Soccer | 8/7/2026 11:50:00 AM
DENTON, Texas (Aug. 7, 2026) - Texas Woman's Soccer welcomes 11 newcomers to the program ahead of the 2026 season, adding nine freshmen and two transfers to the Pioneer roster. The incoming class features state champions, all-state selections, high-level club experience and student-athletes ready to make an impact in Denton.
"We're very excited to welcome in our 2026 class. They all bring something to the team that will help continue to elevate our program. In addition to their soccer pedigree they will be great ambassadors for our university," Head Coach Babak Abouzar said.
Landree Cooper, a freshman midfielder from Weatherford, Texas, joins the Pioneers after a standout career at Weatherford High School. Cooper earned District 3-6A Midfielder of the Year honors in consecutive seasons (2024-25 and 2025-26) while also earning First Team All-District recognition three times. She was named Weatherford Soccer Offensive Player of the Year and later the program's Most Valuable Player. Cooper helped lead Weatherford to a district championship in 2024 and a bi-district championship in 2026 while making postseason appearances throughout her high school career. A Dallas Texans ECNL-RL product, Cooper will major in kinesiology at TWU.
Mardie Frye, a freshman defender from Burleson, Texas, comes to TWU after competing at Burleson Centennial High School and with DKSC, Sting SC and Solar SC. Frye earned First Team All-District honors in 2025 after previously receiving second team and honorable mention recognition. She was also named to the All-Regional League and All-Johnson County teams. A multi-sport athlete who competed in soccer, basketball, volleyball and track, Frye helped lead her high school team to three bi-district championships and her club teams to regional and league titles. She was also an AP Scholar with Honor and will major in kinesiology.
Bella Garcia, a freshman forward from Austin, Texas, joins the Pioneers after attending KIPP Austin Collegiate and competing for Lonestar Soccer Club. Garcia helped lead her teams to multiple state championships, including Texas High School Soccer State Championships in 2024, 2025 and 2026, as well as a cross country state championship in 2024. Beyond soccer, Garcia has competed in cross country, track and field, volleyball and basketball. Off the field, she created a community running club to encourage people of all ages and abilities to pursue healthier lifestyles. Garcia plans to major in dietetics at TWU.
Niyah Gee, a freshman defender from Tyler, Texas, arrives after a decorated career at Bullard High School. Gee was a four-year varsity player and team captain during her junior and senior seasons while earning District Newcomer of the Year, District Midfielder of the Year, First Team All-Region and All-State honors. She helped Bullard capture multiple district championships and advance to the regional finals, the furthest postseason run in program history. Gee also excelled academically, earning Academic All-District and Academic All-State honors while maintaining a 5.095 GPA on Bullard's 5.0 scale. She will major in finance.
Conception Maya, a freshman forward from Humble, Texas, joins the Pioneers following a championship season at Kingwood High School. Conception helped lead Kingwood to the 2026 state championship after recording 30 goals and 18 assists during her senior season. She earned District 23-6A Most Valuable Player honors, was named the Houston Chronicle Player of the Year and earned TASCO First Team All-State, TGCA All-State and UIL State All-Tournament Team recognition. She competed for Challenge SC and plans to major in business at TWU.
Kaylie Monjaraz, a freshman midfielder from Mesquite, Texas, comes to TWU after competing at Uplift Luna Preparatory and with DKSC. Monjaraz helped lead her team to a regional championship in 2024 and multiple playoff appearances throughout her high school career. She chose TWU because of its kinesiology program, campus environment and soccer program. She will major in kinesiology.
Addie Newman, a freshman goalkeeper from Round Rock, Texas, joins the Pioneers after graduating from Round Rock High School and competing with Lonestar Soccer Club. Newman earned Second Team All-District honors during her high school campaign while maintaining a strong academic record with a 4.0 GPA or higher throughout high school. She was also a member of the National Spanish and English Honor Society. Newman plans to major in nursing while continuing her soccer career at TWU.
Whitni Newbill, a fifth-year senior forward from Fort Worth, Texas, transfers to TWU after successful collegiate stops at Dallas College Brookhaven and Angelo State. Newbill brings extensive postseason and championship experience, earning NJCAA First Team All-American honors, United Soccer Coaches All-American recognition and conference Player of the Year honors during her junior college career. She helped lead Brookhaven to NJCAA Division III national championships in 2022 and 2023 before competing at Angelo State, where she was part of a Lone Star Conference championship team. Newbill competed in soccer, basketball, volleyball and track throughout her athletic career and will major in kinesiology with a pre-physical therapy concentration.
Abby Santos, a sophomore defender from Duncanville, Texas, joins the Pioneers after spending her freshman season at Dallas Baptist. A Duncanville High School graduate, Santos earned First Team All-Region, two First Team All-State selections, three First Team All-District honors and Second Team All-District recognition. She served as team captain during her senior season and competed for DKSC. Santos will major in nursing at TWU.
Avery Seitz, a freshman goalkeeper from Highland Village, Texas, joins TWU after attending Marcus High School. Seitz was involved with FCA during her high school career and chose Texas Woman's because of the strong sense of community. She will major in biology.
Lauren Wade, a freshman midfielder from Jacksonville, Texas, joins the Pioneers after a standout career at Jacksonville High School and with FC Dallas ETX 07G Premier. Wade earned District MVP honors in three consecutive seasons while also collecting First Team All-Region recognition and multiple additional awards, including the Maiden Award and Competitors Award. She helped lead Jacksonville to four district championships and a national semifinal appearance in 2025. Wade also earned College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition and multiple Academic All-District honors. She will major in biology with a pre-med concentration.
With the addition of the 2026 newcomer class, the Pioneers look to continue building momentum as they prepare for the upcoming season and another year of competition in the Lone Star Conference.
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