By: Parker Haynie- Assistant Director of Communications
CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- The SUU Women's Soccer team signed 12 new Thunderbirds on National Signing Day, including 11 first-year students who are eager to take SUU Women's Soccer to the next level.
Head Coach Kai Edwards said
"With an amazing group of 10 seniors graduating and being under the roster limit during the 2025 season, we look to bringing in this class to fill some voids left both by graduation as well as the space we had below the roster limits. We look forward to this group joining our returners to build a Big Sky Conference tournament contending program in 2026."
Ashlyn O'Malley
Hometown: Rogers, Minnesota
Previous School: Rogers High School
Club Team: Twin Cities Fire
Position: Center Back
Height: 5'9"
Socials: Twitter – @ashsoccer10 | Instagram – @ashlyn_omalley10
Accolades:
• 3x First Team All-State
• 3x All-Conference
• All-Conference Honorable Mention
• 3x Team MVP
• 3x Golden Boot Winner
• Senior Classic Game Participant
• Rookie of the Year
• 2x Team Captain
Highlights
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "An athletic and fiercely competitive defender, Ashlyn O'Malley brings resilience and intensity to the backline. Her leadership extends beyond the game, where she is admired for her willingness to help others succeed."
Tatum Trout
Hometown: Huntington Beach, California
Previous School: Edison High School
Club Team: SoCal Reds FC
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5'7"
Socials: Twitter – @TatumTrout2008 | Instagram – @tatumtrout_2008
Accolades:
• Excalibur Tournament MVP
• Varsity MVP
• Second Team All-League
• Captain of SoCal Reds FC
Highlights
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "A competitive and tough goalkeeper, Tatum anchors the defense with her strength and leadership between the posts. Beyond her athletic talent, she is a compassionate teammate who lifts others through her unwavering support and loyalty."
Melissa Tatar
Hometown: Carlsbad, California
Previous School: Carlsbad High School
Club Team: San Diego Surf
Height: 5'4"
Position: Center Mid/Forward
Socials: Twitter – @MeliTatar2026 | Instagram – @melisssa.tatar.soccer
Accolades:
• 3x PDP Selection
• U18 U.S. National Futsal Team Member (Argentina and Portugal)
• MVP – United Futsal National Training Camp
• Principal's Award and President's Award for Academic Excellence
• CIF Division I All-Conference
• 3x Futsal National Champion
Highlights
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "A true footballer with the ability to score from distance and deliver precise final balls, Tater adds a high level of quality to the final 1/3. More importantly, she is a grounded and thoughtful individual who values teamwork and perseverance."
Sofia Alcorn
Hometown: Atwater, California
Previous School: Buhach Colony High School
Club Team: Stanislaus United SC / Silicon Valley SA
Height: 5'4"
Position: Midfielder/Winger
Socials: Instagram – @sofiaalcorn.17
Accolades:
• 2x Cal North ODP Team Selection
• CCC All-League First Team
• Buhach Colony Offensive Player of the Year
• 2023 & 2024 GA Conference Champion
• 4.45 Weighted Academic GPA
Highlights
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "A classic #10, Sofia excels at scoring and delivering high-quality final passes to unlock defenses. Off the field, she is admired for her kindness, leadership, and the encouragement she offers her teammates daily."
Gracen Blieschke
Hometown: Strathalbyn, South Australia
Previous School: Eastern Fleurieu School
Club Team: Football SA NTC Girls U18
Height: 5'5
Position: Forward
Socials: Instagram – @gracenblieschke
Accolades:
• Football South Australia State Program (4 years)
• National Training Centre Selection
• Young Matildas Extended Squad Member
• Junior Development Contract – Adelaide United Women's A-League
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "A true target striker with an instinctive nose for goal, Gracen brings international caliber experience from the Australian Youth National Team pool. Beyond her technical abilities, her positive attitude and strong work ethic are a valuable addition to our program."
Reese Peterson
Hometown: Spokane, Washington
Previous School: Mt. Spokane High School
Club Team: Washington East Surf
Height: 5'10"
Position: Defensive Mid/Center Back
Socials: Twitter – @reese_.peterson
Accolades:
• 2x All-League Selection
• 2024 Defensive MVP
• 2025 All-League First Team
• 2x Surf Select National Team
Highlights
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "A powerful box-to-box midfielder and strong center back, Reese's versatility strengthens both defense and attack. She is equally known for her fun-loving spirit, which will add great value to the program."
Madeline Buczyna
Hometown: Hawi, Hawaii
Previous School: Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Club Team: Hawaii Surf 07G Academy
Height: 5'3"
Position: Midfielder
Socials: Twitter – @madeline.buczyna808
Accolades:
• ODP West Regionals Selection
• Ulrike Katharina Bieni Kohler Johnson '83 Scholarship Recipient
• Kūlia, Kupaianaha, and McInerny Foundation Scholarships
• Summa Cum Laude Honors Society
• Tied for Top Goal Scorer in Hawai'i (Junior Year)
• BIIF First Team (All Years)
• D2 State Tournament First Team (Junior Year)
Highlights
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "A spirited lefty with a blend of skill and work ethic, Madie brings energy and creativity to the attack. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she is known for her generosity and ability to bring people together."
Amelie Lemieux
Hometown: St-Lazare, Quebec
Previous School: Kuper Academy
Club Team: Lakeshore Soccer Club
Height: 5'8"
Position: Center Back
Socials: Instagram – @ameliexlemieux
Accolades:
• High School Soccer MVP
• League2 Champion with Lakeshore SC (Promoted to League1 Canada)
• Assistant Captain and Captain – CEGEP Career
• Assistant Coach – Lakeshore Fu15 PLSJQ Team (Provincial Champions)
• Awarded for Standout Athleticism (Soccer, Hockey, Cross Country)
Highlights
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "A commanding centerback, Amelie has the physical tools and determination to dominate the 18-yard box. She complements her athletic prowess with a fun-loving and approachable spirit, making her a wonderful addition to the program."
Keira Barker
Hometown: Centennial, Colorado
Previous School: Arapahoe High School
Club Team: Colorado Rapids 08G ECNL-RL
Height: 5'7"
Position: Center Back
Socials: Twitter – @keirabarker08
Accolades:
• All-State Honorable Mention
• League Champion
• Scholar Athlete
• First Team All-State Academics
• Team Captain (Junior Year)
• ECNL-RL Playoff Qualifier
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "As a smart and adaptable footballer, Keira provides flexibility and reliability anywhere in the defensive unit. Her strong character and positive mindset make her an invaluable part of the team culture."
Rosemary Adesina
Hometown: Abigi, Ogun Waterside, Nigeria
Previous School: Enizim Secondary School (Anambra State)
Club Team: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Height: 5'7"
Position: Left Winger/Attacking Mid
Socials: N/A
Accolades:
• Creative Playmaker with International Experience
• Member of TP Mazembe, One of Africa's Top Clubs
Highlights
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "An attacker with the ability to beat the first defender consistently, Rosemary is a threat that defenses must respect. Off the pitch, her friendly nature and genuine kindness make her a wonderful addition to our team."
Ashlyn Woodbury
Hometown: Canton, Georgia
Previous School: Creekview High School
Club Team: United Futbol Academy
Height: 5'11"
Position: Center Back
Socials: Instagram – @ashwoodz_6
Accolades:
• U.S. Youth National Team ID Center Selection
• ECNL Southeast All-Conference
• Conference Cup Southeast Team
• All-Region and Defensive MVP – High School Soccer
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "A versatile and intelligent player, Ashlyn Woodbury's high soccer IQ allows her to excel anywhere across the back six. She is equally respected for her thoughtful and supportive personality, always ready to encourage and uplift her teammates."
Suika Shibutani
Hometown: Okayama City, Japan
High School: Fujieda Junshin High School
Previous School: Eastern Arizona CC
Position: Midfield
Height: 5'3
Socials: IG - @0_suika26
Accolades:
• 2025 All-ACCAC Region I
• DI Second-Team
Head Coach Kai Edwards said, "Suika's exceptional skill and vision from the center midfield make her a dynamic playmaker from Japan. Eastern Arizona CC does a great job cultivating talented student-athletes. She is also known for her humility and dedication, always striving to improve while supporting her teammates both on and off the field."
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