Brown University women’s soccer team welcomes nine recruits

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brown University women’s soccer will welcome nine new student-athletes into the program as members of the Bears’ Class of 2025, Brown head coach Kia McNeill announced on Thursday.

The class is ranked as high as No. 10 in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer. Student-athletes from across North America are featured in the class, with four student-athletes from California, three from Florida, one from Connecticut, and one from Canada. The group comprises five defenders and four attacking players.

Brown’s Class of 2025 includes defender Kimmy Cover (Weston, Fla.), midfielder Gianna De Priest (Long Beach, Calif.), forward Mmasiolu Gamero (Cerritos, Calif.), forward/midfielder Lindsay Gould (Miami Beach, Fla.), forward Miya Grant-Clavijo (Toronto, Ontario), defender Macey Leonard (Ladera Ranch, Calif.), defender Katie Park (Weston, Conn.), defender Lexi Quinn (Menlo Park, Calif.), and defender Karlie Schlosser (Cooper City, Calif.).

Kimmy Cover

Position: Defender
Height: 5-foot-5
Hometown: Weston, Fla.
High School: Archbishop McCarthy
Club Teams: Sunrise Prime, Tampa Bay United, and Team Boca

Prep Accolades: Earned First Team All-Broward County honors … Gained First Team Miami Herald All-County accolades … Served team as a captain… Played for coaches Tricia Taliaferro, Jim Cote, and Pat Baker … Competed on the club level for Sunrise Prime, Tampa Bay United, and Team Boca; served as a captain at Sunrise Prime … Principal’s Honor Roll and National Honor Society student.

Why Brown? “I chose Brown because of its open curriculum. I love having the ability to be in charge of my education. Being able to dive into a range of subjects will allow me to discover what my true passion is. The open curriculum makes me feel confident and excited about the future. The possibilities are endless, and I cannot wait to dive into one of the many academic concentrations at Brown.”

McNeill on Cover: “Kimmy is a lockdown center back who reads the game well and understands the nuances of being a good defender. Her tactical awareness, patience, and timing allow her to excel at breaking up attacking threats and has helped her team garner success at both the club and high school level. I saw her at a camp years ago, and it was evident right away that she is a player you can rely on and a true competitor who knows the hard work it takes to win. With that attitude and work ethic, we knew she would fit well in our program, and I am excited to have her here in August.”

Gianna De Priest

Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-8
Hometown: Long Beach, Calif.
High School: Millikan
Club Teams: Beach Futbol Club and LAFC Slammers

Prep Accolades: Competed for two national championships with Beach FC … Won a league title with Beach FC in 2018 … Captured a U.S. Youth Soccer ODP Championship in 2017 … Played on the club level for Beach FC (2017-20) and LAFC Slammers (2020-21) for coaches Jeffrey Joyner and Ziad Khoury respectively.

Why Brown? “Brown’s prestigious reputation, high-level academics, and athletics are what immediately captured me. After visiting the campus, it became apparent that Brown was the perfect fit for me. The coaches exhibited an extensive amount of excellence which I quickly wanted to become a part of. The diversity of the students, open curriculum, and the positive energy that flowed through the campus caught my attention, it was then that I knew Brown was the school for me.”

McNeill on De Priest: “Gianna is a true defensive midfielder who has great presence, awareness, and distribution which has made her a top-caliber player at the youth level. Her composure under pressure will allow us to unlock games, by controlling the tempo and connecting the game from back to front. Gianna plays with a sophistication that makes her game look effortless, yet her work ethic and engagement in the game is constant – she is someone who is always looking for pockets to get on the ball or moving to create space for others. She has a massive upside at the collegiate level, and I can’t wait to tap into her potential and see her shine at Brown.”

Mmasiolu (Carmen) Gamero

Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-6
Hometown: Cerritos, Calif.
High School: Whitney
Club Teams: Beach Futbol Club

Prep Accolades: Competed on the club level for Beach Futbol Club … Helped team take first place in the US Development Academy Southwest Conference in 2017-18 … Led Beach FC in goals in 2017-18 and 2018-19 … Aided team to fourth-place finish in the nation at the Development Academy Playoffs in 2018-19 … Also competed in track & field; won league title in the 400-meter relay in 2018-19 … An AP Scholar with Honor.

Why Brown? “The wonderful soccer coaching staff who I met through soccer ID camps and Development Academy soccer events were a big part of my decision to attend Brown. They made me feel excited about the program and all of the opportunities I could be presented with while at the university. The soccer program itself was also a huge part of my decision. Brown’s women’s soccer program is a competitive environment, and they love to win as do I. Lastly, I wanted to be able to learn and grow without being forced down a particular generic career path. I want to take classes that interest me and do work that helps increase my knowledge. Brown with its open curriculum and endless resources will allow me to do this. Between the education, the soccer program, and the coaching staff, Brown was something I had to be a part of.”

McNeill on Gamero: “Carmen is a prolific goal scorer with explosive pace and a great engine that will make it difficult for the opposition. She was the leading scorer in 2018 and 2019 for the nationally renowned club, Beach FC, and helped her team to a fourth-place finish in the nation as part of the Development Academy. She knows what it takes to win and does not shy away from those challenges. I have loved watching Carmen over the years and can’t wait to have the opportunity to work with her here at Brown and help her continue to grow and thrive on and off the field.”

Lindsay Gould

Position: Forward/Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
Hometown: Miami Beach, Fla.
High School: Ransom Everglades School
Club Teams: Sunrise Prime ECNL, ODP Region III Team, ODP Florida State Team, and ODP Florida All-Star Team

Prep Accolades: Took home Florida Athletics Coaches Association All-State accolades as a junior and senior … Gained First Team Miami Dade All-County honors twice … Earned Team MVP honors three times … Won school’s Female Athletic Performance of the Year award as a junior … Gained United Soccer Coaches All-State accolades as a junior … Totaled 72 goals and 39 assists in 65 games; led district in points three times … Played for coaches Michelle Mondell, Tricia Taliaferro, and Russ Morgan … Also competed in football and track & field; became the first female to play for school’s football team … Competed on the club level for Sunrise Prime ECNL, ODP Region III Team, ODP Florida State Team, and ODP Florida All-Star Team … Helped Sunrise Prime win Florida State Cup and advance to National Playoffs in 2018 … Earned FACA All-Academic team laurels … Commended Student in National Merit Scholarship program … National Honor Society member.

Why Brown? “I chose Brown because of the combination of its academic rigor, the open curriculum, the opportunity to play in a competitive Division I program, and the sense of community within and beyond the women’s soccer team.”

McNeill on Gould: “Lindsay is a technical and savvy attacking player that has a talent for finding the back of the net. Her creativity on the ball in addition to her intelligent movement off the ball, make her a player that is difficult to defend throughout a game. Lindsay’s outstanding high school career of 72 goals and 39 assists has earned her All-State accolades by the Florida Athletics Coaches Association in her junior and senior seasons and we look forward to building off this success and continuing it at the collegiate level. Lindsay has a bright future ahead of her here at Brown.”

Miya Grant-Clavijo

Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-3
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
High School: Bill Brothers Secondary School
Club Teams: Unionville Milliken Soccer Club; Regional Excel Program

Prep Accolades: Participated in Canada’s U17 National Team Camps in May 2019, September 2019, and December 2019; scored first international goal at the U17 level against Mexico in December 2019 … Participated in Canada’s U15 National Team Camp in April 2017 … Competed on the club level for Unionville Milliken Soccer Club for head coach Paul Omoghan and for the Regional Excel Program for head coach Brandon Frith … Honor Roll student.

Why Brown? “When I first looked into Brown, I was drawn in by the unique and outstanding academic curriculum offered at the university. However, it wasn’t until I got a feel for the campus environment that I realized Brown was the perfect fit. I had the best experience with the players and coaching staff, and I am beyond excited to become a part of the women’s soccer team.”

McNeill on Grant-Clavijo: “Miya is one of the best forwards in Canada for the 2021 class. She is a Canadian Youth National Team member and a mainstay in the exclusive Regional Excel Program (REX). She is a natural finisher – her pure strength combined with her creativity on the ball make her a force in the final third and so much fun to watch. She has a genuine passion for winning and competing and plays with that type of fire and enthusiasm every time she steps on the field. It is no wonder that she has consistently played at the highest level in Canada, and I know she will be an impact player here at Brown.”

Macey Leonard

Position: Defender
Height: 5-foot-8
Hometown: Ladera Ranch, Calif.
High School: San Juan Hills
Club Teams: Slammers FC ECNL

Prep Accolades: Earned First Team All-South Coast League honors three times … Gained First Team All-CIF as a junior and senior and Second Team All-CIF as a sophomore … Served team as a captain … Started from sophomore through senior years … Played for head coach Farrel Moore … Competed on the club level for Slammers FC ECNL; served team as captain … Also competed in track & field and volleyball … Earned Scholar-Athlete accolades all four years … Lion’s Heart and National Honor Society member.

Why Brown? “I chose Brown because of the opportunities it has presented me with, as well as the opportunities they will continue to offer me. Brown’s academics and soccer program are amazing, but it ultimately came down to the people who are going to be surrounding me. There is just a feeling you get when you walk on campus thanks to the students and staff. I am so excited to meet so many amazing people during my time at Brown.”

McNeill on Leonard: “Macey is the complete package as a player. She is strong, competitive, fit, and a fierce defender with incredible aerial abilities. Her prowess with set pieces coupled with her tenacity as a defender, have earned her All-CIF honors in her sophomore through senior seasons. One of the greatest qualities about Macey is the fact that she is a natural leader both on and off the field, and players like that really thrive in our program. I look forward to seeing her career blossom here at Brown.”

Katie Park

Position: Defender
Height: 5-foot-6
Hometown: Weston, Conn.
High School: Hopkins School
Club Teams: Yankee United FC

Prep Accolades: Earned NEPSAC Honorable Mention honors … Played for head coach Gerard Casanova … Competed on the club level for Yankee United FC and head coach Jack Noguiera; started for six years with the club.

Why Brown? “There are many reasons why I chose Brown. Mainly, as someone who is still figuring out what I want to pursue, I feel like the open curriculum at Brown is perfect for me. I also really love the campus and Providence. When I toured Brown for the first time, I thought it was so beautiful.”

McNeill on Park: “Katie is a hard working outside back that is gritty and determined in every situation she faces on the field. Her ability to shut down forwards, break up transitional plays, and ultimately keep the ball out of the goal, is outstanding. She is a player that competes at 100 percent each time she steps on the field and has a competitive fire about her game. Her coachability, work ethic, and willingness to do whatever it takes for her team are a few of the many qualities that will allow Katie to make a seamless transition to our program.”

Lexi Quinn

Position: Defender
Height: 5-foot-10
Hometown: Menlo Park, Calif.
High School: Menlo-Atherton
Club Teams: MVLA Soccer Club, Norcal PDP, Palo Alto Soccer Club, and Alpine Strikers

Prep Accolades: Earned PAL All-League honors three times … Gained Team Offensive MVP accolades … Garnered a spot on the Norcal PDP Gothia Cup Selection Team … Played for head coach Jason Luce at the high school level and coaches Erin Montoya, Marguerite Aozasa, and Albertin Montoya at the club level … Competed on the club level for MVLA Soccer Club, Norcal PDP, Palo Alto Soccer Club, and Alpine Strikers … An AP Scholar.

Why Brown? “I chose Brown because it is the perfect blend of competitive athletics and esteemed academics. With Brown’s open curriculum, I won’t be limited by course requirements and will be able to explore many different areas of study.”

McNeill on Quinn: “Lexi is a standout center back from one of the most highly touted clubs in the country, MVLA. She has the size, strength, and speed of a prototypical center back, but what really separates her game is her composure and technical ability playing out of the back. She can ping a ball on a dime over distance, or play-make out of pressure, both with ease. Brown has always been a team that has been prideful about defending and making things difficult for other teams, and Lexi is definitely someone who has the attributes to continue to uphold this standard for us going forward.”

Karlie Schlosser

Position: Defender
Height: 5-foot-4
Hometown: Cooper City, Fla.
High School: Cooper City
Club Teams: Team Boca, Tampa Bay United ECNL, Sunrise Prime, Prime, Davie Sharks, and Weston FC

Prep Accolades: Served team as a captain as a junior and senior … Helped team reach Regional Semifinals as a sophomore and Regional Finals as a junior … Played for coaches Steve Coleman and Trent Austin … Has competed on the club level for Team Boca, Tampa Bay United ECNL, Sunrise Prime, Prime, Davie Sharks, and Weston … Principal Honor Roll student.

Why Brown? “Brown is a unique university, and I could not imagine attending anywhere else. The open curriculum was just one reason why Brown surpassed all of my other university choices. Many colleges require students to take prerequisites prior to beginning their majors; the open curriculum is truly what propelled Brown to the top of my list from other colleges of interest. This gives me the opportunity to consolidate what major fits me the best for my future. In 2019, the Brown women’s soccer team rose to the top of the Ivy League. From the players to the staff, I believe that the environment that surrounds the Brown women’s soccer team is what I look for when joining a new soccer family. Contributing to this inspiring team really pushed me to become a better overall player for when I step on the Brown soccer field.”

McNeill on Schlosser: “Karlie is an extremely versatile player who has experience in the back, midfield, and up top which is a tremendous advantage heading into the collegiate game. She has the ability in wide spaces to play-make or take players on 1 vs. 1 to create goal-scoring opportunities for her team, but also has the poise and confidence to finish herself. She understands the demands of playing on both sides of the ball, and her defensive tenacity coupled with her composure and willingness to get into the attack is going to fit well with how we want to play. I am excited for Karlie’s future here, and I know she is too.”