UC Santa Cruz women's soccer head coach Lauren Nadler recently announced the incoming recruits for the Class of 2025. This recruiting year was like no other as Covid-19 halted in-person recruiting. Despite the challenges, these eight talented newcomers are expected to make an immediate impact as the team looks to defend their 2019 ACAA Conference title in the now-rebranded and bolstered Coast to Coast Conference. Get to know the new Banana Slugs as we highlight each new player.   
 

	Payton Cichowski Position: Forward High School: Cleveland High School Club: LA Breakers ECNL  2021 CIF Division I Finalists 2019 CIF Division I Semifinalist 2018 Cal South PRO+ ODP Player Pool
Why did you choose to attend UC Santa Cruz? "I decided to attend...because of the strong sense of inclusivity and emphasis on social justice. With both the forest and beach so near, I was also drawn to the beautiful campus and location. I believe that UCSC will support me in becoming a better advocate for change while giving me the space to have fun and be a part of a great soccer program."

 

	Rainie Dabbs Position: Forward High School: South Medford High School  Club: Rogue Valley Timbers 2021 Southwest Oregon Conference Player of the Year  2021 All-SOC First team 2021 led high school team with 9 goals and 7 assists 2019 All-SOC Second Team
Why did you choose to attend UC Santa Cruz? "I've decided to attend UC Santa Cruz because of the beautiful campus and location. It is an opportunity to play college soccer at a school that will allow me to pursue my educational dreams."

 

	Dana DePiero Position: Midfielder High School: Pingree School  Club: NEFC 2020 Pingree School Captain 2019 National Cup Champion 2017 - 2019 MA State Cup Champion 2018 National Cup Finalist
Why did you choose to attend UC Santa Cruz? "I chose UC Santa Cruz because of the impressive Marine Biology program. I also really like the unique campus location [that is] next to the beach and the forest."

 

	Emily De Los Santos Position: Defender High School: Culver City High School Club: LA Breakers ECNL 2019-20 All-SCA First Team 2019 CIF Division III Runner-Up 2017 and 2018 high school leading scorer 2017 and 2018 First team All-Ocean League 2017 and 2018 League Champion
Why did you choose to attend UC Santa Cruz? "I am attending UC Santa Cruz because of the beautiful location, the academics, and the athletics. I believe it's going to be the perfect balance for me [over] the next four years."

 

	Bronwyn Eyre Position: Midfielder High School: San Dieguito Academy Club: DMCV Sharks ECNL 2021 CIF San Diego Section Quarterfinalist 2019-20 San Diego Union Tribune All-Academic Team
Why did you choose to attend UC Santa Cruz?" It's a school where I can get a great education while still playing the game I love. I think that the campus is absolutely beautiful, and I'm stoked to have the opportunity to study far away from home while still being close to loved ones."

 

	Arianna LePage Position: Forward/Defender High School: Woodbridge High School Club: West Coast FC GA 2017-2019 Member of Philippines Youth National Team 2x Silver Medalist at AFC Qualifying Tournament 2017 FIFA Woman of the Match - Philippines vs. Singapore
Why did you choose to attend UC Santa Cruz? "I loved the campus the second I stepped onto it. I was born in Santa Clara and my family and I would come down to visit Santa Cruz as a kid and I have always loved the area...when I first met a couple of the players on the team and learned more about the program, everything added up to be the perfect fit."

 

	Amanda Scott Position: Midfielder High School: Mayfair High School Club: Beach FC GA 2018-19 Suburban League Co-Offensive Player of the Year 2018 U15 US Youth Soccer National Championship 2017-18 Mayfair High School Newcomer of the Year 2017-18 Suburban All-League Second team
Why did you choose to attend UC Santa Cruz? "I have decided to attend UC Santa Cruz for many reasons. Not only is the campus absolutely amazing, but it also has great academic and research programs that will allow me the opportunity to pursue multiple interests. I'm also very excited to play with a group of strong women who have already achieved impressive [accomplishments] on the pitch. I can't wait to be a slug!"

 

	Ana Villa Position: Midfielder High School: Gabrielino High School Club: LA Surf 2019-20 Division VI All CIF Team 2019-20 Division V Region and CIF Division VI Champion 2017-18 High School Division V Champion
Why did you choose to attend UC Santa Cruz? "At UC Santa Cruz, I can advance as an athlete and further my academic dream of robotic engineering."