ABILENE - Abilene Christian soccer bolstered its roster for the 2026 spring season with a pair of transfer additions and an early enrollee from the high school ranks, head coach
Stephen Salas announced. The Wildcats look to build upon a historic 2025 campaign that included the program's first-ever appearance in the Western Athletic Conference semifinals and four All-Conference honors by three student-athletes.
"Each year, we continue to make meaningful progress in all facets of what we are building, especially in recruiting and bringing in high-quality student-athletes," Salas said. "The addition of these young women aligns with our vision of building an even stronger and brighter future as we pursue establishing ourselves as a top-50 mid-major program."
Midfielder Mikayla "KK" Abrenica makes her way to ACU after competing the past three seasons at San Diego, while MF
Jenna Verplancke spent her freshman campaign at Kansas State. MF
Chaney Maurer joins the Wildcats this spring as an early enrollee out of Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Fla.
Abrenica appeared in 48 total matches with 10 starts for the Toreros, amassing four goals and one assist with 16 shots on goal. This past season, the Temecula, Calif. native scored a crucial goal in San Diego's 3-2 win over eventual WAC champion California Baptist. She added an assist in the Toreros' matchup at Oregon State.
"KK is a technical, savvy player who can contribute anywhere in the midfield and help elevate our group right away," Salas said. "As she enters her senior year, she will also bring leadership and composure, which we have already seen within our training environment. She has the ability to score and create chances for her teammates, and defensively, she brings the tenacity to press and win the ball."
Abrenica registered three goals as a sophomore in 2024, notching her first career goal for the go-ahead score in the Toreros' 2-0 victory versus Cal State Northridge. In a four-match stretch in which she started each contest, she scored twice, including a goal against Pepperdine. Abrenica was a West Coast Conference All-Academic Honorable Mention the past two seasons.
"KK comes from a strong developmental background and competitive culture that will add immediate value to our team and community," Salas said. "She is powerful in the way she plays, grounded in her faith and driven in everything she does. One of her friends and ACU soccer alum, Malia Cerdon, spoke highly of the influence KK would have within our locker room and culture. We're grateful to welcome her as a Wildcat."
Abrenica brings a rich pedigree to the Wildcats from the club ranks with multiple USYNT call-ups and camp invites, a Philippines U20 Youth National Team ID camp and a second-place finish at ECNL Nationals.
Verplancke appeared in five matches for Kansas State as a freshman this past season, totaling 106 minutes while gaining valuable experience at the Division I level. An Irvine, Calif., native, she arrives with a strong background at the club and high school levels.
"Jenna is a midfielder who consistently brings a high work rate, strong vision and quality both on and off the ball," Salas said. "She can open the game with her passing and is a threat from anywhere around the box when it comes to finding goals. I truly appreciate Jenna's desire to grow as a Christian leader and seek Him daily."
At the club level, Verplancke helped Slammers FC capture ECNL national championships in 2022 and 2025, while also contributing to national runner-up finishes in 2021 and 2023, giving her four top-two national finishes over a five-year span during her prep career.
"Jenna is genuine in everything she does and stands for, and that authenticity has already helped her build trust within our team in just a few weeks on campus," Salas said. "Jenna's presence at ACU is just beginning, and I look forward to watching her continue to strengthen our midfield and our program."
A three-time First Team All–Pacific Coast League selection, Verplancke played a key role at Portola High School, helping guide the program to three California Interscholastic Federation semifinal appearances. Off the field, Verplancke plans to study nursing.
Maurer wrapped up an elite prep career at Hagerty High School, earning First Team All-District, All-Conference and All-State honors as a junior while establishing herself as one of the top players in her region. In addition to her on-field success, she excelled academically, earning All-Academic Team recognition four times.
"Chaney impressed us with the range and versatility she brings to her game," Salas said. "She can be a dominant ball winner, unlock the midfield with her passing over distance and influence both sides of the ball. What has stood out most is the joy she plays with and the light she brings into every environment she's part of."
At the club level, Maurer competed with Florida Kraze Krush ECNL, helping her team to a runner-up finish at the ECNL North American Cup and a runner-up finish in the ECNL Southeast Region. Off the pitch, she plans to pursue a degree in pre-law.
"Chaney's relentless approach, determination, integrity and servant leadership give her a bright future within our team and beyond," Salas said. "Chaney continues our Florida Kraze Krush pipeline as she joins current Wildcat soccer sophomores Amelia and
Raelin Miller. We're thrilled to have her help launch a talented and competitive 2026 class."
ACU is on the heels of reaching the WAC Tournament for the first time in program history while receiving its most All-Conference honors since joining the conference. Four student-athletes earned a WAC weekly honor, and six Wildcats landed on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team for their success in the classroom.
"These three Wildcats bring a pedigree we have not previously had at ACU," Salas said. "Coming off a season that saw our team reach new heights with the program's first Western Athletic Conference semifinal appearance, we took time to reflect on where growth was needed as we prepared for the 2026 campaign. A key focus was strengthening our midfield.
"All three newcomers play in the midfield and complement one another well, while also fitting seamlessly with our current group. After several weeks of training, each has impressed in every session and consistently brings a positive presence both on and off the field."
