Iowa State bolsters attacking unit with signing of four Class of 2025 recruits

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head coach Matt Fannon has announced the signing of four prep players to National Letters of Intent.

The Cyclones have signed Sophie Forrester, Grace Luedde, Alaina Villa and Megan Walters, who will be freshmen for the 2025 season.

“This is probably the best class of players I have ever recruited, and they have the potential to come in and make a massive impact early in their career here at Iowa State,” says Fannon. “We are really excited about them all and are looking forward to four very successful years with them as part of our team.”

Sophie Forrester – 5’7 | F | Fullerton, Calif. | Sonora HS

A three-year team captain, Forrester was a staple in her Sonora soccer program, earning four letters and starting all four seasons. Earned 2024 First Team All-League honors in 2024 as well as team MVP, scoring the most goals of anyone on the team. Not only was she a First Team All-League recipient in soccer, but also in flag football, track and tennis in her 2024 campaigns. She plays club soccer for Slammers FC.

“Soph is going to develop quickly within our system,” says Fannon. “She makes good runs into the channels from center forward and has an eye for goal. We are looking forward to seeing goals from her.”

Grace Luedde – 5’7 | MF | O’Fallon, Mo. | St. Dominic HS

A center midfielder, Luedde was coached by Greg Koeller and Kevin Cooksey during her prep years. A 2022 Class 4 State Soccer Champion, Luedde helped her squad to a Class 4 District championship in her senior campaign. Outside of excelling at soccer, Luedde was a dominant field hockey athlete, earning MVP four times and a selection to the Senior Field Hockey All State Game. She plays club soccer in the GA for Lou Fusz SC.

“Leudde is a quality box-to-box midfielder who is going to bring a relentless engine that will play a vital role in our midfield,” says Fannon. “She is great aerially, tough as nails and moves the ball really well.”

Alaina Villa – 5’6 | MF | Aliso Viejo, Calif. | Aliso Niguel HS

A multi-sport athlete, Villa comes to Ames with eight letters won in her high school career. Villa played soccer all four years as well as running track for three and playing flag football for one season. She played club ball for Slammers FC ECNL, where she was named to the CIF All-League First Team the past two seasons and was named the league’s Player of the Year in 23-24 when she was also the top goal-scorer for her high school, Aliso Niguel. For her club team, Villa was named ECNL First Team twice.

“As creative as any player I’ve coached before, Villa will bring some flair to our attack with her athleticism and ability to pick a key pass,” says Fannon. “We’re really excited to see how she can develop our attacking game plan.”

Megan Walters – 5’6 | F | Overland Park, Kan. | Blue Valley West HS

A three-year starter and letterwinner at Blue Valley West, Walters has helped her team to a 45-10-3 record over the last three seasons. She was a Kansas Soccer State Champion both in 2022 and 2024, earning All-State honors. Played club soccer with Sporting Blue Valley and won the 2024 ECNL North America Cup.

“Wally is a dangerous winger that floats past defenders like they aren’t there,” says Fannon. “She has the drive to create chances and is a threatening forward that will terrify any fullback she plays against.”