TEMPE, Ariz.- Arizona State soccer head coach Graham Winkworth and his staff announced the signing of 18 future Sun Devils to national letters of intent this offseason, the largest Sun Devil soccer signing class in the program's history.
This year's group includes seven players from of Arizona, six from out of state, as well as five from overseas.
"I am extremely excited to welcome all of these young ladies to the Sun Devil Soccer family," said second-year head coach Graham Winkworth. "This is a huge recruiting class but as a staff we felt strongly that we needed additional competition and depth in all areas of the pitch."
"I am very confident that some will have an immediate impact. As we got to know them more, it is very evident that this group of young ladies are very driven. They seem eager to learn and willing to embrace the professional culture we have created within the program."
Naomi Aguilar
Forward – 5-2 – Litchfield Park, Ariz. / Millennial High School
Naomi Aguilar, an accomplished scorer from Millennial High School in Goodyear signed to join the Arizona State women's soccer team for the fall of 2018. A two-time All-Region first team selection, Aguilar was named her region's Player of the Year following a 2017 campaign in which she scored 23 goals and 10 assists. She followed that with 18 goals scored in 2018 while also adding 14 assists. The Litchfield Park, Ariz., native cites Arizona State's educational opportunities, as well as the Sun Devils' style of play as a major factor in her decision to join ASU in 2018.
Coach Winkworth on Aguilar:
"Naomi is an attacking player who loves to go to goal. We are hopeful that she will develop her skills on both sides of the ball while at ASU. We were fortunate to see Naomi when she attended camp last year."
Dominique Ballard
Center back – 5-7 – Phoenix, Ariz. / Arcadia High School / Phoenix Rush
Ballard, a four-year First Team All-District honoree, has decided to stay in the valley and pursue her collegiate playing career at Arizona State. A standout player at Arcadia High School, earned Defensive Player of the Year honors and helped lead her team to multiple postseason appearances during her time at Arcadia. She is also a two sport-athlete and has earned All-City honors on the track where she has been successful in almost every event she has competed. The center back found a home in ASU, as she is looking to attend a university with an innovative school of medicine as well as a competitive D-1 soccer program. Upon enrolling at ASU, Ballard will look to pursue a degree in medicine and eventually become an orthopedic surgeon.
Coach Winkworth on Ballard:
"Dominique is a player who took advantage of our College Prep Camp last summer. We feel that Dominque has the potential to develop into a very talented and athletic player who has the versatility to play anywhere along the back line."
Isabel Dehakiz
Midfield – 5-5 – Placentia, Calif. / Esperanza High School / Legends FC Academy
Isabel Dehakiz, a talented center-mid from Southern California announced she will be joining the record setting-2018 class. Dehakiz, a 2017 Semi-Finalist at National
Championships and two-time ODP Regional and National Champion for Southern California, brings a wealth of experience to Tempe, that includes experiences at the National Training Center. Dehakiz will enroll at ASU in the fall and begin studies that will one day lead to her becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Her top priorities when choosing a college were staying close to home, as well as playing in the prestigious Pac-12.
Coach Winkworth on Dehakiz:
"Izzy is one of the most technically gifted players in this recruiting class. We are hopeful that she will provide immediate competition in the middle of the park"
Alexia Delgado
Midfield – 5-4 – Jalisco, Mexico / Universidad de Guadalajara / Club America
One of 5 international players added to the roster in 2018, Delgado is a dangerous player from the center-mid position. Alexia was the captain of her school team that won a Championship, and trip to attend the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Delgado's leadership skills were also on display in her club team, where she served as the Sub-Captain. In 2014, Delgado helped lead her U-15 team to a Bronze medal in the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. She followed that effort with a Silver Medal showing in CONCACAF Championship in Grenada with her U-17 team, a squad that also earned a Bronze medal in Torneo Delle Nazioni in Italy and a fifth-place finish in the World Cup in Jordan. She was a Captain on both of those teams. With her U-20 team, Delgado was instrumental in the teams' Gold medal in CONCACAF Championship in Trinidad y Tobago.
Coach Winkworth on Delgardo:
"Alexia brings tons of experience to the program. As the current captain of the U20 Mexican National Team that recently won the CONCACAF Championship we are excited to add her to the midfield this season. Alexia has wonderful passing range and is a very intelligent player and leader."
Nicole Douglas
Striker – 5-7 – Staines, Middlesex, England / St Paul's Catholic College
Douglas, also one of Winkworth's five international signees for the 2018 season, arrives in Tempe having been one of the premier players in England. A member of the Chelsea Ladies club team, Douglas has been capped 12 times with the English team at the youth level, and has scored seven goals on that stage. Douglas chose to come to ASU, citing playing soccer at a high level, and being able to choose from a myriad of majors as her main draws to become a Sun Devil, turning down offers from other elite programs including schools from the SEC and the Big 12.
Coach Winkworth on Douglas:
"Dougie' (as we have affectionately nicknamed her) is an England U18 International who has a habit of scoring goals. (7 Goals in 12 International Caps). She was a key part of the England U17 National Team that competed in the European Championships last summer and scored against the Irish. I think she has the potential to be an immediate impact in the attacking third."
Jen Fortner
Midfield – 5-7 – Maumee, Ohio / Anthony Wayne High School / Pacesetter Soccer Club
A bright young midfielder out of the mid-west, Jen Fortner looks to add depth to the Sun Devil midfield in 2018. A four-year varsity starter at Anthony Wayne, Fortner was tabbed as a three-time Attacker of the Year. Following the 2015 season, Fortner was named to the Third-Team All-District squad, before being tabbed as a First-Team All-League member in 2016 and '17. The Maumee native etched her name throughout her high school's record book, finishing her career ranked third in program history in assists and fourth all-time in goals scored. With her club team, Fortner was equally as successful, leading her squad in assists, and helping her team win back-to-back tournament Championships in 2011 and 2012. Her team also fought their way to the State Cup Finals in 2012, and three straight years from 2015-17. Jen Fortner will enroll at ASU and begin working towards a nursing degree, with hopes of one day becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
Coach Winkworth on Fortner:
"We saw Jen play at another of the camps last year. She is a technically gifted midfield player who we hope will continue her development and compete for playing time over the next few years."
Sydney Garces
Defender – 5-7 – Chino Hills, Claif. / Chino Hills High School / LAFC Slammers Academy A talented defender from California, Garces will don the Maroon and Gold in the fall, following a standout playing-career, highlighted by her accomplishments with the LAFC Slammers. Garces was an integral part of leading the Slammers to a State Cup Semi Final and a Surf Cup Final in 2014. Garces followed those efforts with back-to-back ECNL National Championships in 2015 and '16. The So-Cal standout was drawn to ASU by the soccer program and the overall feel of the campus. Following her arrival on campus, Garces will pursue a degree in medicine that will one day lead to her becoming a Physician Assistant.
Coach Winkworth on Garces:
"Sydney is a central defender who plays with and competes against some of the best talent in California each week. We are hopeful that she will come in and provide added competition to our back line."
Amanda Green
Goalkeeper – 6-0 – Phoenix, Ariz. / Desert Vista High School / Phoenix Premier FC
A keeper with elite size and athleticism, Amanda Green has signed to bolster the ASU goalie position in 2018. The top keeper in goals against average in the state of Arizona the past two seasons, Green has anchored her team to two consecutive State Championship appearances. She has also served as her team's captain for three-consecutive seasons. Her abilities have also been on display for the Phoenix Premier FC club team, where she has helped guide the squad to multiple championship wins. Looking to join a top-level soccer program, as well as receive a top-tier education, Green has found a home at ASU. Upon enrolling, Green will look to take advantage of the numerous degree options to find her future career.
Coach Winkworth on Green:
"With losing two keepers to graduation, it was important that we added depth and competition to that position. Amanda is the player that we feel can add that to the program. We are hopeful she will develop into a player that will compete with the other young women we have in that role. We were delighted to find her at our camp last summer."
Julia Koharko
Midfield – 5-3 – Scottsdale, Ariz. / Notre Dame Preparatory / SC del Sol
A talented midfielder from just up the road, Julia Koharko will arrive on campus with the skills necessary to immediately impact the Arizona State midfield. A four-year varsity starter, Koharko has helped her team become DII State Champions in both the 2015 and 2016 seasons, while earning All-Region First-Team honors as well as back-to-back honorable mention accolades in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. With her club team, Julia has been a constant leader, wearing the captain's armband the past three seasons. In 2016 Julia aided in her team's winning the PDT Championship. Koharko notes that the two biggest factors in choosing ASU were academics and competitive soccer.
Coach Winkworth on Koharko:
"Julia is a very technically gifted central midfielder. I was particularly impressed with her intelligence as a footballer and how she looks to keep possession while looking to play forward. I think she has the capability to compete for playing time immediately."
Casey Martinez
Midfield/Forward – 5-5 – Townson, Md. / McDonogh School/ Duke University
The lone transfer in the 2018 signing class, Martinez has made the move cross country to join the Sun Devil front line during the upcoming season. Martinez, an influencial contributor for the Blue Devils, has played in 61 games, including scoring four goals and tallying six assists. Having missed all of the 2017 season due to injury, Martinez will look to add depth, as well as post-season experience to the Sun Devil roster this upcoming season.
Coach Winkworth on Martinez:
"Casey is our only transfer in this recruiting class. She joins us from one of the most consistently successful programs in the nation. Casey can cross a ball like David Beckham and has the ability to score goals. We will definitely hope that her final four experience will bring a positive, winning mentality to our program."
Hikaru Minami
Defender/Midfield – 5-7 – Tokyo, Japan / Jumonji School / INAC Kobe Leonessa U-18
One of a number of talented international recruits in the 2018 class, Minami will join the Sun Devil roster in 2018 looking to find a footing in the talented pool of ASU student-athletes. A champion on multiple levels of Japanese soccer, Minami will be looked to as a leader in the style of play coach Winkworth is attempting to implement at ASU. Hikaru says she chose ASU because of the vision of the leaders of ASU soccer, as well as the enthusiasm the Sun Devil community has around athletics, especially women's soccer.
Coach Winkworth on Minami:
"Hikaru, much like Izzy, is one of the most technically gifted players in this recruiting class. She is another central midfielder. Japanese soccer is always a joy to watch and we hope that her ability and movement on the field can help us play a beautiful style of soccer."
Olivia Nguyen
Midfield – 5-3 – Tempe, Ariz. / Corona Del Sol / SC Del Sol
Nguyen, a four-year varsity starter at Corona Del Sol High School, is a valued recruit who decided to stay in the valley and pursue her collegiate career at Arizona State. Nguyen, a versatile midfielder, has been named Offensive Player of the Year, All-City First Team and All State Second Team honors during her high school playing career. In just her first year of high school soccer, Liv scored the most points for Freshman in Division 1 with 15 goals and 14 assists, an effort she followed by earning All City First Team, All-City First Team, All State First Team, Offensive Conference Player of the Year honors a feat she would go on to repeat and add a Offensive Conference Player of the Year nod just a year later. Last season, Nguyen was named East Valley Tribune Player of the Year following a season where she broke the school record for most points scored in a single season with 75 points. Liv, the youngest of three, cited The Barrett Honors College, playing in the Pac-12, the welcoming atmosphere of the campus, and being close to home as things that drew her to ASU..
Coach Winkworth on Nguyen:
"Olivia is another of our local products and another player from SC Del Sol. She has the versatility to play a number of roles both centrally or potentially wide. We are excited to watch her develop as a player and is one of the local girls who was born a Sun Devil!"
Marleen Schimmer
Forward/Midfield – 5-6 – Mainz, Germany / Otto-Schott-Gymnasium / SC Del Sol
Schimmer, a talented attacking midfielder joins an illustrious group of international talent in the 2018 signing class. Marleen has amassed 23-caps for the German Youth team and has scored an impressive 11-goals on the world stage. The daughter of Markus and Marion Schimmer, Marleen has one older brother. The prized international midfielder cited the Sun Devil coaching staff, as well as the family environment as her top reasons for choosing to attend ASU. While Marleen hopes to lead the Sun Devils to post-season success, she also has aspirations of playing soccer for the Full German National Team, a feat that will be aided by her time competing in the Pac-12.
Coach Winkworth on Schimmer:
"Marleen is a German U19 International. She won the U17 European Championships last year with her country. Marleen can play anywhere in the attacking part of the pitch and has 11- goals in 23 National Team appearances. We are hopeful that she will have an immediate impact in the attacking part of the pitch."
Cori Sullivan
Defender/Forward – 5-6 – Prescott, Ariz. / SC Del Sol
Cori Sullivan, a local product of Prescott, Ariz. And SC Del Sol Soccer club, bolsters an already talented defensive back-line for the Sun Devils. A versatile player who could easily play in the full back as well as winger position, Sullivan has earned numerous club soccer accolades, including being named to the AYSA Top-11, ODP Region IV Championship All-Tournament and All-Region Teams, all while collecting numerous championships with area teams. The talented defender said she chose ASU because of the coaching staff, as well as the opportunity to enroll in Barret Honors College. The Prescott native will enroll in ASU in the fall looking to begin studies that will lead to her career as a surgeon, after hopefully one day playing soccer at the professional level.
Coach Winkworth on Sullivan:
"Cori is the third player in this recruiting class from SC Del Sol. We love the way these young ladies are coached and believe that it prepares them well for the next level. Cori currently plays as a winger, but I feel that she has the versatility to also play as a full back too. She is very athletic and keen to develop her skill set."
Tyla Tolbert
Center back– 5'7" – Murphy, Texas / The Episcopal School of Dallas Women / FC Dallas Girls' Soccer Development Academy.
Tyla, a Texas native, is bringing her talent to the ASU 2018 recruiting class. Tyla is the reigning two-season captain of her high school soccer team and has led them to the 2017 Southwest Preparatory Conference Championships and All-State for the Southwest Preparatory Conference. Tyla also plays for the FC Dallas Girls' Soccer Development Academy and was named the 2018 Defender of the Year. Tolbert chose ASU for the psychology program, as well as the Barrett Honors College. Tolbert hopes to study forensic psychology and join the Black Student Union during her time at Arizona State.
Coach Winkwork on Tolbert:
"Tyla is a player we saw at our spring ID Camp last year. Tyla is a versatile defender who we hope will continue her development and compete for playing time in our back line. She is also a lefty and so helps provide the squad with that additional balance."
Anna White
Midfielder – 5'9" – Scottsdale, Ariz. / Notre Dame Preparatory / Sereno 2000 ENCL
Anna White, a valley native, has decided to not venture far from home to join the 2018 ASU recruiting class. Anna comes to Arizona State after playing midfield for the Sereno 2000 ENCL for the past several years, winning the 5A State Championship in 2015 and 2016. Anna was also recognized as the 2018 Northeast Region Player of the Year. White chose ASU for its strong athletic reputation, her immediate connection with the coaching staff, and acclaimed business school. Anna hopes to pursue a career in marketing and advertising, after her time as a Sun Devil.
Coach Winkworth on White:
"Anna comes to us from Sereno Soccer club and is another local player with great talent. She is one of the most versatile players in this class playing multiple positions. I want to take a good look at her in both the back line and midfield early in her career. She is quick, technically gifted and good playing under pressure."
Alexis "Lexi" Worley
Midfielder – 5'4" - Temecula, Calif. / Great Oak High School / LA Galaxy San Diego Academy
Alexis Worley, a California native with a passion for soccer has joined the record-breaking ASU 2018 signing class. Alexis comes to ASU after being a starter for her high school's varsity team and receiving a teamwork award for the past three consecutive years. Alexis also comes with national team experience as an attacking center midfielder for the LA Galaxy San Diego Academy. Worley is one of five children, already feels at home on Arizona State's campus, and is excited to pursue a career in Criminology.
Coach Winkworth on Worley:
"Alexis attended our camps last year where we recognized her technical ability in the midfield. She is more of a creative type player and I hope that she continues her development in the team to compete for playing time in a gifted midfield."
Eva Van Deursen
Midfielder - 5'5" - Veldhoven, Netherlands / CTO Eindhoven / Netherlands' U19 National Team
Eva Van Deursen, an international midfielder, has decided to make Arizona State home for her collegiate soccer career. One of three siblings, Eva currently plays on the Netherland's U19 National Team, and was a vital player in their recent win over the United States. Eva is excited to play for ASU's top Maroon and Gold sporting environment, and to meet other people with similar interests and passions.
Coach Winkworth on Van Deursen:
"Eva is another player who brings tons of experience to the program. She is currently a part of the Nederland's U19 National team and has a great chance of making the U20 World Cup much like Alexia. Eva has great technical ability, plays well under pressure and is a great communicator on the pitch. She used those tools well in a recent 6-0 victory for her country over the United State U19's."
This year's group includes seven players from of Arizona, six from out of state, as well as five from overseas.
"I am extremely excited to welcome all of these young ladies to the Sun Devil Soccer family," said second-year head coach Graham Winkworth. "This is a huge recruiting class but as a staff we felt strongly that we needed additional competition and depth in all areas of the pitch."
"I am very confident that some will have an immediate impact. As we got to know them more, it is very evident that this group of young ladies are very driven. They seem eager to learn and willing to embrace the professional culture we have created within the program."
Naomi Aguilar
Forward – 5-2 – Litchfield Park, Ariz. / Millennial High School
Naomi Aguilar, an accomplished scorer from Millennial High School in Goodyear signed to join the Arizona State women's soccer team for the fall of 2018. A two-time All-Region first team selection, Aguilar was named her region's Player of the Year following a 2017 campaign in which she scored 23 goals and 10 assists. She followed that with 18 goals scored in 2018 while also adding 14 assists. The Litchfield Park, Ariz., native cites Arizona State's educational opportunities, as well as the Sun Devils' style of play as a major factor in her decision to join ASU in 2018.
Coach Winkworth on Aguilar:
"Naomi is an attacking player who loves to go to goal. We are hopeful that she will develop her skills on both sides of the ball while at ASU. We were fortunate to see Naomi when she attended camp last year."
Dominique Ballard
Center back – 5-7 – Phoenix, Ariz. / Arcadia High School / Phoenix Rush
Ballard, a four-year First Team All-District honoree, has decided to stay in the valley and pursue her collegiate playing career at Arizona State. A standout player at Arcadia High School, earned Defensive Player of the Year honors and helped lead her team to multiple postseason appearances during her time at Arcadia. She is also a two sport-athlete and has earned All-City honors on the track where she has been successful in almost every event she has competed. The center back found a home in ASU, as she is looking to attend a university with an innovative school of medicine as well as a competitive D-1 soccer program. Upon enrolling at ASU, Ballard will look to pursue a degree in medicine and eventually become an orthopedic surgeon.
Coach Winkworth on Ballard:
"Dominique is a player who took advantage of our College Prep Camp last summer. We feel that Dominque has the potential to develop into a very talented and athletic player who has the versatility to play anywhere along the back line."
Isabel Dehakiz
Midfield – 5-5 – Placentia, Calif. / Esperanza High School / Legends FC Academy
Isabel Dehakiz, a talented center-mid from Southern California announced she will be joining the record setting-2018 class. Dehakiz, a 2017 Semi-Finalist at National
Championships and two-time ODP Regional and National Champion for Southern California, brings a wealth of experience to Tempe, that includes experiences at the National Training Center. Dehakiz will enroll at ASU in the fall and begin studies that will one day lead to her becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Her top priorities when choosing a college were staying close to home, as well as playing in the prestigious Pac-12.
Coach Winkworth on Dehakiz:
"Izzy is one of the most technically gifted players in this recruiting class. We are hopeful that she will provide immediate competition in the middle of the park"
Alexia Delgado
Midfield – 5-4 – Jalisco, Mexico / Universidad de Guadalajara / Club America
One of 5 international players added to the roster in 2018, Delgado is a dangerous player from the center-mid position. Alexia was the captain of her school team that won a Championship, and trip to attend the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Delgado's leadership skills were also on display in her club team, where she served as the Sub-Captain. In 2014, Delgado helped lead her U-15 team to a Bronze medal in the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. She followed that effort with a Silver Medal showing in CONCACAF Championship in Grenada with her U-17 team, a squad that also earned a Bronze medal in Torneo Delle Nazioni in Italy and a fifth-place finish in the World Cup in Jordan. She was a Captain on both of those teams. With her U-20 team, Delgado was instrumental in the teams' Gold medal in CONCACAF Championship in Trinidad y Tobago.
Coach Winkworth on Delgardo:
"Alexia brings tons of experience to the program. As the current captain of the U20 Mexican National Team that recently won the CONCACAF Championship we are excited to add her to the midfield this season. Alexia has wonderful passing range and is a very intelligent player and leader."
Nicole Douglas
Striker – 5-7 – Staines, Middlesex, England / St Paul's Catholic College
Douglas, also one of Winkworth's five international signees for the 2018 season, arrives in Tempe having been one of the premier players in England. A member of the Chelsea Ladies club team, Douglas has been capped 12 times with the English team at the youth level, and has scored seven goals on that stage. Douglas chose to come to ASU, citing playing soccer at a high level, and being able to choose from a myriad of majors as her main draws to become a Sun Devil, turning down offers from other elite programs including schools from the SEC and the Big 12.
Coach Winkworth on Douglas:
"Dougie' (as we have affectionately nicknamed her) is an England U18 International who has a habit of scoring goals. (7 Goals in 12 International Caps). She was a key part of the England U17 National Team that competed in the European Championships last summer and scored against the Irish. I think she has the potential to be an immediate impact in the attacking third."
Jen Fortner
Midfield – 5-7 – Maumee, Ohio / Anthony Wayne High School / Pacesetter Soccer Club
A bright young midfielder out of the mid-west, Jen Fortner looks to add depth to the Sun Devil midfield in 2018. A four-year varsity starter at Anthony Wayne, Fortner was tabbed as a three-time Attacker of the Year. Following the 2015 season, Fortner was named to the Third-Team All-District squad, before being tabbed as a First-Team All-League member in 2016 and '17. The Maumee native etched her name throughout her high school's record book, finishing her career ranked third in program history in assists and fourth all-time in goals scored. With her club team, Fortner was equally as successful, leading her squad in assists, and helping her team win back-to-back tournament Championships in 2011 and 2012. Her team also fought their way to the State Cup Finals in 2012, and three straight years from 2015-17. Jen Fortner will enroll at ASU and begin working towards a nursing degree, with hopes of one day becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
Coach Winkworth on Fortner:
"We saw Jen play at another of the camps last year. She is a technically gifted midfield player who we hope will continue her development and compete for playing time over the next few years."
Sydney Garces
Defender – 5-7 – Chino Hills, Claif. / Chino Hills High School / LAFC Slammers Academy A talented defender from California, Garces will don the Maroon and Gold in the fall, following a standout playing-career, highlighted by her accomplishments with the LAFC Slammers. Garces was an integral part of leading the Slammers to a State Cup Semi Final and a Surf Cup Final in 2014. Garces followed those efforts with back-to-back ECNL National Championships in 2015 and '16. The So-Cal standout was drawn to ASU by the soccer program and the overall feel of the campus. Following her arrival on campus, Garces will pursue a degree in medicine that will one day lead to her becoming a Physician Assistant.
Coach Winkworth on Garces:
"Sydney is a central defender who plays with and competes against some of the best talent in California each week. We are hopeful that she will come in and provide added competition to our back line."
Amanda Green
Goalkeeper – 6-0 – Phoenix, Ariz. / Desert Vista High School / Phoenix Premier FC
A keeper with elite size and athleticism, Amanda Green has signed to bolster the ASU goalie position in 2018. The top keeper in goals against average in the state of Arizona the past two seasons, Green has anchored her team to two consecutive State Championship appearances. She has also served as her team's captain for three-consecutive seasons. Her abilities have also been on display for the Phoenix Premier FC club team, where she has helped guide the squad to multiple championship wins. Looking to join a top-level soccer program, as well as receive a top-tier education, Green has found a home at ASU. Upon enrolling, Green will look to take advantage of the numerous degree options to find her future career.
Coach Winkworth on Green:
"With losing two keepers to graduation, it was important that we added depth and competition to that position. Amanda is the player that we feel can add that to the program. We are hopeful she will develop into a player that will compete with the other young women we have in that role. We were delighted to find her at our camp last summer."
Julia Koharko
Midfield – 5-3 – Scottsdale, Ariz. / Notre Dame Preparatory / SC del Sol
A talented midfielder from just up the road, Julia Koharko will arrive on campus with the skills necessary to immediately impact the Arizona State midfield. A four-year varsity starter, Koharko has helped her team become DII State Champions in both the 2015 and 2016 seasons, while earning All-Region First-Team honors as well as back-to-back honorable mention accolades in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. With her club team, Julia has been a constant leader, wearing the captain's armband the past three seasons. In 2016 Julia aided in her team's winning the PDT Championship. Koharko notes that the two biggest factors in choosing ASU were academics and competitive soccer.
Coach Winkworth on Koharko:
"Julia is a very technically gifted central midfielder. I was particularly impressed with her intelligence as a footballer and how she looks to keep possession while looking to play forward. I think she has the capability to compete for playing time immediately."
Casey Martinez
Midfield/Forward – 5-5 – Townson, Md. / McDonogh School/ Duke University
The lone transfer in the 2018 signing class, Martinez has made the move cross country to join the Sun Devil front line during the upcoming season. Martinez, an influencial contributor for the Blue Devils, has played in 61 games, including scoring four goals and tallying six assists. Having missed all of the 2017 season due to injury, Martinez will look to add depth, as well as post-season experience to the Sun Devil roster this upcoming season.
Coach Winkworth on Martinez:
"Casey is our only transfer in this recruiting class. She joins us from one of the most consistently successful programs in the nation. Casey can cross a ball like David Beckham and has the ability to score goals. We will definitely hope that her final four experience will bring a positive, winning mentality to our program."
Hikaru Minami
Defender/Midfield – 5-7 – Tokyo, Japan / Jumonji School / INAC Kobe Leonessa U-18
One of a number of talented international recruits in the 2018 class, Minami will join the Sun Devil roster in 2018 looking to find a footing in the talented pool of ASU student-athletes. A champion on multiple levels of Japanese soccer, Minami will be looked to as a leader in the style of play coach Winkworth is attempting to implement at ASU. Hikaru says she chose ASU because of the vision of the leaders of ASU soccer, as well as the enthusiasm the Sun Devil community has around athletics, especially women's soccer.
Coach Winkworth on Minami:
"Hikaru, much like Izzy, is one of the most technically gifted players in this recruiting class. She is another central midfielder. Japanese soccer is always a joy to watch and we hope that her ability and movement on the field can help us play a beautiful style of soccer."
Olivia Nguyen
Midfield – 5-3 – Tempe, Ariz. / Corona Del Sol / SC Del Sol
Nguyen, a four-year varsity starter at Corona Del Sol High School, is a valued recruit who decided to stay in the valley and pursue her collegiate career at Arizona State. Nguyen, a versatile midfielder, has been named Offensive Player of the Year, All-City First Team and All State Second Team honors during her high school playing career. In just her first year of high school soccer, Liv scored the most points for Freshman in Division 1 with 15 goals and 14 assists, an effort she followed by earning All City First Team, All-City First Team, All State First Team, Offensive Conference Player of the Year honors a feat she would go on to repeat and add a Offensive Conference Player of the Year nod just a year later. Last season, Nguyen was named East Valley Tribune Player of the Year following a season where she broke the school record for most points scored in a single season with 75 points. Liv, the youngest of three, cited The Barrett Honors College, playing in the Pac-12, the welcoming atmosphere of the campus, and being close to home as things that drew her to ASU..
Coach Winkworth on Nguyen:
"Olivia is another of our local products and another player from SC Del Sol. She has the versatility to play a number of roles both centrally or potentially wide. We are excited to watch her develop as a player and is one of the local girls who was born a Sun Devil!"
Marleen Schimmer
Forward/Midfield – 5-6 – Mainz, Germany / Otto-Schott-Gymnasium / SC Del Sol
Schimmer, a talented attacking midfielder joins an illustrious group of international talent in the 2018 signing class. Marleen has amassed 23-caps for the German Youth team and has scored an impressive 11-goals on the world stage. The daughter of Markus and Marion Schimmer, Marleen has one older brother. The prized international midfielder cited the Sun Devil coaching staff, as well as the family environment as her top reasons for choosing to attend ASU. While Marleen hopes to lead the Sun Devils to post-season success, she also has aspirations of playing soccer for the Full German National Team, a feat that will be aided by her time competing in the Pac-12.
Coach Winkworth on Schimmer:
"Marleen is a German U19 International. She won the U17 European Championships last year with her country. Marleen can play anywhere in the attacking part of the pitch and has 11- goals in 23 National Team appearances. We are hopeful that she will have an immediate impact in the attacking part of the pitch."
Cori Sullivan
Defender/Forward – 5-6 – Prescott, Ariz. / SC Del Sol
Cori Sullivan, a local product of Prescott, Ariz. And SC Del Sol Soccer club, bolsters an already talented defensive back-line for the Sun Devils. A versatile player who could easily play in the full back as well as winger position, Sullivan has earned numerous club soccer accolades, including being named to the AYSA Top-11, ODP Region IV Championship All-Tournament and All-Region Teams, all while collecting numerous championships with area teams. The talented defender said she chose ASU because of the coaching staff, as well as the opportunity to enroll in Barret Honors College. The Prescott native will enroll in ASU in the fall looking to begin studies that will lead to her career as a surgeon, after hopefully one day playing soccer at the professional level.
Coach Winkworth on Sullivan:
"Cori is the third player in this recruiting class from SC Del Sol. We love the way these young ladies are coached and believe that it prepares them well for the next level. Cori currently plays as a winger, but I feel that she has the versatility to also play as a full back too. She is very athletic and keen to develop her skill set."
Tyla Tolbert
Center back– 5'7" – Murphy, Texas / The Episcopal School of Dallas Women / FC Dallas Girls' Soccer Development Academy.
Tyla, a Texas native, is bringing her talent to the ASU 2018 recruiting class. Tyla is the reigning two-season captain of her high school soccer team and has led them to the 2017 Southwest Preparatory Conference Championships and All-State for the Southwest Preparatory Conference. Tyla also plays for the FC Dallas Girls' Soccer Development Academy and was named the 2018 Defender of the Year. Tolbert chose ASU for the psychology program, as well as the Barrett Honors College. Tolbert hopes to study forensic psychology and join the Black Student Union during her time at Arizona State.
Coach Winkwork on Tolbert:
"Tyla is a player we saw at our spring ID Camp last year. Tyla is a versatile defender who we hope will continue her development and compete for playing time in our back line. She is also a lefty and so helps provide the squad with that additional balance."
Anna White
Midfielder – 5'9" – Scottsdale, Ariz. / Notre Dame Preparatory / Sereno 2000 ENCL
Anna White, a valley native, has decided to not venture far from home to join the 2018 ASU recruiting class. Anna comes to Arizona State after playing midfield for the Sereno 2000 ENCL for the past several years, winning the 5A State Championship in 2015 and 2016. Anna was also recognized as the 2018 Northeast Region Player of the Year. White chose ASU for its strong athletic reputation, her immediate connection with the coaching staff, and acclaimed business school. Anna hopes to pursue a career in marketing and advertising, after her time as a Sun Devil.
Coach Winkworth on White:
"Anna comes to us from Sereno Soccer club and is another local player with great talent. She is one of the most versatile players in this class playing multiple positions. I want to take a good look at her in both the back line and midfield early in her career. She is quick, technically gifted and good playing under pressure."
Alexis "Lexi" Worley
Midfielder – 5'4" - Temecula, Calif. / Great Oak High School / LA Galaxy San Diego Academy
Alexis Worley, a California native with a passion for soccer has joined the record-breaking ASU 2018 signing class. Alexis comes to ASU after being a starter for her high school's varsity team and receiving a teamwork award for the past three consecutive years. Alexis also comes with national team experience as an attacking center midfielder for the LA Galaxy San Diego Academy. Worley is one of five children, already feels at home on Arizona State's campus, and is excited to pursue a career in Criminology.
Coach Winkworth on Worley:
"Alexis attended our camps last year where we recognized her technical ability in the midfield. She is more of a creative type player and I hope that she continues her development in the team to compete for playing time in a gifted midfield."
Eva Van Deursen
Midfielder - 5'5" - Veldhoven, Netherlands / CTO Eindhoven / Netherlands' U19 National Team
Eva Van Deursen, an international midfielder, has decided to make Arizona State home for her collegiate soccer career. One of three siblings, Eva currently plays on the Netherland's U19 National Team, and was a vital player in their recent win over the United States. Eva is excited to play for ASU's top Maroon and Gold sporting environment, and to meet other people with similar interests and passions.
Coach Winkworth on Van Deursen:
"Eva is another player who brings tons of experience to the program. She is currently a part of the Nederland's U19 National team and has a great chance of making the U20 World Cup much like Alexia. Eva has great technical ability, plays well under pressure and is a great communicator on the pitch. She used those tools well in a recent 6-0 victory for her country over the United State U19's."