DePaul women’s soccer team welcomes 8 incoming recruits and a transfer

CHICAGO – DePaul women’s soccer head coach Michele O’Brien has announced the program’s 2026 signing class. The class features eight incoming freshmen and one transfer who will arrive in Lincoln Park later this summer ahead of preseason training.

“We are incredibly excited about the nine newcomers joining our program this fall,” said O’Brien. “This class of eight freshmen and one transfer brings a tremendous combination of talent, character, competitiveness and ambition. They will add depth and quality across our roster while bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to our environment. Just as importantly, they are a group that aligns with the culture and standards we have established within our program.

Sophia Holtzman (FWD) | Skokie, Ill. | Sophomore

After scoring four goals as a freshman at Florida Gulf Coast, Holtzman transfers to DePaul following a season in which she finished third on the team in goals and fourth in points. The Skokie native added two assists and 10 total points while scoring three goals in ASUN Conference play.

Savannah Mittelstaedt (GK) | Muskego, Wis. | Freshman

A three-time WIAA Division I state champion, Mittelstaedt arrives after helping Muskego High School establish itself as one of Wisconsin’s premier programs. The goalkeeper earned First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference and All-Region honors while posting a 0.30 goals-against average during her senior season.

Katelyn Haiser (FWD) | Plainfield, Ill. | Freshman
Few players in Illinois matched Haiser’s offensive production over the last two seasons. The Plainfield North standout totaled 49 goals and 14 assists across her junior and senior campaigns, earning Chicagoland Soccer All-State, All-Area First Team, All-Sectional and All-Conference honors.

Carolina Capizzi (MID) | La Grange, Ill. | Freshman

Fresh off a Girls Academy National Championship with Galaxy SC, Capizzi brings a winning pedigree to Lincoln Park. The midfielder also captured two USYS National Championships during her club career and earned selections to the ODP Midwest Regional Team and GA Midwest Talent ID program.

Riley Vinson (DEF) | Ashburn, Va. | Freshman

Vinson closed her high school career with one of the strongest seasons in Virginia, earning First Team All-District, First Team All-Region and Second Team All-State recognition. She previously collected Second Team All-District and All-Region honors in 2024.

Emma Strcic (MID) | Naperville, Ill. | Freshman

An undefeated Girls Academy campaign highlights Strcic’s arrival at DePaul. Competing for FC United, she helped guide the club to a 20-0-3 overall record and a perfect 16-0-0 mark in Mid-America Conference play.

Emma Gronlund (MID) | Wheaton, Ill. | Freshman

Gronlund made an immediate impact at Wheaton Warrenville South, totaling five goals and three assists while earning Rookie of the Year honors. She later added DuKane Conference Honorable Mention recognition and ECNL All-Conference First Team honors with Chicago Inter.

Olivia Hoffmann (DEF) | Denver, Colo. | Freshman

Hoffmann joins the Blue Demons from Cherry Creek High School, one of Colorado’s most successful programs. A four-year varsity letterwinner, she helped the Bruins secure a league championship while earning Academic All-State First Team honors.

Molly Nelson (GK) Cleveland, Ohio | Freshman

Leadership and consistency defined Nelson’s prep career at Hawken School. A two-year captain, she averaged eight saves per match and recorded eight shutouts while earning All-Conference, All-Cleveland and Academic All-Ohio recognition.

Looking ahead to the fall season, O’Brien emphasized the combination of returning leadership and incoming talent that will shape the Blue Demons’ roster in 2026.

“Our returning players have worked incredibly hard and continue to raise the standard every day,” said O’Brien. “Their commitment to development, leadership and team success has created a strong foundation for the season ahead. When you combine the progress of our returning group with the talent and excitement of this incoming class, we are very confident in the direction of our program and the potential of this team. We look forward to seeing everyone come together and contribute to the continued growth and success of DePaul women’s soccer.”