SAN ANTONIO – Seventh-year UTSA soccer head coach Derek Pittman announced on Tuesday, Dec. 31, that the Roadrunners will add 14 new players with two SEC transfers and 12 incoming freshmen to next season’s roster. Five of the latest class of Roadrunners will be joining UTSA on campus in January. The newest Roadrunners are very representative of the Lone Star State, with nine Texans in the class, in addition to one from Sweden and four others from out of state. Filling in the roster with balance and depth in all positions, Pittman added two goalkeepers, four defenders, four midfielders and four forwards for next season’s squad.
Head Coach Derek Pittman on the Signing Class
“We are really excited to announce this group of high-character, highly-competitive individuals that make up a talented 2025 class. We will dearly miss the 2024 seniors and we are grateful for all they did for our program over the last 3-5 years. Those seniors helped us a win a Championship in 2022 and laid the foundation in the AAC over the last two years so this talented group of players can build on their efforts.This 2025 class is extremely talented and balanced across all positions. We have added athleticism, skill, high IQ and toughness in every spot. Our team is known for being one of the most competitive teams in the league and these athletes fit that DNA completely. There are champions is this class both at the club and college level and we can’t wait to see them compete for our UTSA Fans in the 2-1-0.”
Leah Varela
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Rio Rancho, N.M.
High School: IMG Academy
Previous School: Mississippi State
Club: IMG Academy Elite 06G GAL
Pittman on Varela: “Leah is a playmaker that has a relentless passion for this game. She is a special addition to our team on and off the field. We expect Leah to be a creative, skillful presence in our midfield that can help us dominate transition moments and maintain possession in key areas of the field. Her IQ, vision and passing skills set her up well to contribute in our aggressive attacking style of play, while her work ethic, toughness and competitive drive will help us when we don’t have the ball. She comes from the 2024 SEC Champions and will bring that same Championship mindset to UTSA.”
Bio: Attended Mississippi State last season, redshirting for the SEC Champion Bulldogs … born in San Antonio and hailing from New Mexico, she played at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where she graduated in the top five percent of her class and helped the Ascenders to a runner-up finish at the 2021 Girls Academy League (GAL) National Championship … was recipient of the 2022 IMG Academy Athletic & Personal Development Player of the Year Award … a three-year Top-32 selection in the Girls Academy League South East Conference from 2021-2023 … was selected Olympic Development Program (ODP) State Team selection for New Mexico from 2018-2020 and also ODP Interregional Selection (West) in 2019 and 2020 … named to the Top-18 selection to play in Iceland and was selected to the 2019 New Mexico United High-Performance Program as one of three females selected … played club most recently for IMG Academy Elite 06G GAL.
Taliyah Spain
Position: Defender
Hometown: Dripping Springs, Texas
High School: Dripping Springs High School
Former School: Arkansas
Club: Sting Austin ECNL
Pittman on Spain
“T is an absolute baller! She is a fast, athletic, aggressive player that can attack and defend. We are super excited to bring her back to South Texas to wear the Navy and Orange. T can play in the back or up top if needed. She is a proven competitor that can score goals or lock down opponents defensively. She possesses several qualities but the one we are most excited about is her toughness and ‘never say quit’ mentality. She just wants to play and compete every day! T fits the DNA of our team very well and we are looking forward to her development this spring.”
Bio: Part of the highly-ranked Arkansas program since 2023 … born in England in a military family but was in high school at Dripping Springs, where she helped the Tigers to the 2021 Texas 5A State Championship, hitting the game-winner to send her team to the finals under coach Bailee Perine … in her career, she recorded 47 goals and 23 assists for Dripping Springs, registering a .661 SOG% … helped DSHS to three District Championships in her career … a 2020 Central Texas Newcomer of the Year finalist, she was a three-time First Team All-District 26-6A and academic all-district honoree … also competed in track, helping set the school’s 4x100m relay record and reached the Texas 5A state finals with her squad in the event … played club for Sting Austin ECNL, helping her team to a 2022 ECNL National Playoffs North American Cup Championship … and was recognized numerous times as a Top Drawer Soccer Weekly Standout.
Brooklyn Bailey
Position: Forward
Hometown: Spring, Texas
High School: Klein Collins High School
Club: Challenge ECNL
Pittman on Bailey:
“One of several dual-sport athletes in this class, BB is exactly what we look for in our attacking players. She has a tireless work ethic to compete on both sides of the ball and is ruthless in and around the 18-yard box. BB has a goal-scorer’s mentality and always shows a high level of courage to put herself in the right places to finish opportunities. She is just another high-level competitor that has come out of one of the top clubs in South Texas at Challenge SC. We can’t wait for her to be here in the spring to train with the team.”
Bio: Former high school teammate of UTSA goalkeeper Jasmine Kessler, played three years of soccer at Klein Collins as a forward under coach Laura McCullough … after starting her career as the District 15-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2022 and the top goal-scorer in the district with 14 goals, also earned first-team all-district honors … a Science National Honor Society and academic all-star who also plays basketball and ran track … last year’s basketball captain, she was the District 15-6A Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-District … on the track team, she was a 2022 Regional finalist in the triple jump as the Freshman of the Year, also earning Area finalist finishes with KC’s relays the past two seasons … playing for Challenge ECNL, she’s earned ECNL Texas All-Conference second team honors for two years, playing in arguably the toughest conference in the nation at the club level.
Presley Rhodes
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Hometown: Grapevine, Texas
High School: Grapevine High School
Club: Sting Dallas Black 06G ECNL
Pittman on Rhodes:
“Presley is a dynamic, athletic winger that has an engine to go from box to box in the wide area. We are excited about what she brings to both our attack and defense. Presley can score goals and serves in a fantastic cross on a consistent basis to create opportunities for others. Her relentless work rate and competitive spirit fits right in line with our locker room. She has developed her game in the Sting organization for a several top coaches, which has her prepared to make difference this coming year.”
Bio: Played at Grapevine High under coach Steven McBride, helping the Mustangs to two District 6-5A Championships, a 2022 State Runner-Up finish and 2023 State 5A Championship … named 2024 TASCO Second Team All-Region I, along with First Team All-District 6-5A honors for her junior season as a captain at Grapevine … as a sophomore, was named second team all-district and was an all-district honorable mention her freshman campaign as the Grapevine’s Newcomer of the Year … very strong academically and actively involved in the community and volunteerism with a variety of organizations … plays club currently with Sting Dallas Black 06G ECNL, previously with Solar South 06G and earning three consecutive State Cup Championships, a Region III final appearance in 2022 and both a Regional and USYS National Championship in 2021.
Emelie Ekman
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Hometown: Järfälla, Sweden
High School: Solna Gymnasium
Club: AIK
Pittman on Ekman:
“We are elated about Emelie and the skill set she brings to our team. Any time you can add a player of Emelie’s soccer IQ, technical ability and leadership skills, you grab it! Emelie is an absolute talent, who understands the game at the highest level. She knows how to create and use space for herself and others, with an exceptional range of passing to help keep possession. She can play centrally or in wide areas for us and we can’t wait to have her on the field for us.”
Bio: Has played soccer for 13 years and attended one of the best athletic-focused high schools in Sweden under coach Vinzent Lopez … captained the best soccer team in Sweden, leading Solna to the 2024 title in the highest-ranked league for G19, also playing the majority of matches in 2023 with the same G19 league … plays club for AIK, earning a 16-1 record to win the Swedish tournament last season.
Brilynn Mueller
Position: Goalkeeper
Hometown: Liberty, Missouri
High School: Liberty High School
Club: KC Athletics 06 ECNL
Pittman on Mueller:
“Bri is an extremely talented goalkeeper out of Kansas City with a National Championship under her belt. Her story is really unique and we are very excited to add Bri to our goalkeeper group for next fall. The athleticism and bravery that she plays with is key when looking for a top goalkeeper. She has played at the highest level and faced some of the best players in her age group across the country. Bri has great hands, shot-stopping ability and composure on the ball to be an elite keeper for the future. The competition will be intense from all of our goalkeepers this season and Bri will be right in the middle of it.”
Bio: Playing for KC Athletics Academy Elite 06/07 ECNL, she helped the squad to the U15 ECNL National Championship, was a 2022-23 first-team All-Conference player and also was the goalkeeper for the 2023 Houston ECNL National Selection Game (NSG) … brother played at Northeastern State and Doane and sister played at Missouri Western.
Kamryn Watson
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
High School: St. Michael the Archangel High School
Club: LA Force SC
Pittman on Watson:
“The Louisiana player of the year is coming to UTSA. Kam is a really exciting player to watch and we are looking forward to seeing her do some great things here in San Antonio. Kam is a very calm, smooth attacking player that can contribute as a midfielder or as a forward. She is a physically dominant competitor that can dribble, pass and absolutely smash a ball with both feet. Her ability to hold the ball under pressure and create opportunities for herself and others is special. We expect Kam to be a fan favorite for the Roadrunners.”
Bio: Hailing from Baton Rouge, La., where she has played her high school career at St. Michael the Archangel High School under coach Melin Portillo … she was the 2024 Louisiana Girls Player of the Year and earned First Team All-State honors last season for the second consecutive year, after notching a spot on the Freshman All-State team and Second Team All-State in her rookie year … Last year as the team’s Offensive MVP, she was All-District 4-3A, and All-Metro Baton Rouge … She has helped the Warriors to two Playoff Semifinal appearances with a District Championship during her sophomore year … playing club for 07 LA Force SC, she’s been a part of six state championships.
Bryn Maxwell
Position: Forward
Hometown: Zionsville, Ind.
High School: Zionsville High School
Club: FC Pride ECNL
Pittman on Maxwell:
“When I think of Bryn and her abilities on the field, I think of two words, crafty and quick. She is a skillful, dynamic attacking player that can break opponents down on the dribble or with speed. Bryn moves very well and knows how to create goals for herself with or without the ball. She has a tremendous competitive spirit about her that is easily witnessed when on the field. She plays for one of the best clubs in the Midwest and is a high achiever on and off the field. Bryn is going to be a dangerous player for many years to come.”
Bio: Played at Indiana’s Zionsville High School under coaches Rob Klatte and Ramon Aguillon … registered 13 goals and four assists over the final two seasons of her high school career … earning team MVP in 2023 and 2024, she was honored as 2023 Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports First Team All-State, as well as 2023 Indy Star Super Team, 2023 Indiana Soccer Coaches Association All-State Second Team and 2023 All-Hoosier Crossroads Conference First Team … in both 2023 and 2024, was named to Indiana Soccer Coaches Association First Team District 1-6A and Academic All-State, 2023 … in 2024, was selected to the ISCA all-district second team and Academic All-State honorable mention … played club for FC Pride ECNL.
Maria Reyes
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Georgetown, Texas
High School: Rouse High School
Club: Lonestar SC ECNL
Pittman on Reyes:
“Maria is one of the most energetic, hard-working, toughest kids I have ever had the privilege to recruit. Don’t let her sweet personality fool you, she is one the fiercest competitors on the field when the whistle blows. She is quality midfielder that is hard in a tackle, can distribute the ball well and shut down technical opponents in possession. Maria has our UTSA DNA through and through every time she steps on the field. She is a tremendous leader and a National Champion for Lonestar. We are looking forward to seeing how quickly she adjusts to the intensity in the AAC and makes a positive impact in the league.”
Bio: The Rouse High teammate of fellow signee Kacey Grahmann, where they played under Corey Elrod, and helped the Raiders to three playoff appearances, reaching the state semifinal and a No. 3 state ranking last season … during her career so far, she’s registered 12 goals and four assists … was named the 2024 THSCA Super Elite Team 5A Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to First Team All-District 1-5A honors each of the past two seasons and second team all-district recognition as a freshman … also ran track and cross country, qualifying for Regionals in XC and helping Rouse track to a third-place district 4x200m relay finish … grandfather and father both were professional soccer players, while her father has found coaching success with the Mexican National Olympic Team and Guatemalan National Team … With Lonestar SC, reached the GA Final 8 in 2023 and then earned the GA National Championship in 2024.
Kacey Grahmann
Position: Defender
Hometown: Leander, Texas
High School: Rouse High School
Club: Sting Austin ECNL RL G07/06
Pittman on Grahmann:
“Kacey is an athlete that can cover ground as a player. She is tough, hard-nosed defender that will compete for time as an outside or center back. She is a talented player with a highly competitive mentality. As a defender, she can head the ball and shut down opponents with her 1v1 defending. Kacey has a wide range of passing ability and will help us build in our transition moments. More importantly, she has the toughness and willingness to do whatever it takes to compete at this level. It’s great to keep another South Texas product close to home.”
Bio: Played at Rouse High School under coach Corey Elrod … helped the Raiders to three playoff appearances, reaching the state semifinal and a No. 3 state ranking in her junior year … scored nine goals with 15 assists across her sophomore and junior seasons, earning all-state honors each season … named to the 2023 Austin American Statesman All-Central Texas honorable mention … also named First Team All-District 1-5A as a sophomore and junior, earning second-team honors following her freshman campaign … playing club with Sting Austin, helped her team to the 2022 Southern Regional Championship … current teammate to fellow 2025 signee Maria Reyes … has a sister that attends UTSA as well.
Kennedy Reed
Position: Defender
Hometown: Katy, Texas
High School: Seven Lakes High School
Club: Albion Hurricanes 07G ECNL
Pittman on Reed:
“Ken is a winner! She is one of the best defenders coming out of South Texas in the 2025 class. She has developed her craft playing against some of the best in Houston both in HS and club. Every week she has had to face some of the best attackers in the ECNL Texas Conference, and she has held her own. She is an elite header of the ball, very talented 1v1 defender and has composure when under pressure with the ball. Ken has leadership qualities and a mentality to compete at this level and we are excited to see how she progresses in our environment. We are excited about adding her to our back line.”
Bio: Played at Seven Lakes under coach Kaitlyn Eidson … helped the Spartans to three consecutive area championships and three straight District 19-6A titles, a 2024 Region III-6A crown and an appearance in the 2024 state semifinal with a 19-4-5 record and the squad’s first state tournament since 2012 … was selected to the 2024 UIL State All-Tournament Team … chosen by the TASCO and TGCA as a First Team All-State selection, named Houston Chronicle’s 2024 All-Greater Houston Player of the Year and was named to the THSCA 6A Super Elite Team as the Defensive Player of the Year, as well as First Team All-VYPE Public Team … finished her junior year with 10 goals and four assists, earning District 19-6A Defensive MVP honors and landing her third consecutive first team all-district honor … playing for Albion Hurricanes, she also earned 2023-24 ECNL U17 Texas Second Team All-Conference honors.
Sofia Peters
Position: Defender
Hometown: Cedar Park, Texas
High School: Cedar Park High School
Club: 07 Lonestar SC
Pittman on Peters:
“A talented dual-sport athlete in both soccer and volleyball, Sofia fits right into our program and culture. As a 6’1 defender, she is an imposing presence on the field that opponents won’t look forward to playing against. She is a long, lean athlete that can cover ground quickly, which allows us to press up front and know we have athletes like her to protect the space behind. She knows what this environment is because of her older sister being in our program this past season. Sofia is also a National Champion at the club level for Lonestar and that experience will serve her well.”
Bio: Sister of current Roadrunner Isabel Peters, who joined UTSA last fall … played at Cedar Park High under Winston Pool … helped the Timberwolves to a 2024 Area Championship … Cedar Park’s Defensive MVP last season, she was named to the TGCA All-State team in each of the past two seasons, in addition to a 2024 TASCO First Team All-Region nod and First Team All-District 25-5A last year … also has played four years of volleyball, earning three consecutive all-district accolades, helping Cedar Park to a 2024 district title and the state finals … she has earned academic all-district each year of school … playing club with Lonestar SC, helped the team to an Academy Elite 8 appearance in 2023 and then a National Championship in 2024.
Abigail Casey
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
High School: The Atonement Catholic Academy
Club: Classics Elite ECNL
Pittman on Casey:
“Abby is a top talent that we are really excited about keeping here in San Antonio. We are always aiming to keep the best talent in town so they can represent the 2-1-0 fans here at UTSA. Abby can play in a number of positions on the field, which really excites our staff. She is deceptively quick and closes down space very well defensively and is dynamic as well with the ball. We expect her to compete for time either in the midfield or across the back line, but she can also score goals up front, so who knows. Abby has a very high ceiling and we are looking forward to her developing in our training environment.”
Bio: Plays for The Atonement Catholic Academy under coach Kori Johnson, helping the Crusaders to three consecutive playoff appearances … named to the TAPPS Division III All-State First Team Offense after collecting All-District 4 honors for the third consecutive year … Honorable Mention All-State in 2023 … earned Atonement’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2022, followed by Most Valuable Player honors in 2023 and 2024 … after finishing her junior year with 19 goals and two assists, has recorded 57 career goals and eight assists … also ran track, earning MVP recognition in 2023 and 2024 … in addition to winning the 2024 TAPPS South Regional in the 100-meter and 200-meter, was the leadoff leg of Atonement’s 2024 TAPPS State Champion 4x200-meter relay, taking home the 200m state title and finishing as 100m runner-up … playing for Classics Elite - CE ECNL G06/07, earned 2021-22 ECNL Texas All-Conference Second Team honors.
Jaelyn Bracamonte
Position: Goalkeeper
Hometown: Houston, Texas
High School: Clear Lake High School
Club Team: Rise 05/06 GA
Pittman on Bracamonte:
“Another dual-sport athlete in soccer and volleyball, Jaelyn is an incredibly dedicated and committed goalkeeper. I have never had an athlete train as often and at such an incredible intensity as Jae. She has attended camps here at UTSA for the last two years and every time she comes back better and improved from the previous camp. She is a high-level athlete that is developing into one of the best GK’s in South Texas in the 2025 class. Jaelyn has great hands, reflexes and presence in goal. Her kicking game is improved to help build out of the back and she is a confident leader. We are extremely excited that Jae chose to attend UTSA.”
Bio: Plays under Lisa Killingsworth at Clear Lake, where she also played one year of volleyball and was the MVP her junior year … rebounding from a freshman-season injury, earned All- District 24-6A honors while allowing just four goals in 20 games for a 0.38 GAA, registering 14 clean sheets … repeated as an all-district honoree during her junior year with nine clean sheets and a 0.83 GAA … helped the Falcons to Regional Quarterfinalist finishes in both her sophomore and junior seasons … she also played four years of volleyball … has played with Rise Soccer Club in the GA since 2023 after playing three years with Houston Dash/HTX Soccer … was a member of the 2024 Venezuelan U-20 national team roster for the CONMEBOL Women’s U-20 Championship last spring … has three brothers that graduated from UTSA.
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