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11 New Utes Make Up Utah Soccer’s 2023-24 Signing Class
12/10/2023 10:37 PM | Soccer
“I am thrilled to announce and welcome this exciting signing class of student-athletes.”
SALT LAKE CITY – The 2023-24 signing class for the University of Utah women's soccer program was officially announced on Monday and head coach Hideki Nakada has signed up 11 new faces, all of whom will be donning Utah colors prior to the start of the 2024 season.
"I am thrilled to announce and welcome this exciting signing class of student-athletes," said head coach Hideki Nakada. "This group brings in a unique blend of youth and experience that will raise the level of competition and quality immediately, as well as give us the stability for long-term success as a program.
"These four wonderful transfers add so much value to our current group with their experience playing in the ACC, SEC, WCC and NCAA tournament and will no doubt will make an immediate impact. Our seven incoming freshmen all come from highly competitive environments that will challenge and push the current group."
Rachel Bastone – Defender – Mission Viejo, Calif. – Santa Clara University
After helping the Santa Clara Broncos reach the NCAA Tournament in each of the last four seasons, including a run to a National Championship in 2020-21, Bastone will be joining the Utes for the 2024 campaign. The California native set a career-high in 2023 with 1391 minutes played, fifth-most on the roster, and added her first career goal in an August win at Washington. She was also on the back line for 10 clean sheets, one of which came against Arizona State in SCU's NCAA Tournament opener.
Bastone joined the Broncos after a career at JSerra Catholic High School in which she earned All-American and all-state honors. She was a two-time all-county and all-conference pick as well and helped lead her squad to state championships in 2017, 2018 and 2019, serving as a captain on the latter team.
Rachel is the daughter of Julie and Peter Bastone and has three siblings, Frankie, Dominic and Gino. Her dad was a football player at Princeton and all three of her brothers participated in athletics in college, including her brother Gino, who played hockey at Utah. Her mother, Julie, is also a Utah graduate.
Callie Blaylock – Defender – Salt Lake City, Utah – East High School – Utah Avalanche ECNL
Blaylock piled up over 30 goals and nearly a dozen assists in four seasons at East High School and those numbers helped her attain all-state status. She helped her squad capture a region championship and also lettered in track and field during her time in high school. Blaylock's club experience includes time with Utah Avalanche ECNL, where she assisted her team in reaching a National Selection Game and was named to the All-Northwestern First-Team.
Callie is the daughter of Atieli and Katie Blaylock and has four siblings, Brooklyn, Marley, Brody and Gibson. Her sister, Brooklyn, is a member of the Utah women's soccer team and her cousin, Parker, spent four years as a member of Utah's men's basketball squad.
Katie Callaway – Midfielder – Woodstock, Ga. – Etowah High School – United Futbol Academy
Callaway spent the final three seasons of her high school career logging back-to-back-to-back all-region first-team spots. In 2023, she put together a season that ended with her taking home awards for region and county player of the year and being picked for the all-state first-team. Callaway was also a member of the All-Southeast Region First-Team for her work on the club circuit with United Futbol Academy and was selected to play in the ECNL NJ and Phoenix National Selection Games.
Katie is the daughter of Jenny and Jason Callaway.
Devi Dudley – Midfielder – American Fork, Utah – Clemson University
Dudley comes to Utah after three seasons at Clemson in which she saw action in 53 matches, was chosen for a spot on the All-ACC Academic Team and helped the Tigers reach the Elite Eight in the spring of 2021. Her stat line included more than 2000 minutes played, much of that accumulated during a fall 2021 campaign in which she participated in all 20 of her team's matches, helping them return to the NCAA Tournament.
Prior to her Clemson career, Dudley spent time with the US Women's National Team at the U14 and U16 levels. She earned a spot on the 2018 United Soccer Coaches Youth Girls All-West Region Team, spent three seasons as a captain on the Utah ODP State Team and was invited to two ODP National Training Camps and the National ID camp in Ojai, Calif.
Devi is the daughter of Shauna and Harold Dudley and has one sibling, Lane.
Bella Ganiere – Defender – Broomfield, Colo. – Broomfield High School – Real Colorado National ECNL
Twice during her prep career, Ganiere led her team to the Colorado 5A State Championship and her and her teammates took home the title in 2021, the school's first in 15 years. Her individual achievements include landing on the Front Range League all-conference team and the academic all-state roster and Ganiere has also served as a team captain.
On the club side, Ganiere has taken the field for Real Colorado National ECNL and Colorado Rapids ECNL. She's been part of the USYNT U16 virtual player pool and competed at the USYNT U14 and U16 Regional ID Centers, as well as the U14 West Region ID Camp.
Bella is the daughter of John and Maria Ganiere and has one sibling, Zane.
Ava Hetzel – Defender – Cardiff By The Sea, Calif. – Vanderbilt University
Hetzel has played in nearly 60 matches in her collegiate career during stops at Arizona and Vanderbilt. She started all 15 games as a freshman for the Wildcats in 2020 and also was in the starting lineup for every match during her initial season in Nashville. In 2022, she appeared in eight contests while helping the Commodores reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Prior to her time in college, Hetzel honed her skills at LA Galaxy San Diego DA.
Ava is the daughter of Andy Hetzel and Circe Wallace and she has four siblings, Holden, River, Haven and Hemingway.
Londyn Lovell – Midfielder – Gilbert Ariz. – Perry High School – SC Del Sol
Lovell collected a long list of accomplishments during her club career with Arizona Arsenal and SC Del Sol. She was a US Soccer Training Center ID and mid-west combine invitee and assisted in guiding her squad to an ODP Regional Championship in 2019. That year also saw Lovell invited to the ODP West Region Camp, the ECNL CSP Mountain Conference and the YNT-10. The most recent honors she's achieved include picking up spots on the WPSL all-conference, all-region and national teams in 2023.
Londyn is the daughter of Jon and Heidi Lovell and has four siblings, Lauren, Ashlyn, Sydney and Taylor. Her sister Taylor is a member of the track and cross country teams at BYU, where her mother cheered and her father played soccer. Both of her dad's parents are Utah alums.
Mia Paugh – Defender – Lenexa, Kan. – Olathe Northwest – Sporting Blue Valley
Paugh has piled up eight years of experience on the club circuit, spending time with Legends and Sporting Blue Valley and in 2021, she led her team to the ECNL Final Four. In 2021 while with SBV, she was named one of the players that impressed at the GA Spring Florida. Paugh is also rostered with KC Current II, with whom she took the field for a match against the Chinese Women's National Team.
Mia is the daughter of Greg and Kristine Paugh and has two siblings, Lilah and Katie. Her mother was a member of the soccer teams at Creighton and Kansas, while her dad played basketball at Cornell and Iowa.
Audrey Shackelford – Midfielder – Sacramento, Calif. – Rio Americano – San Juan Soccer Club
Shakelford's soccer prowess has shown itself during a more than 10-year run with San Juan Soccer Club. She's also gained experience by participating the US Club Soccer ID2 Camp, competing at the US Soccer Training Center and playing the ECNL Phoenix National Selection Game.
Audrey is the daughter of Gwen and Ron Shackelford and has one sibling, Adam. Her father played soccer collegiately at San Francisco State.
Grace Watkins – Forward – Manhattan Beach, Calif. – Duke University
In four years with the Blue Devils, Watkins appeared in 70 matches, accumulated 15 points and helped the Blue Devils reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive years. Watkins registered a career-high seven points in 2021, a total that included a goal in Duke's NCAA Tournament second round win over St. John's and she played over 1000 minutes in 2023 while making 14 starts. She also earned a spot on the ACC All-Academic Team in 2022.
Watkins arrived in Durham after a high school and club career that led to her being ranked as one of the top 10 prep forwards in the nation and the 2019-20 Gatorade Player of the Year in California. As a senior, she led her squad to a 24-3 record and the Southern Section, Division 2 Tournament championship and compiled 28 goals and 10 assists. She also competed for the LAFC Slammers in the ECNL, where she received multiple accolades.
Grace is the daughter of Nancy Rohman and John Watkins and has two siblings, Genevieve and Hanna.
Siena Zunino – Defender – Danville, Calif. – Monte Vista High School – Mustang Soccer Club
For both her high school and club teams, Zunino has been voted a captain, serving in that role for four years with the latter program. She's also been chosen as a U16 ECNL Northwest first-team all-conference performer and an EBAL all-league second-team honoree. Her work on the pitch earned her a spot in the 2023 Continental Tire ECNL National Selection game.
Siena is the daughter of Katrina and Chase Zunino and has two siblings, Secily and Rocco. Her dad competed collegiately in basketball at the University of Reno.
"In the last two seasons we've shown glimpses of what we are capable of," said Nakada, "yet we lacked cutting edge inside the 18 that didn't allow us to be successful. I believe this incoming group will get us to the next level and I cannot wait to for this group to come together. It is a great day to be a Ute!"
FOLLOW THE UTES!
Fans can follow along on social media (Twitter: @UtahWSoccer | Instagram: @UtahWSoccer | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utahwsoccer).
"I am thrilled to announce and welcome this exciting signing class of student-athletes," said head coach Hideki Nakada. "This group brings in a unique blend of youth and experience that will raise the level of competition and quality immediately, as well as give us the stability for long-term success as a program.
"These four wonderful transfers add so much value to our current group with their experience playing in the ACC, SEC, WCC and NCAA tournament and will no doubt will make an immediate impact. Our seven incoming freshmen all come from highly competitive environments that will challenge and push the current group."
Rachel Bastone – Defender – Mission Viejo, Calif. – Santa Clara University
After helping the Santa Clara Broncos reach the NCAA Tournament in each of the last four seasons, including a run to a National Championship in 2020-21, Bastone will be joining the Utes for the 2024 campaign. The California native set a career-high in 2023 with 1391 minutes played, fifth-most on the roster, and added her first career goal in an August win at Washington. She was also on the back line for 10 clean sheets, one of which came against Arizona State in SCU's NCAA Tournament opener.
Bastone joined the Broncos after a career at JSerra Catholic High School in which she earned All-American and all-state honors. She was a two-time all-county and all-conference pick as well and helped lead her squad to state championships in 2017, 2018 and 2019, serving as a captain on the latter team.
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— Utah Women's Soccer (@UtahWSoccer) December 6, 2023
After helping Santa Clara reach the NCAA Tournament in each of the last four seasons, including a run to a National Championship in 2020-21, Rachel Bastone is joining the Utes
Throw up the ??, Rachel!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/KY2D2iODCu
Rachel is the daughter of Julie and Peter Bastone and has three siblings, Frankie, Dominic and Gino. Her dad was a football player at Princeton and all three of her brothers participated in athletics in college, including her brother Gino, who played hockey at Utah. Her mother, Julie, is also a Utah graduate.
Callie Blaylock – Defender – Salt Lake City, Utah – East High School – Utah Avalanche ECNL
Blaylock piled up over 30 goals and nearly a dozen assists in four seasons at East High School and those numbers helped her attain all-state status. She helped her squad capture a region championship and also lettered in track and field during her time in high school. Blaylock's club experience includes time with Utah Avalanche ECNL, where she assisted her team in reaching a National Selection Game and was named to the All-Northwestern First-Team.
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— Utah Women's Soccer (@UtahWSoccer) November 9, 2023
All-state honoree and region champion Callie Blaylock is officially a Utah Ute!
We can't wait to see you on the field, Callie!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/iUFZ7C7WyE
Callie is the daughter of Atieli and Katie Blaylock and has four siblings, Brooklyn, Marley, Brody and Gibson. Her sister, Brooklyn, is a member of the Utah women's soccer team and her cousin, Parker, spent four years as a member of Utah's men's basketball squad.
Katie Callaway – Midfielder – Woodstock, Ga. – Etowah High School – United Futbol Academy
Callaway spent the final three seasons of her high school career logging back-to-back-to-back all-region first-team spots. In 2023, she put together a season that ended with her taking home awards for region and county player of the year and being picked for the all-state first-team. Callaway was also a member of the All-Southeast Region First-Team for her work on the club circuit with United Futbol Academy and was selected to play in the ECNL NJ and Phoenix National Selection Games.
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— Utah Women's Soccer (@UtahWSoccer) November 8, 2023
After a 2023 season that ended with her taking home awards for region and county player of the year and being picked for the all-state first-team, Katie Callaway is a Ute!
We're thrilled to have you, Katie!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/bIMWcQJ5Hq
Katie is the daughter of Jenny and Jason Callaway.
Devi Dudley – Midfielder – American Fork, Utah – Clemson University
Dudley comes to Utah after three seasons at Clemson in which she saw action in 53 matches, was chosen for a spot on the All-ACC Academic Team and helped the Tigers reach the Elite Eight in the spring of 2021. Her stat line included more than 2000 minutes played, much of that accumulated during a fall 2021 campaign in which she participated in all 20 of her team's matches, helping them return to the NCAA Tournament.
Prior to her Clemson career, Dudley spent time with the US Women's National Team at the U14 and U16 levels. She earned a spot on the 2018 United Soccer Coaches Youth Girls All-West Region Team, spent three seasons as a captain on the Utah ODP State Team and was invited to two ODP National Training Camps and the National ID camp in Ojai, Calif.
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— Utah Women's Soccer (@UtahWSoccer) November 10, 2023
After helping Clemson reach the Elite Eight in 2021 and making the ACC All-Academic Team, Devi Dudley is coming to Utah!
See you soon, Devi!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/uznqSA4WGv
Devi is the daughter of Shauna and Harold Dudley and has one sibling, Lane.
Bella Ganiere – Defender – Broomfield, Colo. – Broomfield High School – Real Colorado National ECNL
Twice during her prep career, Ganiere led her team to the Colorado 5A State Championship and her and her teammates took home the title in 2021, the school's first in 15 years. Her individual achievements include landing on the Front Range League all-conference team and the academic all-state roster and Ganiere has also served as a team captain.
On the club side, Ganiere has taken the field for Real Colorado National ECNL and Colorado Rapids ECNL. She's been part of the USYNT U16 virtual player pool and competed at the USYNT U14 and U16 Regional ID Centers, as well as the U14 West Region ID Camp.
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— Utah Women's Soccer (@UtahWSoccer) November 9, 2023
The 2021 state champion and former all-conference selection has made it official!
Throw up the ??, @bellaganiere!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/xJaPakP4PO
Bella is the daughter of John and Maria Ganiere and has one sibling, Zane.
Ava Hetzel – Defender – Cardiff By The Sea, Calif. – Vanderbilt University
Hetzel has played in nearly 60 matches in her collegiate career during stops at Arizona and Vanderbilt. She started all 15 games as a freshman for the Wildcats in 2020 and also was in the starting lineup for every match during her initial season in Nashville. In 2022, she appeared in eight contests while helping the Commodores reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Prior to her time in college, Hetzel honed her skills at LA Galaxy San Diego DA.
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— Utah Women's Soccer (@UtahWSoccer) November 10, 2023
Ava Hetzel, who's played in nearly 60 matches in her collegiate career in the SEC and Pac-12, is officially joining the Utes!
Welcome to the U, Ava!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/wZdsMDTv1M
Ava is the daughter of Andy Hetzel and Circe Wallace and she has four siblings, Holden, River, Haven and Hemingway.
Londyn Lovell – Midfielder – Gilbert Ariz. – Perry High School – SC Del Sol
Lovell collected a long list of accomplishments during her club career with Arizona Arsenal and SC Del Sol. She was a US Soccer Training Center ID and mid-west combine invitee and assisted in guiding her squad to an ODP Regional Championship in 2019. That year also saw Lovell invited to the ODP West Region Camp, the ECNL CSP Mountain Conference and the YNT-10. The most recent honors she's achieved include picking up spots on the WPSL all-conference, all-region and national teams in 2023.
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— Utah Women's Soccer (@UtahWSoccer) November 8, 2023
Our first NLI comes from Londyn Lovell, who'll be coming to Utah after a club career that's seen her earn spots on the WPSL all-conference, all-region and all-national teams!
Welcome to the family, Londyn!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/zAJnMGry86
Londyn is the daughter of Jon and Heidi Lovell and has four siblings, Lauren, Ashlyn, Sydney and Taylor. Her sister Taylor is a member of the track and cross country teams at BYU, where her mother cheered and her father played soccer. Both of her dad's parents are Utah alums.
Mia Paugh – Defender – Lenexa, Kan. – Olathe Northwest – Sporting Blue Valley
Paugh has piled up eight years of experience on the club circuit, spending time with Legends and Sporting Blue Valley and in 2021, she led her team to the ECNL Final Four. In 2021 while with SBV, she was named one of the players that impressed at the GA Spring Florida. Paugh is also rostered with KC Current II, with whom she took the field for a match against the Chinese Women's National Team.
??????'?? ???????? ???? ????????????????!
— Utah Women's Soccer (@UtahWSoccer) November 9, 2023
Please give a warm welcome to the newest member of the Utah Soccer family, Mia Paugh!
Welcome to the U, @Miapaugh_!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/5QHp6ne9Xy
Mia is the daughter of Greg and Kristine Paugh and has two siblings, Lilah and Katie. Her mother was a member of the soccer teams at Creighton and Kansas, while her dad played basketball at Cornell and Iowa.
Audrey Shackelford – Midfielder – Sacramento, Calif. – Rio Americano – San Juan Soccer Club
Shakelford's soccer prowess has shown itself during a more than 10-year run with San Juan Soccer Club. She's also gained experience by participating the US Club Soccer ID2 Camp, competing at the US Soccer Training Center and playing the ECNL Phoenix National Selection Game.
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— Utah Women's Soccer (@UtahWSoccer) November 9, 2023
Join us in welcoming the newest member of our squad, Audrey Shackelford, who joins the Utes after a 10-year club career with San Juan Soccer Club!
Welcome home, Audrey!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/j5XKfSqVAM
Audrey is the daughter of Gwen and Ron Shackelford and has one sibling, Adam. Her father played soccer collegiately at San Francisco State.
Grace Watkins – Forward – Manhattan Beach, Calif. – Duke University
In four years with the Blue Devils, Watkins appeared in 70 matches, accumulated 15 points and helped the Blue Devils reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive years. Watkins registered a career-high seven points in 2021, a total that included a goal in Duke's NCAA Tournament second round win over St. John's and she played over 1000 minutes in 2023 while making 14 starts. She also earned a spot on the ACC All-Academic Team in 2022.
Watkins arrived in Durham after a high school and club career that led to her being ranked as one of the top 10 prep forwards in the nation and the 2019-20 Gatorade Player of the Year in California. As a senior, she led her squad to a 24-3 record and the Southern Section, Division 2 Tournament championship and compiled 28 goals and 10 assists. She also competed for the LAFC Slammers in the ECNL, where she received multiple accolades.
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— Utah Women's Soccer (@UtahWSoccer) November 29, 2023
After a career at Duke in which she appeared in more than 70 matches and was named to the ACC All-Academic Team, Grace Watkins is coming to Utah!
Welcome aboard, Grace!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/qE6Texq8Zi
Grace is the daughter of Nancy Rohman and John Watkins and has two siblings, Genevieve and Hanna.
Siena Zunino – Defender – Danville, Calif. – Monte Vista High School – Mustang Soccer Club
For both her high school and club teams, Zunino has been voted a captain, serving in that role for four years with the latter program. She's also been chosen as a U16 ECNL Northwest first-team all-conference performer and an EBAL all-league second-team honoree. Her work on the pitch earned her a spot in the 2023 Continental Tire ECNL National Selection game.
Siena is the daughter of Katrina and Chase Zunino and has two siblings, Secily and Rocco. Her dad competed collegiately in basketball at the University of Reno.
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— Utah Women's Soccer (@UtahWSoccer) November 9, 2023
After a prep and club career that's earned her all-conference and all-league status, Siena Zunino is officially coming to Utah!
We're so happy to have you, Siena!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/hTu76tu6sj
"In the last two seasons we've shown glimpses of what we are capable of," said Nakada, "yet we lacked cutting edge inside the 18 that didn't allow us to be successful. I believe this incoming group will get us to the next level and I cannot wait to for this group to come together. It is a great day to be a Ute!"
FOLLOW THE UTES!
Fans can follow along on social media (Twitter: @UtahWSoccer | Instagram: @UtahWSoccer | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utahwsoccer).
Crimson Corner with Bill Riley - Urban Meyer
Wednesday, September 17
Utah Soccer's Grace Watkins - ESPN+ Feature
Sunday, September 14
Utah Soccer's Devi Dudley - ESPN+ Feature
Thursday, September 11
Utah Soccer's Ava Hetzel - ESPN+ Feature
Monday, September 08