Rutgers women’s soccer adds two transfers from Arkansas, one from Columbia

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers women’s soccer head coach Mike O’Neill has signed three transfers for the Spring of 2025, welcoming Morgan Hippeli, Emma Johns, and Nata Ramirez “On the Banks.”

“We are excited to welcome Morgan, Emma, and Nata to the Rutgers Family,” O’Neill said. “They all exhibit the qualities of high-level competitors with a hunger to improve and win championships. I know adding their experience to our culture will have positive impacts both on and off the field.”

Hippeli will be a redshirt sophomore for the Fall 2025 season transferring from Arkansas. A midfielder and forward from Peachtree Corners, Georgia, Hippeli competed in three matches for the Razorbacks as a redshirt freshman in the Fall of 2024, while being a part of the 2023 SEC Champion squad.

“Rutgers spoke my language,” Hippeli said. “They play my style of soccer and their passion for the game is immeasurable. They are a family and I am excited to be a part of it.”

In high school, she was a 2021 Georgia 7A Second Team All-Region performer while starting for the No. 1 ranked soccer team in the Southeast. She also ran track with the Norcross High School 4×200 relay record.

Johns will play her junior season at Rutgers in 2025 following a transfer from Arkansas. A forward from Euless, Texas, Johns played in 13 matches for the Razorbacks with seven points on three goals and an assist, including a brace in the victory over Northwestern State in 2024.

“Soccer is so important to me and I want to go as far as I can,” Johns said. “Rutgers has a soccer-motivated environment that is going to bring out the best in me on and off the field. The staff has created an amazing atmosphere for players to grow and develop in and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

In club soccer, Johns was an ECNL National Playoffs competitor, and North Texas State Cup champion, and a member of Top Drawer Soccer’s Best XI of the Event honorable mention. In high school, she was the District 3-6A Co-Freshman of the Year, a leading goal scorer, and All-District First Team.

Ramirez will take her graduate student season as a Scarlet Knight in 2025, transferring in from Columbia. A forward from Elizabeth, New Jersey, Ramirez played in and started 51 matches for the Lions since 2021, racking up 57 points on 21 goals and 15 assists.

“I chose Rutgers because it’s a great school with a great academic reputation, and it’s close to home, which provides a sense of comfort and connection,” Ramirez said. “The university also offers a great environment for personal and professional growth, with a diverse student body and access to excellent resources. Beyond that, the soccer program is a huge draw for me. I’m excited to play in the Big Ten, one of the top conferences in college athletics, with a group of girls and a coaching staff that will push me and help me improve and develop every day.”

She has been named Second Team All-Ivy League in 2023, followed by a First Team honor in 2024 along with a mention on the United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Second Team following a 22-point season on seven goals and eight assists. She has also been a member of the U20 Columbia National Team and played with the U17 National Team in the World Cup qualifiers and 2018 World Cup.