The Future Is Bright:
Celebrating the Northern Utah United ECNL-RL Senior Class of 2026
There is something emotional about watching senior players walk off the field for the final time in a Northern Utah United jersey.
For years, these girls have represented more than just wins and losses. They have represented early mornings, late-night drives, injuries, setbacks, friendships, growth, and resilience. They have balanced school, travel, pressure, expectations, faith, and the demands of playing elite youth soccer.
And now, the graduating senior class of 2026 is stepping into the next chapter of life.
This year, NUU celebrates twelve graduating seniors, with six continuing their soccer careers at the collegiate level, while others pursue missions, education, and lifelong dreams. These athletes are proof that dedication to the game can open doors far beyond the soccer field.
At Northern Utah United, we could not be more proud to have been part of their journey.
A Legacy Bigger Than Soccer
Playing elite youth soccer is not easy.
The commitment required to compete in leagues like the ECNL Regional League demands discipline, sacrifice, consistency, leadership, and mental toughness. Across the country, ECNL competition has become one of the top pathways for college recruitment and scholarship opportunities in women’s soccer.
For many athletes, the exposure gained through high-level club competition becomes the bridge between childhood dreams and collegiate opportunities.
But beyond scholarships and recruiting, soccer shapes character.
And this senior class is a reflection of that.
Meet the Northern Utah United Senior Class of 2026
Emma Nelson
Casper College — Wyoming
Soccer Scholarship Recipient
Majoring In: Nursing
Question: How has playing at the elite level shaped the person you are becoming?
Emma shared that playing at the elite level taught her the importance of hard work, teamwork, and playing for something bigger than yourself. Through soccer, she learned how to work together with teammates, support those around her, and build meaningful relationships while constantly pushing herself to improve.
Coach’s Comment:
Emma has been both resilient and determined throughout her youth soccer experience. She has competed alongside her friends and teammates for goalkeeping opportunities and, as a result, has earned the chance to take her talents to the collegiate level. Emma genuinely loves the game and has become a staple of this close-knit group of friends and teammates.
Casper is getting a personality off the field that everyone will enjoy, and a dedicated goalkeeper who thrives in big moments and comes up with big saves when they matter most.
Desarae Elegante
Utah State University Eastern
Soccer Scholarship Recipient
Majoring In: Health Science
Question: Looking back at your years playing club soccer, what moment are you most proud of?
Desarae reflected on the difficult decision to leave another club and join Northern Utah United without knowing anyone. She shared that although stepping into a completely new environment was challenging, it ultimately became one of the best decisions she could have made because it pushed her growth and helped her improve tremendously as a player.
Coach’s Comment:
Des is part of a very dedicated soccer family. On the field, she is one of those players you simply trust to do her thing. Des is a skilled, gritty player who can excel in multiple positions, and her positive attitude and commitment to both the game and her teammates are impossible to miss. Des is going to be an amazing teammate at the collegiate level!
Kaia Erickson
Southern Utah University
Major: Elementary Education
Question: What is something younger players in Cache Valley should know about chasing big goals?
Kaia encouraged younger athletes to always pursue their goals, no matter how big they may seem. She emphasized that no dream is too big or too small if you are willing to believe in yourself and continue working toward it.
Coach’s Comment:
Soft-spoken except when necessary, Kaia is quick, calm, and reliable. Although she has been anchored in the back line for most of her youth soccer career, she is extremely versatile. When she joins the attack, she showcases her ability to break lines on the dribble and deliver through balls to her teammates.
Kaia is a high-level player who has chosen to focus on her studies instead of pursuing soccer at the collegiate level. It has been a joy watching her thrive on the soccer field, and there is no doubt she will continue to be an amazing young adult in college and beyond.
Danika Hoth
Dakota Wesleyan University
Soccer Scholarship Recipient
Question: Who has had the biggest impact on your soccer journey and why?
Danika shared that coaches Brad Ward, Kasey Erickson and Jeff Ginn played the biggest roles in shaping her soccer journey. Brad helped her fall in love with the sport at a young age, while Kasey and Coach Ginn helped develop her into the player she is today.
Coach’s Comment:
Danica is an exceptional goalkeeper who has played far beyond her size. Her confidence coming off her line and her cat-like reactions have allowed her teams to play an aggressive, attacking style that relies on someone special to manage the defensive third. Dani has battled and trained tirelessly for the opportunity to play at the collegiate level, and there is no doubt her future teammates will quickly realize just how special she is.
Keagan Grange
Salt Lake Community College
Soccer Scholarship Recipient
Question: What advice would you give younger girls who wonder if they are “good enough” to play at a higher level?
Keagan shared that there is always someone watching, no matter who you are or where you come from. She believes that when players work hard enough and want something badly enough, opportunities and doors will eventually open.
Coach’s Comment:
Keagan plays like a two-time state championship wrestler — because she is one. Her speed and tenacity are impossible to overlook when you watch her play. In open space, she always seems to find the areas where help is needed most, naturally gravitating toward moments that can change the game. You’ll also see her bounce right up from a hard tackle without thinking twice if the whistle blows.
Her positive attitude can be heard at all times. She is always the first to encourage a teammate or compliment another player. Keagan is an absolute gamer — born to compete and raised to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Note to her future coaches, she appreciates a family size bag of gummy bears on game day!
Ila Webb
Salt Lake Community College
Soccer Scholarship Recipient
Question: What lessons from soccer will you carry into this next chapter of life?
Ila explained that soccer taught her how to work with others while developing discipline and accountability. She believes those life skills will continue helping her long after her playing career.
Coach’s Comment:
Ila is quiet and humble off the field, but her actions on the field speak loudly. She has proven herself to be one of the best midfielders in the state. Her versatility allows her to fly past defenders on the wing while also creating opportunities for teammates from central positions.
Ila carries a very positive presence and clearly loves the game. Her college coaches will have a lot of fun finding different ways to use her ability to unlock opponents. There is no doubt her teammates will love and appreciate her tenacity, selflessness, and willingness to work hard for them.
Izzy Brenchley
LDS Mission
Mission Call: Lyon, France
Question: As someone who values both faith and soccer, how have you personally navigated playing on Sundays?
Izzy shared that she always made time for devotionals or personal scripture study on Sundays, either before or after games. She explained that she believes God wants people to find joy, and soccer has always been one of the things that brings her happiness.
Coach’s Comment:
Izzy has been a staple of this team from day one. It hasn’t always been easy for her. As a young superstar, she faced an injury that filled her with self-doubt. Over the years, she has experienced both triumphs and setbacks, but through it all, she has stayed true to herself. This team simply would not have been the same without Izzy.
She has always kept things light with her humor and personality, while also remaining committed to her team. Over the course of her soccer journey, she has matured tremendously. Her decision to serve a mission for her church may have surprised some people a year or two ago, but throughout her senior year she has grown deeply in her faith and learned a lot about herself.
There is no doubt that wherever life takes her, Izzy will continue making people laugh, bringing joy to those around her, and making every environment more fun to be a part of.
Koulangi Laulu-Pututau
LDS Mission
Mission Call: Samoa
Question: What would you say to younger athletes who feel like they have to choose between their faith and their athletic dreams?
Koulangi shared a thoughtful perspective about balancing faith and athletics. Growing up, she was not allowed to play on Sundays, and she learned not to resent her parents or God for those decisions because they were made with love and guidance. She emphasized that faith and athletic dreams are not in competition with each other, and that one Sunday will not define an athletic career, but contrary, one Sunday will not diminish your relationship with God.
Coach’s Comment:
Almost always smiling, Langi has the ability to make friends wherever she goes. Her consistency and strength on the field grabbed the attention of many colleges before she ultimately decided not to pursue playing soccer at the collegiate level. Instead, she chose to attend Brigham Young University and later decide to serve a mission before moving to Provo.
As ferocious and competitive as Langi is on the field, you would never expect it when spending time with her off the field, she iw pretty laid back. The adventures ahead of her will undoubtedly be filled with laughter, growth, and plenty of unforgettable moments.
Ariana Poll
Johnson County Community College
Soccer Scholarship Recipient
Question: What led you to playing college out of state, and what soccer experiences prepared you to play college soccer?
Player Response: My years of competitive soccer and the coaches who pushed me to improve every day prepared me for college soccer. They helped me grow as both a player and teammate, and playing out of state gave me the opportunity to become more independent while continuing to do something I’ve always loved.
Coach’s Comment:
Ari seriously came out of nowhere. Four years ago, she left her team in Brigham City in search of a more challenging environment. Quietly and steadily, she adapted to the speed of play and worked her way into becoming a starter over the course of three years.
Ari is a cowgirl made to play soccer, so it’s only fitting that she became a gritty outside defender who can both shut down attacks and join the attack herself. She chose a harder path and earned the respect and trust of her teammates through hard work and determination. Her story reflects ambition, courage, and the willingness to chase opportunity.
Ari took full advantage of everything NUU had to offer and earned the opportunity to play at one of the most historic junior college soccer programs in the country at Johnson County Community College. There is no doubt she will fit right in with the coaches, players, and culture in Kansas. The excitement surrounding Ari as she takes this next step and finds her own path at an even higher level is incredibly high. It will be exciting to watch what she does when she spreads her wings and heads to Johnson County.
Kaitlyn Grace Willliams
Utah Tech
Major: Undecided at this time. Wants to focus on her generals and see where her path leads.
Question: What did soccer do for you?
Player Response: Soccer gave me a second family. Through long practices, tough games, and countless memories, I built friendships that will last far beyond the soccer field. My teammates have become like sisters to me and I am so thankful for all of them!
Coach’s Comment:
We call her Grace. She is explosive, has a wicked left foot, and possesses the rare ability to be the nicest person one moment and the fiercest competitor the next — especially on the field. When Grace is fully locked in, she is incredibly difficult to get past and consistently delivers dangerous services and memorable goals from the left side.
Grace has made an incredibly positive impact on her teammates and will no doubt be at the center of plenty of fun shenanigans in college. Her influence on this team goes far beyond her performances on the field. Through her charisma, friendships, and genuine approach to life, she has quietly helped shape the culture and connections within this group.
Dannalee Walton
LDS Mission
Mission: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Question: How did you and your family balance soccer and faith?
Player Response: For me i had to realize that soccer didn’t need to contradict my faith. They could work hand in hand, and when games ended up interfering with church i still set aside time to go or to study the gospel. Both soccer and my faith gave me so many blessings and i couldn’t imagine my life without either of them so realizing that a balance was necessary early on made a huge difference and understanding what i valued made each effort i put into balancing them totally worth it.
Coach’s Comment:
Dannalee might be the happiest person we know. Her family is full of different talents, and her brother has always been someone she loves to ball out with. Dannalee’s season was unfortunately cut short by a mid-season injury, and the midfield — along with the personality of the team — noticeably changed without her there.
Danna had several colleges interested in her, but ultimately chose to serve an LDS mission before continuing her soccer journey. She was excited about the possibilities ahead, but never rushed a decision until she truly felt confident in what she wanted to do.
There is no doubt Pennsylvania is getting one of Cache Valley’s finest. When Dannalee returns, her passion for the game will continue to show up, whether that’s in an adult league, coaching, or wherever life takes her. She is a genuine person who loved her teammates, cherished the experience, embraced the game of soccer, and deeply valued her family.
Bonus Commitment Spotlight
Raegan
Idaho State University
Soccer Scholarship Recipient
Although still a junior, Raegan has already committed to continue her soccer career at Idaho State University.
Question: What has been your favorite part about playing soccer in Cache Valley?
Raegan shared that her favorite part has been competing alongside friends she has grown up playing with since she was around seven years old. Over the years, those teammates became more than teammates — they became family.
Coach’s Comment:
Reagan grew up alongside many of these girls and took advantage of the opportunity to play at the next level with our partner club, Avalanche Soccer Club, competing in ECNL. Reagan’s sacrifices, combined with the opportunity to continue training locally with her friends and longtime teammates, proved to pay off as multiple Division I offers came her way. In the end, Idaho State University became the perfect fit.
Reagan is one of the most versatile players in the state. She has played center back when facing top competition, defensive midfield when we needed someone to control both sides of the ball, and even up top when we needed a spark in the attack. No matter the role, she embraced it and found ways to impact the game for both herself and her teammates.
Along with her soccer accolades, Reagan earns just as much praise for the person she is off the field. She has never made teammates feel beneath her and instead has led through humility, example, and genuine friendship. Reagan has been an incredible representative of this club, and there is no doubt she will be an amazing asset to Idaho State in the Fall of 2027.
More Than a Game
These girls represent years of sacrifice and commitment.
They trained through injuries.
They traveled countless miles.
They balanced academics and athletics.
They competed at one of the highest levels of youth soccer while preparing for life beyond the field.
And now, because of that work ethic and dedication, college opportunities, scholarships, leadership experiences, and lifelong friendships have followed.
At Northern Utah United, we believe elite soccer is about more than recruiting opportunities. It is about helping young athletes become confident leaders, resilient teammates, and strong individuals prepared for whatever comes next.
A Message From Northern Utah United
To the senior class of 2026,
Thank you for representing this club and community with passion, grit, and heart. Thank you for inspiring younger players throughout Cache Valley (and beyond) and showing them what is possible through hard work and commitment.
Whether your next chapter includes college soccer, education, service missions, or new adventures, we are proud to have been part of your story.
Once NUU family, always NUU family!
