ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington women's soccer signed nine new players today. Sarah Schaefer, Haley Engstrom, Mia Forbes, Taylor Mills, Gianna Doucette, Rhiannon Teasley, Marissa Badillo, Baylee Bushnell, and Sophie Patterson who will be great additions to the team next season.
Head Coach Lindsey Lee expressed excitement for the commitments, "I'm thrilled to welcome this talented and dedicated group of freshmen to our soccer family! This class brings a level of skill, speed, and passion that will undoubtedly elevate our program. I'm excited to see these young athletes grow and develop over the next four years. Their work ethic and commitment to excellence will be a key factor in our success."
BAYLEE BUSHNELL
Bushnell, a 5'7 midfielder from Ridgefield, Washington, is set to join CWU from Ridgefield High School. Bushnell is a highly decorated player for the Spudders. She played all four years on the varsity squad and won a state title in 2023. In 2023, she earned second team All-League and this year she earned first team All-League. Baylee's team also won three district titles out the four years she played.
Lindsey expressed the following about Baylee: "Baylee brings athleticism and versatility, excelling defensively and dynamically impacting the game off the ball."
Off the pitch, she is on Honor Roll and apart of National Honors Society. Baylee plans on majoring in Accounting at CWU. When asked why CWU, Bushnell responded, "It felt like home to me."
RHIANNON TEASLEY
Teasley, a 5'10 goalkeeper from Camas, Washington, provides a defensive piece for the Wildcats. Teasley plays for the Papermakers at Camas High School and collected a Clark County All Star Award.
Coach Lindsey loves Rhiannon's goalkeeping ability, "Rhiannon stands tall as a consistent and commanding goalkeeper, boasting impressive size, exceptional distribution range, and a knack for keeping the ball out of the net."
Rhiannon plans on majoring in Biomedical or Pre-med at CWU. She enjoyed the welcoming aspect of CWU. "I chose CWU for the soccer and academics. But overall, the community within CWU is amazing and I'm so excited to join the Wildcat family!"
SARAH SCHAEFER
Schaefer, a 5'8 forward from Duvall, Washington, will give the 'Cats more options in the attack. She has achieved numerous accolades while playing for the Cedarcrest High School Redwolves, including being Wesco Honorable mention (2021), Wesco Second team (2022), Wesco First team (2023), and this year getting Kingco Mountain Offensive MVP.
Head Coach Lindsey Lee had lots of praise for Sarah. " Sarah's speed and skill will help us in front of goal this next fall. As a dynamic, athletic forward, she has a knack for scoring along with a willingness to defend."
When asked why she signed with Central, she said, "I love the coaching staff and Central felt like a very welcoming environment."
MIA FORBES
Forbes, a 5'8 midfielder from San Luis Obispo, California who will be a great add to the Wildcats. Forbes has been a big part of the Tigers success and was named Second Team All-League in her sophomore and junior year.
"Mia's simplicity is her strength, a smart and skilled holding midfielder who excels in the air and orchestrates play with precision" Said head Coach Lindsey Lee.
In the classroom, Mia made the Honor roll all four years at San Luis Obispo High School. She plans on majoring in Mechanical Engineering at CWU.
Forbes is excited to join the 'Cats. "I chose to go to CWU because when I visited, I fell in love with the campus and the team dynamics. I also like the small school environment, and I feel I will thrive in that setting. I also love Washington State and am excited to move somewhere new!"
HALEY ENGSTORM
Engstrom, a 5'7 defender out of Sammamish, Washington will provide an addition for the 'Cats back line next season. Engstrom won a State title for the Spartans at Skyline High School, while getting named Second team All-League. She also lettered in track her sophomore year.
"Haley brings tenacious 'dog mentality' to every match. She has elite 1v1 skills, defensive vision, efficient long-range passing, and very quick closing speed." said Lee.
When asked why CWU, she said "I loved the team culture and how everyone supported each other."
GIANNA DOUCETTE
Doucette, a 5'6 forward, from Yakima, Washington is another key offensive addition for Central Washington. Doucette is a four-year Varsity Letter player for the West Valley High School Rams. She earned First Team All-League two years in a row. Also was awarded Big 9 CBBN Offensive Player of the Year. Her career stats for the Rams were 53 goals and 33 assists.
"Gianna brings speed, skill, and relentless drive. She consistently threatening from anywhere on the field with her shot and we are excited with her passion for growth." Said Head Coach Lindsey Lee.
Gianna plans to major in Elementary Education at CWU. When asked what drew her to the program, Doucette said, "I chose CWU because I love the campus, very interested in the education department, I like the soccer coaches and community and extremely excited to be a part of it."
MARISA BADILLO
Badillo, a 5'0 midfielder from Yakima, Washington, adds to the attack for CWU. Badillo attended La Salle High School and earned a handful of awards; SCAC Player of the Year 2021, EWAC Player of the Year 2024, All League First team 2021-2024.
Academically, she was on the First Honors Roll all four years and was in National Honors Society.
Coach Lee is excited about Marisa's offensive abilities "Marisa's spicy style brings excitement to the game, showcasing exceptional dribbling skills, long-range shooting precision, and vision for the perfect final pass.
Badillo had the following to say about joining the program, " I chose Central Washington University because I am able to stay close to home, I love the girls' soccer team's culture, and I am able to continue my academics while playing the sport I love."
SOPHIE PATTERSON
Patterson, a 5'7 forward, from Eagle, Idaho will add to the offensive side for Central Washington. Patterson played for the Idaho Olympic Development team and won the Regional ODP championship in 2024. While also lettering in Varsity Soccer at Eagle High school for three years. The Mustangs placed third at the state tournament in 2023.
Academically, Patterson has been placed on Honor Roll all four years.
"Sophie's dedication is her biggest strength, a versatile player from Idaho who will bring a winning mentality and tireless work ethic to every match." Said Head Coach Lindsey Lee.
Sophie plans to major in Psychology or Social work at CWU. When asked what made her chose the program, Patterson said, "I instantly fell in love with everything about CWU the second I stepped foot on campus! The environment and energy surrounding the school, and the soccer team is one of a kind. The location is beautiful and perfect for me. I immediately developed a connection with the coaching staff and love every single one of them. In addition, the girls on the team are so amazing. I can't wait to get to know them on a personal level and play with them!"
TAYLOR MILLS
Mills, a 5'10 defender, from Pasco, Washington is another key defensive addition for Central Washington. Mills attended Chiawana High Schools and was named First Team All-Conference during her junior and senior year. While serving as team captain during her senior season. The Riverhawks won Mid-Columbia Conference championships both in Mills junior and senior years.
Additionally, Taylor was a dual athlete running track all 4 years. Mills was a state qualifier in track during her junior year. Academically, Mills had a 4.0 GPA throughout high school.
"Taylor impresses with ability to close space. Her effortless attacking simplicity, stout defense, and dominant aerial ability we are excited to add to the roster this fall." Said Head Coach Lindsey Lee.
When asked why CWU Mills said, "I chose CWU because it seemed like the best fit for me! CWU had what I was looking for in terms of academics and athletics! The campus and team felt very welcoming, and Ellensburg is a good distance from home!"
