UConn adds 7 women’s soccer recruits, including 2 each from World Class FC and NEFC

STORRS, Conn. – UConn women’s soccer head coach Margaret Rodriguez has announced the addition of seven incoming freshmen to the Class of 2028.

Grace Burns
Midfielder | Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. | World Class FC

Rodriguez on Burns: Grace is a quick, tenacious, outside back who can generate our attack on the flank. She is a competitor who will defend with heart and grit, and attack with poise and skill. She is a great addition to our backline and we are looking forward to grow with her in our program.

Why UConn: I chose UConn because of the team culture and the environment on campus. The coaches and the players are so welcoming and both the academics and athletics on campus are amazing!

Before UConn: Played for head coach Daniel Samimi at Albertus Magnus. Played club at World Class FC. At Albertus Magnus, was an All-State performer that helped her team win a state championship in 2022. Named 2023 Rockland Player of the Year while earning All-County and All-League status. Served as a team captain during her senior year. Was inducted into Social Studies and Spanish National Honor Society.

Kileigh Gorman
Forward | Norwood, Mass. | NEFC

Rodriguez on Gorman: Kileigh is an attacking player who can impact our midfield or forward positions. She has an engine on her that can handle the volume on the flanks or be a box-to-box midfielder. Her versatility is important to us and her opportunistic style of play will be a great addition to our front six positions.

Why UConn: I chose UConn because of the welcoming atmosphere. When walking around campus, it felt like home. After interacting with the coaches and players I knew UConn was where I wanted to spend my next 4 years, pursing my academic and athletic career. The work ethic and culture shown by the players and coaches is something I can’t wait to be a part of. Everyone was extremely friendly and personable. The endless resources and opportunities were very impressive. I cannot wait to be a student-athlete at UConn and experience all it has to offer.

Before UConn: Played for head coach Phil Silva at Bishop Feehan High School. Played club at NEFC. Was a three-time Sun Chronicle and All-EMass All-Star (2020, 2021, 2022). Earned CCL All-Star status twice (2021, 2022). All-State performer and Boston Herald Honorable Mention in 2021. 2022 All-New England. Two-time Boston Herald All-Scholastic honoree (2021, 2022). Two-time United Soccer Coaches All-Region (2021, 2022). Helped lead her team to four CCL Championships. Recognized to National Honor Society in Science, Spanish, Art, Math and Mercy.

Taylor Jenkins
Midfielder | Milford, Conn. | World Class FC

Rodriguez on Jenkins: Taylor is an athletic, central player who can play anywhere up the spine of the field. Her game is built on work ethic, and she will out muscle and out work most of her opponents. Her ability in the air is another skillset that can separate her at this level. We are ready to see the impact Taylor will have on our program and to see her mature as a collegiate player.

Why UConn: : I chose UConn because it felt the most like home to me. I was looking for an environment that would feel like a second home and I felt that the UConn campus, students, faculty, athletic program, and overall atmosphere fit me the best as a person and would allow me to thrive. I instantly felt a connection to the school and found myself longing to be a part of it. In addition, the players and coaches truly made me feel welcome and I felt that working with them would help me develop not only as a player on the field but as a person off of it.

Before UConn: Played for head coach Jack Nogueira at St. Joseph’s High School. Earned Most Valuable Player honors while leading her team to a Class LL State Championship. 2023 All-American and earned invite to All-American game. Earned First Team FCIAC, All-State and All-New England honors. Played club at World Class FC. Garnered ECNL New England Conference Player of the Year and All-American honors. Also earned First Team ECNL New England Conference status. Math National Honor Society.

Se-Hanna Mars
Forward | Manchester, Conn. | FC Stars of Massachusetts

Rodriguez on Mars: Se-Hanna is a technical and athletic attacking player who has the ability to impact as a forward or a central midfielder. Her technical ability around goal is one of the best I have seen in a long time, as we have seen her score some quality goals during the recruitment process. We can’t wait to see Se-Hanna’s impact next fall and beyond.

Why UConn: I chose UConn because I always went to their games as a kid, and I loved watching them play. Over time I saw the growth of the team, the coaching staff, the facilities, and their position in the competitive conference that they play in. I also loved the campus and the overall environment that I really saw myself becoming a Husky.

Before UConn: Played for head coach Kim Bohlin at Lawrence Academy. Earned All-NEPSCA, All-ISL and Junior All-Star honors. Played club at FC Stars of Massachusetts.

Isabella Meadows
Forward | Springfield, Mass. | NEFC

Rodriguez on Meadows: Bella is a fast, dynamic, powerful forward who has a nose for the goal. Her defensive work rate sets her apart as an attacking player, and her ability to both threaten in behind and be a target are qualities that we value. We know that Bella will fit into our style of play very well, and we are excited to see her impact next fall, and to see her score many goals as a Husky!

Why UConn: From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that UConn would be my new home. I chose UConn because there is an amazing family culture. The soccer program is well established and has a fantastic coaching staff who want the best for their players. UConn supplies a wonderful education, spectacular athletics, and powerful school spirit that overall establishes a very positive environment. I am so excited for this next chapter in my life and looking forward to being a Husky!

Before UConn: Lettered all four years for head coach Brent Dillard at Pope Francis Preparatory School. Scored 174 goals and added 48 assists in her high school career. Earned All-Region, All-State, All-Western Mass, All-League and PVSOA MVP Award while helping lead the team to Western Mass championships in 2022 and 2023. Was a 1000-point scorer while playing basketball at Pope Francis. Played club for NEFC and helped team win 2021 National Championship.

Naia Ocio
Forward | Bilbao, Spain | Bizkerre

Rodriguez on Ocio: Naia is a tall, athletic, target forward who has a strong presence in and around the box. She is dominant in the air and fearless in how she attacks the ball. Naia has international experience with Spain and we feel this experience and style of play will be a great addition to our program.

Why UConn: I have the feeling that UConn is a family and this feeling gets even more important when I’m far away from home. I know UConn has an incredible reputation in all aspects and I knew I always wanted to be part of it, because sincerely, I feel that I belong to the university’s values and way of thinking. UConn is a great opportunity to grow as a student, athlete but most importantly, as a human.

Before UConn: A Spanish forward and winger who played for Bizkerre FC in the Basque Country. Has been invited to U17 Spanish National team camps, as well as playing for the U17 Basque Country National team in tournaments. Her father, Aitor, played professionally for Sevilla FC and Athletic Club Bilbao.

Syrai Parker
Goalkeeper | Franklin Park, N.J. | PDA

Rodriguez on Parker: Syrai is a quick and agile goalkeeper who can defend the goal extremely well. Her bravery sets her apart, along with her impact on the game with the ball at her feet. She is a great addition to our GK union and we are excited for what she will bring to the team on and off the field, and to grow with her throughout the next four years.

Why UConn: The moment I stood on the UConn campus, I knew this was the place where I wanted to play. Then I met the team and I fell even more in love with the school, from then on there was nowhere else I could imagine going. UConn radiates an atmosphere that you want to be around, from the people, the academics, to the campus itself. The moment you step on it, it feels as if it’s a home away from home.

Before UConn: Played for head coach Jim Buchanan at Rutgers Prep. Played club at PDA. 2023 All-State performer. Earned 2023 United Coaches Association All-Central Region Team. Allowed the least amount of goals in New Jersey in 2023 (9 goals). Was named a NJ Top 100 Senior in 2023.