Wisconsin women’s soccer team signs 8 Badgers from top U.S. youth clubs

MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin women’s soccer team has announced eight incoming players to the program, all of whom will be freshmen during the 2024 season.

Jenna Baumann
Wausau, WI
FC Wisconsin

Baumann is a forward/midfielder who plans to major in Kinesiology. She attended DC Everest Senior High School and played for FC Wisconsin. Her high school accolades include being named Wisconsin Valley Conference 1st team and Player of the Year, First Team All-State, and United Soccer Coaches All Region Team. As a club player she was named ECNL Second Team Midwest Conference, ECNL First Team Midwest Conference, and played in the National Selection Game in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the 64th best player in her class according to Prep Soccer.

Why Wisconsin: “I chose Wisconsin for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted a college environment that would challenge me both academically and athletically to reach my full potential as a person and as a player. I believe the culture along with my relationships with the coaches and staff at Madison will best help me achieve that goal. Secondly, Madison feels like home and someplace that I belong.”

Kiya Gilliand
Minneapolis, MN
MTA ECNL

Gilliand joins the Badgers from Minneapolis, Minnesota and is a forward. She plans to major in business marketing and played club soccer for MTA ECNL. While attending Benilde – St. Margaret’s she was the 2023 Ms. Soccer Finalist, two-time First Team All-State, two-time All-Conference team, All Metro Team and 2023 State Champion. She was also a multi-sport athlete, being a state finalist in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m in track.

Why Wisconsin: “I fell in love with University of Wisconsin-Madison when I first stepped on campus at an ID camp when I was young. The team at Wisconsin is so welcoming and feels like a family. The academics are amazing and will allow me to reach my career goals. I can’t wait to start playing with the team, making lifelong friends with my teammates, and be a part of campus life!”

Abbey Stanton
Madison, WI
Madison 56ers

Stanton is a forward/midfielder who plans to major in Kinesiology. She is Madison born and raised, attending Madison West High School. Her high school career included being named United Soccer Coaches All-North Region Award- Forward, All-State Second Team, First Team All-Conference, and All-Area WIAA Division 1. In three years, she scored 52 goals and provided 31 assists. Outside of high school, she was a four year ODP team player and played in the 2023 US Youth Futsal Nationals.

Why Wisconsin: “I am looking forward to being challenged both academically and athletically at Wisconsin. Being a Badger student-athlete has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember and I’m really excited to see what the future holds. ”

Brooke Allen
Brunswick, Ohio
Cleveland Force SC

Allen is a forward who plans to major in business. She attended Brunswick High School and played club soccer for Cleveland Force SC. In high school she was a four-year varsity starter, two-year varsity captain, and named First Team All-State team while being a two-time Offensive Player of the Year. She was named to the ECNL All-Conference Team during the 2023 club season.

Why Wisconsin: “I chose the University of Wisconsin because I wanted a school where I will be challenged both athletically and academically. I also loved the atmosphere of Madison when I went on my visit, and knew it had to be my next home. ”

Kate Vezzani
Denver, CO.
Real Colorado National ECNL

Vezzani joins the Badgers from Denver, Colorado and is a midfielder who plans to major in marketing. While attending Mullen High School, she became the only player in school history to lead the team in points every season and is a three-time All-Conference recipient. Additionally, she was a three-time Colorado ODP player while playing for the ODP West Regional team. She is ranked in the Top 100 in her class nationally be PrepSoccer and No. 9 in the state of Colorado.

Why Wisconsin: “I can’t wait to be a Badger! From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that I wanted to attend the University of Wisconsin. I loved the energy all around campus and the amazing family-like feel of the soccer team. There are no better fans than Badger fans and there is no place on earth like Madison, Wisconsin. So proud to be a part of it!”

Anya Gulbrandsen
Aurora, IL
Eclipse Select SC

Gulbrandsen is a midfielder who played for Eclipse Select SC and resides in Aurora, Illinois. She attended and played for Oswego East High School, being named All-Conference, All-Sectional, All-State and Kendall County Preps Player of the Year. She also holds the OEHS girls soccer single season goal record.

Why Wisconsin: “I chose Wisconsin because the connection I felt with the University was so unique. The alumni, students, coaches, and staff all love to call it home, and I wanted to be a part of this community! Wisconsin has an amazing soccer program, and the academic resources I want for my education. Thank you to my friends, family, coaches, and teammates who have supported me. I’m so excited to officially become a Badger!”

Jadea Collin
Mississauga, Ont.
NDC Ontario

Collin is an outside back who plans to major in Sociology and hails from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. She played for NDC Ontario and is ranked as a top three player in Canada. She was a U20 National Team call up and was a League 1 Ontario Regular Season Champion in 2023.

Why Wisconsin: “I chose Wisconsin for many reasons. Firstly, being the positive atmosphere and environment throughout campus, and in my program. It truly shows the love and passion that students have for the school which allows for the best education and overall experiences. The school gives me a sense of home away from home. Living quite far away from Wisconsin, I knew that applying here would be a tough decision, especially knowing the distance, however when learning more about the school, I saw myself loving each part of where my next four years will take me. I am super excited to become a Badger!”

Tuscany Khachab
Acworth, GA
Tophat Gold GA

Khachab is from Acworth, Georgia and plans to major in Global Health. She is an attacking midfielder and winger, playing for the Tophat Gold GA while attending Georgia Connections Academy. Her team were GA Southeast Conference champions during the 2021-22 season. She was a Ibercup Finalist in Portugal in 2023 and a USYF National Championship Finalist in 2023.

Why Wisconsin: “When I visited University of Wisconsin, I felt something very special that I did not feel before. I had an absolute excitement. I really wanted to have the special feeling that could guide me to make my decision. I did find that at University of Wisconsin at Madison. I loved athletic side of school as well as academic reputation.”