Azusa Pacific Women's Soccer head coach Brooke Lincoln has announced 12 student-athletes to the 2023 class. Kylie Anderson, Michaela Boyd, Sophia Emerson, Jessica Gil, Natalie Kamper, Damaris Lopez, Anjolie Mayeda, Hannah McLain, and Madison Woodward will join the Cougar program this upcoming season, along with Angela Cipriano and Alexis Salazar who transferred in the spring of 2023.

The group of 12 will look to contribute to the success of the program and add to the already experienced returners that Coach Lincoln has as the team prepares for the competitive 2023 slate ahead.




Kylie Anderson | Goalkeeper | Langley, Vancouver, BC

Kylie joins the Cougars following her senior year at Langley Christian High School and with her club team Coastal FC. With Coastal FC, she was a two-time EVAA and BCSSAA Champion in 2022 and 2023, a Bronze Provincial Champion in 2023 and a BC Soccer Premier League Finalist in 2020. Along with her time on the pitch, she also played volleyball where she was a 2019 LDSSAA and BCCSSAA volleyball champion.

Coach Lincoln on Kylie: Kylie is a phenomenal human being. She's passionate about the game and her desire to compete at a high level. She works extremely hard and will provide depth at the goalkeeper position. She's coachable and wants to grow into the best version of herself on and off the field. Kylie is a natural leader and a player that will make our entire program better.

Kylie on why she chose the Cougars: Everything about APU checked all my boxes, the distance from home wasn't too far or too close, a Christian school, with a beautiful campus, and the coaches and teammates on the women's soccer team were absolutely incredible. I fit right into the team and when I met the coaches I knew I belonged there. Those are all logistical reasons why I chose APU, but to be honest, I just had a feeling. Everyone always said "You'll know when you know" never thought that applied to school but it did for me. God spoke to me so clearly that APU is where I need to be starting in August and I cannot wait.




Michaela Boyd | Defender | Langhorne, PA.

Michaela joins the program after attending and competing at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She was the Division II National SAAC Representative, a Division II President's Council Member, and a two-time President's List member.

Coach Lincoln on Michaela: I am excited to have Michaela join the team as she is a natural leader who does the right things for the right reasons. She's driven, passionate, will bring some bite, and challenges everyone around her to be a better version of themselves. She will look to add depth at the outside back position and compete for time from day one.

Michaela on why she chose the Cougars: I chose APU to continue my education at a faith-based institution with a highly competitive soccer team.




Angela Cipriano | Forward | Kamuela, Hawaii

Angela joined the Cougars in the spring of 2023 after transferring from Eastern Washington. Before her time at Eastern Washington, Angela attended Hawaii Preparatory Academy and also played with club team, Kona Crush Soccer Academy. 

Coach Lincoln on Angela: It's been a joy having Angela a part of the program since January. She's passionate, hardworking, and has a drive to the best she can be. She's versatile in that she can play anywhere up top. I am happy to have Angela and expect her to make an impact in our attack this fall.

Angela on why she chose the Cougars: I chose APU because I really liked the location, Coach Brooke was a very passionate coach and I really wanted to play for her. I liked the vibes of the girls!




Sophia Emerson | Midfielder | Claremont, Calif.

Sophia joins the Cougars following her senior year at Claremont High School where she was named the 2023 team MVP, recognized as a Division I First Team All-CIF performer and First Team All-League performer. She was named Academic All-League, earned the AP Scholar Award and also earned the 2023 Otto Riger Achievement. With her club team Los Angeles Soccer Club, she was a 2022 USYS National League Champion and was named a team captain.

Coach Lincoln on Sophia: Sophia is a player we have been watching for several years and are ecstatic she will finally be at APU this fall. She's physical, a ball winner, technical, and has really good vision. But what im most excited about is that she's a true competitor! 

Sophia on why she chose the Cougars: When choosing APU, a lot of different aspects came in to play. Having God in the center of APU's values played a huge role in my decision. In addition to this, I wanted to continue my soccer journey. APU has a highly competitive team that I know will challenge me and make me a better player.

Jessica Gil | Defender | Santa Maria, Calif.

Jessica joins the program after spending time at Allan Hancock College, where she was named a First Team All-League performer. Before her time at Allan Hancock College, she attended Santa Maria High School and played with her club team where she was a State Cup President Division, Far West Regional Presidents Cup and National Presidents Cup finalist. She was also named a captain and an All-League performer. 

Coach Lincoln on Jessica: Jessica is a player that excites me due to her potential. She will add much needed depth at center back and will look to make an impact right away. Jessica has good vision, is composed on the ball, communicates well, and has a good head on her shoulders. Jessica is a player we have high hopes for.

Jessica on why she chose the Cougars: I chose APU because of the academic and athletic opportunities the institution has to offer. The women's soccer program competes at a high level of intensity that I am looking forward to being a part of. Throughout the entire recruiting process, Coach Lincoln gave me support and honesty. A crucial component that I enjoy is how much the team has a family-like atmosphere that I feel will make my experience here memorable. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Cougars this upcoming season! 




Natalie Kamper | Forward | Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Natalie joins the Cougars following her senior year at Los Osos High School where she was a four year scholar-athlete in both soccer and track & field. In 2022, she reached the semi-finals in CIF along with being the runners-up in the State Championship. She was named a captain her senior year, was named the team MVP and was a First Team All-League performer.

Coach Lincoln on Natalie: Natalie has the potential to be a really good player. Natalie is tall, has good pace, makes good runs, and can hold up play and combine or run in behind herself. Shes also Coming off an ECRL west region championship so will bring in a championship mindset. 

Natalie on why she chose the Cougars: I chose APU because I felt it is somewhere I could learn more about scripture & build a closer relationship with God, continue playing the game I love, remain close to our beautiful Cali beaches and drivable proximity to home. That was APU for me! 




Damaris Lopez | Midfielder | Fowler, Calf.

Damaris joins the Cougars after her senior year at Fowler High School where she was named a captain and was a two-time First Team All-League MVP. Over her time at Fowler High School, she led the team in assists with 27 and goals with 42. With her club team, California Odyssey Soccer Club, she was also named a team captain.

Coach Lincoln on Damaris: Damaris is versatile in that she can play as a center mid or as a 7/11. She's crafty, has good vision and is a true attacking minded player. I'm looking forward to seeing Damaris come in and compete for a position. She's going to push herself and those around her.

Damaris on why she chose the Cougars: I chose APU because of its amazing soccer program. It is a very fun and competitive environment. The girls and coaches are very welcoming. I love what the program and school stand for and I am so excited to join the team this fall. Go Cougs!




Anjolie Mayeda | Defender | Mililani, Hawaii

Anjolie joins the program following her senior year at Mililani High School, where she graduated a Valedictorian and a Varsity Soccer Champion from 2021-2023. She was also named an OIA Girls Soccer All-Stars Honorable Mention. With her club team, Hawaii Surf Soccer Club, she was a 2021 and 2022 Miso Women's League Champion, 2021 Surf College Cup Champion, 2019 and 2021 Hawaii State Cup Champion and was a part of the first Hawaii team to win back-to-back Surf Cups and Best of the Best which happened in 2019.

Coach Lincoln on Anjolie: Anjolie is another young player we are really excited about. She's an outside back that's a good 1v1 defender but is a real threat in the attack. She's smart and has a lot of potential to do really well at APU and within the PacWest. She will look to compete for time immediately.

Anjolie on why she chose the Cougars: I chose APU because of their togetherness. Family is one of the most important aspects when I was deciding on a school and APU has that. From the soccer team to the administration, everyone is so caring, kind, and helpful when needed.




Hannah McLain | Midfielder | Bakersfield, Calif.

McLain joins the Cougars after her time at Santa Barbara City College where she was named a captain on her team. Prior to her time in Santa Barbara, McLain attended Centennial High School in Bakersfield, Calif. and played on the South Valley Thunder club team.

Coach Lincoln on Hannah: Hannah is a true center-mid and is a player I'm really excited about. She has great vision and IQ, she's technical and outspoken. She's versatile in that she can play as an attacking or holding mid. Hannah will come in and provide experience in our midfield right away. She's a player that's going to make everyone else around her better and will provide competition at the center mid position.

Hannah on why she chose the Cougars: It just felt right. The coaches, the girls, the place. Everything about it. It felt like home and I felt like God was calling me to APU.




Alexis Salazar | Forward | Troy, Ohio

Alexis joined the Cougars in the spring of 2023 after transferring from Liberty University. Before her time at Liberty, she attended Troy Christian High School and competed for Ohio Elite ECNL where she was a captain, and named the player and rookie of the year. 

Coach Lincoln on Alexis: Lexi joined us in January and has been a joy thus far. She's athletic, fast, and desires to make an impact on the team. Lexi is versatile in that she can play anywhere in the wide spaces. Lexi will look add depth as an outside forward and will bring an athleticism that will be extremely dangerous to opponents. I'm enthusiastic about her potential to impact the game this fall.

Alexis on why she chose the Cougars: The small community, diverse atmosphere and of course, its California.




Anela Sandobal | Midfielder | Nanakuli, Oahu

Anela joins the program following her senior year at Kamehameha Schools, Kapalama where she was an ILH All-Star Honorable Mention and helped her team to two HHSAA Division 1 State Championships in 2021 & 2022, including a State Finalist appearance in 2023. With her club team, Hawaii Surf Soccer, they placed first in league two years in a row and were Surf Cup Champions in 2018 & 2019 along with winning the Surf College Cup Title in 2021. Her club team was also US Club Soccer State Champions in 2019 and also saw a US Club Soccer State Finals appearance in 2021.

Coach Lincoln on Anela:  Anela is a center-mid that will look to add depth at the position. She had a really good high school season this past year and continues to grow into a well-rounded player. She will bring an attacking mindset and some Hawaiian flare to the pitch.  We are excited to watch her compete at APU.

Anela on why she chose the Cougars: I chose to further my academic and athletic career at APU because of the competitive and supportive environment that it allows me to be in. APU feels like a home away from home and is a place where I can visualize myself thriving at.




Madison Woodward | Forward | Palos Verdes, Calif.

Madison joins the Cougars following her senior year at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School where she was named the MVP on her team for three years in a row. She was recognized as a First Team All-Bay League performer her junior and senior year and was also the captain on her team her senior year. Academically, she was a part of the California Scholarship Federation and National Honors Society all four years of high school. She was also a part of her club team, FRAM 04/05 GA. 

Coach Lincoln on Madison: Madison is a player that we feel like has the potential to make an impact in the PacWest for years to come. She's fast, athletic, hard working and has a lot of room to grow before she reaches her ceiling. She's very coachable and that's what makes me most excited about her. Madi will look to add depth at the 7/11 position and will compete for time right away.

Madison on why she chose the Cougars: I chose APU because it allows me to succeed in all aspects of my life due to its amazing soccer team and Allied Health program, where I can pursue a future in nursing while still being able to play soccer. APU is also close to my hometown and family which is very important to me.


After posting a 9-4-4 overall record last season and finishing fourth in the PacWest standings, the Cougars will open the 2023 at the Cougar Soccer Complex on August 31st when they host Cal State Monterey Bay. This will be the first of eight non-conference matches before beginning their PacWest schedule on September 30th at Point Loma.