UC Irvine women’s soccer program brings in 7 recruits for the class of 2021

IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine women’s soccer head coach Scott Juniper and his staff have signed a talented group of incoming freshmen from Southern California and around the world.

Suus de Bakker | Freshman, F / M – “Suus is a smooth operator on the ball with a high technical ability synonymous with Dutch soccer. I’m excited to see Suus evolve in our style of play where she will be able to play on either side of the field in a number of formations.” – Head Coach Scott Juniper

Laila Sherif El Behery | Freshman, MID – “Laila is another exciting international recruit with full national team experiences. We are fortunate that UC Irvine has a formidable academic reputation globally and we are always striving to match that with the quality of our women’s soccer program. It was an attractive opportunity for Laila who is a very disciplined and driven student and athlete. She can play as an attacker out wide or centrally in a number of different formations, and I am really looking forward to working with her to develop her game.” – Head Coach Scott Juniper

Gabby Nelms, Freshman, GK – “Gabby is a true a freshman out of Carlsbad. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to coach her during a couple of our College ID camps during the recruiting process and were impressed with her bravery, competitiveness, and eagerness to learn. She is an excellent student-athlete and will be a great addition to our talented group of goalkeepers. We are really looking forward to working with her and seeing her grow as a goalkeeper and as person.” – Goalkeeper Coach Danielle de Seriere

Jenae Perez | Freshman, FWD –  “Jenae is a very versatile player. She will probably impact on the flanks early in her career but could develop into a central player with time. She is an inventive player with good athleticism, a desire to get forward, beat players and get in the oppositions box.” – Head Coach Scott Juniper

Mihaela Perez | Freshman, DEF – “Mihaela is a player with a huge upside.  She is comfortable in the heart of a back four, in a back three or at the base of the midfield.  She has all the fundamentals, uses the ball well, has a good range of passing and a cool head on her shoulders.” – Head Coach Scott Juniper

Aveka Singh | Freshman, MID – “Coming from a country of over half a billion women and representing India at the U17 National Team level, she is already a very high achiever. A crafty player with excellent vision and ability to control possession and tempo, she will be competing for a spot in the heart of the midfield.” – Head Coach Scott Juniper

Autumn Thompkins | Freshman, FWD – “An explosive athlete who will add some spice on the wing. She will fit in really well with our style of play as a hard worker on both sides of the ball and a hunger to get forward and cause problems in the final third.” – Head Coach Scott Juniper