EDINBURG – University of Texas-Pan American women's soccer head coach Glad Bugariu announced on Monday the signing of eight new student-athletes for 2015-16, as well as the addition of two student-athletes who signed to begin practicing with the team last month.
 
The eight new signees include 5-7 forward Diandra Aliaga, 5-3 midfielder Elisa Espino, 5-9 midfielder Anna Felixson, 5-3 midfielder Kelzy Jepsen, 5-7 midfielder Mackenzie McLeod, 5-8 defender Tuva Nilsen, 5-6 forward Meghan Oram, and 5-9 defender Evelynn Powell.
 
The two student-athletes that joined the team in January are 5-11 forward Malia Irvine, and 5-4 McAllen Memorial alum and forward America Martinez.
 
"It is quite obvious this is an impressive class. We don't need to continue to praise it, since the quality of each player speaks for itself," Broncs head coach Glad Bugariu said. "As I have said a number of times, creating a team from the bottom up is a long term project, and the 2015 class represents the second step toward a WAC championship caliber team."
 
Aliaga comes from Klein High School in Spring, where she earned Offensive MVP and First Team All-District honors as a junior after earning Second Team All-District honors as a sophomore. Aliaga plays her club soccer for College Soccer Club, working her way up from their fifth team to their first team, the Challenge 97 ECNL. Off the field, she is a member of National Honor Society.
 
"Diandra is a player that will make a difference from day one. She has been well coached at the youth level and is well prepared for this level," Bugariu said. "She is a player capable of playing beyond college and we are blessed that she has chosen to continue her career here."
 
A native of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, Espino joins the program after playing her first two seasons at Arizona Western College. Last season, she scored seven goals with three assists en route to earning First Team All-Region honors. As a freshman, Espino scored 10 goals with nine assists to earn Second Team All-Region honors. A member of the Summer Arizona Strikes in the USL W-League, Espino registered two assists in 12 matches.
 
"Elisa was a star in the W-League last summer and was also a tremendous player for her community college," Bugariu said. "She is a traditional playmaker, but with a very good work ethic, something not always associated with this type of player. She will be able to change the game when in possession."
 
Originally from Grimsås, Sweden, Felixson joins the program as a graduate student pursuing her Master of Business Administration after attending Halmstad University in her home country. Although she belongs to Westbo United DFF, the team has put her on loan to Snöstorp Nyhem FF over the last few seasons so she could complete her studies. During the 2014 season, she served as the team captain while leading the team in matches played and ranking second in goals scored. She is currently on loan to VGLT.
 
"Anna is an older, experienced player that will bring in needed maturity and further enhance our leadership core," Bugariu said. "She is a demanding player and will hold those around her accountable if they are not meeting our standards and expectations. She is a strong player that will impact our team immediately."
 
Jepsen comes from Wylie High School, for whom she was the MVP Midfielder last season. She led her team in goals in each of the last two seasons while leading her team to the regional quarterfinals. She earned Academic All-District honors as a freshman and as a sophomore. Jepsen plays her club soccer for Club Sting 97, helping the team to the USYSA Region III Southern League Championship, the North Texas State Championship, the LHCCL Division I Championship, and a spot in the USYSA National League.
 
"Kelzy is a technical player who is comfortable in various positions in a wide array of systems," Bugariu said. "A calm player, she can dictate the rhythm of the game and can also score the occasional goal. We saw Kelzy play a few times, but it was her performance at our summer Elite Camp that convinced us to sign her."
 
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, McLeod received two awards last year for participation and contribution to soccer, including success on the field and in the community. She was also a mentor coach for the Vancouver Island Soccer Academy and Upper Island Vancouver Premier League. In 2013, McLeod was invited to play several games with Vancouver Island BC Soccer Premier League team, including the White Caps FC Show Case. She started playing for the Vancouver Island soccer team in 2008, leading them to a fourth place finish in the Columbia Summer Games. They won the district championships five years in a row, including a victory at provincials in 2009 and a fourth place finish in 2013.
 
"Mackenzie is an athletic player that can play multiple positions," Bugariu said. "Her versatility is one of the reasons she will make an impact immediately and we are honored that she has decided to continue her academic and athletic career here."
 
Originally from Norway, Nilsen started playing soccer at the age of six, playing with the boys for her first three years before joining a girls team known as Akershus with players one year older than her, for whom she was a two-year captain. At the age of 16, Nilsen again started playing with boys, serving as team captain for two years. Since then, Nilsen has been playing as a regular starter in senior soccer for Kongsvinger Ladies. She earned Player of the Year honors in 2012 and was one of the top three rated players in 2014.
 
"We added a tremendous international player when we signed Tuva," Bugariu said. "It is important that we sign international players that can come in and contribute from the first day and we feel strongly that Tuva will be able to impress starting with her first day on campus."
 
Oram joins the program from National Sport School in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where she competes in the Under 18 Tier I Youth and Women's Major Leagues. She has played club soccer with for U18 FC Girls (Foothills), NWU women's and Alberta Team, while also taking part in the Canada Summer Games.
 
"Meghan is a typical off the shoulder type striker with excellent speed and finishing ability. She will score goals at the NCAA DI level, it is as simple as that," Bugariu said. "Every team needs a player that can score goals with a minimum number of chances and Meghan certainly has an incredible goal scoring record at high levels of play."
 
Powell comes to the program from Harford Community College, where, as a sophomore, she led her team to a 15-4-1 record and the conference and regional championships. She was a member of the postseason all-tournament team in each of her two seasons. Before college, Powell played in the Northern Maryland Soccer League, serving as team captain for two years. She also competed in swimming and softball.
 
"Evelynn is a very experienced player who has had great success with one of the best junior college teams in the country," Bugariu said. "Athletic and versatile, she is a multi-functional player that will help tremendously."
 
Irvine joined the Broncs in the spring for her first semester in college. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Irvine played in the Vancouver Islands Premier League, where he was the top scorer in 2010. She led her team to Provincial Championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Irvine was the MVP of the high school Provincial Tournament as a senior and a three-time High School Athlete of the Year. Additionally, she participated in four sports, including soccer, basketball, field hockey and track & field.
 
"Malia is a player that will be a threat to every opponent we play," Bugariu said. "Her speed, athleticism and height will make her difficult to handle, plus she has very good technique and a proven goal scoring record. It will be nearly impossible to stop her."
 
The 2014 RGVSports.com All-Valley Girls Soccer Most Valuable Player, Martinez scored 37 goals, 30 of which came in District 31-5A play, to lead the Mustangs to the Class 5A regional semifinals, the farthest the program has ever advanced. Martinez graduated from McAllen Memorial in December so she could start practicing with the Broncs this spring.
 
"America is a goal scoring legend in the Rio Grande Valley," Bugariu said. "A pure finisher, she hits the target with nearly every shot. Additionally, she has a great academic background and is a role model for all players from our region."

Support UTPA Women's Soccer | Become a Fan on Facebook | Follow the Broncs on Twitter | Follow the Broncs on Instagram | Follow the Broncs on YouTube