Air Force women’s soccer program welcomes 9 new Falcons in 2024

Air Force women’s soccer will enter the 2024 campaign with nine fourth-class cadets, as the new Falcons progress towards their completion of Basic Cadet Training.

The nest of new Falcons can be found below, with head coach Laura Busby providing insight into each player:

Jordan Dillingham

Sacramento, CA
Inderkum HS
Defender

“Jordan is a legacy player from Northern California, as her father Phil played basketball at the Academy. Although she’s only a freshmen, she looks right at home among our upperclassmen in the back line. Her athleticism, one-on-one defending ability and dominant presence winning balls out of the air will turn some heads in the Mountain West this year.”

Gianni Gigliotti

Yorba Linda, CA
Yorba Linda HS
Defender

“Gianna is player who we picked up through the walk-on process. She competed at USAFA’s prep school this past year and stood out due to her superior athleticism and incredible attitude. She plans to be a dual-sport athlete at Air Force, competing in track and field this spring.”

Annika Jost

Temecula, CA
Temecula Valley HS
Defender/Midfielder

“Annika is also legacy player from the top 05/06 ECNL club in the country, San Diego Surf. Her father John played soccer at Air Force as well. She’s versatile on the field, showcasing her technical precision and ability to read the game in any of the midfield positions. She will add critical depth to our midfield block and I’m excited for her to put points on the board for us this fall.”

Mai Mateaki

Anchorage, AK
Dimond HS
Forward/Midfielder

“Mai is a phenomenal attacking player out of Alaska. Her soccer IQ and technical ability will make her a standout in the Mountain West this fall. She has the ability to skip past defenders on the dribble but also has the vision and passing range to slip her teammates in. She can play any of the attacking positions and impact the game at a high level.”

Jenica Opdhal

Pasadena, CA
Bloomfield Hills HS
Goalkeeper

“Jenica is an outstanding goalkeeper from Michigan Hawks. She’s incredibly explosive and has great shot-stopping ability for a young goalkeeper. Most importantly, her composure and technical ability with her feet will help her transition quickly into our possession-oriented style of play.”

Ava Ortiz

Los Alamitos, CA
Los Alamitos HS
Midfielder

“Ava is a player who we’ve had on our radar since our staff took over two seasons ago. We added her through the walk-on process this fall and I can’t be more excited for her potential. She’s quick and technical, shifts defenders on the dribble and will provide us depth at the attacking midfield position.”

Sophia Taylor

Dayton, OH
Centerville HS
Midfielder

“Sophia is a hard-nosed, defensive midfielder from Ohio. I love the way she commits herself to tackles and controls the tempo of the match with her communication. She’ll provide depth at the holding midfield position this fall.”

Maddy Walsh

Rye, NY
Rye HS
Forward/Midfielder

“Maddy is a fast and powerful attacking player from New York. She has great timing to beat players one-on-one and can strike a quality ball on frame. I’m excited to work with her this fall because I don’t think she’s anywhere close to reaching her potential yet.”

Bella Werneck

Cave Creek, AZ
Cactus Shadows HS
Wing Back

“Bella is a wide player from the top 05/06 GA club in the country, SC Del Sol. She brings the combination of a relentless work rate and high fitness level, along with  technical composure on the ball.  She’s a two-footed player who will help us link play in wide areas and create opportunities for us in the final third.”