Ivy League champion Brown introduces signing class highlighted by USYNT talent

Brown University head women’s soccer coach Kia McNeill has announced nine newcomers to the program.

The Class of 2027 is made up of: Aminata Davis, Hasti Gholami, Corine Gregory, Audrey Lam, Joy Okonye, Adriana Ruiz, Claire Silverman, Gurleen Toor and Angelina Vargas.

“I am excited to welcome the Brown Women’s Soccer Class of 2027 to College Hill,” McNeill said. “This is a class that was recruited from all over the world, and we literally left no stone unturned to find the right people and players that will add value to our program. Our team prides itself on culture, community, respect, work ethic, and drive, and these nine student-athletes embody all those characteristics and more.

“The talent we are adding by bringing in Youth National Team players, captains, and standouts from elite clubs and high schools, align with the championship mentality we’ve built here within Brown Women’s Soccer. We are always looking to continue to evolve and grow as a program, and I look forward to working with these young women to help push them to their potential, on and off the field.”

Scroll to find an in-depth look at each new Bear below.

Aminata Davis

Defense | 5’4″ | Arlington, Va. | Virginia Union FC

• Member of the Virginia Union FC of the ECNL
• Played varsity soccer at Yorktown High School
• Named District, Region, and State First Team and Player of the Year (2022)
• Helped lead team to a State Championship (2022)
• Also competed in the Triathlon, finishing third (2021) and second (2022) at the state championship
• Member of the National Honor Society

Why Brown: “I knew during my first visit to Brown that it would be an ideal place for me. The top academics, championship culture of the women’s soccer team, and diverse student body were exactly what I was looking for. The coaches and staff were super supportive and the team was very welcoming. I am excited for the opportunities that Brown will give me and I want to contribute in the best way possible!”

Hasti Gholami

Defense | 5’8″ | Lower Saxony, Germany | VfL Wolfsburg

• Member of VfL Wolfsburg
• Captained the U17 and U20 iterations of VfL Wolfsburg
• Played with U20 team at the FIFA Youth Cup (2022)
• Played with both the Iranian and United Arab Emirates national teams
• Helped team to U17 German Championship (2019)
• Attended the German International School Abu Dhabi
• Awarded Student of the Year (2021-22)

Why Brown: “I chose Brown because it combines the best education with high level sports which is exactly what I was looking for and because it offers an open curriculum.”

Corine Gregory

Forward | 5’4″ | Pawleys Island, S.C. | Wilmington Hammerheads

• Member of the Wilmington Hammerheads club team
• Named to ECNL Mid-Atlantic Conference First Team (2022)
• Played varsity soccer at Waccamaw High School
• Three-time All-State selection
• Four-time varsity captain
• Member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society

Why Brown: “I chose Brown because the Open Curriculum allows me to explore things I am interested in as well as explore other things I am not so familiar with. As well as the women’s soccer team dynamic, it feels like one big family that is always there to support each other and has an amazing coaching staff. Providence is a beautiful city and the campus makes me feel so welcomed and comfortable to be there.”

Audrey Lam

Midfield | 5’4″ | Piedmont, Calif. | Lamorinda

• Member of Lamorinda Soccer Club
• Helped Lamorinda finish the 2021 season undefeated and as conference champions
• Played for U15, U17, and U18/19 iterations of the U.S. Youth National Team
• Played varsity soccer at Piedmont High School
• Named All-League First Team and League Player of the Year (2022)
• Member of the National Honor Society

Why Brown: “I chose Brown because I knew it would set me up both academically and athletically. I think Brown does a really good job accommodating both athletics and academics and would set me up for success. Since I was little, my goal has always been to play professional soccer after I earn a degree and Brown is the perfect school to achieve this goal.”

Joy Okonye

Forward/Midfield | 5’2″ | Lagos, Nigeria | Black Rock

• Member of the Black Rock club team
• Played varsity soccer at the Canterbury School
• Holds the school record for most goals in a career with 93 in 52 games
• Two-time All-Region, All-State, and All-New England selection
• Named an All-American as a senior (2022)
• Member of the Canterbury Honor Society

Why Brown: “I liked the culture of the team. The students and players at Brown were very welcoming. Brown is also a great academic school and athletic program. Maesyn G’Bye in particular went out of her way to reach out to me and make me feel welcome. Brown felt like the perfect fit for my next four years.”

Adriana Ruiz

Goalkeeper | 5’7″ | Milton, Mass. | South Shore Select

• Member of the South Shore Select club team
• Played varsity soccer at Milton Academy
• All-League Honorable Mention as a senior (2022)
• Served as team captain as a senior (2022)

Why Brown: “After attending my first Brown ID camp when I was in 8th grade, I knew that this university and this team were incredibly special. At Brown I know I’ll have the resources to continue exploring my academic interests without being limited to a specific curriculum. Additionally, this team and coaching staff are so passionate and hardworking. I am beyond excited to join this group that will push me to be my best self as both a player and a person!”

Claire Silverman

Forward | 5’7″ | Boulder, Colo. | Colorado Rapids ECNL

• Member of the Colorado Rapids of the ECNL
• Helped the Rapids to a national final
• Played varsity soccer at Fairview High School
• Named to All-Region and All-Conference First Team (2021)
• Member of the National Honor Society

Why Brown: “I chose Brown for its excellent academics and open curriculum and its dominant women’s soccer team and dedicated coaches.”

Gurleen Toor

Goalkeeper | 5’8″ | Stuffville, Ontario | Alliance United

• Member of the Alliance United club team
• Helped team to two Gary Miller Charity Shield Championships
• Named a League One Ontario Premier Division U18 All-Star (2022)
• Attended Bill Hogarth Secondary School
• Four-year Honor Roll member

Why Brown: “I chose Brown because it offers a unique combination of academic and athletic excellence. I am excited to be a part of an exceptional soccer program which will push me to higher levels of development and performance. Beyond Brown’s world-class faculty and talented students, I was very impressed by Brown’s focus on diversity and the flexible Open Curriculum allowing me to explore my academic interests freely. I look forward to being a part of the Brown community!”

Angelina Vargas

Forward | 5’7″ | Edison, N.J. | PDA

• Member of PDA of the ECNL
• Played for the Dominican Republic Women’s National Team
• Two-time ECNL All-Conference First Team member
• Played varsity soccer at Wardlaw-Hartridge
• Four-time All-Division and All-Conference selection
• Honor Roll and National Spanish Honor Society member

Why Brown: “I chose Brown because of the family environment on the team, the hardworking coaching staff, the rigorous academics, and the beautiful campus. As soon as I stepped on campus I knew that this school was the perfect fit for me. From academics to athletics, Brown is one of the best and I believe I will be pushed every day which will help me grow as a person and a player.”