Liberty University announces signing of five women’s soccer recruits for 2023

Liberty University head coach Lang Wedemeyer and the Lady Flames soccer program have announced the signing of five newcomers for the 2023 season.

“With so many players returning for next year, we were very selective in our recruiting process, trying to find the best balance of competitiveness, skill, and character to complement our current roster,” Wedemeyer commented. “This special group of young women who check all of those boxes and more.”

See below for a look at Liberty’s incoming group of recruits.

Katy Gregson | Defender | Frisco, Texas

Gregson attends Wakeland High School, where she played for head coach Jimmy Lankford. A four-year starter and letterwinner for the Wolverines, Gregson was named to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All-State teams in 2022 and was selected to the UIL 9-5A All-District team in 2020 and 2022. The defender helped Wakeland capture the 2022 Texas UIL 5A State Championship and become the state runner-up in 2021.

Gregson was also a starter for the Solar ECNL Soccer Club, which made the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Playoffs Sweet 16 in 2021 and the ECNL National Quarterfinals in 2022. She scored a goal in Solar’s quarterfinal game in 2021.

Coach Wedemeyer: “Katy is a versatile player who can play anywhere on the back line or as a forward in the attack. She is dangerous with her left with her passing and crossing.”

Peyton Huber | Goalkeeper | Knoxville, Tenn.

Huber attends Bearden High School, where she played under head coach Ryan Radcliffe. A three-year starter and four-year letterwinner for the Bulldogs, Huber is the all-time Tennessee shutout leader with 53 career clean sheets and set the single-season state shutout record with 21. The goalkeeper was named to the 2021 all-region and all-district teams and was selected as her team’s 2021 MVP.

Huber helped lead Bearden to back-to-back Tennessee Class AAA State Championships in 2021 and 2022. The Bulldogs posted a 24-0 record in 2022 and finished the year ranked No. 1 in Prep Soccer’s FAB 50 Girls National Rankings. She plays club soccer for FC Alliance in the ECNL.

Coach Wedemeyer: “Peyton is a very athletic, springy keeper who is quick off her line, adept in her handling, and a solid presence on the field.”

Lauren Littleton | Defender | Friendswood, Texas

Littleton attends Friendswood High School, where she played for head coach Laura Peter. Littleton was named to the 2022 All-Region first team and her team’s Rookie of the Year after helping to lead the Mustangs to a fifth-place finish in the 2022 UIL Texas Girls Soccer Championships.

Littleton played 13 years with the Houston Dash Club team, where she was a starter at every level.

Coach Wedemeyer: “Lauren is a tough defender who is great in the air, but also has the technical quality to initiate attacks from the back line.”

Gabby Miranda | Midfielder | Northborough, Mass.

Miranda attends Algonquin High School, where she played under John Frederick. The midfielder was twice named the Max Prep Player of the Game on Oct. 31 and Nov. 6 in 2021.

Miranda also has played with the NEFC GA Club team since 2018. The midfielder has participated in several U.S. Soccer Academy Development programs.

Coach Wedemeyer: “Gabby plays with Brazilian flair and creativity.  She is quick, sees the field well, and can slice open defenses with her passing.”

Claire Valentine | Forward | Estero, Fla.

Valentine attends Evangelical Christian School, where she played for Steve Magner and Ezio Fabrizi. A four-year starter and letterwinner for the Sentinels, Valentine scored 33 goals and recorded 19 assists during her high school career. Valentine served as team captain for three seasons and was named to the all-area team every year of her high school career.

Valentine also ran track in high school and was part of Evangelical Christian’s state 4x400m record-breaking team. She played for the Florida West FC Club team.

Coach Wedemeyer: “Claire is a dynamic and speedy attacking player. She loves to take players on 1v1 and can really show her quality in the final third.”