Honolulu—The University of Hawai'i soccer team has been active throughout the spring with training sessions and recruiting across the world to build the program to be a consistent contender in the Big West Conference. Recently head coach
Michele Nagamine and associate head coach
Marc Fournier announced seven signees to the 2022 class joining Penelope Noland and Zoe Park, bringing the class to nine members.
"Our recruiting coordinator and associate head coach,
Marc Fournier, did a fantastic job putting this class together," said head coach Nagamine. "The diversity and depth of the players is remarkable, and I am thrilled to welcome them to our 'ohana."
Listed below are the seven additions to the roster announced in early March.
Brianna Chirpich
Height- 5'6
Position- GK
High school- St. Teresa's Academy
Club Team Name- Sporting Blue Valley ECNL
Associate Head Coach Marc Fournier on Brianna Chirpich
Bri is also a great addition to our goalkeeping roster. She is coming from the Elite Club National League level, where she played for Sporting Blue Valley out of Kansas City. Trained by two former professional keepers, Bri has acquired the tools to be successful at the college level. Her enthusiasm for the position and constant desire to improve her game set her apart in the recruiting process. I am very much looking forward to work with Bri on a daily basis.
Eve Bleam
5'6"
Center back
Boulder High School
Real ECNL Athletico
Head Coach Michele Nagamine on Eve Bleam
"Eve is a true center back yet versatile enough to also play in the midfield. She reads the game well and is not afraid to mix things up with a little physicality. We expect her to contribute immediately."
Cate Sheahan
Height- 5'7
Position- Forward
Highschool- Rock Canyon High School
Club- Real Colorado ECNL
Head Coach Michele Nagamine on Cate Sheahan
Cate has had much success at the club level because of her work rate. She has an engine on her that just won't quit. Her knack for making something out of nothing was what peaked our interest in her. She's going to be fun to watch.
Nohara Takayama
5'5"
Midfielder
HS: Seiritsu Gakuen
Club: Urawa Reds Ladies Youth
Head Coach Michele Nagamine on Nohara Takayama
I remembered Nohara from an ID camp I did in Japan back in 2017. She was creative and technical but at the time, she was very young and didn't speak English at all. I find it so surreal that she found a way to come to the US and play in the NAIA at Keiser University. She is a tremendous pick up for us because she is the consummate play maker.
Risa Ogasawara
5'4
MF/FW
Hinomoto
Head Coach Michele Nagamine on Risa Ogasawara
I know that our Hawai'i Soccer fans are going to love Risa. She is crafty and dangerous in and around the 18 yard box and has the ability to set up goal scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.
Bailey Faulkner
Height: 5'6"
Position: Left Mid
High school: Whitefish Bay High school
Club team: Elm Brook United
Head Coach Michele Nagamine on Bailey Faulkner
Bailey is going to bring experience and depth to our midfield. Her time spent at Loyola Chicago is only going to help us, as she is calm and strong and is willing to do whatever our team needs her to do.
Sophie Augustin
5'8
Goalkeeper
High school: Paul-Klee-Gymnaisum
Club: TSV Schwaben Augsburg
Associate Head Coach Marc Fournier on Sophie Augustin
"I am very excited to have Sophie join our roster of goalkeepers for the years to come. Sophie's early goalkeeping training was completed in Germany, then she gained a lot of playing experience at Seminole State College in Oklahoma where she played for two years. This past season, she was instrumental in her team's success reaching the 2021 NJCAA national tournament semifinal. Sophie was named on the 2021-22 NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer All-America Teams - Second team. Her athleticism coupled with her sound shot stopping techniques will make her a valuable team member for the years to come."
