Long Beach State women’s soccer announces trio of 2022 signings

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State women’s soccer head coach Mauricio Ingrassia has announced the signing of three more recruits for the upcoming season.

Tianna Sidtikun, Taylor Freitas and Kainani Kia’aina will join the Beach this fall. They will join a group of five incoming freshmen who were previously announced.

“These three young women are first and foremost great additions to our locker room and team culture, as well as promising talents,” says head coach Mauricio Ingrassia. “They will fit our needs and add specific attributes as we round out our roster. We are thrilled to integrate them into our environment and very excited to watch their growth within our program.”

Tianna Sidtikun | Midfielder | Modesto, Calif. | Arizona

Sidtikun transfers to the Beach after two seasons at the University of Arizona playing in 28 total matches. Last year, she scored a game-winner against NAU for the first goal of her collegiate career. Prior to her Wildcat career, she played for the San Jose Earthquakes SC DA and Elk Grove SC, where she won a National Championship. A multi-sport athlete, she was also a three-year letterwinner and MVP in women’s basketball in high school.

Coach Ingrassia: “Tianna brings a physical presence to our midfield to complement our technical and tactical attributes. She is great in the air and can play both sides of the ball as a box-to-box type of midfielder. She worked her way to a starting role at Arizona as a freshman and has the potential to play a big role for us for the next three seasons.”

Taylor Freitas | Defender | Salinas, Calif. | Santa Cruz Breakers

Freitas comes to Long Beach State after four years of varsity soccer at Salinas High School. She was named First Team All-League and Team MVP in all four years as well as the 2022 Gabilian Division Defensive Player of the Year. In 37 career games, she totaled 14 goals and seven assists. Along with her experience at Salinas, she played club with the Santa Cruz Breakers Girls Academy U18 team.

Coach Ingrassia: “Taylor is a tough and athletic center-back from Northern California, the third player on our roster from Santa Cruz. She comes highly recommended and once she gains experience, has the potential to grow into a very solid defensive player in our conference.”

Nani Kia’aina | Midfielder | Torrance, Calif. | Beach FC

Kia’aina joins the Beach after two years of varsity at West Torrance High School where she helped her team win back-to-back Pioneer League Championships, as well as CIF Finalists and CIF State Champions. A two-time First Team All-League selection, she was also named the 2022 Pioneer League Defensive Player of the Year. Also spending time with Beach FC, she was a member of the 2022 Surf College Cup Championship, ECRL Southwest Conference Champions, and most recently ECNL-Regional League National Champions.

Coach Ingrassia: “Nani is a great addition to our program, as she brings versatility, leadership, and championship pedigree. Nani is the latest in a long line of players out of West Torrance HS, coming in alongside fellow freshman Cherrie Cox.  I look forward to watching Nani grow within our program.”