RALEIGH, N.C. (June 14) - The Shaw Women's Soccer Program is pleased to announce 15 roster additions for the 2023 season, announced Head Coach Dr. Randy McClure.

"We have an outstanding recruiting class coming in that will immediately impact the roster," Dr. McClure said. "We couldn't be more excited about this group. The players hail from all over the U.S. and countries abroad, and they bring a wealth of experience to the women's soccer program at Shaw."

Below is a brief bio on each recruit. The Lady Bears open the 2023 season on the road against Emory & Henry on Aug. 31 at 5 p.m.
 
Cecelia Aguilera is a transfer defender from Southwest Oregon Community College. Originally from La Grande, Ore., Aguilera enjoyed a successful two-year career at Southwest, where she earned all-conference honors in 2022 and led her team to the conference playoffs. McClure comments, "What we liked about Cece right away was her grit and toughness in defending. She is not only a physical defender but also reads the game exceptionally well."

Joseline Becerra is a transfer forward from Coventry University Scarborough. Originally from El Paso, Tex., Becerra earned all-conference honors in high school. "I have liked Josie as a player for some time," McClure adds. "I originally recruited her before she decided to study and play in England. That said, I think it was a great decision for her as I have seen some real growth in her game. I look forward to having her here at Shaw."

Lexi Blasberg is a transfer forward from Lexington, Ohio. Blasberg led Wabash Valley College in goals in 2022 where she earned offensive player of the year and second team all-region honors. Coach McClure says of her, "Lexi is a dynamic attacking player who has a knack for putting pressure on an opponent's back line. She will present problems for other teams through her ability to break down defenses."

Elise Bosanko is an incoming freshman from Salida, Colo. Bosanko is a versatile player who can play anywhere in the midfield and back line. She competed for her club team in the ECNL Regional League, one of the top youth leagues in the U.S. "Ellie has a tremendous skill set that is complemented by a physical presence on the field. She is incredibly hard-working and competitive and has a very high ceiling in the game," McClure notes.

Giovanna Coghetto is a transfer from Jacksonville College in Texas. A native of Treviso, Italy, Coghetto has spent time in the national team youth program in her home country before coming to the U.S. as an impact forward. "What impressed us the most with Giovanna was her ability to both hold and move off the ball," McClure said. "She possesses a lethal strike combined with a nose for the goal. She will put plenty of pressure on opposing defenses with her strength and shot striking."

Nyasia Hawkins is a transfer from Mary Baldwin University. A Virginia Beach, Va., native, Hawkins last competed for Mary Baldwin in 2021, where she played 10 games at goalkeeper, posting an impressive overall 1.06 goals against average (GAA) and an even better 0.76 GAA in conference play. "We thought right away that Nyasia was a perfect fit for our program. She is committed to her development and shows a true passion for the game. We expect her to provide us with one of the deepest goalkeeping groups in the region," says McClure.

Alondra Lares is a transfer from Yavapai College. A San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, native, Lares started all 32 games as a defender for Yavapai over her two-year career, helping her team to the NJCAA Regional 1 Championship game in 2021. McClure comments, "Like Josie, I have admired Alondra's game for some time. She is a strong defensive midfielder with good size and who reads the game well. Her two years at Yavapai have helped her game grow even more, and she should be an immediate impact player for us."

Brynn Lumpkin is a transfer from Cochise Community College. A native of Bisbee, Ariz., Lumpkin had an impressive two years at Cochise, where she appeared in more than 30 games, including 24 starts at outside back. McClure comments, "Brynn brings both a wealth of college-level playing experience and a physical presence to our program. She should be another impact player for us on the back line."

Beth Page is an incoming transfer from Wabash Valley College. From Southend, England, Page made 13 starts and earned four shutouts as Wabash's top goalkeeper. She was named second team all-region for her performance in 2022. "Beth provides us with depth at perhaps the most important position on the field. She should challenge a very talented group for our top spot," says McClure.

Ashley Parades is an incoming freshman from Quito, Ecuador. In her home country, Ashley competed in the high-level women's super league where, as a central midfielder, she helped her team advance to the league finals. "What we noticed about Ashley right away was her comfort and creativity on the ball," McClure said. "She moves almost effortlessly in the midfield and is always looking to put her teammates into dangerous attacking spaces."

Kayly Pastrana is an incoming freshman from Benson, N.C. A midfielder who can defend and attack, Pastrana won numerous awards from both her high school and club competitions. Pastrana, a four-year captain at West Johnston High School, earned all-conference honors four times and all-district honors three times, and was named team MVP in 2023. Kayly also competed at the elite level with North Carolina FC, helping her team to multiple league titles. "Kayly has an incredible motor. She just never stops competing. More than that, she is incredibly humble, a natural leader, and a great teammate. I really look forward to what she can accomplish here," adds McClure.

Elizabeth Pretzantzin is an incoming freshman from Houston, Tex. Pretzantzin starred as a midfielder at Stratford High School, where she earned third team all-district in 2021 and first team all-district in 2022. "What we noticed about Elizabeth right away is her ability to play both sides of the ball," comments McClure. "She is equally strong in defending and attacking. She has a great engine and feel for the game."

Kira Schulte is an incoming transfer from Munster, Germany, who most recently played for Tusculum University. Before arriving at Tusculum, Schulte started all 12 games for Bryant & Stratton Syracuse where she helped her team win a USCAA National Championship and was named to the All-Tournament team. "We immediately identified Kira as a perfect fit for us. She is a highly technical player with a tremendous understanding of the game. Her experience in postseason play will also be a great asset to our team as we strive to achieve our goals for 2023," notes McClure.

Abby Watson is an incoming freshman from Frederick, Md. A defender active in club soccer as well, Watson won the Black and Gold Award in 2023 while competing for Frederick High School. "Abby is an incredibly athletic multi-sport player who clearly showed off her passion for the game during the recruiting process. She is pacey, intense, and competitive," notes McClure.

Emma Wiberg is an incoming freshman from Stockholm, Sweden. In her home country, Wiberg attended Blackebergs Gymnasium and competed for IFK Lidingo, a first-division team that she helped reach the league quarterfinals. A defender comfortable at any position across the back line, Wiberg brings a unique combination of size and speed. McClure comments, "We are excited to have Emma in our group. At 5-11, she is a dominant force in the air. She is also highly technical, and she both moves and reads the game well. She should be an impact player for us."