ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University women's soccer team is excited to announce nine additions for the 2020 season.
 
"We are extremely excited for this class to get on campus," CWU Head Coach Michael Farrand said.  It's a really good group of girls who will add depth to our roster and help us build on what we accomplished this season."
 
Baily Thompson is a 5-foot-3 defender from Selah High School.  She earned first and second team all-league, as well as second team all-state honors during her career with the Vikings. 
 
"I chose Central because I felt that it was the best fit for me where I could challenge myself academically and in athletics," Thompson said.
 
Farrand on Baily: "A local girl at Selah in Yakima.  They've had a good run over the last few years and she has been a big part of that.  For us, she'll probably play as a two or three, a seven or 11, down at Selah she plays anywhere and everywhere.  On her club team she usually plays a four or five. Very talented young lady, speed, and soccer knowledge.  Super girl and super family."
 
Grace Jackson is a 5-foot-7 forward from Ronald, Washington.  She earned first team all-conference, all-region, and all-state honors in 2019 for the Warriors.  She earned first team all-league honors in 2018, as well as second team all-area.  In 2017, Jackson helped guide the Warriors to the state championship, a first for Cle Elum-Roslyn High School.  Off the pitch, Jackson is a member of the National Honor Society and a 4.0 student. 
 
"I chose CWU because of its academic excellence, competitive athletics, and friendly staff who want to help students thrive," Jackson said.
 
Farrand on Grace: "Another local girl, up in Cle Elum.  She plays for one of our alumni and plays on the same club team as Bailey.  Natural 7/1, athletic, physically strong.  She scored a fantastic goal in districts where she took on the whole world and finished really well.  I'm excited about her potential and ability to compete.  She has a huge upside for us."
 
Eleanor "Finn" Sprankle is a 5-foot-6 defender from Fairbanks, Alaska.  She helped guide West Valley High School as a captain in 2019.  She received the Ina K Award in 2017. 
 
"I really liked the campus and the college town feel of CWU, as well as the size of the school," Sprankle said.  "I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to play soccer at CWU, where I get such a great feeling from the coach and the team.  I can't wait to play and get my education at Central Washington."
 
Farrand on Finn: "We are fortunate to find a few players up in Alaska over the years that can add to us.  Physically, she is a strong, physical girl and a good passer.  She plays as a four or five, but we might see if she can play a six.  Her passing skills and shooting skills are a plus, but her physicality really matches what we want."
 
Emily Darcy is a 5-foot-5 midfielder from Maple Valley, Washington.  She was a four-year starter for Tahoma High School. She earned WIAA Distinguished Scholastic Award honors for four years.
 
"I chose CWU because I love the campus and its environment," Darcy said.  "I also really like the women's soccer program and can't wait to be a part of it.  I look forward to continuing my soccer career at CWU."
 
Farrand on Emily: "A legacy player for us, her sister Kaysha had a great career for us in 2015 and 2016 after transferring back from Idaho.  We've had a chance to watch her play with WP over the last two years.  I really think for her, coming to us is a great decision.  She is going to be able to develop a bit more as a player and I think for us will be a seven or 11.
 
Megan Meindersee is a 4-foot-4 midfielder and defender from Hockinson High School.  She led the Hawks in assists in 2019 and finished second in assists in 2018.  Meindersee helped guide the Hawks to a pair of league championships in 2016 and 2018.  She was an all-league honorable mention twice.  Meindersee also earned Maxpreps Hockinson Hawks Player of the Year.
 
"I chose CWU because of the coaches, players, and environment," Meindersee said.  "Coming from a small town, Central hits very close to home.  I love that atmosphere and caring presence that the coaches and players give.  I am very excited to continue my soccer career as well as my education.  GO WILDCATS!"
 
Farrand on Megan: "Megan is probably one of the most intelligent players we have had a chance to see this last year and a half.  She plays on a smaller club team and has come to camp a couple times.  Super soccer intelligent and very gifted in terms of how she can play in and out as a nine or ten for us."
 
Kat Smith is a 5-foot-4 defender from Cheney, Washington.  She earned second team all-league and team defensive MVP for the Cheney Blackhawks.
 
"I chose CWU because I love the location and the environment," Smith said. 
 
Farrand on Kat: "A player I'm definitely excited for us in terms of depth and the possibility to have a big impact for us right away.  Very solid two or three, can play multiple positions through the back line.  Her speed and ability to deliver balls forward, connect to the midfield will be awesome for us."
 
Newberry is a 5-foot-5 midfielder from Centennial, Colorado.  She attended Grandview High School, where she helped guide the Wolves to the Colorado Girls 5A Soccer State Championship the past two seasons.  Grandview earned a Top Drawer Soccer National team rank of No. 1 during the spring of 2018.  She played for 01/02 Rapids South Select, where she was selected captain.  Newberry helped guide Rapids South to the 2019 Colorado State Cup finals.
 
"I chose Central Washington University because every aspect of campus felt like home with a strong sense of community," Newberry said.  "Like many college athletes will say, the school they pick is a great fit both academically and athletically.  For me, that is the case as well.  However, CWU provides a very different environment than I had experienced on other campuses.  The people in Ellensburg are so friendly and willing to interact with newcomers and potential students.  The coaches, players, faculty, and students involved with the soccer program and the school were so willing to go out of their way to make my visits to campus so much better.  Their efforts made the idea of being 17 hours away from home not as daunting.  I can't wait to be a WILDCAT!"
 
Farrand on Lily: "We've been fortunate to have lily in camp twice.  She will probably be a 10 for us, her knowledge and the weight she puts on her passes is what we want.  Little bit of a project in terms of getting around the corner with us, but I think she has a great upside as a 10 and seeing playing time right behind Sophia."
 
Gutierrez is a 5-foot-3 utility player from Everett High School where she played as a forward and outside back.  She has played for the Washington Rush G02 Premier Club for eight seasons.  Gutierrez helped guide her club to the U17 US Youth Soccer Washington State Championship in 2019.  She earned honorable mention and second team all-conference honors during her play at Everett High School.
 
"I chose CWU because it is close to home," Gutierrez said.  I like the small town feel and look forward to living in the country.  I bonded quickly with the coaching staff and fell in love with the campus.  I am excited to soon be a part of the Wildcat family!"
 
Farrand on Gabrielle: "One of the mentally toughest players we recruited in this class.  Can play 4/5, a 2/3, 7'/11.  Great all-around player.  She competes all the time, I think that's the biggest attribute for us.  She brings us an ability to fight and compete all the time."
 
Makenna Wheeler is a 5-foot-2 defender from South Kitsap High School.  She was a 4A SPSL Honorable Mention and second team all-league honoree for the Wolves. 
 
"I Chose CWU because of the campus facilites and smaller class sizes," Wheeler said.
 
Farrand on Makenna: "She's one of the more athletic players coming in.  We are excited for the depth she can bring and her speed, as well as her athleticism.