Thea Nelson
D | Kent, Wash. | Kentwood | PacNW Soccer Club
Nelson comes to the east side of the state after shining on the west side of the state. She began her high school career at Seattle Christian, where she was named First Team All-League in her freshman year. Seattle Christian won the 2015 1A State Championship, behind Nelson's game-winning goal. Following her junior season, she was named Second Team All-league at Kentwood High School. She was First Team All-League as a senior. Nelson was also tabbed the Defensive Player of the Year as a team captain in 2018.
 
In the classroom, Nelson earned Grand Honors at Seattle Christian Schools in her freshman and sophomore years, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She has been on the Honor Roll all four years of high school, and was on the National Honor Society her sophomore year. She boasts a 3.97 GPA.
 
"I fell in love with Gonzaga the first time I visited campus," Nelson said. "There was such a great sense of community. The campus was beautiful, the people were welcoming, and the overall atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for. After meeting the coaching staff and some of the players, I knew this was going to be the best place for me to continue my soccer career and receive an incredible education."
 
Watkins on Nelson: "Thea is an athletic and gifted ball winner with great distribution.  She reads the game easily and can battle with the very best."