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Utah Soccer Announces 2018 Signing Class
2/9/2018 9:11 AM | Soccer
Utes add 10 newcomers
SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Soccer announced the addition of 10 new student-athletes for the 2018 season today. The incoming Utes are Mikayla Christensen, Anna Escobedo, Kate Hinckley, Brooklyn James, Emali Mackinnon, Hillary Noakes, Hanna Olsen, Brianna Pearson, Payton Stiles and Hailey Stodden
"During our recruiting search, we put a huge priority on players that are passionate about soccer, excellent teammates, competitive, good with the ball, attack and defend," head coach Rich Manning said. "We are excited about this group because they embody these qualities. These players love their new team, the University of Utah and are excited about competing in the Pac-12. We cannot wait to get them on campus and add their strengths to our team."
Makayla Christensen – Forward - Meridian, Idaho – Centennial HS – FC Nova
Christensen scored 90 goals during her three seasons, including 44 as a senior, and was named a National High School All-American. After leading the state in scoring all three years, she was named the 5A State Player of the Tear and a finalist for Gatorade Player of the Year. Christensen also helped Centennial HS to a pair of state titles.
Makayla is the daughter of Ryan and Natalie Christensen and has three siblings, Alexa, Ryder and Claire, as well as three relatives who attended Utah. The Academic All-American plans to major in biology and wants to be a pediatric surgeon.
Christensen on Utah: "Ever since I was a young, I have wanted to pursue a degree in the medical field and Utah was the perfect fit as a top university in the nation. I love the beautiful campus and the immense recreational opportunities so close to everything. I cannot wait to further my soccer career on the pitch with incredible coaches and my new Ute family."
Manning on Christensen: "Makayla is athletic, physical and has scored a ton of goals. She will bring a positive and competitive spirit to our team. She has the confidence that a top forward needs to create and finish opportunities."
Anna Escobedo – Forward - Holladay, Utah – Olympus HS – La Roca
Escobedo is a Deseret News 4A All-State selection, scoring 13 goals and passing out 13 assists last season. She helped La Roca to a US Youth Soccer National runner-up position and was also named one of the Best XI at the 2015 National Championships. She will join former La Roca players Haylee Cacciacarne, Lulu Borges and Demi Lopez on this year's Ute team.
She is the daughter of RuthAnn and Mark Escobedo, both Utah graduates, and has six siblings, Calvin, Alexa, Ava, Roxy, Oscar and Coco. Her grandfather, Ron Stevens played basketball and football at Utah and RuthAnn {Allen} was an All-American tennis player and is a Crimson Club Athletics Hall of Famer. An honor roll student, Anna wants to major in the medical field
Escobedo on Utah: "I have always wanted to stay close to home and many of my family members are Utah alumni."
Manning on Escobedo: "Anna is quick, has a soft touch with the ball and reads the game well. She can play multiple positions and is a goal scorer. We like those qualities and love the fact she has grown up a huge Ute fan."
Kate Hinckley – Midfielder - College Station, Texas – College Station HS – Challenge SC
A four-year starter and league captain, Hinckley was invited to the US Soccer Regional Camp by the Women's National Team. She has led College Station HS to three undefeated district championships and the team is ranked third in the state heading into her senior season.
The daughter of Shane and Amy Hinckley, both Utah State graduates, has two siblings, Connor and Jaylen, who plays soccer at USU. Kate is a member of the National Honor Society and involved with the art club, Girls State and Shattered Dreams, an anti-drunk driving initiative. She enjoys painting, playing piano and reading.
Hinckley on Utah: "I chose Utah because of the academic reputation of the school, the beautiful setting in the mountains and I was familiar with the area from when I lived in Utah when I was younger"
Manning on Hinckley: "Kate is an athletic and versatile defender. She can play outside back and get up the line to create good offense. She can also play centrally, where she wins air balls and distributes well. We really like our defenders to be versatile and Kate fits the bill."
Brooklyn James – Forward - Clackamas, Ore. – Clackamas HS – Portland Thorns Academy
A dual-sports star, James is one of the top 30 soccer players in the state of Oregon. An all-league selection, she has been named offensive and defensive player of the year. In three years playing for the Portland Thorns Academy, she has grown into a team captain.
James also runs track and is the three-time district champion in the 800 meters. An all-state selection, she has also won the district championship in the 400 meters and holds a pair of school records.
She is the daughter of Roy and Debra James and has two siblings, Pieper and Ciara, her twin who is heading to Weber State to play basketball. Brooklyn is a member of the athletic leadership council and National Junior Honor Society. She plans to major in business
James on Utah: "Utah gives me the ability to continue competing in both sports that I love while supporting my academic dreams as well."
Manning on James: "Brooklyn has top-end speed and can stretch the defense with her pace. She has soft feet, works hard and combines well up front. She has excelled in both soccer and track and those multi-sport athletes bring a special competitive hunger to our program."
Emali Mackinnon – Forward/Midfielder - Hillcrest, Calif. – Cathedral Catholic HS - Albion SC
Mackinnon was invited to participate with the U18-19 U.S. Soccer Development Academy and played club with Albion SC of the USYS National League. She has also helped Cathedral Catholic become a force to be reckoned with in the CIF.
Emali is the daughter of Kevin and Ashley MacKinnon and has two siblings, Crosby and Kaden. She enjoys going to the beach, hiking and hanging out with friends and family
Mackinnon on Utah: "It felt like my second home and I connected with the soccer team and coaches very easily"
Manning on Mackinnon: "Emali is fast and feisty. She plays wide, covers a lot of the field, crosses the ball well and has a strong defensive game. She will bring some bite to the team."
Hillary Noakes – Forward/Midfielder - Rockford, Ill. – Rockford Christian HS - Shadow Premier FC
Noakes has scored 114 times for Rockford Christian, setting records for goals (42) and assists (28) in a season. She has earned all-conference and all-sectional honors on her way to MVP honors this past season. She has also helped guide Shadow Premier FC to a number of club tournaments.
The daughter of Ted and Cindi Noakes, she has four siblings, Bruce, Grace, Jackson and Nicholas. Hillary followed in her father's footsteps by becoming a kicker for her high school football team. Ted is a Beloit College Hall of Famer after earning All-American honors as a linebacker. Hillary is also the student council president and member of the National Junior Honor Society. She is also involved with a number of service groups and competes on the track team. She plans on majoring in something relating to medicine.
Noakes on Utah: "I chose Utah because of the atmosphere and all of the opportunities that they offer for student-athletes. I was sold on the team's chemistry and how it was a family atmosphere. This is a growing program and I know nothing is handed to you. All the players work hard and earn what they accomplish."
Manning on Noakes: "Hillary is an excellent athlete. She is strong with good speed. We have seen her score goals as a forward with a good aerial game and strong back-to-goal skills. We have also seen her excel as a center back. Hillary has excellent leadership qualities on and off the field."
Hanna Olsen – Midfielder - Sandy, Utah - Brighton HS – Utah Avalanche
Olsen was a Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News Class 5A All-State selection after scoring 12 goals and dishing out 13 assists during the 2017 season. She helped Brighton HS to the state quarterfinals and also played her club soccer with Utah Avalanche along with fellow Utes Hailey Skolmoski, Holly Daugirda, Ireland Dunn and Haley Farrar.
Hanna is the daughter of Mike Olsen and Brooke Robinson
Olsen on Utah: "Utah is home for me. My family is here and we are so close to the beautiful mountains. I love this state. Utah has an amazing women's soccer program with the best coaches. It also has great players that I am excited to play with."
Manning on Olsen: "Hanna is an excellent all-around midfielder. She is skillful, covers ground and reads the game well. She can play multiple positions and roles that will bring versatility to the midfield."
Brianna Pearson – Forward/Midfielder - Corona, Calif. – Norco HS - Corinthians SC
Pearson was a U.S. Soccer training camp invite and is a three-time all-league selection. She helped captain Norco HS to a CIF Southern Section championship and is recovering from a torn ACL. With Corinthians Soccer Club, she won the Premier League championship and National Premier League Southern California title.
She is the daughter of Cannon and Julie Pearson and has two siblings, Cole and Ashlyn. With a 4.0 grade-point average, she participates in community service projects and would like to pursue a career in the sports industry.
Pearson on Utah: "I chose Utah because I wanted to play in the Pac-12. I loved the beautiful campus, great sports teams and coaching staff. The school's academics are also a plus."
Manning on Pearson: "Brianna is so passionate about soccer. She wears the opponent down with her work rate and never-say-die attitude. We like her skills and versatility. She can play multiple positions and is equally strong on the attack and in defense. She has worked hard to come back strong after a knee injury and we cannot wait to see her back on the field."
Payton Stiles – Midfielder - Colbert, Wash. – Mount Spokane HS
Stiles has scored 21 goals and racked up 26 assists while serving as captain at Mount Spokane HS. A three-time all-league selection, she has played with the Spokane Sounders and was a US ODP West Region team alternate in 2017
She is the daughter of Chris and Shannon Stiles, both soccer players, and has two siblings, Emily and Kylie. Her father won a national title at Santa Clara while her mother went to three Final Fours. Her aunt, Kim Calkins, played at the University of Portland and professionally for the Boston Breakers.
Payton plans to major in business and become an event planner. She is involved with Distributive Education Clubs of America and the National Junior Honor Society. Payton is on pace to be school valedictorian in the spring and also competes for the track team.
Stiles on Utah: "I chose Utah for so many reasons. A huge part was academics. Utah has a top-ten entrepreneurship program and a great business school. Another factor was the chemistry I had with the soccer coaches and players who made me feel so comfortable. They always answered any questions I had. I also love the mountains and the four seasons in Utah because it really makes me feel right at home."
Manning on Stiles: "Payton is skillful and smooth, with soft feet. She covers ground in the midfield and reads the game well. We really like that combination of her soccer skills and smarts."
Hailey Stodden – Forward - Broomfield, Colo. – Broomfield HS - Colorado Rush
The No. 9 forward in the country according to TopDrawerSoccer, Stodden has scored 55 goals and doled out 25 assists entering her senior season at Broomfield HS. She was named the BoCoPreps and Front Range League Player of the Year on her way to earning NSCAA All-State honors and being selected to participate with the US U18 Women's National Team. She will join fellow Colorado Rush alum Max Flom on this year's team.
Hailey is the daughter of Chris and Wendi Stodden and has two siblings, Lindsey and Zach, an All-American wrestler at Nebraska-Kearney. She plans to major in nursing and is a member of her school's honor roll.
Stodden on Utah: ""I chose Utah because of its coaching staff, facilities and educational opportunities."
Manning on Stodden: "Hailey has a relentless game. She attacks, defends and can play on any row. She has scored many goals as a forward. Recently, the US National Team program has recognized her quality and trained her as an outside back. Regardless of where she is on the field, she never stops and will bring that competitiveness to our program."
"During our recruiting search, we put a huge priority on players that are passionate about soccer, excellent teammates, competitive, good with the ball, attack and defend," head coach Rich Manning said. "We are excited about this group because they embody these qualities. These players love their new team, the University of Utah and are excited about competing in the Pac-12. We cannot wait to get them on campus and add their strengths to our team."
Makayla Christensen – Forward - Meridian, Idaho – Centennial HS – FC Nova
Christensen scored 90 goals during her three seasons, including 44 as a senior, and was named a National High School All-American. After leading the state in scoring all three years, she was named the 5A State Player of the Tear and a finalist for Gatorade Player of the Year. Christensen also helped Centennial HS to a pair of state titles.
Makayla is the daughter of Ryan and Natalie Christensen and has three siblings, Alexa, Ryder and Claire, as well as three relatives who attended Utah. The Academic All-American plans to major in biology and wants to be a pediatric surgeon.
Christensen on Utah: "Ever since I was a young, I have wanted to pursue a degree in the medical field and Utah was the perfect fit as a top university in the nation. I love the beautiful campus and the immense recreational opportunities so close to everything. I cannot wait to further my soccer career on the pitch with incredible coaches and my new Ute family."
Manning on Christensen: "Makayla is athletic, physical and has scored a ton of goals. She will bring a positive and competitive spirit to our team. She has the confidence that a top forward needs to create and finish opportunities."
Anna Escobedo – Forward - Holladay, Utah – Olympus HS – La Roca
Escobedo is a Deseret News 4A All-State selection, scoring 13 goals and passing out 13 assists last season. She helped La Roca to a US Youth Soccer National runner-up position and was also named one of the Best XI at the 2015 National Championships. She will join former La Roca players Haylee Cacciacarne, Lulu Borges and Demi Lopez on this year's Ute team.
She is the daughter of RuthAnn and Mark Escobedo, both Utah graduates, and has six siblings, Calvin, Alexa, Ava, Roxy, Oscar and Coco. Her grandfather, Ron Stevens played basketball and football at Utah and RuthAnn {Allen} was an All-American tennis player and is a Crimson Club Athletics Hall of Famer. An honor roll student, Anna wants to major in the medical field
Escobedo on Utah: "I have always wanted to stay close to home and many of my family members are Utah alumni."
Manning on Escobedo: "Anna is quick, has a soft touch with the ball and reads the game well. She can play multiple positions and is a goal scorer. We like those qualities and love the fact she has grown up a huge Ute fan."
Kate Hinckley – Midfielder - College Station, Texas – College Station HS – Challenge SC
A four-year starter and league captain, Hinckley was invited to the US Soccer Regional Camp by the Women's National Team. She has led College Station HS to three undefeated district championships and the team is ranked third in the state heading into her senior season.
The daughter of Shane and Amy Hinckley, both Utah State graduates, has two siblings, Connor and Jaylen, who plays soccer at USU. Kate is a member of the National Honor Society and involved with the art club, Girls State and Shattered Dreams, an anti-drunk driving initiative. She enjoys painting, playing piano and reading.
Hinckley on Utah: "I chose Utah because of the academic reputation of the school, the beautiful setting in the mountains and I was familiar with the area from when I lived in Utah when I was younger"
Manning on Hinckley: "Kate is an athletic and versatile defender. She can play outside back and get up the line to create good offense. She can also play centrally, where she wins air balls and distributes well. We really like our defenders to be versatile and Kate fits the bill."
Brooklyn James – Forward - Clackamas, Ore. – Clackamas HS – Portland Thorns Academy
A dual-sports star, James is one of the top 30 soccer players in the state of Oregon. An all-league selection, she has been named offensive and defensive player of the year. In three years playing for the Portland Thorns Academy, she has grown into a team captain.
James also runs track and is the three-time district champion in the 800 meters. An all-state selection, she has also won the district championship in the 400 meters and holds a pair of school records.
She is the daughter of Roy and Debra James and has two siblings, Pieper and Ciara, her twin who is heading to Weber State to play basketball. Brooklyn is a member of the athletic leadership council and National Junior Honor Society. She plans to major in business
James on Utah: "Utah gives me the ability to continue competing in both sports that I love while supporting my academic dreams as well."
Manning on James: "Brooklyn has top-end speed and can stretch the defense with her pace. She has soft feet, works hard and combines well up front. She has excelled in both soccer and track and those multi-sport athletes bring a special competitive hunger to our program."
Emali Mackinnon – Forward/Midfielder - Hillcrest, Calif. – Cathedral Catholic HS - Albion SC
Mackinnon was invited to participate with the U18-19 U.S. Soccer Development Academy and played club with Albion SC of the USYS National League. She has also helped Cathedral Catholic become a force to be reckoned with in the CIF.
Emali is the daughter of Kevin and Ashley MacKinnon and has two siblings, Crosby and Kaden. She enjoys going to the beach, hiking and hanging out with friends and family
Mackinnon on Utah: "It felt like my second home and I connected with the soccer team and coaches very easily"
Manning on Mackinnon: "Emali is fast and feisty. She plays wide, covers a lot of the field, crosses the ball well and has a strong defensive game. She will bring some bite to the team."
Hillary Noakes – Forward/Midfielder - Rockford, Ill. – Rockford Christian HS - Shadow Premier FC
Noakes has scored 114 times for Rockford Christian, setting records for goals (42) and assists (28) in a season. She has earned all-conference and all-sectional honors on her way to MVP honors this past season. She has also helped guide Shadow Premier FC to a number of club tournaments.
The daughter of Ted and Cindi Noakes, she has four siblings, Bruce, Grace, Jackson and Nicholas. Hillary followed in her father's footsteps by becoming a kicker for her high school football team. Ted is a Beloit College Hall of Famer after earning All-American honors as a linebacker. Hillary is also the student council president and member of the National Junior Honor Society. She is also involved with a number of service groups and competes on the track team. She plans on majoring in something relating to medicine.
Noakes on Utah: "I chose Utah because of the atmosphere and all of the opportunities that they offer for student-athletes. I was sold on the team's chemistry and how it was a family atmosphere. This is a growing program and I know nothing is handed to you. All the players work hard and earn what they accomplish."
Manning on Noakes: "Hillary is an excellent athlete. She is strong with good speed. We have seen her score goals as a forward with a good aerial game and strong back-to-goal skills. We have also seen her excel as a center back. Hillary has excellent leadership qualities on and off the field."
Hanna Olsen – Midfielder - Sandy, Utah - Brighton HS – Utah Avalanche
Olsen was a Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News Class 5A All-State selection after scoring 12 goals and dishing out 13 assists during the 2017 season. She helped Brighton HS to the state quarterfinals and also played her club soccer with Utah Avalanche along with fellow Utes Hailey Skolmoski, Holly Daugirda, Ireland Dunn and Haley Farrar.
Hanna is the daughter of Mike Olsen and Brooke Robinson
Olsen on Utah: "Utah is home for me. My family is here and we are so close to the beautiful mountains. I love this state. Utah has an amazing women's soccer program with the best coaches. It also has great players that I am excited to play with."
Manning on Olsen: "Hanna is an excellent all-around midfielder. She is skillful, covers ground and reads the game well. She can play multiple positions and roles that will bring versatility to the midfield."
Brianna Pearson – Forward/Midfielder - Corona, Calif. – Norco HS - Corinthians SC
Pearson was a U.S. Soccer training camp invite and is a three-time all-league selection. She helped captain Norco HS to a CIF Southern Section championship and is recovering from a torn ACL. With Corinthians Soccer Club, she won the Premier League championship and National Premier League Southern California title.
She is the daughter of Cannon and Julie Pearson and has two siblings, Cole and Ashlyn. With a 4.0 grade-point average, she participates in community service projects and would like to pursue a career in the sports industry.
Pearson on Utah: "I chose Utah because I wanted to play in the Pac-12. I loved the beautiful campus, great sports teams and coaching staff. The school's academics are also a plus."
Manning on Pearson: "Brianna is so passionate about soccer. She wears the opponent down with her work rate and never-say-die attitude. We like her skills and versatility. She can play multiple positions and is equally strong on the attack and in defense. She has worked hard to come back strong after a knee injury and we cannot wait to see her back on the field."
Payton Stiles – Midfielder - Colbert, Wash. – Mount Spokane HS
Stiles has scored 21 goals and racked up 26 assists while serving as captain at Mount Spokane HS. A three-time all-league selection, she has played with the Spokane Sounders and was a US ODP West Region team alternate in 2017
She is the daughter of Chris and Shannon Stiles, both soccer players, and has two siblings, Emily and Kylie. Her father won a national title at Santa Clara while her mother went to three Final Fours. Her aunt, Kim Calkins, played at the University of Portland and professionally for the Boston Breakers.
Payton plans to major in business and become an event planner. She is involved with Distributive Education Clubs of America and the National Junior Honor Society. Payton is on pace to be school valedictorian in the spring and also competes for the track team.
Stiles on Utah: "I chose Utah for so many reasons. A huge part was academics. Utah has a top-ten entrepreneurship program and a great business school. Another factor was the chemistry I had with the soccer coaches and players who made me feel so comfortable. They always answered any questions I had. I also love the mountains and the four seasons in Utah because it really makes me feel right at home."
Manning on Stiles: "Payton is skillful and smooth, with soft feet. She covers ground in the midfield and reads the game well. We really like that combination of her soccer skills and smarts."
Hailey Stodden – Forward - Broomfield, Colo. – Broomfield HS - Colorado Rush
The No. 9 forward in the country according to TopDrawerSoccer, Stodden has scored 55 goals and doled out 25 assists entering her senior season at Broomfield HS. She was named the BoCoPreps and Front Range League Player of the Year on her way to earning NSCAA All-State honors and being selected to participate with the US U18 Women's National Team. She will join fellow Colorado Rush alum Max Flom on this year's team.
Hailey is the daughter of Chris and Wendi Stodden and has two siblings, Lindsey and Zach, an All-American wrestler at Nebraska-Kearney. She plans to major in nursing and is a member of her school's honor roll.
Stodden on Utah: ""I chose Utah because of its coaching staff, facilities and educational opportunities."
Manning on Stodden: "Hailey has a relentless game. She attacks, defends and can play on any row. She has scored many goals as a forward. Recently, the US National Team program has recognized her quality and trained her as an outside back. Regardless of where she is on the field, she never stops and will bring that competitiveness to our program."
Players Mentioned
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