Conway – Coming off of the second Southland Conference title in the past three years, the Central Arkansas women's soccer team bolstered its ranks on Wednesday, with head coach Jeremy Bishop announcing the addition of seven players for the coming season. The group covers nearly every position on the field and is composed of players from Canada, Texas, and Oklahoma.
"We are very excited about the group that will be joining us in the fall," said Bishop. "With the exception of the goal keeper position, they will give us competition at basically every position on the field. These young ladies are not only solid soccer players, but are also high-character individuals and have performed well academically. We are looking forward to getting this group in here with our returning players to continue to compete for a Southland Conference Championship year after year."
Ryley Andrews, a jack of all trades from Coppell, Texas, could see time all over the field for the Bears. She was a four-year varsity letter-winner for Coppell High, helping guide the Cowgirls to District Championships in 2017 and 2018 and an Area Championship in 2018. A member of the National Honor Society and the A/B Honor Roll, she played club ball with Solar ECNL, where she won multiple State Cups, the Denver Cup and the Las Vegas Cup, while participating in the ECNL Phoenix Showcase and the Surf Cup.
"Ryley is a versatile player who can play a lot of positions," said Bishop. "Her tactical understanding and ability on the ball will allow her to compete right away."
Sydney Brough, from Oakville, Ontario, Canada, will strengthen the Central Arkansas midfield. She played two seasons at Iroquois Ridge High School, leading the Trailblazers in scoring in both. With the Markham Soccer Club, she played three seasons in the Ontario Provincial Development League and one in the Ontario Women's Soccer League, and helped lead her side to first place finished in 2016 and 2017 and an ODPL Championship in 2016. She played for the Ontario Provincial Team in from 2015-17 and in 2018 ranked in the top ten in the U21 ODSL in goals.
"Sydney is a tough, smart player who is also versatile and could play almost any position," said Bishop. "As of right now, we see her in more of an attacking role where her ability on the ball will allow her to create scoring opportunities."
Abby Gibson, a center midfielder from Magnolia, Texas, will add strength to the UCA core. She comes to Conway after a career that saw bag All-District Midfield MVP honors as a freshman and earn three All-District First Team nods from 2015-2017. An Academic All-District honoree, she served as captain for her club team, Houston Dash DA.
"Abby is a technical player that is very good on both sides of the ball," said Bishop. "She can control the game in midfield with her ability to win the ball, hold possession, and play penetrating passes to start the attack."
Emma Hawkins, from Forney, Texas, will also join the Central Arkansas midfield after a successful career at North Forney High School that saw her earn District Newcomer of the Year honors in 2016 and All-District First Team honors in 2016, 2017, and 2018. A 2018 Academic All-District selection, she took part in the 2018 ECNL PDP.
"Emma is a very talented player that will add speed, technical ability, and high soccer IQ to our attacking group, and that will be able to compete from her first day," said Bishop.
Laurel Landry, from Allen, Texas, rounds out the additions to the UCA midfield, joining the Bears after a career that saw her serve as a three-year starter for Allen High School, where she helped guide the Eagles to an undefeated 6A District Championship and a Regional Finals berth. She earned MVP honors as a freshman and was named All-District First Team as a junior. A member of the National Honor Society, she played ECNL composite with Sting Soccer ECNL for four seasons, earning a Regional spot in 2017.
"Laurel is a gifted soccer player and athlete," said Bishop. "As of now we see her playing in the midfield, but she can play in a lot of different roles depending on the system we play."
Reagan Scott, from The Woodlands, Texas, will join the Central Arkansas attack. She played at College Park High School, where she helped the Cavaliers to a second place finish in District play and the second round of the Texas 11-6A playoffs while scoring 25 goals and adding 11 assists. She led the Cavaliers in scoring and was named the team's Offensive MVP while earning All-District First Team honors. As a member of Challenge ECNL, she helped her team qualify for the ECNL Champions League and the ECNL National Playoffs in 2018.
"Reagan is an attacking player that will be able to cause opposing teams' back lines trouble with her speed," said Bishop.
Claremore, Oklahoma native Kayla Williams will strengthen the Central Arkansas back line, donning the purple and gray after a four year career at Claremore High School that saw her lead the Zebras to a state championship in 2016, a state finals appearance in 2017, and a state semifinals appearance in 2018, all while serving as captain. A four-time Defender of the Year and three-time All-District Honoree, she earned a 2015 state championship with TSCH ECNL while making a 2017 Regional appearance and earning Tulsa World All-World Team honors in 2017.
"Kayla is a strong ball-winner that will add a high level of physical ability to our defensive group," said Bishop.
