With the addition of twelve new student-athletes, the University of Redlands women's soccer team holds high hopes for an exciting season, as the Bulldogs work to return to the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Postseason Tournament for the fourth time in five years. 

"We are very excited to have such a talented class join the Bulldogs. Each student-athlete brings a wealth of playing experiences and will be able to make immediate impacts within our program," stated Head Coach Suzette Soboti. 

Beginning with the last line of defense, Redlands welcomes a pair of goalkeepers to complement returning junior Brittany Dinkins (Renton, WA).  The trio works to fill the void left by three-time All-SCIAC honoree Hannah Menk '18, who moves into a coaching role this season.  First-year Kennedy Kerr hails from Bellevue, WA, after a solid career at Holy Names Academy and PacNW Club.  A Metro League Honorable Mention, she also brings plenty of spirit and heart to the field as a "Most Inspirational" player.  In addition, first-year Natalie Hubacz strives to translate four years of all-league honors with Bear River High School in Auburn, CA, into success on Farquhar Field.  Combined with her experience at Placer United Club, this All-League MVP offers confidence and skill to the Bulldog roster.

With a small returning contingent along the backline, Redlands looks forward to the contributions of a decorated defensive quintet.  Hailing from Moraga, CA, first-year Ashley Holbrook graduated from Campolindo High School while also competing for Lamorinda Soccer Club.  This outside back was selected to play on the U.S. Development Academy due to her persistence and talent.  First-year Lizzy Geringer joins the Bulldogs from La Habra High School, where she was named the Senior Female Athlete of the Year after a successful soccer career.  This two-time All-Freeway League selection also competed for Strikers EGSL.  In addition, her abilities extend beyond the field and into the classroom as a scholar-athlete.  Arriving from West Hills High School and San Diego United, first-year Nolan Mendonca joins the team with versatility as a defender.  Furthermore, she carries her talent into the classroom, where she twice garnered a spot on the All-Academic Team.  First-year Logan Swim from Issaquah, WA, and first-year Alanna Farrington from Sammamish, WA, complete this capable group of defenders.  Swim received the Coaches' Award as a member of the Issaquah High School team and competed for ISC Gunners as an outside back.  Finally, Farrington was named the Defensive Player of the Year as a member of the Eastlake High School and Crossfire Premiere Club. 

First-year Rilee Mezenen looks to mix into the backline as well but offers the ability to play forward as needed.  She hails from Salt Lake City, UT, with four years of experience with the Olympus High School team.  She also competed for Club Impact and achieved solid grades to land on the high honor roll.

At midfield, the Bulldogs boast a hearty crew of returnees but excitedly welcome first-year Charlie Baum from Hesperia, CA, and first-year Tristen Sherley from Novato, CA.  Baum graduated from Oak Hills High School and competed for Strikers ECNL as a center midfielder.  A three-year varsity captain, she earned the respect of her peers and her opposing coaches, who named her to the All-Mojave River League First Team on two occasions.  Baum also achieved an impressive academic honor as the CIF Southern Section Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete Scholarship recipient.  Beyond her center midfielder skills, Sherley also brings the ability to move up top to forward.  She was honored as Sonoma Academy's Woman Athlete of the Year after earning a pair of First-Team All-League awards.  She honed her soccer skills as a member of Santa Rosa ECNL.

In addition, Bulldog women's soccer anticipates first-year forward Kate Mackin making an impact in the scoring third.  Her experience at Bainbridge Island High School culminated in winning the Washington State Cup Championships.  Like teammate Kerr, she took her talents to PacNW Club.

Beyond the entering first-year student-athletes, Redlands looks forward to the keen contributions of junior transfer Skyla Wilson, who hails from Palm Desert, CA.  During her tenure at Palm Desert High School, she landed on the high honor roll and competed in soccer throughout her four years.  She became a three-time all-league selection as an attacking center midfielder.  She also gained experiences with IE Surf GU95 Kooiman as an Albion Cup and league champion.  She moved on to the University of Hawaii at Hilo and most recently played for Chaffey College, where she was named to the First Team All-Region squad.

Overall, Redlands returns 16 players from a year ago and anticipates great achievements from each of them.  Together with the tenacious twelve, the Bulldogs gear up for the 2018 season with two more exhibition matches before hosting Gustavus Adolphus College (MN) on Friday, August 31, at 7 p.m. on Farquhar Field.