USC signs six new Trojans for 2025, compiling a Top 10 ranked recruiting class

LOS ANGELES – The USC women’s soccer program will welcome six new freshmen when the 2025 season starts, with Head Coach Jane Alukonis bringing in the 10th-ranked recruiting class in the country.

The class features two players ranked in the Top 30 nationally and five players in the Top 10 in their region, including a pair of U.S. Youth National Team regulars. In her three years at the helm, Alukonis has recruited three classes in the Top 20 and two in the Top 10, with the 2023 class ranked No. 16 and the 2024 class ranked No. 9.

Here’s a look at the 2025 class…

Edra Bello | 5’7″ | Defender

Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
High School: Torrey Pines HS
Club: San Diego Surf

Highlights:

• Member of the U.S. Youth National Team (2022-present)
• Named to the Southwest All-Conference first team each of the last two club seasons
• Ranked No. 24 nationally by Top Drawer Soccer and the No. 8 defender in the country

Coach Alukonis on Bello: “Edra plays the center back position with a very high level of sophistication and soccer IQ. She is deceptive, tricky on the ball, and always able to find the right passes at the correct moment.”

Alison Hou | 5’9″ | Defender

Hometown: Los Altos, Calif.
High School: Joseph A. Gregori HS
Club: MVLA Soccer Club

Highlights:

• Earned All-League honors all four prep seasons, including league MVP in 2022
• Named a U16 ECNL All-American and the Northern Cal Conference Player of the Year in 2023
• Ranked No. 51 nationally by Top Drawer Soccer and the No. 13 defender in the country

Coach Alukonis on Hou: “Ali is one of the top defenders in the country who is amazing on both sides of the ball. Her build up play is top notch and she will be able to shut down opponents’ top attackers.”

Kensington Morgan | 5’3″ | Defender

Hometown: Bradenton, Fla.
High School: IMG Academy
Club: IMG Academy Elite

Highlights:

• A seven-time Girls Academy Talent ID Selection and was the IMG U15 MVP
• Made the Girls Academy National Playoffs all four years of high school
• Ranked No. 107 nationally, the No 28. defender in the country and the No. 6 player in Florida by Top Drawer Soccer

Coach Alukonis on Morgan: “Kensington is a fullback with elite speed and very high passing accuracy. She is a simple but highly intelligent player who will exemplify all the qualities we look for in a Trojan student-athlete.”

Jaiden Rodriguez | 5’6″ | Midfielder

Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
High School: Del Norte HS
Club: San Diego Surf

Highlights:

• Member of the U.S. Youth National Team since 2022
• Played in the U17 World Cup with the USYNT in 2024
• Ranked No. 29 nationally and the No. 7 player in Southern California by Top Drawer Soccer

Coach Alukonis on Rodriguez: “Jaiden is a special talent who always dreamed of being a Trojan. She comes in with vast experience at the Youth National Team level and as a training player in the professional environment. She will undoubtedly excite USC fans with her flair and creativity.”

Murphy Walsh | 5’11” | Forward

Hometown: Los Gatos, Calif.
High School: Archbishop Mitty
Club: MVLA Soccer Club

Highlights:

• Won the WCAL Forward of the Year award in 2023 and was named to the WCAL All-League first team (’22, ’23) and second team (’24)
• Won the CIF Norcal Division 1 Championship in 2024 and was a four-time ECNL Norcal Conference Champion
• Ranked the No. 55 forward nationally and the No. 10 player in Northern California by Top Drawer Soccer

Coach Alukonis on Walsh: “Murphy is a versatile player who will be able to contribute at multiple positions. She is smooth on the ball, able to switch the point of play, and control the tempo of matches. She will also bring a strong aerial presence and goal scoring threat.”

Charlotte Ward | 5’6″ | Forward

Hometown: Moorpark, Calif.
High School: Oaks Christian HS
Club: LAFC So Cal Youth

Highlights:

• Scored 21 career goals and 7 total assists during her prep career at Oaks Christian
• Won Marmonte League Championships in 2023 and 2024
• Selected for U.S. Club Soccer Player Development Program Regional Team

Coach Alukonis on Ward: “Charlotte is a dynamic winger who can create and score goals. She exemplifies the Trojan mentality through her relentless work rate, competitiveness, and love for the game.”