Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee Women’s Soccer Adds 12 to 2026 Signing Class
11/12/2025 4:47:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Rhoden on the 2026 recruiting class:
"I am happy with the 2026 recruiting class. After losing a great group of seniors, we needed to add quality depth to certain positions and were able to accomplish that objective with this group of athletes. All are strong students and played for accomplished teams at the high school and club levels. I can hardly wait to blend this new group of players with the strong foundation we have returning."
Lydia Itzoe
Itzoe is an incoming freshman goalkeeper who has recognized herself at Pipeline SC ECNL and Notre Dame Prep in Maryland. As a four-year varsity starter and a two-year captain, she allowed only four goals during her junior season and achieved six shutouts. In her sophomore year, she was named to the All-Conference Team. In her junior year, she received honors as an All-Conference selection, 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Metro, and the Coaches Award. Her senior year saw her earn a spot on the 1st Team All-State.
Itzoe on MTSU:
"MTSU was a perfect fit for me because of the positive and hardworking team culture, strong academic opportunities, and the coaches and players who have made me feel welcome since day one. I know that MTSU is going to challenge me and make me into a better player, student, and person. I am looking forward to being pushed to my limits and tested in all aspects of my life! I am most impressed by the work rate exhibited by MTSU. I've always felt that MTSU student-athletes are extremely driven and therefore take all necessary steps to accomplish their goals. I think it is very impressive to establish a team and community of like-minded, hardworking athletes."
Throughout her high school career, she maintained a record of allowing only four goals during her junior season, achieving six shutouts and 48 saves. In 2023, she was recognized as an ECNL 2nd Team All-Conference selection and was part of the Capelli ID North American Tour Select. She qualified for ECNL playoffs in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Rhoden on Itzoe:
"Lydia is an athletic, technical, and explosive keeper. She has great reactions, plays well with her feet, and dominates her box. She will certainly enhance the competitiveness within our goalkeeper union. "
Avery Yagle
From California, Yagle has made a significant impact at Redwood High School and with California Odyssey ECNL, recording 20 goals in high school and an additional 20 in club competition. A participant in the 2025 ECNL Selection Game, Yagle is recognized for her finishing skills and attacking versatility.
Yagle on MTSU:
"I chose MTSU as my future school because I fell in love with the people and atmosphere. I'm looking forward to attending MTSU to have a good soccer career and create new memories with teammates."
Rhoden on Yagle:
"Avery is a natural goal scorer with great composure in and around the box. She's strong on the ball and able to create scoring chances for her teammates. Her versatility as an attacking player will enable us to be more flexible in attack."
Payton Pitman
Pittman, a native of Florida, has recorded 54 goals and 24 assists as she approaches her senior season at Oviedo High School. Her junior year was particularly notable, as she achieved a record-breaking 26 goals. She has been named to the 1st Team All-State for both her sophomore and junior years, as well as the 1st Team All-Area and the 1st Team All-Seminole Athletic Conference in the same years. Additionally, she earned the MVP title during her junior year, the Offensive MVP honors in both her sophomore and junior years, and was recognized as the Rookie of the Year in her freshman year. Furthermore, she received the AP Scholar Award.
Pitman on MTSU:
"MTSU was one of the first to contact me in the first week of my recruitment. Both Hannah and Aston were super positive and straightforward and exactly what I was a looking for in Coaches. The culture at Middle Tennessee is so special and welcoming. I'm looking forward to making an impact my freshman year and at minimum helping the team earn a conference championship."
Rhoden on Pitman:
"Payton is versatile enough to play anywhere across the front line. With her pace, physicality, work ethic, and ability to score goals, she will be a constant threat to opposing defenders."
Tori Gauch
From Virginia, Gauch joins the team after winning an ECNL conference championship with Richmond United. With 43 goals and 22 assists throughout her high school career, Gauch is known for her proven scoring ability and creativity in the offensive third.
Gauch on MTSU:
"I chose MTSU because of the coaches. From the beginning they showed a high interest in me and I appreciated that. I also loved the size of the campus and thought it was the perfect fit for me. I look forward to making my mark on the soccer program and obtain an education in Health Science and earning my degree."
Rhoden on Gauch:
"Tori is a strong and powerful forward who scores goals in different ways. She has high work rate, shoots well with both feet and is very good at bringing others in the attack. Her ability to play in different positions will allow us to have greater flexibility in our attack."
Liza Miller
Miller, a member of the NC Courage Academy for five years, brings an additional high-level attacking option with multiple appearances at the ECNL National level. She has not participated in high school soccer. Her accolades include being named 1st team all-region during her sophomore year, 2nd team all-metro in her sophomore year, and receiving an All-State honorable mention in the same year. In her junior year, she earned 1st team all-region, 1st team all-metro, and 1st team all-state honors, as well as being the runner-up for the region player of the year. Additionally, she contributed to her team winning the ECNL Conference Championship and the Jeff Cup Championship.
Miller on MTSU:
"It was a very easy decision for me to choose MTSU. I was instantly impressed by the women's soccer programs competitiveness and the support they each showed to each other, these are just a couple of the many attributes I saw within the program. I'm looking forward to representing MTSU, to keep pushing myself as an individual and soccer player, and to grow close with each player and coaches. I know great things are in store and I can't wait to be a part of it. What impresses me most about MTSU was how welcoming the coaches and players were towards me. It's extremely evident to see how their culture has developed and how close everyone is with each other. I was able to see myself fitting perfectly and they made it feel like home."
Rhoden on Miller:
Liza is another great addition to our forward line. She is a very versatile forward who can play either wing or down the middle. She will be a threat to opponents due to her pace, 1v1 ability, and her attacking mentality. Liza is a very good finisher in and outside the box.
Nev Herzog
In the midfield, Arizona's Herzog brings significant championship experience from Xavier College Prep, where she played a vital role in securing three 6A state titles. She has earned recognition as a two-time first-team all-state selection and has been honored with the Iron Woman Award for her display of endurance, grit, and resilience. Her accomplishments include being a three-time High School 6A Varsity State Champion, recipient of the Iron Woman Award, First Team 6A All-Region, First Team 6A All-State, achieving a national ranking of #13 in the 2022-23 season and #28 in the 2024-25 season, membership in the National Honor Society, participation in the Great Books Program, a selective initiative with a 10% admission rate consistently achieving First Honors from freshman to senior year, serving as Vice President and Parliamentarian of the National Charity League, being the top fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and participating as a Student Visionary Member of Blood Cancer Leaders.
Herzog on MTSU:
"I wanted to attend MTSU because I really connected with the coaches and appreciated how supportive and motivating they are. The atmosphere on campus and within the team felt welcoming and competitive, which made it stand out to me. I hope to make a positive impact on the team and contribute to its success both on and off the field. What impresses me most about MTSU is the schools strong dedication to its athletic programs. A great example being how Coach Aston has been leading the soccer team for 23 years. I also admire how connected the community is with MTSU athletic creating a supportive environment."
Rhoden on Herzog:
"Nev is a fierce competitor and a box-to-box midfielder with the ability to score goals. Her awareness and vision allow her to bring others into the game while creating scoring opportunities for herself. Nev will allow us to play out of several different shapes in the midfield."
Gracie Somerville
Another Arizona midfielder, Sommerville, contributes with her vision and technical abilities. A Surf Cup champion and a four-time honor roll student, she recorded 11 goals and 14 assists at Liberty High School, excelling with AZ Royals ECNL.
Somerville on MTSU:
"I chose MTSU for so many reasons but the most important to me was environment. Right away I could tell MTSU soccer wasn't just a team but a family. The staff and players all loved it and each other. It felt like somewhere I'd be looked after and cared for."
Rhoden on Somerville:
"Gracie is a hardworking, and technical midfielder with exceptional ball retention skills, and the vision to break down compact defenses. She is also very versatile and capable of playing as a forward."
Brynn Patterson
Patterson of Indiana strengthens the midfield through her determination and creativity. She is a two-time first-team All-District selection and has been recognized as her high school MVP. Patterson has demonstrated exceptional performance with Indy Premier and Fort Wayne United, achieving accolades at the league, regional, and national levels throughout her club career. In high school, she recorded 14 goals and 20 assists, received the HS MVP award, was named to the 1st Team All-District, served as captain twice, and earned Honors with Distinction three times. Additionally, she contributed to three league championships and one regional championship with Fort Wayne United, as well as participating in a national championship appearance and two national tournaments with Indy Premier.
Patterson on MTSU:
"I chose MTSU because of the way their coaching staff and players were so welcoming. As soon as my family and I arrived they made us feel like part of their family. The coaches care about there players on a deeper level than just soccer and that's what means a lot to me. I am excited to make an impact on there already very successful team!"
Rhoden on Patterson:
"Brynn is the most versatile player in this recruiting class. She is also a box-to-box midfielder and knows how and when to bring others into the attack. Brynn has great pace, game intelligence and will pose an attacking threat wherever she plays on the day. Her versatility will help us play in different systems and add some depth to our midfield."
Zoey Kulas
Kulas has demonstrated exceptional defensive skills during her four seasons at Topsail High School in North Carolina. She served as a two-time captain and was recognized as an all-conference selection, making significant contributions on both the defensive and offensive sides of the game, where she achieved double-digit points. In her freshman year, she recorded 10 goals, 1 assist, and totaled 21 points as a defender. Although no statistics were recorded for her sophomore year, in her junior year, she achieved 6 goals, 11 assists, and a total of 23 points in the same position. Kulas was a member of the varsity team for four years, served as captain for two years, earned second-team All-Conference honors twice, first-team All-Conference recognition once, and was named Defensive Player of the Year once.
Kulas on MTSU:
"I decided to attend MTSU because of the coaching staff, level of soccer, and the school's academics. I chose MTSU because since my first time talking to my coaches and visiting the school it felt like home. I am looking forward to becoming one of the best players to ever come out of MTSU and working in science once I graduate."
Rhoden on Kulas:
"Zoey is very attacking minded outside back. She gets forward well and can play dangerous crosses in the box. She is good in 1v1 situations and has great endurance. A natural leftie, Zoey will add some balance to our back line."
Hailey Crabb
Crabb from Arkansas joins as a three-time 6A state champion from Bentonville High School, bringing significant championship experience and resilience. With 69 career games played and recognition as an all-state athlete in 2024 and 2025, Crabb ranks among the most accomplished defenders in her class. Her accolades include being a three-time Arkansas 6A State Champion (2023, 2024, 2025), a three-time 6A West Conference Champion (2023, 2024, 2025), a member of the 2023–2025 6A West All-Conference First Team, the 2024 and 2025 Arkansas All-State Team, and the 2025 Arkansas All-Tournament Team. She was also nominated for the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2025, received the Bentonville High School Varsity Freshman of the Year award in 2023, and served as the Varsity Team Captain in 2025.
Crabb on MTSU:
I chose MTSU because of the community and culture of the team. From the first conversations with the coaches and players, it felt like a place where I could truly belong and grow. I'm excited to continue learning and challenging myself both academically and athletically while being part of a program that values hard work, integrity, and family. The quality of people at MTSU stands out the most to me. From the coaches and teammates to the staff and students, everyone I've met carries themselves with respect, humility, and pride in what they do. It's the kind of environment that pushes you to be your best both on and off the field."
Additionally, she is a member of the National Honor Society, received the Excellence in French Award in 2023, was named the BHS Freshman of the Month in March 2023, participated in the 2024 Girls Academy Midwest Talent ID, and served as the Kansas Rush GA Team Captain from 2023 to 2025, along with holding roles as the GA Club Representative for 2023-2024 and the GA Conference Representative for 2024-2025.
Rhoden on Crabb:
"Hailey is a hard nose defender who is strong in 1v1 defensive situations and is an aerial threat on set pieces. She has great positional awareness, is composed on the ball, and has a good passing range. Hailey will allow us to play in different shapes in the back."
Taylee Harbeck
Harbeck, a defender from Arizona, brings size, athleticism, and versatility, having played a significant role in Boulder Creek High School's multiple postseason appearances. Her contributions to the team include goals, assists, and defensive plays that have consistently enhanced team performance in high-pressure situations. In the 2022-2023 season, she recorded 2 assists; in 2023-2024, she achieved 3 assists and 4 goals; and in 2024-2025, she contributed 2 assists and 2 goals. The 2025-2026 season is still in progress. Throughout her high school career, she has earned a 4-Year Soccer Varsity Letter, with notable achievements including the Cactus Cup Tournament Champions and 6A District Champions in 2022-2023, Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, Best of the West Tournament Runner-Up and 6A State Qualifier in 2023-2024, and Best of the West Tournament Champions and 6A State Qualifier in 2024-2025.
Harbeck on MTSU:
"I chose MTSU because of their soccer program and coaching staff. Their style of play and coaching fit well with my style, skills and talents. They have a great team environment and I'm excited to be a part of it. I look forward to making an impact on the team while also obtaining my bachelors degree at MTSU."
Rhoden on Harbeck:
Taylee is a strong defender with the instincts of a forward. She poses a real threat when she gets into the attack and is good at creating scoring chances wide areas. Her pace and athleticism will be an asset to our backline.
Luiza Junior dos Santos
Completing the class, Brazilian midfielder Luiza Junior dos Santos has collegiate experience from Illinois Central, where she started 15 of 16 matches, helped lead the team to a Region XIV title, and recorded two goals and two assists while earning ICC Player of the Week honors for the 2023–24 season. At Roberts Wesleyan, she started 14 of 15 matches and contributed an additional two goals.
Junior dos Santos on MTSU:
"I chose MTSU because I think it is the best place to play at the highest level, obtain a quality education and grow in the sport. I feel like MTSU is the opportunity I've been dreaming off since I was younger and so getting to experience that and develop my best self in soccer sounded like the right decision. And so I am looking forward to it and to get to have a great season, full of accomplishments and great memories."
Rhoden on Junior dos Santos:
"Luiza is a strong and creative attacking player. She can unlock defenses through her 1v1 attacking skills, vision, and passing range. Luiza's experience will be an asset to our midfield and will allow us to be more flexible in our attacking schemes."
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