CINCINNATI —The University of Cincinnati women’s soccer head coachErica Demers announced her first signing class. The Bearcats added eight elite high school prospects to the 2024 roster.
“Our staff is incredibly excited to bring this first class to UC,” Demers said. “Through this process, we truly spent time understanding and learning the character of this group of young women. This freshmen class understands and is ready to be challenged to help this program take the next step forward as we continue to grow our culture and team.”
The Bearcats added three defenders, two goalkeepers, two forwards and one midfielder. Get to know the eight new additions below:
JADA ARTHURS – Forward, Brantford, Ontario
Jada Arthurs isnative of Brantford, Ontario. She played for Rush Canada Soccer Academy in the Ontario Provincial Development League. She was top 10 goal scorer in the OPDL for three years and was invited to both NDC and Provincial Xcel program combines.
“I committed because as soon as I arrived on campus, the coaches made me feel welcomed and cared for. From that day, I knew I wanted to be part of the University of Cincinnati women’s soccer team! Since committing, I have been asking myself these major questions, ‘What will it be like to play in the Big 12? What impact will I make on the field?’ The answer I came up with is to work hard day after day so I can be my best both physically and mentally. I am going to work harder than I ever have to reach my vision and accomplish my goals. My discipline, perseverance, and work ethic are qualities that will assist me during training and games.”
ANNA BARBER – Midfielder, Raleigh, N.C.
Anna Barber comes to the Queen City from Raleigh, N.C. She is a NCFC Shield Award winner as well as a Stats Sports Player of the Month honoree.
“I committed to Cincinnati because of the positivity and talent of the coaching staff, who will help me further develop as a player in the Big 12. Their vision is to be a possession-based team with every player attacking and defending. Over the course of the season, it was exciting to see the team’s playing style evolve under the leadership of Coach Erica, Coach John and Coach Rachael.”
AMBER BRANDON- Goalkeeper, Louisville, Ky.
Amber Brandon is a native of Louisville, Ky., who played for Racing Louisville ECNL. She was a member of Racing Louisville’s Senior Women’s League team. KHSAA Second Team All-State honoree last season playing for Paul Dunbar High School. She also earned 2023 Lexington All-City Girls honors for her play last year.
“I committed to the University of Cincinnati because of the coaches’ commitment to player development and growth while enhancing the overall direction of the program. Watching games all season, it’s been amazing to see the coaches’ vision surface. Watching the team fight and compete their way through their first season in the conference, I can’t wait to get on campus and get started!”
RYLIE FELTON – Forward, Milford, Mich.
A four-year starting forward at Milford High School in Milford, Mich also played for Michigan Hawks ECNL. She is a three-time OPD (Michigan) State team member and was the Hawks leading scorer in 2022. Earned Lake Valley All-District First Team honors and Milford High School Academic Honors Award last year.
“I knew within minutes of my first contact with Coach Erica that my decision to be a Bearcat was absolutely the right opportunity for me. Her experience and winning record at UAB and previous schools spoke volumes, but it was the way she described to me her coaching style and how important it was to get to know each other as people. She saw me at many different events I was playing in and took the time to watch how I played, provided amazing feedback and encouragement, and opened up the path to begin to develop a relationship. I’m very happy to be a Bearcat!”
KATE HELFEN – Goalkeeper, Troy, Mich.
A native of Troy, Mich., she attended Troy High School and also played for Liverpool FC IA Michigan ENCL. A decorated high school player who earned Michigan All-State Third Team honors as well as collecting All-District and All-Regional teams honors twice in her career. She also earned ECNL Midwest All-Conference U17 First Team honors. On the academic side, she was a three-time Academic Scholar Award winner at Troy for having a 4.0 G.P.A.
“I committed because I know potential when I see it. I know what this team can be. The emphasis on commitment to excellence both on and off the field, a strong team culture, and the pure passion and grit when it comes to playing style, is what will lead this team to success. Since my initial commitment, I have watched the team lay out a great starting point this season. They put our name out and let everyone know that we are here, and aren’t planning on leaving anytime soon. I’m excited to be a part of that. The potential of this team has only grown since I committed, now it’s time to just keep climbing and see what we can really do.”
CLARA LOVE – Defender, Holladay, Utah
A native of Holladay, Utah, she played for Skyline High School as well as Utah Avalanche ECNL. Helped Skyline High School claim back-to-back Utah 5A State Championships and also earned Utah First Team All-State honors during both championship runs. She was also named Utah Academic All-State team this past season as well.
“When I came in and first met the coaches, they were new to the school and I am lucky enough to be a part of their first recruiting class. I quickly learned about the vision for the team and am excited about how my defensive skill sets will contribute. Having watched UC play their first year in the Big 12 and the amazing things they accomplished in the season and the tournament, it’s evident that the Bearcats can see that vision and I’m excited to keep building on it.”
CARLY OUBS – Defender, Roswell, Ga.
A native of Roswell, Ga., who played for Pope High School and GSA 06 ECNL. Come to Cincinnati as a two-time GHSA First Team All-Region as well as earning Second Team All-State honors last season. She was captain of both her high school and club teams. She is also a two-time ECNL All-Southeast Conference honoree.
“I committed because of this team and because I saw how dedicated the coaches and players are towards constantly improving and working to fulfill their vision. Watching this team and their development throughout the year has been so inspiring as I see their hard work paying off and the vision quickly building. The improvements that came in only one season excite me for my future as a Bearcat!”
OLIVIA STONE – Defender, North Wales, Pa.
A native of North Wales, Pa. who attended North Penn High School. Team captain for her club team, Philadelphia Ukrainian nationals, in the Girls Academy league She was also a GA mid-Atlantic ID clinic, ODP eastern PA, ODP regional pool and international trip invitee.
“I committed to Cincinnati after spending months talking to and visiting schools of various sizes and locations, but never quite finding the right fit.When I stepped foot on the UC campus I knew I had found my next home. The coaching staff was so welcoming, and I really could see myself being part of their vision to take Cincinnati to the next level in the Big 12.Since I committed, I have been watching a lot of games on ESPN+ and I have seen so much growth in the team, how they work together and buy in, all 11 defending, all 11 working as one unit.I’m so excited to be part of Erica, Rachael and John’s vision to move Cincinnati forward as a force within the Big 12.”
