KOKOMO, Ind. - The Indiana University Kokomo women's soccer program has announced its 2026 recruiting class, a group that features 13 student-athletes who will join the Cougar program this fall.
The Cougar women's soccer program is coming off another successful season in 2025, continuing its rise as one of the top programs in the River States Conference. IU Kokomo finished with an overall record of 10-5-4 and posted a 7-1-2 mark in River States Conference play, advancing to the conference tournament and building on the program's recent success.
The Cougars will look to build on that momentum as they welcome a talented incoming class to campus. The newest additions bring a combination of skill, experience, and potential that will help strengthen the program both immediately and in the years ahead.
Head coach Sohaila Akhavein enters her sixth season at the helm of the program in 2026 and, alongside assistant coach Mia Moody and goalkeeper coach Austin Hensley, is excited to welcome another talented group of student-athletes to the Cougar Soccer family.
2026 Recruiting Class:
Natalia Alvarez | Lafayette, Ind. | Lafayette Jefferson HS
Natalia Alvarez is set to join the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall after graduating from Lafayette Jefferson High School. A native of Lafayette, Indiana, Alvarez was a four-year varsity soccer player for the Bronchos and developed her game under the guidance of a former IU Kokomo women's soccer alum. Throughout her prep career, she earned All-North Central Conference (All-NCC) recognition while also receiving the Golden Broncho Award and Heart of the Bronco Award, highlighting both her performance and leadership within the program. Alvarez was also recognized for her academic and athletic excellence as a recipient of the Doc Hagen Team First Award Scholarship.
Alvarez plans to major in Elementary Education at IU Kokomo.
Madison Balf | Fort Wayne, Ind. | Homestead HS / Siena Heights University
Madison Balf joins the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall after spending her freshman season at Siena Heights University. A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Balf graduated from Homestead High School, where she was a four-year varsity soccer player for the Spartans. During her prep career, she helped lead Homestead to an undefeated season and IHSAA state championship in 2021 while earning Second Team All-District honors. She also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-State recognition while being a member of the National Honor Society and Honor Roll. At Siena Heights, Balf made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) Newcomer Team during her first collegiate season.
Balf plans to major in Biology with a minor in Psychology at IU Kokomo.
Sonia Castro | Lafayette, Ind. | Lafayette Jefferson HS
Sonia Castro is set to join the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall after graduating from Lafayette Jefferson High School. A native of Lafayette, Indiana, Castro was a three-year varsity soccer player for the Bronchos and served as a team captain during her junior season. Throughout her prep career, she developed her game under the guidance of former IU Kokomo women's soccer standout Cassie Dispennett, who coached at Lafayette Jefferson. Castro chose IU Kokomo because of the welcoming atmosphere and family dynamic within the women's soccer program, qualities that made Kokomo feel like the right fit for her collegiate experience.
Castro plans to pursue a degree in Pre-Medical Imaging Technology at IU Kokomo.
Liz Godfrey | Converse, Ind. | Oak Hill HS / Earlham College
Liz Godfrey joins the IU Kokomo women's soccer program after spending time at Earlham College. A native of Converse, Indiana, Godfrey graduated from Oak Hill High School, where she was a four-year varsity athlete in soccer, basketball, and softball. On the soccer field, she earned First Team All-Conference honors while helping lead the Eagles throughout her prep career. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, demonstrating excellence both in athletics and academics. At Earlham, Godfrey made an immediate impact during her collegiate career, earning Newcomer of the Year honors.
Godfrey plans to major in Elementary Education at IU Kokomo.
Aubree Jarrells | Muncie, Ind. | Delta HS
Aubree Jarrells is set to join the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall after graduating from Delta High School. A native of Muncie, Indiana, Jarrells was a three-year varsity soccer player for the Eagles and helped lead her team to sectional and regional championships during her prep career. She also excelled in the classroom, graduating as an Honor Roll student. Jarrells is excited to continue her academic and athletic career at IU Kokomo while contributing to the success of the Cougar women's soccer program.
Jarrells plans to major in Early Elementary Education at IU Kokomo.
Grace Jarrells | Muncie, Ind. | Delta HS
Grace Jarrells is set to join the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall after graduating from Delta High School. A native of Muncie, Indiana, Jarrells was a four-year varsity soccer player for the Eagles and established herself as one of the top players in the area during her prep career. She earned All-Conference honors twice and was named Third Team All-State while helping lead Delta to success on the pitch. Jarrells also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-State honors twice and Academic All-Conference recognition. She was a member of the National Honor Society and consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence throughout her high school career.
Jarrells plans to major in Biology at IU Kokomo.
Elizabeth Posner | Andover, Minn. | Andover High School
Elizabeth Posner is set to join the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall as part of the incoming recruiting class. A native of Andover, Minnesota, Posner attended Andover High School, where she was a four-year varsity soccer player for the Huskies. In addition to her athletic career, Posner excelled in the classroom and school community. She was a member of the National Honor Society, graduated with Highest Honors, and served as Vice President of HOSA, demonstrating strong leadership both academically and in extracurricular activities.
Posner will continue her collegiate career at IU Kokomo, where she plans to major in Biology.
Patience Rowles | Kokomo, Ind. | Kokomo HSPatience Rowles is set to join the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall after graduating from Kokomo High School. A native of Kokomo, Indiana, Rowles was a three-year varsity soccer player and a four-year varsity track and field athlete for the Wildkats. She demonstrated leadership throughout her high school career, serving as a team captain for both the soccer and track and field programs. Rowles excelled both on the field and in the classroom, earning recognition on the North Central Conference All-Academic Team. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and received the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence for her achievements as a student-athlete.
Rowles plans to major in Business Management at IU Kokomo.
Kaylie Sharman | Fairfield, Ohio | Fairfield HS
Kaylie Sharman is set to join the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall after graduating from Fairfield High School. A native of Fairfield, Ohio, Sharman was a four-year soccer letterwinner for the Indians and helped lead her team to a district semifinal appearance during her prep career. She consistently contributed on the field throughout her high school years while helping her program compete at a high level. Sharman also excelled in the classroom as an Honor Roll student and chose IU Kokomo because of the welcoming atmosphere and overall campus environment.
Sharman plans to major in Nursing at IU Kokomo.
Mackenzie Stroud | Fairfield, Ohio | Fairfield HS
Mackenzie Stroud is set to join the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall after graduating from Fairfield High School. A native of Fairfield, Ohio, Stroud was a four-year soccer letterwinner for the Indians and contributed throughout her high school career as a consistent presence for her program. Stroud also excelled in the classroom as an Honor Roll student and chose IU Kokomo because the campus environment and program made it feel like home.
Stroud plans to major in Radiography at IU Kokomo.
Kaitlyn Swartzendruber | Bristol, Ind. | St. Joseph HS
Kaitlyn Swartzendruber is set to join the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall after graduating from St. Joseph High School. A native of Bristol, Indiana, Swartzendruber was a four-year varsity soccer letterwinner for the Indians and established herself as one of the top players in her conference during her prep career. She helped lead her team to a sectional championship and earned multiple individual honors, including being named Second Team All-State twice and earning All-NLC recognition three times. Swartzendruber also excelled in the classroom as a two-time Scholar Athlete and will continue her academic and athletic career at IU Kokomo.
Swartzendruber plans to major in Nursing at IU Kokomo.
Cloey Thomas | Noblesville, Ind. | Noblesville HS
Cloey Thomas is set to join the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall after graduating from Noblesville High School. A native of Noblesville, Indiana, Thomas was a two-year varsity soccer letterwinner for the Millers and contributed to her program throughout her prep career. She balanced her athletic involvement with strong academic and extracurricular achievement, earning recognition as an Academic Honors graduate. Thomas was also awarded the Miller Merit Award and was named NHS Broadcast Writer of the Year, highlighting her excellence beyond the soccer field.
Thomas plans to major in Elementary Education at IU Kokomo.
Addison Weyer | Ferdinand, Ind. | Forest Park HS / Wabash Valley College
Addison Weyer is set to join the IU Kokomo women's soccer program this fall after transferring from Wabash Valley College. A native of Ferdinand, Indiana, Weyer graduated from Forest Park High School, where she was a four-year varsity soccer letterwinner for the Rangers. During her prep career, she served as a team captain and earned First Team All-Conference honors, establishing herself as a consistent leader on and off the field.
Weyer will continue her collegiate career at IU Kokomo, where she plans to major in Sports Management.
