AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific Women's Soccer Head Coach Brooke Lincoln has announced the addition of 14 new student-athletes to the 2025 roster. Gabby Bustamante, Victoria Castro, Haley Scott-Recarte, Emma Granthem, Jada Preston, Sara Omachi, Lauren Grissom, Aubrey Camacho, Hannah Runyan, Abbie Campos, Rien Devore, Mayilen Salazar, Camila Hernandez, and Lillie Robinson will join the Cougar squad, looking to build upon a successful 2024 season that yielded a trip to the NCAA Tournament. 

"This may be one of the most talented incoming classes in APU history, but talent doesn't mean anything at this level- you have to be able to come in and execute," shared Lincoln. "This class is crafty, dynamic, and has high soccer IQs. They will have an opportunity to make an impact right away. We are certainly excited to get them all here and get rolling; we have very talented players returning and we are coming off a great spring. It's setting up to be a really fun fall with a lot of talent and depth if players come in with a team-first mindset."

Below is a closer look at the 2025 APU Women's Soccer incoming class:

Gabby Bustamante | Midfielder | Phoenix, Ariz. | Sandra Day O'Connor HS

An incoming freshman from Arizona, Gabriella earned First Team All-Region midfielder at Sandra Day O'Connor and played club soccer for Utah Royals ECNL.

Aubrey Camacho | Midfielder | Downey, Calif. | Warren HS

A 2025 CIF DII Champion, State Finalist, Second-Team San Gabriel Valley League, and Champions of Character Award, Aubrey brings both talent on the field, and character and leadership off the field. She also received the Most Dedicated Award and the Bear Award, presented to someone who is a good leader and representative outside of soccer.

Why APU: "I chose APU because God presented me with this amazing opportunity. Not only will I be able to continue playing soccer but as well as grow my relationship with him. And I can not wait to see what great things the lord has planned for my time here at APU."

Abbie Campos | Defender | Garden Grove, Calif. | Pacifica HS / Long Beach City College

A two-time First Team JUCO standout at Long Beach, Abbie brings two years of collegiate playing experience to the Cougar squad.

Why APU: "I chose APU because it offers a unique environment where academics meet a deeply supportive community. I'm also excited about the opportunity to contribute to the women's soccer program and grow as an athlete alongside passionate teammates and coaches. I look forward to integrating my faith with my studies and making a positive impact on the field and in the classroom."

Victoria Castro | Midfielder | West Hills, Calif. | Chaminade College Prep / Santa Monica College

A two-time First Team All-State honoree and Scholar All-American Second Team recipient, Victoria adds experience with two years of collegiate playing experience under her belt.

Why APU: "I chose APU because of its Christian foundation with a welcoming and positive environment. The players and staff have made the school feel like home within just a couple interactions. I am beyond excited for what I will bring to APU on and off the field while honoring God's will and plan."

Rien Devore | Goalkeeper | Los Angeles, Calif. | Eagle Rock HS

At Eagle Rock, Rien was a two-time DII City Section Champion, an All-City selection, and a 2x 1st Team Northern League selection in net. She also led her team as a captain.

Why APU: "I chose APU because the team and coaching staff demonstrated an environment of community and faith that I believe will support my growth not only as a player but also as a person."

Emma Granthem | Forward | Lehi, Utah | Skyridge HS / Western Wyoming CC

A JUCO transfer with collegiate playing experience, Emma brings talent both on and off the field after earning a spot on the All-Region Team, All-Academic team, and being named an Outstanding Graduate at Western Wyoming.

Why APU: "I chose APU because of the environment made by the coaches, the school itself, and especially the girls on the team. I am excited to be able to contribute to a school and team I feel proud to be a part of!"

Lauren Grissom | Forward | San Diego, Calif. | Del Norte HS / Tarleton State University

A true goal scorer, Lauren boasts the NCAA Division I record for fastest player to notch a hat trick (5:10), and holds a program record at Tarleton State for most goals and points in a single game after a four-goal effort. She earned a spot on the WAC All-Tournament team and brings a high-scoring presence to the Cougars.

Why APU: "I chose APU because of the amazing team culture and how everyone truly pushes each other to be their best. The support, both on and off the field by the coaches and teammates, really stood out to me. APU also offers strong academics and a beautiful location, which makes it the perfect place to grow as a student, an athlete, and a person. I am so blessed to be a part of such a great soccer family."

Camila Hernandez | Midfielder | Laguna Hills, Calif. | Laguna Hills HS

A freshman from Laguna Hills, Camila Hernandez found success at Laguna Hills HS where she was the CIF Offensive Player of the Year, a 2x First Team All-League player, and notched 19 goals in a single season.

Sara Omachi | Forward | Tokyo, Japan | Life Prep Academy (KS)

After leading her team at Life Prep to a 2025 state title, Sara joins the Cougars with international perspective and skill.

Why APU: "I chose APU because of the incredible warm, welcoming environment that instantly made me feel like I belong there, along with the competitiveness and cohesiveness of women's soccer and its wonderfully maintained facilities of the campus for student-athletes. I also recognized the safe learning space for faith."

Jada Preston | Defender | Eastvale, Calif. | Eleanor Roosevelt HS / Cal Baptist

A consistent First Team All-League defender throughout high school, including Defensive MVP her freshman, junior, and senior year and Newcomer Award her sophomore year, Jada brings DI experience and defensive strength.

Why APU: "The reason I chose to come to Azusa Pacific University was because of the pull I felt towards the team and the amazing education I would receive at this institution. Though I've only been here a couple months, the time I've spent with the team, coaches, and all the players individually has been the best experience I've had at a school. I'm so excited for the opportunity to grow and hopefully make an impact on this team and in my own life!"

Haley Scott-Recarte | Defender | Kailua, Hawai'i | Punahou School

A three-time state champion, Dudley Pratt Female Athlete of the Year, All-Hawaii First Team, Two-Time ILH DI Soccer First Team, and 2024 State Champion in track and field, Haley brings athleticism and versatility to the Cougar squad.

Why APU: "I chose APU for the community, coaches, and education. I really liked the fact that it was a smaller school, which would allow me to easily build relationships with my teachers and peers in comparison to a larger school. They take a small community and make it feel large and whole through inclusivity and kindness. I think the selling point for me was the coaching staff on the Women's Soccer team. The coaching staff have shown great care and respect towards their athletes and I myself have been on the receiving end of that as well before even becoming part of the team."

Hannah Runyan | Defender | Simi Valley, Calif. | Simi Valley HS / Moorpark College / CSUB

A veteran defender with three years of college playing experience, Hannah earned First Team All-Conference honors at Moorpark while leading the team as a captain.

Why APU: "I chose APU because of its positive atmosphere. Through the coaches and the team, it is a welcoming and safe environment to honor God through what you love the most. The support system and lovely people you meet through APU are something I will forever cherish."

Lillie Robinson | Goalkeeper | Santa Clarita, Calif. | Saugus HS

A 2x varsity MVP at Saugus, Lillie helped her team appear in several CIF playoff games. She was a club standout on LA Breakers FC and was invited to play in the Continental Tire ECNL League Selection Game.

Why APU: "I choose APU because of the Christian environment. I knew right away it was somewhere where I could be supported, seen, and challenged in the best way. I am excited to be a part of a school that plays and learns with a purpose."

Mayilen Salazar | Midfielder | Compton, Calif. | Warren HS

A 2025 CIF DII Champion and State Finalist, Mayilen adds tenacity and strong character to the team as a first generation college commit.

Why APU: "I chose APU because of the great environment! Also have the opportunity to have a great education and to be a part of the amazing soccer program. The APU women's soccer program has not only great teammates but amazing coaches/staff. Through this journey I can have God beside me and His guidance."

The Cougars open their 2025 campaign on Saturday, August 23 at the Cougar Soccer Complex where they will host Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in an exhibition match. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.