomore
Midfielder
Sammy Nishiyama

#7 Sammy Nishiyama

5' 4"
Freshman
Midfielder/Defender
Kawai Makue

#22 Kawai Makue

5' 10"
Freshman
Forward