Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Rhoden Adds Five Transfers to Middle Tennessee Soccer Roster
1/5/2026 3:24:00 PM | Women's Soccer
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee soccer head coach Aston Rhoden announced the signing of five transfer players: Taylor Dodson, Hailey Phillips, Bryn Forchic, Valentina Navetta, and Saachi Bureau.
Taylor Dodson
Dodson will join the Blue Raiders in Spring 2026 as a freshman forward from Stephen F. Austin (SFA). As a Lumberjack, Dodson participated in 20 games, starting 15, and recorded 6 goals and 4 assists across 1,320 minutes of play, with 31 total shots and 19 on target. She was recognized as the SLC Offensive Player of the Week on October 14. In her freshman year, she was the team's point leader with 16 points, received SFA Rookie Player of the Game honors twice, ranked among the top 10 in Conference Points, was named to the Southland All-Tournament Team in 2025, and earned Second Team All-Southland honors in 2025.
Dodson on MTSU:
I committed to MTSU because of their perfect balance of strong academics and competitive soccer program. The coaches are super supportive and are invested in helping me reach my full potential, and the team is hardworking and very tight knitted. MTSU is where I feel I can grow the most as a person and player and be happiest.
Rhoden on Dodson:
Taylor is a natural goal scorer. She has high work ethic, plays with both feet, and is a fierce competitor. She's capable of playing anywhere across the front and will allow us to play in different attacking formations.
Hailey Phillips
Phillips will join the Blue Raiders in Spring 2026 as a sophomore midfielder from Troy University. Over her two years at Troy, she accumulated over 2,500 minutes of play, with1,393 minutes in 2025 and 1,191 minutes in 2024, starting in 33 games and recording 8 points. As captain for Troy, she has only missed one start throughout her career
Phillips on MTSU:
MTSU is a school that really has everything that I was looking for. Coach Aston has done such a good job at creating a competitive culture, with continuous emphasis in the importance of relationships. I can't wait to battle to make an immediate impact in this well developed program!
Rhoden on Phillips:
Hailey is a strong, competitive, box-to-box midfielder with great work ethic. She has a knack for finding spaces in the box and is a clinical finisher. Her experience and leadership skills will be an asset in our midfield.
Bryn Forchic
Forchic will join MTSU in Fall 2026 as a graduate transfer defender from Stetson University. During her two years at Stetson, she played 34 games, starting 33, and logged 2,712 minutes, earning Third Team All-Conference ASUN honors. Before Stetson, she played for Towson University, where she contributed to a team that won the CAA regular season and conference championships in 2023.
Forchic on MTSU:
I chose to attend MTSU because it allows me to pursue my academic goals while competing at a high level in athletics. From the beginning, the coaches created a welcoming and supportive environment that made MTSU feel like home. I'm excited to represent MTSU, challenge myself athletically, and continue developing as a student-athlete.
Rhoden on Forchic:
Bryn is a strong, competent, and athletic defender. She is composed when in possession and effective in 1v1 defending situations. Her aerial ability will help us on both sides of the ball and her experience will be an asset to a young and talented backline.
Valentina Navetta
Navetta will join the Blue Raiders in Spring 2026 as a sophomore midfielder from Northern Arizona University. Over two years, she played 27 games, starting 11, and recorded 3 assists across 1,256 minutes. She earned the Golden Eagle Academic Award and was named to the Big Sky Fall All-Academic Team.
Navetta on MTSU:
Choosing MTSU was actually a really easy decision for me, as I felt like it fit so many things that I wanted! I chose MTSU because it is closer to my family, who is moving to Nashville, I loved the coaching staff, and I see myself loving it here! I am looking forward to accomplishing maintaining high academics to prepare for law school, as well as helping the women's soccer team win a championship!
Rhoden on Navetta:
Val is a creative attacking midfielder. She's strong in 1v1 attacking situations, is a natural goal scorer, and can unlock defense with her vision and final passes. Valentina's experience will be an asset to our midfield and will allow us to be more flexible in our attacking schemes.
Saachi Bureau
Bureau will join the Blue Raiders in Fall 2026 as a graduate forward from Wofford College. During her three years as a Terrier, she played 442 minutes as a freshman, contributing 2 assists; in her sophomore year, she totaled 1,329 minutes, scoring 2 goals and registering 3 assists; and in her senior year, she played 1,155 minutes and recorded 2 assists. Bureau has been recognized on the Dean's List and the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and was a member of the Southern Conference Fall All-Academic Team. Before joining Wofford, she was the all-time leading goal scorer in the history of Norfolk Christian for both men's and women's soccer.
Bureau on MTSU:
I chose MTSU because it feels like a place where I can grow both as a person and an athlete. Everyone at MTSU has been extremely welcoming. Coach Aston made a strong impression that he will be a great mentor and coach. I believe his guidance will help advance me to the next level in my soccer career. I'm excited to earn my MBA at MTSU, because it will help open doors for me for future opportunities.
Rhoden on Bureau:
Saachi is a versatile attacker who can play anywhere across the front line. She's very good in 1v1 attacking situations, is a clinical finisher with both feet and has a strong work ethic. Saachi will make us more flexible in attack.
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