“We are so excited to welcome this class of outstanding student-athletes to our university and soccer program,” said Woodward. “There is a great deal of talent in this class, which will allow them to compete right away. Looking at each individual, I also see a lot of character, consistency, and competitive attitude that defines Seattle U women’s soccer. I can’t wait for August to arrive.”
Kelsey Vogel is a three-year starter and four-year letterwinner from Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colo. who led the Warriors to two playoff appearances (2014, 2015) and a Centennial League Championship in 2014. The Honorable Mention All-Conference honoree (2014) was named Most Inspirational as a team captain in 2015. Vogel also played volleyball her freshman year of high school, serving as captain of the team and receiving the Warrior Award, which exemplifies a well-rounded teammate and athlete. Named Colorado High School Athletics Association All-State First Team, the National Honor Society and Honor Roll member was named Homecoming Queen in 2015 and loves nature and traveling. Competing with Colorado Rush ECNL, Colorado United, and the Colorado ODP team, she led Colorado Rush ECNL to a third place finish at ECNL Nationals in 2014.
Woodward on Vogel: “Kelsey’s experience at center back and holding midfield is going to make our team stronger right away. She understands the game, makes players around her better, and like all Colorado Rush players, she knows how to keep the ball. We expect Kelsey to influence our possession out of the back from either position. She’s a wonderful addition to our team, both on and off the field, and I’m so excited she is officially a Redhawk.”
Ayana Robles, a four-year varsity starter and senior captain from Rancho Cucamonga High School in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., led the Cougars to three straight playoff appearances (2012-2014) and a league championship in 2014. The three-time Second Team All-League honoree enjoys snowboarding and going to amusement parks and has been named Student of the Month and to the Honor Roll all four years. Robles previously competed with Arsenal FC ECNL (2015-12) and, most recently, with Slammers FC ECNL (2012-present), leading her club team to two Surf Cup championships, two regional championships, and one ECNL National Championship.
Woodward on Robles: “Ayana is one of the most technical players we have seen in this year’s player pool. She is such a smart player, loves the game, and can make an impact in so many ways. We love players from Slammers FC, because they are always going to be extremely competitive. Ayana is going to help us win a lot of games, and she is a wonderful person who will fit right in with our team identity.”
Mackenzie Curry, a four-year varsity letterwinner and senior captain from Northwood High School in Irvine, Calif., was named 2014 Pacific Coast League Goalkeeper of the Year, also named First Team All-League the same season. Curry led the Timberwolves in goal to two-straight CIF playoff second round appearances (2013, 2014) and the CIF quarterfinals in 2015. Academically, she received the Charter Oaks Medallion for the top one percent in science as well as Principal’s Honor Roll and Scholar-Athlete accolades all four years. During her freshman and sophomore years, Curry also played varsity softball and was named Rookie of the Year. Curry led the So Cal Blues (2007-16) to two Blues Cup championships (2011, 2015), National Cup finals (2011), and ECNL North American League finals (2013), and also competed for the Cal South Region IV ODP team that advanced to the 2012 finals.
Woodward on Curry: “Mackenzie is the perfect example of a ‘Seattle U person’”. She is serious about academics, reaching her potential as a goalkeeper and team success. She also has such a great personality. Mac has a lot of experience at the highest level and will compete right away for the starting role.”
Kat Retz, a Stilwell, Kan. native, will graduate from Blue Valley High School in May before joining the Redhawk squad this fall. The four-year varsity letterwinner and two-year team captain also excels academically as a National Honor Society member, also part of the National Honor Society for Spanish and math. An AP Scholar with distinction, the National Merit semifinalist was awarded a U.S. Congressional Award Bronze Medal and a Presidential Community Service Award. Competing with Blue Valley Stars Premier (U9-U14) and Blue Valley Sporting ECNL (U15-U18), she has served as a team captain for the past seven years.
Woodward on Retz: “Kat is another individual who will add to our identity as a team. She is mature, focused, extremely smart, and possesses one of the most important qualities we believe predicts improvement, which is goal-directed behavior. Kat will continue to grow in our program so she can show her natural abilities and intelligence on the field.”
Rachel Bowler is a four-year varsity starter from Iolani School in Honolulu, Hawaii who led the Raiders to three straight state playoff appearances, a state championship in 2012-13, and a runner-up finish in 2014-15. The outside back earned First Team All-State honors in 2014-15 and is a two-time All-Conference honoree (First Team in 2014-15, Second Team in 2013-14), also named to the Division 1 State Championship All-Tournament Team in 2014-15. A 2015-16 team captain, Bowler is a member of the I-Club, Raiders for Wounded Warriors, Red Cross Club, Honor Roll, and Headmaster’s List. She has competed with Leahi 98 Premier-Leahi Soccer Club for the past 10 years in club play and has competed on the Hawaii State ODP Team (2010-15), leading the team to a championship in 2011.”
Woodward on Bowler: “We feel very lucky to have seen Rachel play at an ID camp in Hawaii and again at our Seattle U Summer ID Camp. She has the strength and athleticism to compete at the DI level right away, but we are most excited about her ceiling. I believe that Rachel has a ton of potential and could end up being a very important player for our program.”
Jessie Ray, a two-sport varsity letterwinner for soccer and basketball (one season) from Grant High School in Portland, Ore., led the Generals to three straight playoffs, advancing to the semifinals (2012), quarterfinals (2013), and second round (2014) in respective years. The First Team All-State (2014) and two-time All-Conference (2013-14) honoree was the team’s top scorer for two straight seasons with 13 (2013) and 14 (2014) goals, respectively. For basketball, the National Honor Society member was named Defensive Player of the Year during her single season with the team in 2012. Competing with THUSC Iridium (2012-14) and Crossfire United ECNL (2014-16), the team won the state championship and was NPL Nationals runner-ups in 2014.
Woodward on Ray: “If Jessie Ray hadn’t shown up at our ID camp last summer, I would be devastated. Her training attitude caught our eye the moment she stepped on to Championship Field. Jessie trains like a pro and her improvement rate reflects that attitude. She reminds us a lot of Julia Moravec, who we are losing to graduation this year. We can’t wait to see Jessie continue to grow and add tools to her skill set over the next four years.”
Kate Farnham, a three-year varsity letterwinner from Curtis Senior High School in University Place, Wash., led the Vikings to the 4A State Tournament Quarterfinals in 2015 and three straight state tournament appearances during her career. The team has posted a 42-12-2 record over the past three seasons under her leadership. The National Honor Society member, three-time WIAA Distingushed Scholastic Award winner, and 2015 AP Scholar Award winner enjoys photography and is a Nordstrom Fashion Ambassador. She competed with University Place SC (2003-2008) and, most recently, competes with Washington Premier FC (2008-16).
Woodward on Farnham: “Every time we see Kate play, she has added something new to her game. One of the things that sets our program apart is the individual commitment to improve by every player. Kate exemplifies this attitude. Her ability to get end line and cross the ball with a purpose is a dangerous skill at every level. Kate is a great fit for Seattle U.”