American University signs eight Class of 2026 recruits from seven states

WASHINGTON – Eight high school seniors have signed National Letters of Intent to play for American University women’s soccer in the fall of 2026.

Joining the Eagles next season are Laila Britford (Gainesville, Va.), Julianna Critchley (Denville, N.J.), Hailey DeTuro (Aldie, Va.), Autumn Freeman (Lanham, Md.), Piper Garcia (Flower Mound, Texas), Amaya Peterson (San Diego, Calif.), Eva Whitmyer (Indianapolis, Ind.), and Julia Zeug (Ramsey, N.J.).

Laila Britford

Hometown: Gainesville, Va.
Position: Forward
High School: Gainesville
Club: Virginia Development Academy

Why AU: “I chose AU for its strong academic program in law and the close proximity to Washington, D.C. for the internship opportunities. I was also drawn to the team camaraderie on the women’s soccer team and the supportive environment.”

Notes: Seven-year forward for Virginia Development Academy, club that advanced to the final four at the ECNL National Championship in 2024-25… Two-sport athlete in soccer and track… Sister Jasmine played soccer at Howard… Loves reading, hiking, and volunteering… Plans to major in political science and justice & law.

Julianna Critchley

Hometown: Denville, N.J.
Position: Forward/Midfielder
High School: Morris Knolls
Club: Match Fit Surf

Why AU: “I chose AU because of its team culture, strong connection with the coaching staff, and welcoming team environment, which will help me grow both as a player and a student.”

Notes: Two-time all-state first team, two-time all-county first team, and two-time all-conference first team… Team captain as a senior… Scored 47 goals with 27 assists in high school… Named to ECNL North Atlantic All-Conference First Team in 2023… Played ice hockey and was a competitive swimmer growing up… Works as a lifeguard and is active in community service… Has a twin sister and older brother… Plans to major in business administration.

Hailey DeTuro

Hometown: Aldie, Va.
Position: Defender
High School: Lightridge
Club: Virginia Revolution

Why AU: “I chose American University because of the amazing culture and bond everyone has with each other at AU. The coaching staff and the team are absolutely amazing, it’s exactly the kind of team I want to be on and call my family. I know that American University can give me opportunities to be the best version of myself as a soccer player on the field and for my future self.”

Notes: Two-time all-region and all-district selection… Three-year team captain for Lightridge and two-year captain for VA Revolution… HS MVP in 2024… Has played guitar since the age of 6 and is a four-year section leader… Plans to major in biology.

Autumn Freeman

Hometown: Lanham, Md.
Position: Defender
High School: Eleanor Roosevelt
Club: Bethesda SC

Why AU: “I selected AU for its inviting, community-driven atmosphere, and I was captivated from the moment I set foot on campus. Everything about it resonated with me. The soccer team and coaches were not only friendly but also made me feel truly appreciated and at home.”

Notes: First Team All-State in 2025 and honorable mention in 2024… Washington Post All-Met honorable mention in 2024… Three-time all-county selection… Scored 18 goals and added six assists as a senior… Three-time scholar-athlete award recipient… Team was two-time regional champs and three-time county champs… Hobbies include baking, gardening, and painting… Enjoys helping others in her community… Plans to major in biochemistry.

Piper Garcia

Hometown: Flower Mound, Texas
Position: Midfielder
High School: Marcus
Club: DKSC ECNL

Why AU: “I choose American because both of my parents attended and played here, I was drawn to the university’s strong academics, competitive soccer program, and all that Washington, D.C., has to offer!”

Notes: Four-year starter on two-time state championship team…Team captain as a junior and senior… First team all-conference as a junior… Senior season still to come… Also named first team all-region and three-time Utility Player of the Year… Texas ECNL All-Conference 2024-25… Both parents played soccer at American, with dad Henry making an Elite Eight appearance during his career from 1995-99… Enjoys volunteering with Special Olympics… Plans to major in international relations.

Amaya Peterson

Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
Position: Defender
High School: Francis Parker
Club: Rebels SC

Why AU: “I chose American because of its strong balance between academics and athletics. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt a connection. I have family in the DMV area, so I knew that I would also have that family support. The coaching staff and players made me feel welcomed and valued, and I truly believe the program will help me grow both as a player and a person.”

Notes: Two-time all-league selection… Named team’s outstanding player of the year in 2024-25 and two-time defensive player of the year… Club team qualified for champions league playoffs in 2024-25 and twice for the North American Cup playoffs… Member of numerous school organizations… Plans to major in health promotion.

Eva Whitmyer

Hometown: Indianapolis, Ind.
Position: Goalkeeper
High School: North Central
Club: Indy Premier

Why AU: “DC is a great location for my intended major, and I love the atmosphere at AU, both with the team and on campus.”

Notes: Three-time all-conference goalkeeper… Named all-state third team and named to the all-county team… Team is four-time conference champions… Named All-State Academic and four-time All-Conference Academic… Plays bass in a symphony orchestra and enjoys volunteering… Plans to major in international relations.

Julia Zeug

Hometown: Ramsey, N.J.
Position: Forward/Midfielder
High School: Ramsey
Club: NJ Crush

Why AU: “I chose AU because of the location, rigorous academics, and the hardworking soccer team environment!”

Notes: Team was ranked as high as third in the state… Averaged one assist per game in club season… Also a two-year track & field captain, throwing javelin and running the 100m and 200m… Father played lacrosse at Merrimack College… Works as a ski instructor and is a Girl Scout Ambassador… Four-year honor roll student… Plans to major in business administration.