BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington University head women's soccer coach Travis Connell has announced the addition of five players to the program who signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Vikings beginning in the 2023 season.

 

The class features four players from the state of Washington and one from Oregon and includes two defenders, one midfielder, one forward and a versatile player that can contribute in a number of positions.

 

"This group of individuals is ready and willing to step right into our team and make a difference from day one," said WWU head coach Travis Connell. "They all come from great club and high school programs with experienced coaches that have helped them elevate their game and where they have gained valuable experience competing for championships."

 

Here is a look WWU's five signees, with more players expected to join the recruiting class that will debut on the field during the fall 2023 season.

 

 

Cairns is a midfielder that hails from Skyline High School and is a product of the Eastside FC ECNL program. She was recently selected KingCO 4A All-Conference First Team. During her prep career she tied the Skyline program single-season record with 13 assists and was a four-year letterwinner. On the ECNL circuit she helped Eastside FC to a Surf Cup Championship in 2022 and participated in the national ECNL playoffs in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, her Eastside FC ECNL team won Pacific Division titles in 2020-21 and 2021-22. 

 

Connell on Cairns:

"Mia is a treat to watch. She processes the game so quick that she seems to be one play ahead of her opponents. She is clean on the ball, great in the air, able to defend two players at once and impacts the game in so many different ways."

 

Cairns on joining the WWU program:

"I am beyond excited to play at Western. It is a great fit for me both athletically and academically. I am incredibly excited to get started on this new chapter."

Connell is a center back out of Woodinville High School and Seattle United. She has been a four-year varsity athlete at Woodinville HS and was selected to the KingCO 4A First Team this fall. On the club circuit with Seattle United she was on the 2019 and 2020 Washington EPD travel roster and participated in the 2021 ODP West Region IV camp coached by Brandi Chastain. No relation to WWU head coach Travis Connell.

 

Connell on Connell:

"Olivia is a rock at the back. She has the ability to be a lock down defender and is great in the air. She reads the game and communicates at a high level making her teammates around her better."

 

Connell on joining the WWU program:

"I am so excited to have the opportunity to play for Western and fulfill my dream of playing college soccer. The incredible Coaching staff and players really stood out to me and I cannot wait to be a part of such a successful program. Go Viks!"

Fojo is a forward and winger that played at Skyline High School and for Eastside FC. She was part of both the ODP and EDP program in 2021-22, and was listed as the most skilled in 2020-21. With Eastside FC she helped her team to a championship at the 2022 Surf Cup in San Diego.

 

Connell on Fojo:

"Emily is a dynamic attacking player that uses a blend of speed and technical skill to create goal scoring chances for herself and her teammates. Her tireless work on defense will cause so many problems for opposing teams."

 

Fojo on joining the WWU program:

"I am extremely excited to get the opportunity to play at Western on such an incredible team. I can't wait to play with highly skilled players and work with such an amazing coaching staff. GO VIKS!"

May is a midfielder and defender out of Issaquah High School and PacNW Soccer Club. May played for the PacNW 04/05 ECNL team and was a co-captain for her high school squad as a senior. On the field she was a Second Team All-KingCO selection as a junior in 2021. As standout student-athlete May was part of the National Junior Honor Society and a Scholar Athlete. Her older sister, Abby, plays on the WWU volleyball team.

 

Connell on May:

"Ruby is a versatile player that uses a high soccer IQ and athleticism to read the game and make the appropriate play. She is a four-way player that can find advantages in the attack, on defense, in transition and on restarts."

 

May on joining the WWU program:

"I can't wait to be part of the team because of the amazing team culture, high level of soccer, and a strong support system. Excited for the next four years as a Viking!"

Hmura is a versatile defender and winger that prepped at Sunset High School in Portland and was part of the Portland Thorns Academy ECNL team. She was a four-year letter winner for her high school program, earning All-Metro second-team honors. Hmura is also a standout student-athlete earning All-Metro academic honors throughout her high school career.

 

Connell on Hmura:

"Jane is a competitor. She pours everything she has into her performances, inspiring her teammates and getting under the skin of her opponents. She has a well-rounded skill set that enables her to play multiple positions and contribute to the game on offense and defense."

 

Hmura on joining the WWU program:

"I am beyond excited that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Western Washington University. Bellingham is such a wonderful college town and the campus is beautiful. The soccer team is outstanding, it's an honor to be part of such a highly-ranked program.The coaches and team environment were so welcoming and it just felt like the perfect fit. Go Viks!"