COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - University of Colorado Colorado Springs Head Women's Soccer Coach J.B. Belzer has released the incoming additions to the 2024 women's soccer program. The signing class includes seventeen new faces with sixteen coming in with freshmen eligibility.

"We have a great opportunity to integrate 17 talented new players with 13 proven returners with our 2024 UCCS Women's Soccer team," Belzer shared about the squad. "All accept our culture of Better Together, Respect Person and Player, and Commitment to Greatness that has sustained this championship winning program over the past several years. As we build unity and understanding on and off the pitch during preseason and non-conference play, we keep a firm eye on the always challenging RMAC season and tournament.  We expect to peak with this group in November/December when we've earned postseason opportunity from our collective potential."

Makenna Brantley makes her way to the springs after her high school career in Celina, Texas, adding to the defensive depth chart. During her time as a Bobcat, she helped her program to three UIL 4A State Championships, including a perfect 29-0 season 2023 to be just the third team to finish a season unbeaten in Texas UIL history. A winner of the Superintendent award for the 2020-21 academic year, while also finishing in the top 5% of her class all four years, Brantley adds to the roster on the field and in the classroom this coming fall.

"With outstanding speed on the flanks and an appetite to attack through recognition of overload, Makenna will join a long list of wingbacks and wide defenders who have enjoyed success in our game model," said Belzer. "A 3x 4A State High School Champion from Celina High School and FC Dallas ECRL standout, Makenna will compete well."

Elise Broberg joins the Mountain Lions from Gaston, Ore. where she captured three consecutive 1^st Team All-Pacific Conference selections from her sophomore through senior seasons. Scoring 36 goals in High School, she helped the Vikings to a 32-11-7 record during her tenure. With numerous academic accomplishments during her high school career, Elise capped her academic resume as a Valedictorian before making her way south to Colorado.

"When you find a player that gives everything to the cause and with requisite talent to compete at our championship level of play, you know you can make great demands from her," boasted Coach Belzer. "Elise's defensive contribution to her ECNL Portland Thorns side during the recently completed playoffs has us excited for her UCCS future."

Sophia Broberg follows her sister to the Rocky Mountains after spending her first year of college at Pacific University where she was sidelined due to injury. Before she went down, she dominated the offensive third in high school scoring 45 goals during her four years at Forest Grove High. A four-year All-Pacific League selection, and a three-year All-Oregon selection, Sophia brings another offensive weapon to Mountain Lion Stadium.

"Sophia's experience with ECNL Portland Thorns with her calm, consistent play is what got our coaching staff excited for this 2023 graduate," Belzer added about the transfer. "Healthy again and ready to compete, her learning ability combined with her game understanding will contribute greatly to our possession-based game model."

Gracie Brown joins the ranks from San Diego, Calif. and Mt. Carmel High School. In three years with the Varsity program Brown helped the Sundevils to back-to-back Valley League titles in 2023 & 2024. An All-Valley League selection this past spring, Brown is another staunch defender in front of the Mountain Lion net.

"Gracie is that 'tough as nails' defender every coach must have on their side," exclaimed Head Coach J.B. Belzer. "Her GA experience with City SC Carlsbad combined with her competitive mentality and demonstrated ability to handle adversity will be hugely beneficial as she transitions to college play."

Making her way north from Boerne, Texas, Reagan Burkey competed in three Varsity seasons at Borene-Samuel V. Champion High School. The 2022 Texas state semifinalist helped the Chargers to playoff appearances in all three seasons with the program. Burkey, a 2^nd Team Academic All-State selection, netted 11 goals and three assists from the backline, showing she isn't afraid to jump into the offensive effort when the opportunity arises.

"Regan's work-rate combined with her athleticism has her poised to compete early for roles within our backline," Belzer said about Burkey. "A Boerne SC standout, Reagan also competed in high school track in middle distance events.  As she adjusts to RMAC and DII play, her influence will grow within our group and her confidence will sky-rocket."

Megan Davis makes the decision to stay in Colorado after moving from Florida halfway through her high school years. Advancing from competing at the Varsity level as a freshman to a Florida 6A State Title as a sophomore, Davis finished her high school days here in Colorado, winning the Golden Boot as the leading scorer her senior season.

"Transferring from Florida high school soccer where she was a State Champion as a sophomore, Megan went relatively unnoticed competing at Winter Park High School in her junior and senior seasons," Belzer explained. "An exceptional athlete with high IQ and a winning mentality, we are excited Megan brings her game to UCCS."

Brooke Gimbel makes her way out of the foothills where she spent her high school days at Evergreen High. A four-year Varsity member, Gimbel netted 15 goals from the Cougars midfield. A two-time League Champion, and 2024 State Champion, Gimbel brings scoring ability and proven postseason success with her to Colorado Springs.

"A 4A State Champion with Evergreen High School this spring, Brooke also brings her Colorado Rush club experience to UCCS," said Coach Belzer. "Her cerebral, creative play in the midfield suits our game model and we expect her to thrive within our competitive environment."

Malia Groshong joins the Mountain Lions after a four-year Varsity run with the Valley Catholic Valiants in Hillsboro, Ore. where she also competed in softball. The 2020-21 Cowapa League Player of the Year, and three- time 1^st Team All-State selection won the Oregon State Championship in 2022.

"Helping her Valley Catholic side to an Oregon State Championship as a junior and anchoring a stout Portland Thorns defensive backline, Malia brings fiery competitiveness and excellent game understanding to UCCS," stated Belzer. "Opposing forwards will struggle to succeed against this talented defender."

Izzy Lalouette is one of two goalkeepers in the incoming class, bringing her talents from Arvada West High School in Arvada, Colo. As the keeper for the Wildcats this past spring, Lalouette helped the Arvada West girls' soccer team to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in 20 years.

"Izzy joins our GK corps with a great attitude, willingness to grind, and a huge appetite to train and compete at the highest level of NCAA DII soccer," said Belzer. "Her success this past spring and her growth through the Broomfield SC system will help her adapt to college level play."

Rounding out the goalkeeper corps is San Martin, Calif. native Alexa Malaspina. A 2024 graduate of Monte Vista Christian School, Alexa brings a resume that includes an All-PCAL 1^st Team selection, the Mission Division CCS Achievement of Outstanding Goalkeeping honor, and 2022-23 PCAL Defensive Player of the Year. No stranger to the spotlight, she led the Mustangs to the playoffs in two of her Varsity seasons while also being named her school's Athlete of the Year this past spring.

"Alexa is a rising goalkeeper talent just now coming into her potential after this past season with De Anza Force ECNL," commented Coach Belzer. "With good hands, an athletic frame, and an incredible appetite for learning, she will compete and complement our always strong Keeper corps."

Amelia McManus joins the program as the lone graduate transfer in the class, making her way east from Cal-State Monterey Bay where she holds a plethora of offensive records. She holds or is tied for the lead in eight offensive categories at CSUMB, most notably in Goals (19) and Points (46). Earning her degree in Kinesiology, Amelia will be pursuing her graduate degree in Applied Physiology at UCCS.

"A proven goal-scorer from the CCAA at CSU Monterey Bay, Amelia seeks a fresh challenge in her final season of athletic eligibility," Belzer highlighted. "Her ability to bring others into the match with her technical precision, timely movements, and advanced game understanding, she is poised for a great, super-senior campaign."

Sally Mills comes to town from San Antonio, Texas graduating from Winston Churchill High School this past May. The defender earned a 2023 Most Valuable Player distinction on the field, while also graduating Summa Cum Laude for her excellence in the classroom.

"Persistence and perseverance perfectly describe Sally, who thrived with SA United 04/05," shared Belzer. "Her desire to push herself and her teammates to higher standards of play combined with her high game IQ and exceptional learning ability are the qualities that sold us on her inclusion to our talented team."

Mattea Morris joins the Mountain Lions after graduating from Thunder Ridge High School just an hour north of Mountain Lion Stadium. During her run with the Grizzlies Mattea helped her squad to a State Championship in the spring of 2023 with playoff appearances from 2022-24. Pairing her proven postseason pedigree with her Valedictorian award for a perfect 4.0 high school GPA, Mattea adds to the culture of dedication on and off the pitch.

"A natural leader through work ethic and commitment to excellence, Mattea was a key member of Real CO Athletico and the 2023 5A State Champions, Thunder Ridge High School, where she earned 5A All-State Honorable Mention," Coach Belzer added. "Her ability to play as a midfielder or defender will help our team achieve its goals."

Brooke Pavlich becomes a Mountain Lion after a standout senior season at Arvada West High School where she netted a whopping 25 goals and 10 assists for the Wildcats. A 1^st Team All-Conference selection the last two seasons, and a 2nd Team All-Conference selection in 2022, Pavlich is another Valedictorian proving her commitment on and off the pitch.

"Brooke is a traditional, back to goal style, forward who punishes opponent defenses with her scoring and ability to regain possession in defensive transition moments," Belzer commented. "A key player with Colorado Edge and a 5A All-State 2^nd team player from Arvada West High School, she has untapped potential within RMAC and DII soccer."

Abby Stassi joins her fellow former Grizzly, Mattea Morris, in the incoming class. Abby spent her freshman year at the University of Colorado, Boulder but she did not compete athletically. Stassi was a part of the 2023 Colorado State Championship team at Thunder Ridge her senior season, being named All-Colorado 1^st Team for her efforts that year.

"Abby represents so many things we look for in an attacking player," Coach Belzer said of Stassi. "Her play for WPSL Pride SC this summer really demonstrates an ability to be an impactful goal scorer within our game model."

Casey Tadlock brings size and playoff experience to the midfield after her four-year stint at Cherry Creek High School in Denver where she helped the Bruins to the postseason in her four campaigns. Garnering All-State recognition both her junior and senior seasons, Tadlock added two All-Academic State Honorable Mentions and graduated with high honors.

"A Cherry Creek High School 5A All-State Honorable Mention midfield anchor who also found success with Real Colorado ECNL National, Casey's ability to dictate tempo and rhythm in our midfield play is sublime," Coach Belzer quoted. "With good size and high game understanding, she has talent to impact RMAC and South-Central play."

Pierson Weimer rounds out the class making her way north from Pueblo County High School. Weimer netted an impressive 66 goal total her sophomore through senior seasons with the Hornets, tacking helpers on another 27 strikes. A four-year Varsity member, Pierson collected two South Central League titles with individual honors including Rookie of the Year and two South Central League Most Valuable Player nods.

"Pierson earned 4A All-State honorable mention through her great attacking play with Pueblo County High School," said Belzer. "Scoring 22 goals her senior season with 12 assists, Pierson can compete for attacking roles early in her Mountain Lion career."

Coming off one of the most successful fall seasons in the program's history, UCCS Women's Soccer looks to pick up where they left off to start 2024. Beginning the year on the road with two matches in Washington state, UCCS returns home to a NCAA tournament rematch with St. Mary's University on September 12^th. With lots of new faces up and down the line up, the squad will be tested early and often with a fierce non-conference schedule awaiting.

SOCIAL
X – @GoMountainLions
Instagram – @gomountainlions
Facebook – GoMountainLions
 
For everything UCCS Athletics, follow the Mountain Lions on social media and stay tuned to gomountainlions.com.
 
As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.