HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i head women's soccer coach Michele Nagamine announced the program's 2016 recruiting class with five players committing to the Rainbow Wahine. The group includes three players from California and one each from Hawai'i and Oregon.
         
Joining the 2016 Rainbow Wahine this fall will be Myranda Rae Baca, Tia Furuta, Mikaelah McKinney-Griggs, Sammi Walker and Kylie Wolfe.

"I am thrilled to unveil our 2016 recruiting class because it's one of the strongest we've signed in my time at UH," said Nagamine. "They have all been committed to us for almost two years and these players have a love and appreciation for not only our team and the University but our state. They were all recruited by many big name programs but they chose Hawai'i. I truly believe that this class is going to help us reach new levels as a program and I'm excited to welcome them to our 'ohana."

2016 University of Hawai'i Women's Soccer Recruits
Myranda Rae Baca | 5-7 | D | Aliso Viejo, Calif. | Aliso Niguel HS | SoCal Blues
Tia Furuta | F | 5-5 | Mililani, O'ahu | Mililani HS |Hawaii Surf SC
Mikaelah McKinney-Griggs | 5-8 | F | Beaverton, Ore. | Oregon Episcopal | Westside Timbers
Sammi Walker | 5-4 | F/MF |  Moorpark, Calif. | Moorpark HS | Real SoCal
Kylie Wolfe | 5-6 | F | Chino Hills, Calif. | Ayala HS | Slammers FC
 
Myranda Rae Baca | 5-7 | D | Aliso Viejo, Calif. | Aliso Niguel HS | SoCal Blues
Lettered four seasons at Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Viejo, Calif...two-time first-team all-league selection and a three-time all-CIF selection...team won league title in 2014 and '15...played eight years for the SoCal Blues Soccer Club...named team's best defensive player as a sophomore and junior.
 
Nagamine on Baca: "MyMy" has had a deep love for Hawai'i almost all of her life. She has been chomping at the bit to come and play at UH and is going to be an instant crowd favorite. She is tenacious, fearless and a leader on and off the field. She has anchored the defense on one of the top club teams in the nation and is battled tested and ready to do great things for us.
 
Tia Furuta | F | 5-5 | Mililani, O'ahu | Mililani HS | Hawaii Surf SC
Lettered three seasons at Mililani High school in Mililani, O'ahu…named the Hawai'i state player of the year as a junior with her team winning the 2015 HHSAA state title…also voted the MVP of the state all-tournament team and led the state in goals (26).
 
Nagamine on Furuta: Tia was the MVP of the state tournament last year as a junior and has long been one of the top players in Hawai'i. She is a consistent goal scorer and has one of the best shots of anyone I've seen. She has good size and is very strong, so her presence on the field is formidable. Although she is quiet, her ability to lead by example separates her from the rest of the pack. She is going to make an immediate impact on our team and our fans are going to love watching her.

Mikaelah McKinney-Griggs | 5-8 | F | Beaverton, Ore. | Oregon Episcopal | Westside Timbers
Lettered three seasons at Oregon Episcopal High School...played for Westside Timbers Soccer Club...Oregon ODP state team selection...two-time first-team all-league selection and 2015 league player of the year. 
 
Nagamine on McKinney-Griggs: Mik is a deadly combination of speed, strength and athleticism. She has the ability to score goals but I really like the way she reads the game. She is creative, unselfish and loves to combine with her teammates. She also hates to lose and that makes her even more dangerous.
 
Sammi Walker | 5-4 | F/MF | Moorpark, Calif. | Moorpark HS | Real SoCal
Lettered four seasons at Moorpark High School in Moorpark, Calif...team won 2015 league title and was a CIF finalist...three-time first-team all-league selection and was named the league's MVP.
 
Nagamine on Walker: Sammi is a pacey and versatile player. We can utilize her on both the wing and outside back and she is going to cause fits for our opponents with her ability to get up and down the field. Sammi has great leadership qualities and I believe her mental toughness is going to help her make a smooth transition from high school to college soccer.

Kylie Wolfe | 5-6 | F | Chino Hills, Calif. | Ayala HS | Slammers FC
Lettered four seasons at Ayala High School in Chino Hills, Calif...2015 all-league honorable mention selection...team took home league title...also played for Slammers FC where her U14, U15 and U16 teams were regional finalists.
 
Nagamine on Wolfe: I first noticed Kylie because she was one of those consistent, industrious, impact players on the field. She has a good understanding of the game and reads situations very well. She has good size and is not afraid to mix things up, so I'm looking forward to her adding a new level of depth to our midfield.