Incorporating new talent into a team often brings unique experiences and diverse playing styles, but finding success on a new squad isn't always easy. These transfers, though, have immediately impacted the first month of the 2024 women's college soccer season.
Here are four standout transfers who are influencing some of that nation's top women's soccer programs:
Note: All team records are through Sept. 17, 2024
Ryan Campbell, UCLA (GK)
The 2023 Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year chose to finish out her graduate studies at UCLA after four seasons at Stanford where she competed in the 2023 Women's College Cup final. The new first-string keeper for the Bruins has tallied six clean sheets so far and is averaging a .830 save percentage.
Ryan Campbell's six saves led the way as the Bruins recorded their sixth shutout in seven games in a 0-0 draw at Tennessee.
— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer)
Recap:
🎥: SECN+ |
Mia Oliaro, Duke (forward/mid)
The Chapel Hill native played her freshman season at North Carolina before making the short move to play for the Blue Devils. Apart from earning kudos for making the bold move between rivalries, Oliaro has earned a starting position in all five of Duke’s wins this season — including their 1-0 home victory over North Carolina — and has tallied a goal and two assists so far.
13' | OFF THE BAR AND IN ‼️‼️‼️
— Duke Women's Soccer (@DukeWSOC)
Mo creates the angle and finds Ella for the finish!
🔵😈 1, 🌽 0 | 📺 B1G+
➡️ MORE: Scores and schedule | Latest rankings
Shelby Sallee, Auburn (forward)
The redshirt junior transferred from Xavier and has been a key contributor to Auburn’s 8-0 shutout record tallying five goals and three assists in her time as a Tiger. Three of those goals have been game-winners. Sallee’s speed and ability to get herself in scoring position will prove useful as the Tigers begin conference play against a tough SEC schedule.
Gotta be quicker than that 😉 |
— Auburn Soccer (@AuburnSoccer)
🔮 Predictions: Teams that could make 2024 Women's College Cup
Emily Matthews, Michigan State (midfielder)
This graduate transfer from Purdue has been on fire in the Spartan midfield, finding the back of the net five times so far. Matthew’s game-winning goal against Ole Miss — her first in the Green &White — handed MSU their first victory (1-0) over an SEC opponent since 2004. The current team leader in goals will play against her alma mater on Oct. 27 in the last Big Ten regular season matchup.
GOAAALLLL MSU!!!
— Michigan State Women's Soccer (@MSU_wsoccer)
Emily Mathews gives MSU the lead with her first goal as a Spartan! Meg Hughes with the assist. 🤩
52:55 | MSU 1, MISS 0