The New Era: Unpacking The 2025 UCLA Women's Soccer Roster After The Pro Exodus
The UCLA Women's Soccer program is undergoing a significant transformation, with the 2025 roster representing a pivotal new era following a massive professional exodus. As of today, December 23, 2025, the team has successfully navigated a major reset, blending standout returning talent with high-impact newcomers to maintain their status as a national powerhouse in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference. The shift has created a dynamic and hungry squad poised to challenge for another championship title.
The transition comes after a highly successful recent campaign that saw numerous seniors and top players turn professional, including six joining the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). This turnover has given head coach Gof Boyoko the opportunity to reshape the team's identity, focusing on developing the next generation of Bruin superstars who are ready to step into the spotlight and continue the program's winning tradition. The focus now is on the core group of established players and the energy brought by the new wave of talent.
Complete 2025 UCLA Women's Soccer Roster and Key Player Profiles
The 2025 UCLA Women's Soccer Roster features a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting young prospects, totaling approximately 25 athletes. This complete list highlights the core players and their positions, providing a deep dive into the entities driving the team's success this season.
- #0 Daphne Nakfoor (Goalkeeper): A reliable presence in goal, Nakfoor has been a key starter, providing a steady defensive anchor for the Bruins.
- #3 Layla Armas (Defender/Midfielder): A versatile player known for her defensive prowess and ability to initiate attacks from the back line.
- #6 Laila Edris (Midfielder): Edris is a vital component of the midfield, controlling the tempo and distributing the ball with precision.
- #8 Milla Shafie (Midfielder): A dynamic midfielder whose energy and technical skill help connect the defense to the forward line.
- #10 Emma Egizii (Midfielder): One of the team's top stars and a 2025 All-American, Egizii is an elite playmaker who drives the Bruin offense.
- #11 America Frias (Forward): A proven offensive threat, Frias earned All-Big Ten third-team honors, making her one of the most dangerous players in the conference.
- #12 Grace Shank (Defender): A steady defender who provides crucial support in the back four, known for her strong tackles and positioning.
- #14 Val Vargas (Midfielder): A consistent performer who tied for third on the team in scoring in a recent season, Vargas is a major contributor to the attack.
- #15 Leena Powell (Forward): An attacking player who frequently registers shots on goal, Powell is an emerging threat in the final third.
- #16 Jordyn Dunn (Defender): A solid defensive presence, Dunn is integral to the team's ability to shut down opposing attacks.
- #17 Sammy Sanchez (Midfielder): Sanchez adds depth and skill to the midfield, capable of both defensive and offensive duties.
- #18 Paloma Daubert (Defender): A strong defender helping to anchor the Bruin backline and transition play forward.
- #20 Bella Winn (Forward): The standout 2025 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Winn is a breakout star and a second-team All-Big Ten honoree, representing the future of the program's offense.
- #22 Mariangela Medina (Goalkeeper): Provides excellent depth and competition at the goalkeeper position.
- #25 Nicki Fraser (Defender): A former Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2024), Fraser's return from an offseason injury is highly anticipated and will bolster the defense significantly.
The Big Ten Transition and the Roster Reset Challenge
UCLA's move to the Big Ten Conference has immediately raised the stakes, demanding a roster with both depth and elite talent. The 2025 season is the first full campaign where the team is truly established in the new conference, and the roster adjustments reflect the need to compete against a new set of national contenders.
The biggest challenge was the "roster reset" that occurred after the previous season. Nine members of the squad departed to begin their professional careers, including six NWSL signees. This kind of turnover would cripple many programs, but UCLA's pedigree and recruiting power have allowed them to quickly restock the talent pool.
Head Coach Gof Boyoko, who was named National and Pacific Region Staff of the Year in 2022, has been instrumental in managing this transition. His focus has been on integrating the new freshmen and transfers, ensuring they quickly adapt to the high-pressure environment of college soccer and the Big Ten. The team's ability to maintain a top-10 ranking (No. 8) despite the departures is a testament to the program's resilience and Boyoko's coaching philosophy.
The New Bruin Stars: All-Americans and Offensive Firepower
While the team lost significant talent, the 2025 roster is not short on star power. The program has successfully cultivated new leaders who are stepping up to fill the void, making the team one of the most exciting to watch in the nation.
The All-American Duo
The most compelling news for the 2025 season is the emergence of two All-Americans: Jennie Immethun and Emma Egizii. Their recognition underscores the exceptional quality of talent still on the roster. Egizii, in particular, is a force in the midfield, combining defensive grit with an exceptional attacking vision that creates scoring opportunities out of thin air.
The Offensive Revival
The future of the Bruin attack looks incredibly bright, led by two young forwards who have already made a significant impact:
- Bella Winn: As the 2025 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Winn has proven her ability to score goals at the collegiate level immediately. Her speed and clinical finishing make her a constant threat against any backline.
- America Frias: Frias provides a veteran presence in the attack and complements Winn perfectly. Her All-Big Ten third-team selection confirms her status as a top-tier offensive player.
Furthermore, the return of Lexi Wright, a former top offensive threat who redshirted a recent season, adds another layer of firepower and experience to the forward line. This depth of attacking talent is crucial for navigating the long and demanding Big Ten and NCAA tournament schedules.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season Schedule and Expectations
The 2025 UCLA Women's Soccer Schedule is designed to test the new-look roster against some of the best programs in the country. The season kicked off with a challenging non-conference matchup at Georgia on August 14th, setting the tone for a demanding campaign.
The team’s primary goal remains securing the Big Ten Tournament Championship, a title they have held recently. The roster's depth, particularly in the midfield and attack, suggests they have the personnel to compete with traditional Big Ten powerhouses.
With a blend of established All-Americans, breakout freshmen, and a strong coaching staff, the 2025 UCLA Women's Soccer Roster is not just a rebuilding effort—it's a reloading of elite talent. The Bruins are poised to prove that even after a major professional exodus, their program remains the gold standard in college soccer.
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