Oregon signs four transfers for 2024, all with NCAA Tournament experience

EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon has signed four talented transfers with extensive NCAA Tournament experience to the roster for the 2024 season, coach Graeme Abel announced.

Two of the transfers have played in the NCAA’s round of 16 – Haley McWhirter with Mississippi State and Lucy Green with Mississippi. Taylor Bryan advanced to the NCAA Tournament with Virginia Tech, while Jayd Sprague helped Idaho win the Big Sky Tournament to qualify automatically for the NCAA’s field of 64.

Bryan and Sprague will be fifth years, Green is a redshirt-senior with an additional Covid year of eligibility available and McWhirter will be a senior. Prior to Mississippi State, McWhirter was named the 2021 American Athletic Association newcomer of the year while at East Carolina.

“We are really excited to add Haley, Lucy, Jayd and Taylor in July,” said Abel. “Their ability as soccer players is evident from watching their careers so far, but during the phone calls and visits, their character stood out. The ability and character, combined with their experiences in the postseason make them excellent additions to our roster. We can’t wait to welcome them to Eugene in a few months time.”

Taylor Bryan, 5-5, F, 5th Year, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Xaverian High School / Virginia Tech, Club: Dream Team and FC Fury DA

Was a three-year letterwinner at Virginia Tech. Scored seven goals with three assists (17 points) in her career for the Hokies. Attempted 48 career shots. Both goals of the 2023 season – versus James Madison and North Carolina State – were game winners. Also had an assist against Miami (Fla.). Graduated from Virginia Tech with a major in human development.

Lucy Green, 5-5, D, RS-Senior, Meridan, Miss.
West Lauderdale High School / Mississippi, Club: BUSA ECNL

A four-year letterwinner at defender for Ole Miss, Green helped the Rebels advance to the NCAA Tournament twice, including the 2020 round of 16. Has two years of eligibility remaining, including a Covid year. Has played in 72 career games with 32 career starts. One career goal with two assists on 19 shots. Key member of Ole Miss’ 2020 NCAA sweet 16 team that went 10-6-2 with 14 starts on the back line.

Haley McWhirter, 5-6 M, Senior, Magnolia, Texas
Austin High School / East Carolina / Mississippi State, Club: Houston Dash Academy

McWhirter was a member of two NCAA Tournament teams for Mississippi State and before that, was the American Athletic Conference’s newcomer of the year in 2021 while at East Carolina. Has played in 64 career games between the two schools with 62 starts. Has 14 career goals and nine assists for 47 career points. Tallied 124 career shots. As a junior at Mississippi State in 2023, was voted captain of the Bulldogs’ team that went 12-6-5 overall and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

Jayd Sprague, 5-10, M, 5th Year, Laguna Beach, Calif.
Laguna Beach High School / San Francisco / Idaho, Club: Pateadores SC

A two-time Big Sky all-conference player for Idaho. Played two seasons at San Francisco before transferring to Idaho. Has played in 58 career matches with 53 career starts. Six career goals and an assist (13 points) and 82 career shots. Named to the 2023 all-Big Sky first team and the Big Sky all-tournament team after leading Idaho to the Big Sky tournament championship and the first round of the NCAA Tournament.