UCLA women’s soccer adds pair of transfers from within the Pac-12

UCLA women’s soccer head coach Margueritte Aozasa has added two transfers to the 2022 squad. The Bruins welcome a pair of familiar faces in the Pac-12 Conference in forward Ally Cook (Oregon) and defender Maya Evans (California).

Cook, a native of Coto de Caza, Calif., returns home to Southern California after three seasons as a starter in Eugene. During her junior season in 2021, she earned second-team All-Pacific Region and third-team All-Pac-12 honors after leading the Ducks with eight goals and 20 points. Cook became just the fourth Duck ever to record a 20-point season. In 2020, she led the conference and tied for 10^th nationally with four game-winning goals. She finished the season ranked first on the team in goals (four), points (nine) and shots (46). As a freshman, she ranked second on the team with five goals and third with 11 and started in 17 of 19 matches played. A biology major, Cook earned 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-District 8 Second Team honors.

“Ally will add another element to our frontline,” said Aozasa. “She is dangerous in front of goal, selfless with her work rate, and as competitive as they come. I am glad we don’t have to defend her!”

Evans comes to UCLA after two seasons in Berkeley. As a freshman in 2020, she started in 11 of 13 games and led the team with 975 minutes played, earning Pac-12 All-Freshman honors. She played in four games and made one start during her sophomore season in 2021 and received Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll distinction. Evans has U.S. Youth National Team experience, having attended U-16 national team camps in 2017 and 2018.

“Maya has the potential to be one of the most impactful defenders in the conference,” Aozasa said. “At her best, her distribution, vision, and presence out of the back are incredible. We can’t wait to get her settled here in Westwood.”

Cook and Evans join a group of 10 freshmen joining the 2022 UCLA team. The Bruins went 16-1-3 a year ago and return three All-Pacific Region honorees in Lilly Reale, Lauren Brzykcy and Reilyn Turner.