USC adds transfers from Syracuse, Louisville, UConn and Minnesota

LOS ANGELES – The USC women’s soccer program announced the signing of four transfers, including two grad transfers and two players coming in after their sophomore seasons.

USC signed Maya McDermott from Syracuse and Hadley Snyder from Louisville as grad transfers, and Taylor Jenkins from UConn and Ashley Thurk from Minnesota after their sophomore seasons. The four transfers join an incoming recruiting class that was ranked No. 1 in the country by Prep Soccer.

Here’s a look at USC’s transfer additions…

Maya McDermott | 5’6″ | Forward

Hometown: Harleysville, Penn.
High School/Club: Springside Chestnut Hill Academy/FC Bucks ECNL
Previous School: Syracuse

Highlights:

• Started 40 games in three seasons at Syracuse, playing 2,898 minutes.
• Scored two goals and recorded two assists as a senior in 2025.
• Earned ACC Academic Honor Roll recognition all four years at Syracuse and was on the All-ACC Academic Team three times.
• Was a three-sport athlete in high school, excelling in soccer, basketball and track and field.
• Member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) as part of their East Region Team (2017-2021), National Team (2018, 2020) and the International Team (2018-2020).
• Earned the Most Valuable Player award for the ODP International Team in 2020.

Coach Alukonis on McDermott: “Maya joins us with extensive collegiate experience from one of the nation’s top conferences and brings a holistic, reliable presence to our group. She provides a dynamic attacking threat, defensive stability, and is strong in transition moments. Maya’s leadership, maturity, and professionalism will have an immediate impact both on the field and within our team culture.”

McDermott on why she chose USC: “As soon as I stepped on campus, I understood why everyone says this is the place to be. The people were amazing, the facilities were beautiful, and the vibe was unmatched. I really connected with the coaches, and I’m super excited to be a part of a winning culture.”

Hadley Snyder | 5’9″ | Defender

Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
High School/Club: Assumption HS/Racing Louisville Academy
Previous School: Louisville

Highlights:

• Appeared in 43 games and made 35 starts in four seasons at Louisville, playing 2,871 minutes.
• Named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll and All-ACC Academic Team.
• As a senior center back, helped lead Louisville to 11 shutouts, starting 17 games and scoring two goals.
• Helped lead Louisville to its first home unbeaten season in 2025 and to a first-round NCAA victory over in-state rivals Kentucky.
• As a prep athlete, earned First-Team All-Region as a junior and senior, Second-Team All-State as a junior and First-Team All-State as a senior.
• Scored 15 goals and recorded 16 assists at Assumption HS.

Coach Alukonis on Snyder: “Hadley is a seasoned collegiate defender joining us from the ACC, bringing valuable experience to our back line. She plays with grit and confidence, and her ability to build play with both precise short passes and quality long distribution is exceptional. Hadley’s composure and soccer IQ will strengthen our defensive unit.”

Snyder on why she chose USC: “I chose USC because of its culture of excellence both academically and athletically. Competing in a highly-competitive conference alongside and against elite players will push me to continue growing as a soccer player. Combined with exceptional coaching, top-tier facilities, and the opportunities available in Los Angeles, USC was the perfect fit for me.”

Taylor Jenkins | 5’8″ | Midfielder

Hometown: Milford, Conn.
High School/Club: St. Joseph’s/World Class FC
Previous School: UConn

Highlights:

• Played two seasons at UConn, appearing in 23 games and making 15 starts while logging 1,551 minutes.
• Named to the All-Big East third team and All-East Region fourth team as a sophomore in 2025.
• Scored one goal and notched one assist for the Huskies.
• Named to the All-UWS second team and 2025 UWS Team of the National Championship while playing in the semi-pro league this past offseason.
• As a prep athlete she scored 49 career goals, earned MVP honors while leading her team to a Class LL State Championship, was a 2023 All-American and earned First-Team FCIAC, All-State and All-New England honors.
• Garnered ECNL New England Conference Player of the Year and All-American honors.

Coach Alukonis on Jenkins: “Taylor arrives as a proven two-year college starter who has consistently led her conference in key statistical categories. She brings a powerful presence marked by tenacity, competitiveness, and impact on both sides of the ball. Trojan fans will quickly appreciate her high-level soccer ability, relentless energy, and passion for the game.”

Jenkins on why she chose USC: “I chose USC because of the culture of the campus and support from the students, faculty and staff. While USC is far from my hometown in Connecticut, it truly feels like home away from home and I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of the community. The school and athletic program provide endless opportunities for me to grow both academically and in my sport, while I push myself to reach my highest potential. I can’t wait to be on campus soon and see what the future holds!”

Ashley Thurk | 5’9″ | Defender

Hometown: Edina, Minn.
High School/Club: Edina HS/Minnesota Thunder Academy ECNL
Previous School: Minnesota

Highlights:

• In two seasons at Minnesota, started all 39 games she appeared in, logging 3,464 minutes.
• Played nearly every minute on the back line this past season, helping lead Minnesota to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament.
• In 2024, earned Top Drawer Soccer Freshman Best XI honors, Big Ten All-Freshman team honors and was ranked the No. 21 freshman in the country by TDS.
• Helped lead the Gophers to 12 shutouts over the last two seasons, while also recording two assists.
• Led Edina High School to the MSHSL Class AAA State Championship, going 22-0-0, as a senior in 2023.
• Was a three-time High School Soccer All-State Tournament Team and All-State honoree, and a 2023 High School All-Metro Soccer First Team award winner.

Coach Alukonis on Thurk: “Ashley comes to USC as an experienced starter from the Big Ten, where she consistently competed at a high level. She brings outstanding athleticism, a relentless work rate, and strong 1v1 defending, along with the ability to contribute effectively in our build-up play. Ashley’s consistency and intensity will elevate our defensive group.”

Thurk on why she chose USC: “I chose USC for the amazing soccer development program and coaches, while being able to attend a top tier academic university.”