Huskies Sign 11 Newcomers
February 07, 2018 | Women's Soccer
SEATTLE - Washington Women's Soccer added a promising bunch of new Huskies to the roster today, announcing the addition of 11 student-athletes on Signing Day.Β That group includes ten field players and a goalie:Β the Huskies will welcome Makena Carr, Dani Hansen, Ruby Hellstrom, Shae Holmes, Tasia Kravitz, Claudia Longo, Cassidy Lucht, Vanessa Millsaps, Trinity Paulsen, MaKayla Woods, and Summer YatesΒ to the team for the 2018 season.
Head coach Lesle Gallimore was excited about the new pack of Huskies.Β "To use a Forrest Gump-ism: talent is as talent does.Β This is an extremely talented group of young players coming in and we believe that their talent, individually and collectively, will translate into the type of impact that leads to success," said Gallimore.Β "These young women know and understand that talent alone is but one ingredient of many, many more important ones that will propel us to winning championships and succeeding in all areas.Β We couldn't be more excited to welcome them to Washington."
MakenaΒ Carr, a forward, played under former Husky Tami Nguyen (née Bennett) while at Liberty High School in Newcastle, Washington and will enroll at UW this spring.Β She won two state championships in 2017, taking home the high school title with Liberty and the club title with Eastside FC.Β Carr was named the Seattle Times Player of the Year and the State MVP that year as well.
Gallimore praised Carr's offensive impact, saying that she "is a quick, strong, formidable attacking player that can have an impact from wide or central areas.Β She is a handful to defend and has a great sense of the game.Β She will also do her part defensively and has a good defensive presence."
Ruby Hellstrom, a San Diego native, will play forward for the Huskies.Β HellstromΒ broke La Costa Canyon High School's record for single-season goals as a freshmen.Β She led the team to a CIF championship as well.Β During her club career with San Diego Surf Soccer Club, HellstromΒ took third at theΒ Β ECNL U18 national championships and was a part of the 2016 Surf Cup championship-winning team.Β She has scrimmage with a multitude of U.S. Youth National Teams as well as the Philippine National Team and multiple Swedish pro teams.
"Ruby is a feisty, fast striker who loves to get to goal," said Gallimore.Β "She battles hard on both sides of the ball and shows determination and fortitude that will help her succeed at the college level."
A left back from Colorado, Shae Holmes was a three-time All-American in high school and was a six-time captain for her club team, Real Colorado.Β Holmes played in two ENCL National Championships with Real Colorado as well.Β While at Thunder Ridge High School, Holmes was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for Colorado in 2017 while also earning three All-Conference awards, a Conference Player of the Year award, and a Team Snap All-American honor.Β She has been a part of the U.S. Women's National Team pool for the last two seasons, traveling with the team internationally on five separate occasions.
"Shae is a hard-nosed defender that has developed into one of the best attacking outside backs in the country," said GallimoreΒ of Holmes.Β "She has great range with her passing, a presence in the air, and a very good sense of the game tactically.Β She's a natural leader on and off the field."
Dani Hansen joins her fellow Coloradan Holmes with the Huskies.Β Hansen reached two ECNL finals with Real Colorado and the Colorado Storm and won a NPL championship as well.Β She has taken part in the Puma Women's Elite Showcase, the National id2 Training Camp, the Nike National id2 Team Camp, and U.S. Youth Soccer National Team camps.
Hansen's pedigree impressed Gallimore, who said that "Dani is a tremendous athlete with a great presence in goal.Β She comes from a club that has developed many outstanding collegians and National Team-caliber players and we feel she will adapt quickly to the level of play in college."
TasiaΒ Kravitz joins Washington's defense after a plethora of awards during her high school and club career.Β Kravitz was the PAL league's Defensive Player of the Year during her senior season at San Mateo High School, earning the Team MVP award as well.Β With the California Thorns FC club team, Kravitz also took second place at the ECNLΒ Finals and won the NorCal State Cup.
"TasiaΒ can play anywhere along the backline and can even play wing positions," said Gallimore.Β "She is great with both feet, has above-average pace, excellent passing ability, and her defensive presence is solid as well.Β She's a hard-working player who doesn't settle for where she is, she's always striving to improve."
Cassidy LuchtΒ is another new Husky from southern California, where she played for the DMCV Sharks club team and Rancho Bernardo High School.Β A 5'10" midfielder, she won the Region IV, Open Division CIF, and CRL championships in 2016 and led her team to the National League in 2017.Β LuchtΒ was also a four-year Silver Star award-winner, honored for achieving a 4.0 GPA each year of her high school career.
Gallimore was excited about Lucht'sΒ potential, with the San Diego native set to enroll early this spring.Β "[Enrolling early] will allow her to get some game and training minutes immediately.Β Cassidy is a crafty and skillful midfielderΒ that has an impact on both sides of the ball.Β Her vision is outstanding and she is up for the physical challenge of the game."
Claudia Longo was a two-time state champion before coming to UW.Β LongoΒ was named the KingCo Offensive Player of the Year while leading Issaquah High School to a 2017 state title, also garnering All-KingCo, All-Area, All-State, All-Region, and All-American honors that year.Β She was also named to the All-KingCoΒ First Team in 2015 while helping Issaquah to a state championship.Β Longo played her club soccer with ISC Gunners FC.
"Claudia is a smooth play-making midfielder with high-end technical ability," said GallimoreΒ of Longo.Β "She's a leader on the pitch and a proven winner."
Vanessa MillsapsΒ brings a history of winning to Washington.Β MillsapsΒ finished off her high school career with a league championship.Β She was also named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2017 for the Sunset League.Β In 2017, MillsapsΒ led Los AlamitosΒ High School to the CIF quarterfinals, earning the Team MVP award in the process.Β The midfielder was also a two-time All-Academic performer in high school.Β MillsapsΒ played club soccer with Fury Premier and was twice a part of the ODP/PRO+ Pool.
Gallimore was excited about the tactical aspects of Millsaps' game.Β "Vanessa is tremendous technically, has good speed, and plays big for her size.Β Her biggest asset is her tremendous field awareness and a high tactical IQ that allows her to be great in possession as well as impactful in creating and finishing chances.
Trinity Paulsen gives another dimension to the Husky attack.Β The Brush Prairie, Washington native scored over 60 goals in her high school career, earning Offensive MVP and leading the team in goals and assists every year of her career.Β As a freshman, Paulsen set the Hockinson High School record for goals in a season.Β In her club career, Paulsen has led her various teams in goals for eight consecutive years.
"Trinity is a technical and smooth playmaker that has very good vision," said Gallimore. "Her strong work ethic and passion give her the capability to excel."
MaKayla Woods hails from Vancouver, Washington and will bring her skills to the Husky attack.Β The forward broke the single-season record for goals at Union High School as a freshman, then broke the career record as a senior.Β She was named All-League twice and was an All-Academic selection all four years of high school.Β Woods also won MVP as a senior.Β During her time with FC Portland ECNL, Woods played in the national championship and was a part of U.S. Youth Soccer's ODP National Camp.
"MaKaylaΒ has great technical and physical speed and an attitude to attack," said Gallimore about the forward.Β "She is good in one-on-one situations and has the confidence and competitive attitude to be impactful in games.Β As an early enrollee, we'll have a good chance to see where she'll best influence games in the fall."
Summer Yates joins Washington after a distinguished career at Chiawana High School in Pasco, Washington.Β Yates was a 4A All-State First Team performer in 2016 and 2017 as a forward, winning Mid-Columbia Conference Player of the Year in 2017.Β She was named to the All-Conference First Team all four years of her high school career.Β Yates also won a Washington state championship with her club team, Pac NW, making the United Soccer Coaches Youth All-American Team.Β Top Drawer Soccer ranked her fourth in the nation, with Yates having played with the U.S. National Teams since she was 13.
"SummerΒ is best in the role of a #10 playing in the center of midfield where she can solve the pressure of the opponent, create on and off the dribble, and be dangerous going to goal," said Gallimore.Β "She is savvy and has a good sense of the game to go along with her strong technical ability.Β Her defensive presence continues to improve and we look forward to watching her continue to develop her game."
All ten of these new Huskies will join Washington in time for the 2018 season.
Make sure to follow Husky women's soccer on Twitter with the username @UW_WSoccer and on Instagram at uw_wsoccer.
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Head coach Lesle Gallimore was excited about the new pack of Huskies.Β "To use a Forrest Gump-ism: talent is as talent does.Β This is an extremely talented group of young players coming in and we believe that their talent, individually and collectively, will translate into the type of impact that leads to success," said Gallimore.Β "These young women know and understand that talent alone is but one ingredient of many, many more important ones that will propel us to winning championships and succeeding in all areas.Β We couldn't be more excited to welcome them to Washington."
MakenaΒ Carr, a forward, played under former Husky Tami Nguyen (née Bennett) while at Liberty High School in Newcastle, Washington and will enroll at UW this spring.Β She won two state championships in 2017, taking home the high school title with Liberty and the club title with Eastside FC.Β Carr was named the Seattle Times Player of the Year and the State MVP that year as well.
Gallimore praised Carr's offensive impact, saying that she "is a quick, strong, formidable attacking player that can have an impact from wide or central areas.Β She is a handful to defend and has a great sense of the game.Β She will also do her part defensively and has a good defensive presence."
Ruby Hellstrom, a San Diego native, will play forward for the Huskies.Β HellstromΒ broke La Costa Canyon High School's record for single-season goals as a freshmen.Β She led the team to a CIF championship as well.Β During her club career with San Diego Surf Soccer Club, HellstromΒ took third at theΒ Β ECNL U18 national championships and was a part of the 2016 Surf Cup championship-winning team.Β She has scrimmage with a multitude of U.S. Youth National Teams as well as the Philippine National Team and multiple Swedish pro teams.
"Ruby is a feisty, fast striker who loves to get to goal," said Gallimore.Β "She battles hard on both sides of the ball and shows determination and fortitude that will help her succeed at the college level."
A left back from Colorado, Shae Holmes was a three-time All-American in high school and was a six-time captain for her club team, Real Colorado.Β Holmes played in two ENCL National Championships with Real Colorado as well.Β While at Thunder Ridge High School, Holmes was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for Colorado in 2017 while also earning three All-Conference awards, a Conference Player of the Year award, and a Team Snap All-American honor.Β She has been a part of the U.S. Women's National Team pool for the last two seasons, traveling with the team internationally on five separate occasions.
"Shae is a hard-nosed defender that has developed into one of the best attacking outside backs in the country," said GallimoreΒ of Holmes.Β "She has great range with her passing, a presence in the air, and a very good sense of the game tactically.Β She's a natural leader on and off the field."
Dani Hansen joins her fellow Coloradan Holmes with the Huskies.Β Hansen reached two ECNL finals with Real Colorado and the Colorado Storm and won a NPL championship as well.Β She has taken part in the Puma Women's Elite Showcase, the National id2 Training Camp, the Nike National id2 Team Camp, and U.S. Youth Soccer National Team camps.
Hansen's pedigree impressed Gallimore, who said that "Dani is a tremendous athlete with a great presence in goal.Β She comes from a club that has developed many outstanding collegians and National Team-caliber players and we feel she will adapt quickly to the level of play in college."
TasiaΒ Kravitz joins Washington's defense after a plethora of awards during her high school and club career.Β Kravitz was the PAL league's Defensive Player of the Year during her senior season at San Mateo High School, earning the Team MVP award as well.Β With the California Thorns FC club team, Kravitz also took second place at the ECNLΒ Finals and won the NorCal State Cup.
"TasiaΒ can play anywhere along the backline and can even play wing positions," said Gallimore.Β "She is great with both feet, has above-average pace, excellent passing ability, and her defensive presence is solid as well.Β She's a hard-working player who doesn't settle for where she is, she's always striving to improve."
Cassidy LuchtΒ is another new Husky from southern California, where she played for the DMCV Sharks club team and Rancho Bernardo High School.Β A 5'10" midfielder, she won the Region IV, Open Division CIF, and CRL championships in 2016 and led her team to the National League in 2017.Β LuchtΒ was also a four-year Silver Star award-winner, honored for achieving a 4.0 GPA each year of her high school career.
Gallimore was excited about Lucht'sΒ potential, with the San Diego native set to enroll early this spring.Β "[Enrolling early] will allow her to get some game and training minutes immediately.Β Cassidy is a crafty and skillful midfielderΒ that has an impact on both sides of the ball.Β Her vision is outstanding and she is up for the physical challenge of the game."
Claudia Longo was a two-time state champion before coming to UW.Β LongoΒ was named the KingCo Offensive Player of the Year while leading Issaquah High School to a 2017 state title, also garnering All-KingCo, All-Area, All-State, All-Region, and All-American honors that year.Β She was also named to the All-KingCoΒ First Team in 2015 while helping Issaquah to a state championship.Β Longo played her club soccer with ISC Gunners FC.
"Claudia is a smooth play-making midfielder with high-end technical ability," said GallimoreΒ of Longo.Β "She's a leader on the pitch and a proven winner."
Vanessa MillsapsΒ brings a history of winning to Washington.Β MillsapsΒ finished off her high school career with a league championship.Β She was also named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2017 for the Sunset League.Β In 2017, MillsapsΒ led Los AlamitosΒ High School to the CIF quarterfinals, earning the Team MVP award in the process.Β The midfielder was also a two-time All-Academic performer in high school.Β MillsapsΒ played club soccer with Fury Premier and was twice a part of the ODP/PRO+ Pool.
Gallimore was excited about the tactical aspects of Millsaps' game.Β "Vanessa is tremendous technically, has good speed, and plays big for her size.Β Her biggest asset is her tremendous field awareness and a high tactical IQ that allows her to be great in possession as well as impactful in creating and finishing chances.
Trinity Paulsen gives another dimension to the Husky attack.Β The Brush Prairie, Washington native scored over 60 goals in her high school career, earning Offensive MVP and leading the team in goals and assists every year of her career.Β As a freshman, Paulsen set the Hockinson High School record for goals in a season.Β In her club career, Paulsen has led her various teams in goals for eight consecutive years.
"Trinity is a technical and smooth playmaker that has very good vision," said Gallimore. "Her strong work ethic and passion give her the capability to excel."
MaKayla Woods hails from Vancouver, Washington and will bring her skills to the Husky attack.Β The forward broke the single-season record for goals at Union High School as a freshman, then broke the career record as a senior.Β She was named All-League twice and was an All-Academic selection all four years of high school.Β Woods also won MVP as a senior.Β During her time with FC Portland ECNL, Woods played in the national championship and was a part of U.S. Youth Soccer's ODP National Camp.
"MaKaylaΒ has great technical and physical speed and an attitude to attack," said Gallimore about the forward.Β "She is good in one-on-one situations and has the confidence and competitive attitude to be impactful in games.Β As an early enrollee, we'll have a good chance to see where she'll best influence games in the fall."
Summer Yates joins Washington after a distinguished career at Chiawana High School in Pasco, Washington.Β Yates was a 4A All-State First Team performer in 2016 and 2017 as a forward, winning Mid-Columbia Conference Player of the Year in 2017.Β She was named to the All-Conference First Team all four years of her high school career.Β Yates also won a Washington state championship with her club team, Pac NW, making the United Soccer Coaches Youth All-American Team.Β Top Drawer Soccer ranked her fourth in the nation, with Yates having played with the U.S. National Teams since she was 13.
"SummerΒ is best in the role of a #10 playing in the center of midfield where she can solve the pressure of the opponent, create on and off the dribble, and be dangerous going to goal," said Gallimore.Β "She is savvy and has a good sense of the game to go along with her strong technical ability.Β Her defensive presence continues to improve and we look forward to watching her continue to develop her game."
All ten of these new Huskies will join Washington in time for the 2018 season.
Make sure to follow Husky women's soccer on Twitter with the username @UW_WSoccer and on Instagram at uw_wsoccer.
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