University of Memphis women’s soccer adds 11 in early signing period

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis women’s soccer program welcomed the addition of 11 student-athletes who signed National Letters of Intent to join the squad in fall 2020, head coach Brooks Monaghan announced.

The Tigers, who saw four student-athletes cap their collegiate careers this fall, added a blend of talent at multiple positions. Memphis added flexibility with multiple players experienced as defenders, forward, midfield and goalkeeper.

“I couldn’t be happier on paper with the group that’s coming in next fall. It’s a very diverse group. We have kids who play all different positions, and some who can play multiple positions,” Monaghan said of the class. “When we are recruiting, we are very specific with what we are looking for. We feel as though we have checked all the boxes in this class. Every year you must replace your departing seniors. On paper we have the ability to fill those holes with this class. From top to bottom it is a talented group of young women and we are excited to have them join us.”

In addition, the group features five Canadians and six Americans, including two in-state standouts.

“Everyone knows that we love our Canadians, and that has been a niche of ours. But by no means do we limit ourselves there,” Monaghan added. “We believe in turning over every stone to find the best players that we can. I think that this group shows that. At the end of the day, we are always seeking a certain type of player, where they come from is irrelevant.”

Sofia Andrade
Position: D
High School: Archbishop O’Leary HS
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
Club: Internazionale
Club Coach: Ross Ongaro
Hobbies: Enjoys listening to music and baking.
Why Sofia chose Memphis: I chose Memphis for the amazing school that it is, the opportunity to attend and the level of soccer.

Nicole Brodeur
Position: F
High School: McNally HS
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
Club: Internazionale
Club Coach: Ross Ongaro
Hobbies: Enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music and playing soccer.
Why Nicole chose Memphis: They have a highly-ranked soccer program and good choices for education.

Maren Clark
Position: GK
High School: Collierville HS
Hometown: Collierville, Tennessee
Club: Lobos Rush
Club Coach: Kieron Heblich and Tony  McManus
Hobbies: Enjoys working out, playing and coaching soccer and volunteering with the JDRF. Also enjoys spending time with friends and reading.
Why Maren chose Memphis: I chose the University of Memphis because of the outstanding soccer program and the academic opportunities it offers.

Stella Downing
Position: M/F
High School: Burnaby Central Secondary HS
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Club Coach: Chris Sargeant
National Team Experience: Former member of U-17 Canadian National Team
Hobbies: Enjoys cooking and hanging out with friends.
Why Stella chose Memphis: I chose the University of Memphis because of the team culture and coaching staff.

Megan Nemnich
Position: M
High School: Lafayette HS
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Club: St. Louis Scott Gallagher ECNL
Club Coach: Ralph Richards and Scott McDoniel
Hobbies: Enjoys lake activities as well as hiking, biking and traveling.
Why Megan chose Memphis: The atmosphere of the school overall is remarkable. Everyone is very friendly, the academics are great and the soccer program is everything I am looking for. The coaching staff at Memphis create a competitive and supportive environment that I can’t wait to be in.

Elis Nemtsov
Position: F/M
High School: Bradford District HS
Hometown: Bradford, Ontario
Club: Vaughan Soccer Club
Club Coach: Jorden Feliciano
National Team Experience: Former member of U-17 Israeli National Team. Current member of U-19 Israeli National Team.
Hobbies: Enjoys playing guitar, watching FC Barcelona games and playing pick-up soccer and basketball games.
Why Elis chose Memphis: I chose Memphis for the great campus, amazing people and coaching staff, and overall, it’s the program I see myself at for the next four years.

Gracey Pack
Position: M/F
High School: Henry County HS
Hometown: Paris, Tennessee
Club: Jackson Wolves and Lobos Rush
Club Coach: Jarju Malang (Wolves) and Clint Browne (Lobos)
Hobbies: Enjoys watching movies and spending time with family and friends.
Why Gracey chose Memphis: I chose to play soccer at the University of Memphis because of the coaches’ love for the game. It is obvious from their dedication over the years and the winning culture they have created that Memphis soccer is something special. Even more importantly, I want to be challenged and my best game brought forward. I see this happening at Memphis and am excited to be a Tiger.

Sarah Peternel
Position: D
High School: Kingswood Regional HS
Hometown: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Club: FC Stars
Club Coach: James Blackwell
Hobbies: Enjoys baking, swimming, skiing, paddle boarding, adventuring and indoor rock climbing.
Why Sarah chose Memphis: I chose the University of Memphis because the soccer program is very strong and it meets my academic goals.

Mackenzee Smith
Position: F
High School: Hoover HS
Hometown: Hoover, Alabama
Club: Alabama FC
Club Coach: Andrew Brower
Hobbies: Enjoys art, listening to music and playing video games.
Why Mackenzee chose Memphis: I really enjoyed the way campus was set up, all the opportunities available to student-athletes, the coaches and the style of soccer Memphis plays.

Haylee Spray
Position: M/D
High School: Allen HS
Hometown: Allen, Texas
Club: Solar Soccer Club
Club Coach: Charles Grado
Hobbies: Enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends and playing soccer.
Why Haylee chose Memphis: I chose Memphis because I wanted to play for a strong DI soccer program that would challenge me as a player. On top of that, the coaches are great. Memphis’ style of play fits me well. I’m looking forward to being part of this team as well as making an impact.

Grace Stordy
Position: M/D
High School: Bishop Grandin HS
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Club: Calgary Foothills Soccer Club
Club Coach: Troye Flannery and Katie Collar
Hobbies: Enjoys water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Why Grace chose Memphis: I chose the University of Memphis because of the nationally-ranked soccer program, highly-respected coaching staff, beautiful campus and the diversity of academic options available.