Brown University adds six newcomers to 2022 women’s soccer roster
Head coach Kia McNeill has announced six additions to the Brown University women’s soccer program. The incoming student-athletes consist of five members of the Brown Class of 2026 and one transfer.
The Class of 2026 is made up of Naya Cardoza, Courtney Cummings, Shoshana Gevelber, Hayley Houston, and Bella Schopp. The transfer is Kira Maguire from the University of Virginia.
“I am excited to welcome this incoming class to Brown University and the Brown Women’s Soccer family,” McNeill said. “Each of them has the skill set, work ethic, competitive fire, and values that will contribute to our team culture and competitiveness on the field. They have all been able to watch from afar the success we have had over the past couple years, and I know that they are excited to keep the momentum going and push this program to new heights. I can’t wait to hit the ground running with them this fall as we seek to defend our Ivy League Title.”
Scroll to find an in-depth look at each new Bear below.
Forward | 5’9″ | Ajax, Ontario | Woodbridge Soccer Club
- Member of the Woodbridge Soccer Club
- Selected to both Ontario Provincial Team and U17 Jamaican National Team
- Played varsity soccer at Pickering High School
- Scored 76 goals in her career at Pickering, including a career-high 28 during the 2021 season
- Member of the Honor Roll each year in high school
Why Brown: “I chose Brown because being on campus felt like a perfect match,” Cardoza said. “I really knew I would enjoy my time here; everyone I met was amazing. On top of it all, I knew I was going to be able to experience the best of both worlds in terms of academics and athletics.”
Forward | 5’10” | Long Beach, Calif. | FC Premier Women
- Member of the FC Premier Women’s club team
- Played varsity soccer at Millikan High School
- Named Moore League Offensive Player of the Year as a senior
- Named team captain as a senior
- Recorded 26 goals and 14 assists during senior seasons
- Honor Roll and member of Outstanding Academic Excellence for the President’s Education Awards Program
Why Brown: “I chose Brown because I wanted a university that had both a great athletic program, but also excelled in academics,” Cummings said. “Brown was the perfect option for me because of the amazing soccer program and the top-of-the-country, challenging academics.”
Goalkeeper | 5’7″ | Palo Alto, Calif. | Palo Alto Soccer Club
- Member of the Palo Alto Soccer Club team
- Played varsity soccer at the Castilleja School
- WBAL All-League Honorable Mention in 2019-20
- National Merit Scholar
- Sister, Tevah, is a member of the Brown Class of 2024 and runs track for the Bears
Why Brown: “I chose Brown for its rigorous academics, competitive soccer environment, and passionate and adventurous students,” Gevelber said.
Forward | 5’5″ | Douglas, Mass. | FC Stars
- Member of the FC Stars club team
- Named to ECNL All-Conference First Team
- Played varsity soccer at Saint Paul High School
- Recorded 29 goals and 18 assists as a senior
- Two-time Central Mass All-Star and selected 2021 All-State, All-New England, and to Telegram & Gazette Super Team
- Honor Roll and National Honor Society member
Why Brown: “I chose Brown because of its world-class reputation as a competitive and rigorous academic frontrunner and as an athletic powerhouse,” Houston said. “Brown is a diverse and inclusive community that respects choice and voice. These core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are evident in the team and athletic culture at Brown, so my decision to attend was made very simple.”
Goalkeeper | 5’9″ | Hinsdale, Ill. | Sockers FC
- Member of the Sockers FC club team
- Five-time ODP Illinois State Team
- Two-time ODP Region Team
- Played varsity soccer at Hinsdale Central High School
- Dean’s List member
Why Brown: “After visiting campus, I knew Brown was the perfect fit for me,” Schopp said. “The positive and diverse atmosphere made me feel at home. Brown perfectly balances rigorous academics with a high-level soccer program and gives me the opportunity to explore and expand my knowledge in different courses. Most of all, I love the culture and energy of the soccer program.”
Forward/Midfield | 5’6″ | Hingham, Mass. | University of Virginia
- Played two seasons at the University of Virginia
- Scored first collegiate goal in 2021 NCAA Tournament First Round in win over High Point
- Two-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member
- Played varsity soccer at Hingham High School
- Two-time Division 2 State Champion, two-time All-State, named to All-American Watch List as a senior
Why Brown: “I chose Brown because the open curriculum will allow me to more intricately explore my interests in the field of medicine while also providing me with a high level of athletic competition,” Maguire said.