AZUSA, Calif. – Under the guidance of recently hired head coach Brooke Lincoln, the Azusa Pacific women's soccer program has announced the addition of eight newcomers to their roster for the 2018 season.

The Cougars are coming off a season in which they posted their 20th consecutive winning season and came within one-point of claiming the PacWest Conference title.

"I'm thankful for the 2018 class who saw their verbal commitment through during all the transition over the past year. Coming into a new place and new region in February put me behind in the recruiting game, so I'm thankful for the club coaches who helped in the process," Lincoln said. "I'm beyond excited for the fall and to see the impact of 2018 class will have on and off the field. There is a lot to be excited about for the fall."

Azusa Pacific begins the 2018 campaign on Thursday, August 30 when they host Cal State L.A. at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

Amy Bishop

Amy played her first three years of prep soccer at nearby Glendora high school before completing her pre-college tenure at the United State Youth Soccer Academy. While with Glendora she was a first-team all-league selection and helped the squad to the league title. She played her club soccer with Legends FC where she attended two USYS national championships. During her under-14 tenure she scored the winning goal in the National Championship game.

Bishop on Azusa Pacific: "Azusa Pacific has a great reputation and history. My father and cousins all attended Azusa Pacific.  I want to be a part of the Azusa Pacific community that a small Christian university offers.

Chloe Edwards

The native of Santa Clarita, Calif. joins the Cougars after playing one collegiate season at Cal State Northridge. Edwards played in 14 games, with two starts, in helping the Matadors to the Big West Conference championship game. During her prep career she was named the Heritage League Player of the Year as a junior and senior as Santa Clarita Christian won the league title. Edwards played for Real So Cal ECNL and Santa Clarita Blue Heat club teams.

Edwards on Azusa Pacific: "I have made the decision to attend Azusa Pacific because I want to attend a school where I can be plugged into a community of people who love the Lord as much as I do. I am excited to be able to play the sport I love and receive an education in a place where I can also have deep conversations about my faith with my coaches, professors, classmates, and teammates."

Sydney Gilkerson

After a success prep and club stint, the native of Santa Clarita brings her skill set to Azusa Pacific. Gilkerson was Saugus High School's team MVP as a sophomore. While playing for L.A. Premier FC, she helped them to two first-place finish at the WCDA tournament as well as a league title. She completed her prep career with the club after three years of starting at Saugus. 

Gilkerson on Azusa Pacific: "I chose Azusa Pacific because of the Christ-centered atmosphere and the people. From meeting the women's soccer team, to being on campus several times, I have never felt more welcomed and cared for at a school before even committing to go there-you can so easily tell how genuine everyone is. Those two things were definitely the driving factors for coming here."

Lea Graham

Graham will joins the Cougars after earning her Associates Degree at Taft College. Prior to her two collegiate seasons, she earned first-team all-league honors three times at Frazier Mountain high school. During her junior and senior campaign she played a critical role in the team's CIF championships. Gram served as team captain all four years. She played her club soccer for the Central California Aztcs.

Graham on Azusa Pacific: "I chose Azusa Pacific so I could continue to compete and advance in the sport I am so passionate about. I also chose Azusa Pacific to earn my degree in Kinesiology (Exercise Science) in order to pursue my career of becoming an athletic trainer. 

Abigail Hume

The native of Thousand Oaks, Calif. joins the Cougars after a solid club soccer tenure at Eagle Soccer Club in Camarillo. Although Hillcrest Christian high school did not field a soccer program, Hume still posted stellar accolades. While playing in the Omega League she earned MVP twice in Track & Field and once each while participating in cross country and basketball.

Hume on Azusa Pacific: "I chose Azusa Pacific because I want to be surrounded by a Christian community where I will be pushed in my faith as well as have the opportunity to challenge others in their relationship with Jesus. I'm excited to be joining the elite soccer program Azusa Pacific has."

Jennifer Kovisto

A standout goalkeeper for Livermore High School, Kovisto will being a laundry list of prep accomplishments to the program. A three-year varsity player she captained the squad her senior year. Kovisto helped the team to back-to-back appearances in the CIF North Coast Section finals then a spot in the CIF semifinals as senior. During her final high school season she made over 100 saves. At the club level she help the West Coast Wild to the Cal North 2017 State Championship while serving as the team captain.

Kovisto on Azusa Pacific: "I chose Azusa Pacific because it enables me to grow my faith while receiving an excellent education and further my soccer career surrounded by like-minded people who will challenge me in all aspects of life."

Christine Messner

A standout at Port of Los Angeles high school in San Pedro. She was the team captain during her final two prep seasons in helping the program to the league championship. During the 2017 season Messner led the Polar Bears to the CIF Division III title. Individually she earned the league's Defender and Player of the Year honors as a junior. At the club level she play for FRAM Soccer Club which was ranked as high as 10th in the state.

Messer on Azusa Pacific: "I chose Azusa Pacific University because of the opportunity to grow in my academic, athletic, and spiritual life. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that Azusa Pacific was where I wanted to go to school. I plan on pursuing a career in the medical field and Azusa Pacific has a strong academic program in which I can achieve my goals.

Ella Romero

A three-year starter for La Canada High School, she completed her fourth-year at a Development Academy. During that final season, they squad played against the Canadian National team.

Romero on Azusa Pacific: "I really wanted a school that would help me grow in Christ. All the things I wanted in a school Azusa Pacific had and that's when I knew this was the school for me. I was also very happy to see that the women's soccer program did so well in league and am very happy I get to go to a school where I can continue my passion for soccer."