University of Oregon announces signing of four highly-touted recruits

Four-star defender (Top Drawer Soccer) was named first team, all-Pacific Coast League and was that conference’s 2021 defensive player of the year. A 2016 Olympic Development Program pool and team selection. Helped lead So Cal Blues to the 2016 U.S. Soccer national championship game after claiming the U.S. Youth Soccer Region IV championship and the Legends Classic title. Club team won the Surf Cup championship in 2015 and 2019 and was a finalist in 2017.

“I was impressed with the incredible coaching staff and players and world class facilities available to athletes. The soccer coaches and staff are amazing and have created an environment of excellence and dedication.”
– Kristen Conti

Graeme Abel on Conti
“When we were looking at center back options, Kristen jumped out with her overall physical profile and her ability as a left-footed center back. Then once we were able to have conversations with her, it became apparent she’d fit in perfectly within our program. Kristen will take full advantage of everything we have here at Oregon and has the potential to be a top center back within the league.”

Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Northwest all-conference U17 first team for San Juan SC. Named to the West roster for the 2021 ECNL National Selection (all-star) Game. San Juan SC advanced to the 2017 ECNL national semifinals. A multi-year selection for Olympic Development Program pool training. Led the Central Valley Conference in scoring in 2019 when she was an all-CVC first team selection.

“My deciding factors to attend UO were definitely the coaches and the players. I was most impressed with the facilities and how much athletes are valued, which I loved. They have access to so many resources not only with athletics but also academics.”
– Anna Emperador

Graeme Abel on Emperador
“Anna was someone we saw last summer and were shocked she was still uncommitted. She can play the two or the three. Really good technical ability on the ball. She is great playing under pressure and has the range to hit a wide variety of passes. Her ability and consistency to be a threat further down the field was something that stood out right away and we knew she’d be a huge asset for our program.”

Scored 112 career goals with 76 career assists for Deer Park High School and led the Stags to the 2021 Washington 1A state title, a first for the school. Deer Park was 20-1 overall, including a perfect 11-0 mark in the Northeast “A” League (NEA). Led all classifications in the state in scoring this fall with 46 goals and 33 assists. Scored six goals with five assists in a first round playoff game versus Royal City. Had two goals in the Stags’ state semifinal win versus Montesano. Named the United Soccer Coaches/MaxPreps Washington NSCAA Player of the Week on Oct. 12, 2021. As a junior, was named the NEA offensive MVP after scoring 25 goals with 13 assists in a shortened season. A first team all-State selection as a junior. Shared NEA offensive MVP honors as a sophomore in 2019 (35 goals, 25 assists) and earned her first all-State first team honors. Deer Park won or shared four consecutive NEA league titles during her career. The Stags advanced to the state semifinals during her freshman season in 2018. Club team Spokane Sounders won the 2020 Timbers Alliance Showcase and finished first in the Northwest Champions League. In 2019, the Sounders won the Silverlake championship and advanced to the State Cup finals. Multi-year Olympic Development Program regional camp and ODP West Championships participant. Four-year honor roll student. Sister Emmy played soccer at Seattle Pacific, while her brother Brandon played baseball at Mayville State.

“The University of Oregon incorporates my love for the outdoors, sports, and community. It is the perfect place to pursue my academic and soccer future. One of the things that impressed me the most about the University of Oregon women‘s soccer program was definitely the coaching staff. They are excited about the future and direction of the program, which makes me extremely excited to be a part of that growth.”
– Livvy Moore

Graeme Abel on Moore
“Livvy’s energy and ability on the ball is something that will really be an asset to our program. She strikes a great ball and can pass the ball over various ranges which will allow us to open the game up. We believe Livvy can really add an additional goal-scoring threat from the midfield for us. She is another really energetic midfielder who’ll bring that into our locker room.”

Four-star forward (Top Drawer Soccer) for Valor Christian High School and REAL Colorado. Was named to the 2021 5A Colorado all-State first team after leading Valor Christian to the state semifinals. Was a 2021 Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year finalist after scoring 17 goals with five assists to lead Valor Christian to the Jefferson County Conference championship. All JCC first team. Has scored more than 60 goals with more than 50 assists during her career with REAL Colorado. Club team advance to the 2021 Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) national quarterfinals. Colorado Olympic Development Program pool and team player (2016-17). Member of the National Honor Society.

“When I visited the University of Oregon for the first time, it felt like home. After touring the athletic facilities, I was in awe at how excellent the amenities were. The size of the school was perfect, and the other athletic programs were a draw for me as I am a huge sports fan. The dedication the coaching staff has to push their players to play and compete at their best impressed me. The drive and determination that the team has to continue to get better is very impressive.”
– Ajanae Respass

Graeme Abel on Respass
“”Ajanae’s physical style and output in front of goal is something that will give us additional firepower up front. She is very good back-to-goal in terms of her play but then is a real presence once she’s faced up going to goal. We’ve watched her scored multiple goals in single events; all different variety of goals. Ajanae has only scratched the surface of her potential so we look forward to seeing her evolution here in Eugene.”