Carolina Women’s Soccer 2026 Newcomers
Article by: Jeff Blackwood
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Coach Damon Nahas and staff brought in TopDrawerSoccer’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class for 2026. Despite losing several players to the professional soccer ranks and a couple of players recently to season-ending injuries, Carolina does not rebuild, it just reloads. This new group is very talented and will have a chance to contribute right away.
In addition to the top-ranked freshman recruiting class, Carolina also brought in three transfers for this season. TopDrawerSoccer ranks this transfer class No. 4 nationally. It addresses three key needs with experienced, proven players.
Meet the Freshman
Scottie Antonucci | Midfielder
RanchoCucamonga, CA | Etiwanda | Legends FC
Scottie Antonucci arrives at Carolina as one of the top midfield prospects in the country and a key part of the Tar Heels’ highly regarded 2026 recruiting class. The Rancho Cucamonga, California, native developed her game at Etiwanda High School and with Legends FC, where she consistently stood out in ECNL play. Her performances earned her ECNL Southwest Player of the Year honors twice, along with three ECNL All-America selections.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Antonucci also brings valuable international experience, having spent time with the U.S. Youth National Team program. She helped the United States secure a bronze medal at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and later earned a place on the 2025 U.S. U-17 World Cup roster. Her international experience against many of the world’s best young players has prepared her for college soccer at the highest level.
Sealey Strawn | Forward
Prosper, TX | Ignite Christian Academy | Dallas Trinity FC
Sealey Strawn joins the Tar Heels after establishing herself as one of the nation’s top attacking players in the 2026 class. The Prosper, Texas, native starred at Prosper High School and for Solar SC, one of the country’s premier ECNL clubs. Along the way, she helped Solar capture multiple ECNL national titles while earning All-America recognition and building a reputation as one of the most dangerous forwards in the country.
She quickly made an impact, earning the league’s 2024-25 Young Player of the Year award after an impressive debut season against veteran competition. She has all the tools to make an early impact in Chapel Hill.
Cali O’Neill | Defender
Durham, NC | Seaforth | NC Courage
Cali O’Neill gives Carolina another highly accomplished player from one of the nation’s strongest recruiting classes. The Durham, North Carolina, native developed at Seaforth High School and with the NC Courage, where she earned a reputation as a composed, dependable defender capable of matching up with some of the country’s top attacking talent. Her steady play and versatility made her one of the top defensive recruits in the 2026 class.
International competition has been a regular part of O’Neill’s development. She represented the United States at the youth national team level, helping the U.S. win the UEFA Friendship Tournament before competing in both the Concacaf U-17 Championship and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. She also gained valuable experience playing for the NC Courage U-23 USL W League team and competed in the 2025 TST 7v7 tournament. Her skills should allow her to adapt quickly to Carolina’s up-tempo style as she works her way into a talented defensive group.
Deus Stanislaus | Midfielder
Fort Washington, PA | Pennwood Cyber Charter | PDA
Deus Stanislaus brings an impressive blend of experience and polish to Carolina’s midfield. The Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, native developed with Players Development Academy (PDA), one of the country’s top youth clubs, and attended Pennwood Cyber Charter School. Along the way, she helped PDA win an ECNL national championship, collected U-15 ECNL North Atlantic Conference Player of the Year honors, and twice earned ECNL All-America recognition.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Few freshmen arrive with the level of international experience Stanislaus has already accumulated. She represented the United States at the Concacaf U-15 Championship, helping the Americans claim the title, and later continued her progression with the U.S. U-17 National Team. Competing in those environments gave her the chance to measure herself against many of the best young players in the game while continuing to grow as a midfielder.
Amari Manning | Forward
Flemington, NJ | Immaculata | PDA
Amari Manning arrives in Chapel Hill with a strong track record of success against some of the top competition in the country. The Flemington, New Jersey, native developed with Players Development Academy (PDA), one of the nation’s premier youth clubs, where she helped capture a U-14 ECNL National Championship and a U-15 Nike Premier Cup title while also reaching the U-13 ECNL National Final. Her combination of pace, skill and attacking instincts made her one of the top forwards in the 2026 recruiting class.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Manning has also gained valuable experience on the international stage. She was a member of the U.S. Under-15 Youth National Team that won the Concacaf Championship, giving her the opportunity to compete alongside and against many of the country’s best young players. That experience, combined with years of success at the club level, has prepared her well.
Peyton Trayer | Goalkeeper
Aliso Viejo, CA | Santa Margarita Catholic | Slammers FC HB Køge
Peyton Trayer comes to Carolina as a goalkeeper with plenty of high-level experience already under her belt. The Aliso Viejo, California, native developed at Slammers FC HB Køge, one of the country’s top club programs, where she helped win the 2021 ECNL National Championship and earned two ECNL Southwest All-Conference honors. At Santa Margarita Catholic High School, she quickly became one of the top keepers in California, picking up CIF Player of the Year honors in 2023 and League Defensive MVP in 2024. She also played a key role in leading her team to two CIF championships and two SoCal State titles.
*Photo Courtesy of Athletics Threads
On the international stage, Trayer has already tested herself against some of the best young players in the world. She has represented the United States at both the Concacaf U-17 Championship and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, gaining valuable experience in high-pressure matches. Those moments, along with everything she’s accomplished at the club and high school levels, have helped prepare her to compete at this level.
Ella Martinez | Midfielder/Forward
Marietta, GA | Carolina Ascent
Ella Martinez arrives in Chapel Hill with a résumé that already looks more like a veteran’s than a freshman’s. The Marietta, Georgia, native has played professionally with Carolina Ascent in the USL Super League and represented both the United States and Colombia at the youth international level. She came through the U.S. U-15 and U-16 national team programs before joining Colombia, helping the team reach the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2024 and 2025, where she earned Player of the Match honors in the 2025 tournament.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
That experience is rare for a college newcomer. Competing in the USL Super League and against top international opponents has sharpened her game. She has already shown the ability to handle both midfield and attacking roles while staying composed under pressure and adjusting quickly to the pace of high-level matches.
Samantha Rich | Forward
Orinda, CA | Miramonte | Lamorinda SC
Samantha Rich comes to Carolina after establishing herself as one of Northern California’s top attacking prospects. The Orinda, California, native starred for Lamorinda SC while attending Miramonte High School, helping her club capture four Northwest Girls Academy Conference championships. Rich also earned four Northwest Girls Academy Talent ID selections and gained valuable experience through multiple U.S. Under-15 and Under-17 Youth National Team training camps and friendlies, competing alongside many of the nation’s top young players.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Rich has consistently developed against elite competition throughout her youth career. Her time with Lamorinda SC and the U.S. Youth National Team program has sharpened her attacking instincts and prepared her for the demands of college soccer. Facing high-level opponents on a regular basis has helped her grow into a confident forward capable of creating chances in a variety of ways.
Maggie Currie | Midfielder/Forward
San Jose, CA | Leigh | MVLA
Maggie Currie comes to Carolina after building an impressive résumé on the West Coast. A native of San Jose, California, she played her club soccer for MVLA and starred at Leigh High School, where she earned Blossom Valley Athletic League Freshman of the Year, Sophomore of the Year, and MVP honors. She also picked up ECNL Northern California All-Conference recognition, cementing her status as one of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Currie has also spent time in the U.S. Youth National Team program, gaining experience with the U.S. Under-17 squad against many of the best young players in the country and abroad. Those opportunities, along with her success at the club level, make for a player who is ready to compete from day one. However, Maggie announced in mid-July that she tore her ACL for the second time and will miss this season while recovering.
Leah Kuklick | Forward
Wake Forest, NC | Heritage | NC Courage
Leah Kuklick arrives at Carolina after establishing herself as one of the top players in North Carolina and one of the state’s premier forwards in the 2026 recruiting class. The Wake Forest, N.C., native developed with NC Courage ECNL, where she helped the club capture the 2024 USL W League championship and reach the league final again in 2025. Along the way, she earned ECNL Mid-Atlantic First Team All-Conference honors and received the North Carolina Football Club Shield Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions on and off the field.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Kuklick has also gained valuable experience training with the NC Courage first team, giving her the opportunity to learn in a professional environment alongside some of the game’s top players. Those experiences, combined with her success at the club level against elite competition, have helped shape a dynamic attacking player who arrives in Chapel Hill prepared to make the transition to college soccer.
Chloe Shroff | Defender
Myrtle Beach, SC | Vines and Branches | Wilmington Hammerheads FC
Chloe Shroff comes to Chapel Hill after developing into one of the top defenders in the Carolinas through her success with Wilmington Hammerheads FC. A native of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Shroff attended Vines and Branches and helped her club capture the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Conference championship. Her steady defensive play, composure on the ball, and consistency against high-level competition made her an attractive addition to one of the nation’s top recruiting classes.
Photo Courtesy of Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC | FacebookShroff’s path to Carolina has been built on steady growth and strong fundamentals. Competing with Wilmington Hammerheads gave her the opportunity to face elite attackers on a regular basis while developing into a reliable one-on-one defender who can also contribute in possession. Those experiences have prepared her well for the jump to the college game.
Wylie Roossien | Forward
Nahant, MA | Phillips Academy | FC Stars of Massachusetts
Wylie Roossien arrives at Carolina after putting together an impressive career against some of the best competition in the Northeast. A native of Nahant, Massachusetts, she starred at Phillips Academy while playing her club soccer for FC Stars of Massachusetts, one of the nation’s premier ECNL programs. Along the way, she helped FC Stars reach the ECNL National Semifinals and earned both United Soccer All-State and First Team All-America honors, establishing herself as one of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class.
Photo Courtesy of FC Stars
Roossien’s success has come from years of competing at a high level. Playing in the ECNL gave her regular opportunities to test herself against elite defenders while continuing to develop into a dangerous attacking player. That experience, along with her standout career at Phillips Academy, has helped prepare her for the pace and physicality of college soccer.
Meet the Transfers
Lilliah Blum | Forward/Midfielder | Senior
Verona, WI | Utah
Lilliah Blum gives Carolina an experienced midfielder who has already proven herself at the college level. The Verona, Wisconsin, native spent the previous three seasons at Utah, where she made 57 appearances and 55 starts while totaling seven goals and nine assists. She led the Utes with four goals during the 2025 season, including the game-winning strike against NC State, showcasing her ability to make an impact in big moments.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Before beginning her college career, Blum starred at Verona Area High School and FC Wisconsin. She earned All-Conference, All-State, and United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors while also being selected to the ECNL Midwest Conference First Team and participating in ECNL national camps.
Summer Denigan | Midfielder | Graduate
Union, KY | Georgia
Summer Denigan gives Carolina one of the most accomplished transfers in this year's portal. The Union, Kentucky, native spent four seasons at Georgia, where she established herself as one of the SEC's premier midfielders. Over her career, Denigan made more than 70 appearances for the Bulldogs and developed into one of the nation's top attacking players. She earned First Team All-America honors from United Soccer Coaches, was a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, and received First Team All-SEC recognition after leading Georgia in goals, points, shots, and shots on goal during her standout 2024 campaign.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Before beginning her college career, Denigan starred at Larry A. Ryle High School and Kings Hammer FC, where she emerged as one of the country's top recruits. She earned multiple All-America honors, represented the United States at the U-15 and U-17 levels, and also competed with the U.S. Youth Futsal National Team. Denigan has been named to the 2026 United Soccer Coaches MAC Hermann Trophy Midfielders Watch List. She is ranked No. 4 on the TopDrawerSoccer Women’s College Preseason Top 100 Players list.
Izzi Stratton | Defender | Senior
Alpine, UT | BYU
Izzi Stratton gives Carolina an experienced defender who has already proven herself at one of the nation’s top programs. The Alpine, Utah, native spent the previous three seasons at BYU, where she appeared in 68 matches and made 66 starts while helping the Cougars reach the 2024 College Cup. Stratton earned NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team honors during that run. She followed it with an outstanding junior season in 2025, collecting Second Team All-Big 12, Second Team All-Midwest Region, and Big 12 All-Tournament recognition after anchoring one of the conference’s top defenses. Stratton has been named to the 2026 United Soccer Coaches MAC Hermann Trophy Defenders Watch List. She is ranked No. 24 on the TopDrawerSoccer Women’s College Preseason Top 100 Players list.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Before beginning her college career, Stratton starred at American Heritage School and Utah Avalanche, where she established herself as one of the nation’s top defensive recruits. She was ranked among TopDrawerSoccer’s Top 75 players nationally, earned ECNL Northwest First Team All-Conference honors, and competed in the ECNL National Selection Game.
Final Thoughts
Carolina enters the 2026 season with a newcomer class that brings both immediate impact and long-term potential. The Tar Heels added one of the nation’s best freshman classes, filled with players who have competed at the highest levels of club and international soccer, while also bringing in three experienced transfers who have already proven themselves in the college game.
For Damon Nahas and his staff, the challenge will be finding the right roles for all of that talent. Players like Summer Denigan and Izzi Stratton should have an opportunity to make an immediate impact, while several freshmen have the experience and ability to push for meaningful minutes from day one. With a roster this deep and talented, competition for playing time should be intense throughout the season.
There will inevitably be an adjustment period as so many new pieces are worked into the lineup, especially after the offseason departures and injuries Carolina has faced. But if this group develops as expected, the Tar Heels may not have to wait long for the next wave of contributors to emerge. Carolina has once again reloaded its roster with the type of talent capable of keeping the program among the best in the country.