Photo by: Nataly Zuniga
Wildcats Sign 10 Student-Athletes in Diverse Class of 2026
6/25/2026 5:03:00 PM | Women's Soccer
ABILENE - Abilene Christian soccer laid its foundation for the years to come with the signing of 10 student-athletes from the high school class of 2026, head coach Stephen Salas announced. The Wildcats' freshmen hail from six different states and Canada to provide a strong basis of young talent entering the 2026 campaign.
Chaney Maurer was the first freshman to make her way to campus, joining the team in January as an early enrollee. Addison Briscoe, Alice Long, Stella Sa and Sophia Saludares are each Texas natives, while Milaan Jones hails from Canada.
Audrey Coppinger, Tavi Decker, MaKayla Galloway and McKenzie Glass round out the class.
"This is one of the most talented and diverse recruiting classes in ACU soccer history," Salas said. "With nine seniors graduating, we knew this class would play a significant role in shaping the future of our program. Each of these student-athletes brings a unique combination of talent, character, competitiveness and grit while adding quality and depth across every position on the field."
The Wildcats look to build upon a historic 2025 season that included a trip to the Western Athletic Conference semifinals with three All-Conference honorees. ACU will make its debut in the United Athletic Conference this fall, part of a rebranding of the WAC and a partnership with the Atlantic Sun Conference.
"Our returning players laid a strong foundation through the progress and success we experienced this past year, and we're excited to add a group that complements that momentum," Salas said. "After making program history with our first-ever WAC Tournament semifinal appearance, we knew our work was far from finished. Our focus has remained on continuing to raise the standard and build a team capable of competing at the highest level.
"On paper, this is the deepest and most complete roster we've had heading into a season. More importantly, it's a group that is committed to our culture and vision. We're excited about what lies ahead and believe this team has the talent, character and determination to compete immediately for a UAC Championship."
Addison Briscoe (Forward / Spring Branch, Texas / Smithson Valley HS)
Briscoe closed out an illustrious prep career in style, powering Smithson Valley High School to a perfect 29-0 record and its first Texas 5A state title this past season. The forward earned TASCO First Team All-State honors and was named to the 5A-DI All-Tournament Team. Briscoe amassed 41 goals and 21 assists en route to being tabbed the MVP of the THSCA Super Elite Team.
"Addison is one of the top players in Texas in the 2026 class," Salas said. "She helped lead Smithson Valley to a perfect 29-0 record and a 5A state championship while finishing among the state's leaders in goals and assists. Addison is a dynamic attacking player with exceptional soccer IQ, competitiveness and the ability to create and finish chances. She is the type of player who can elevate a program, and we believe she will be a cornerstone of our success for years to come. Her talent, work ethic and winning mentality embody everything we look for at ACU, and we expect her to make an impact from the moment she arrives on campus."
The Spring Branch, Texas native was named the San Antonio Express-News Player of the Year and the District 26-5A Forward of the Year and was All-Area. She netted over 100 career goals. As a junior in 2025, Briscoe received TASCO Honorable Mention All-State distinction and was a finalist for the San Antonio Express-News Player of the Year. She landed on the newspaper's Super Team with All-Area honors. Briscoe tallied 24 goals and nine assists as the District 26-5A Co-Forward of the Year. The Rangers reached the state semifinals in 2025, and Briscoe again earned a spot on the All-Tournament team.
Audrey Coppinger (Defender / Kansas City, Mo. / St. Teresa's Academy)
Coppinger guided St. Teresa's Academy to the Missouri state title game in 2026 with a top-10 ranking in the state's Class 4 poll. The Kansas City, Mo. product was named First Team All-State as a junior in 2025 and earned All-Region honors on three occasions. The defender was named a top 20 player in her class between Missouri and Kansas.
"Audrey is a passionate competitor who brings tremendous heart, leadership and resilience to everything she does," Salas said. "She is a strong defender with a relentless drive and a natural ability to lead those around her. Whether at the club or high school level, Audrey consistently made a statement along the backline through her defensive presence, communication and leadership. Audrey also has a quality passing range and the ability to be lethal in the attacking 18 off set pieces. What stands out most is her infectious joy for the game and the positive energy she brings to a team. We believe Audrey has a bright future at ACU and will play a significant role in helping us continue to build a championship-caliber program."
As a senior, Coppinger landed on the MHSSCA Large School All-Academic Team and was a member of the National Honor Society. Coppinger competed for Sporting Blue Valley and picked up Second Team All-Conference accolades by ECNL Midwest each season from 2023-25. The club reached the national playoffs last summer. Coppinger also competed in varsity basketball and swimming, reaching the state finals in the 100-yard breaststroke. Her sister, Grace, was a three-time All-Big 12 honoree at TCU and was the conference's Freshman of the Year in 2022.
Tavi Decker (Goalkeeper / Sykesville, Md. / Chapelgate Christian Academy)
Decker was a four-year team captain at Chapelgate Christian Academy, earning IAAM All-Conference distinction each season. She holds the program record with 1,027 saves and landed on the NCSAA Northeast Super Region Team each year. Decker was recognized as a First Team All-American by the organization as a junior in 2024.
"Tavi is a complete goalkeeper and fierce competitor who is constantly striving to refine her craft," Salas said. "She possesses great athleticism, strong technical ability and a relentless work ethic to improve both herself and her teammates. What sets Tavi apart is her mentality as she embraces challenges, competes at a high level and consistently pushes for excellence. She is also a natural connector and leader who enhances her environment through her communication, drive and presence. Her drive for excellence and passion for the position make her an exciting addition to our goalkeeper unit and the future of ACU soccer."
Decker competed on the U.S. Olympic Development Program's East Region Team in 2023 and 2024. She played for Baltimore Armour and was named to the Mid-Atlantic Talent ID roster in 2025. Decker also competed in varsity lacrosse and volleyball, collecting IAAM All-Conference accolades in lacrosse in 2025 and 2026. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the Distinguished Honor Roll.
MaKayla Galloway (Forward / Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. / Cass Technical HS)
Galloway was a four-year starter at Cass Technical High School, making history as the first female student-athlete from Detroit Public Schools Community District to earn a Division I scholarship in soccer. She was honored by the Detroit City Council with the Spirit of Detroit Award, one of the city's highest honors for individuals who make meaningful contributions to the community.
"MaKayla brings explosive speed to our wide areas and has the ability to change and open up a game in an instant," Salas said. "She is a fast, intelligent and aggressive playmaker who competes with determination and ambition in everything she does. She understands how to shape the game on both sides of the ball and is a constant threat. MaKayla plays with tremendous passion and fight, making her an exciting player to watch. We are excited for what she will bring in the purple and white. Most importantly, she is an outstanding person, and we feel truly blessed to welcome her into the ACU soccer family."
Galloway fueled Cass Tech to postseason appearances in 2023 and 2024. She played at the club level for Michigan Hawks Magic, gathering ECNL Midwest Second Team All-Conference accolades. Galloway also lettered in track and field and competed in the state finals. She is heavily involved off the pitch, participating in the National Student Leadership Conference and DECA while volunteering with numerous organizations, including Jack and Jill of America, COTS Detroit and New Hope Center.
McKenzie Glass (Forward / Powder Springs, Ga. / Hillgrove HS)
Glass capped her high school career with GACA Second Team All-State distinction. She competed for a top-10 program in the state's highest classification and was a back-to-back All-Region honoree, including First Team recognition as a senior. Glass was Hillgrove's Team MVP as its leading scorer. She competed with Southern Soccer Academy. Academically, she landed on the A/B Honor Roll.
"McKenzie brings added quality to our attack with her ability to both create and finish goals," Salas said. "She is strong, elusive and consistently finds ways to create in the final third. McKenzie reads the game well, demonstrating strong vision, awareness and composure on the ball in attacking areas. She also adds valuable speed and acceleration to our front line, giving us another potent attacking option. Beyond her ability on the field, she brings a positive spirit to her community, contributing to a strong team environment. We are excited about the influence she will have at ACU."
Milaan Jones (Forward/Defender / Ajax, Ontario, Canada / Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School)
"Milaan brings a versatile presence and composed vision both on and off the ball," Salas said. "As an international addition, her quality further strengthens and diversifies our style of play. She offers a unique skill set, with the ability to strike the ball cleanly with both feet, make intelligent runs in behind and attack space across the final third. Milaan's versatility allows her to dictate play in multiple roles, while her natural fit on the left wing gives us added strength and depth in that position. We are excited about the balance, creativity and attacking threat she will bring to our Wildcat soccer program."
Alice Long (Goalkeeper / Houston, Texas / George Ranch HS)
Long reclassified to the class of 2026 to join the Wildcats following three years at the high school level. The local product spent her first year at Abilene Christian School and her second at Abilene High School before moving to Houston. Long was named First Team All-District 20-6A this past season in Texas' highest classification. A year prior, she was tabbed Honorable Mention All-District 4-5A at Abilene High.
"Alice is a true hometown talent and an Abilene native who represents what it means to grow within your community and reach the Division I level," Salas said. "Having coached her in the youth ranks, it has been special to see her development and progression into the player she is today. Alice is a goalkeeper with a high ceiling, strong athletic ability and the potential to continue developing at a high level. She is also a positive leader whose presence and attitude elevate culture and community. We are excited to have her represent her hometown Abilene Christian program."
A multi-sport student-athlete, Long also competed in volleyball and basketball. She picked up Second Team All-District 1-2A honors in basketball and Honorable Mention All-District 1-2A accolades in volleyball as a freshman at ACS. In the classroom, Long received Second Team Academic All-State recognition in her final season. She was labeled Academic All-District each of the past two years.
Stella Sa (Defender/Midfielder / Denton, Texas / Guyer HS)
Sa closed her prep career in powering Guyer High School to a 20-win campaign and a trip to the postseason regional finals. She was named Second Team All-District 5-6A and the Wildcats' Co-Midfielder of the Year. Sa added TASCO Academic All-State recognition.
"Stella is a highly-technical player who brings consistency and excellence to every session and game," Salas said. "She is analytical in reading the game well and disciplined on both sides of the ball. Stella is committed to her development, consistently applying herself with purpose and a strong desire to improve. Stella has the ability to play anywhere across the backline and in the midfield. She brings a strong soccer IQ, reliability on the ball and a team-first mentality that makes her a valuable piece in any environment, and is clinical in her passing. We are excited to have Stella at ACU."
Sa is competing with North Texas Legends FC this summer and previously captured a U18/19 Texas Cup championship with Solar SC. The club won an ECNL national title in 2023, as well as the U16 Dallas Cup and U16 ECNL Texas Conference titles in 2024.
Sophia Saludares (Midfielder / Spring, Texas / Homeschooled)
Saludares brings international flair to the Wildcats' roster as a member of the U17 Philippines Women's National Team at the 2024 AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup. She also competed on the Philippines Women's National Futsal Team in 2025, a five-a-side variant of indoor soccer.
"Sophia is a highly-professional and driven player in her approach to both development and the game," Salas said. "With youth national team and futsal experience, she brings a high level of creativity, speed of thought and sophistication to her play. A crafty and intelligent midfielder, Sophia has the ability to control the tempo of the game as an electric box-to-box presence. In addition, she is dangerous on set pieces, bringing quality and precision that can change games. Sophia will be a player that is fun to watch for the Wildcats."
Saludares won a Girls Academy Champions Cup title with her club, HTX, in 2025 and has received several invitations to Girls Academy National Talent ID showcases. She plans to study engineering at ACU.
Chaney Maurer was the first freshman to make her way to campus, joining the team in January as an early enrollee. Addison Briscoe, Alice Long, Stella Sa and Sophia Saludares are each Texas natives, while Milaan Jones hails from Canada.
Audrey Coppinger, Tavi Decker, MaKayla Galloway and McKenzie Glass round out the class.
"This is one of the most talented and diverse recruiting classes in ACU soccer history," Salas said. "With nine seniors graduating, we knew this class would play a significant role in shaping the future of our program. Each of these student-athletes brings a unique combination of talent, character, competitiveness and grit while adding quality and depth across every position on the field."
The Wildcats look to build upon a historic 2025 season that included a trip to the Western Athletic Conference semifinals with three All-Conference honorees. ACU will make its debut in the United Athletic Conference this fall, part of a rebranding of the WAC and a partnership with the Atlantic Sun Conference.
"Our returning players laid a strong foundation through the progress and success we experienced this past year, and we're excited to add a group that complements that momentum," Salas said. "After making program history with our first-ever WAC Tournament semifinal appearance, we knew our work was far from finished. Our focus has remained on continuing to raise the standard and build a team capable of competing at the highest level.
"On paper, this is the deepest and most complete roster we've had heading into a season. More importantly, it's a group that is committed to our culture and vision. We're excited about what lies ahead and believe this team has the talent, character and determination to compete immediately for a UAC Championship."
Addison Briscoe (Forward / Spring Branch, Texas / Smithson Valley HS)
Briscoe closed out an illustrious prep career in style, powering Smithson Valley High School to a perfect 29-0 record and its first Texas 5A state title this past season. The forward earned TASCO First Team All-State honors and was named to the 5A-DI All-Tournament Team. Briscoe amassed 41 goals and 21 assists en route to being tabbed the MVP of the THSCA Super Elite Team.
"Addison is one of the top players in Texas in the 2026 class," Salas said. "She helped lead Smithson Valley to a perfect 29-0 record and a 5A state championship while finishing among the state's leaders in goals and assists. Addison is a dynamic attacking player with exceptional soccer IQ, competitiveness and the ability to create and finish chances. She is the type of player who can elevate a program, and we believe she will be a cornerstone of our success for years to come. Her talent, work ethic and winning mentality embody everything we look for at ACU, and we expect her to make an impact from the moment she arrives on campus."
The Spring Branch, Texas native was named the San Antonio Express-News Player of the Year and the District 26-5A Forward of the Year and was All-Area. She netted over 100 career goals. As a junior in 2025, Briscoe received TASCO Honorable Mention All-State distinction and was a finalist for the San Antonio Express-News Player of the Year. She landed on the newspaper's Super Team with All-Area honors. Briscoe tallied 24 goals and nine assists as the District 26-5A Co-Forward of the Year. The Rangers reached the state semifinals in 2025, and Briscoe again earned a spot on the All-Tournament team.
Audrey Coppinger (Defender / Kansas City, Mo. / St. Teresa's Academy)
Coppinger guided St. Teresa's Academy to the Missouri state title game in 2026 with a top-10 ranking in the state's Class 4 poll. The Kansas City, Mo. product was named First Team All-State as a junior in 2025 and earned All-Region honors on three occasions. The defender was named a top 20 player in her class between Missouri and Kansas.
"Audrey is a passionate competitor who brings tremendous heart, leadership and resilience to everything she does," Salas said. "She is a strong defender with a relentless drive and a natural ability to lead those around her. Whether at the club or high school level, Audrey consistently made a statement along the backline through her defensive presence, communication and leadership. Audrey also has a quality passing range and the ability to be lethal in the attacking 18 off set pieces. What stands out most is her infectious joy for the game and the positive energy she brings to a team. We believe Audrey has a bright future at ACU and will play a significant role in helping us continue to build a championship-caliber program."
As a senior, Coppinger landed on the MHSSCA Large School All-Academic Team and was a member of the National Honor Society. Coppinger competed for Sporting Blue Valley and picked up Second Team All-Conference accolades by ECNL Midwest each season from 2023-25. The club reached the national playoffs last summer. Coppinger also competed in varsity basketball and swimming, reaching the state finals in the 100-yard breaststroke. Her sister, Grace, was a three-time All-Big 12 honoree at TCU and was the conference's Freshman of the Year in 2022.
Tavi Decker (Goalkeeper / Sykesville, Md. / Chapelgate Christian Academy)
Decker was a four-year team captain at Chapelgate Christian Academy, earning IAAM All-Conference distinction each season. She holds the program record with 1,027 saves and landed on the NCSAA Northeast Super Region Team each year. Decker was recognized as a First Team All-American by the organization as a junior in 2024.
"Tavi is a complete goalkeeper and fierce competitor who is constantly striving to refine her craft," Salas said. "She possesses great athleticism, strong technical ability and a relentless work ethic to improve both herself and her teammates. What sets Tavi apart is her mentality as she embraces challenges, competes at a high level and consistently pushes for excellence. She is also a natural connector and leader who enhances her environment through her communication, drive and presence. Her drive for excellence and passion for the position make her an exciting addition to our goalkeeper unit and the future of ACU soccer."
Decker competed on the U.S. Olympic Development Program's East Region Team in 2023 and 2024. She played for Baltimore Armour and was named to the Mid-Atlantic Talent ID roster in 2025. Decker also competed in varsity lacrosse and volleyball, collecting IAAM All-Conference accolades in lacrosse in 2025 and 2026. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the Distinguished Honor Roll.
MaKayla Galloway (Forward / Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. / Cass Technical HS)
Galloway was a four-year starter at Cass Technical High School, making history as the first female student-athlete from Detroit Public Schools Community District to earn a Division I scholarship in soccer. She was honored by the Detroit City Council with the Spirit of Detroit Award, one of the city's highest honors for individuals who make meaningful contributions to the community.
"MaKayla brings explosive speed to our wide areas and has the ability to change and open up a game in an instant," Salas said. "She is a fast, intelligent and aggressive playmaker who competes with determination and ambition in everything she does. She understands how to shape the game on both sides of the ball and is a constant threat. MaKayla plays with tremendous passion and fight, making her an exciting player to watch. We are excited for what she will bring in the purple and white. Most importantly, she is an outstanding person, and we feel truly blessed to welcome her into the ACU soccer family."
Galloway fueled Cass Tech to postseason appearances in 2023 and 2024. She played at the club level for Michigan Hawks Magic, gathering ECNL Midwest Second Team All-Conference accolades. Galloway also lettered in track and field and competed in the state finals. She is heavily involved off the pitch, participating in the National Student Leadership Conference and DECA while volunteering with numerous organizations, including Jack and Jill of America, COTS Detroit and New Hope Center.
McKenzie Glass (Forward / Powder Springs, Ga. / Hillgrove HS)
Glass capped her high school career with GACA Second Team All-State distinction. She competed for a top-10 program in the state's highest classification and was a back-to-back All-Region honoree, including First Team recognition as a senior. Glass was Hillgrove's Team MVP as its leading scorer. She competed with Southern Soccer Academy. Academically, she landed on the A/B Honor Roll.
"McKenzie brings added quality to our attack with her ability to both create and finish goals," Salas said. "She is strong, elusive and consistently finds ways to create in the final third. McKenzie reads the game well, demonstrating strong vision, awareness and composure on the ball in attacking areas. She also adds valuable speed and acceleration to our front line, giving us another potent attacking option. Beyond her ability on the field, she brings a positive spirit to her community, contributing to a strong team environment. We are excited about the influence she will have at ACU."
Milaan Jones (Forward/Defender / Ajax, Ontario, Canada / Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School)
"Milaan brings a versatile presence and composed vision both on and off the ball," Salas said. "As an international addition, her quality further strengthens and diversifies our style of play. She offers a unique skill set, with the ability to strike the ball cleanly with both feet, make intelligent runs in behind and attack space across the final third. Milaan's versatility allows her to dictate play in multiple roles, while her natural fit on the left wing gives us added strength and depth in that position. We are excited about the balance, creativity and attacking threat she will bring to our Wildcat soccer program."
Alice Long (Goalkeeper / Houston, Texas / George Ranch HS)
Long reclassified to the class of 2026 to join the Wildcats following three years at the high school level. The local product spent her first year at Abilene Christian School and her second at Abilene High School before moving to Houston. Long was named First Team All-District 20-6A this past season in Texas' highest classification. A year prior, she was tabbed Honorable Mention All-District 4-5A at Abilene High.
"Alice is a true hometown talent and an Abilene native who represents what it means to grow within your community and reach the Division I level," Salas said. "Having coached her in the youth ranks, it has been special to see her development and progression into the player she is today. Alice is a goalkeeper with a high ceiling, strong athletic ability and the potential to continue developing at a high level. She is also a positive leader whose presence and attitude elevate culture and community. We are excited to have her represent her hometown Abilene Christian program."
A multi-sport student-athlete, Long also competed in volleyball and basketball. She picked up Second Team All-District 1-2A honors in basketball and Honorable Mention All-District 1-2A accolades in volleyball as a freshman at ACS. In the classroom, Long received Second Team Academic All-State recognition in her final season. She was labeled Academic All-District each of the past two years.
Stella Sa (Defender/Midfielder / Denton, Texas / Guyer HS)
Sa closed her prep career in powering Guyer High School to a 20-win campaign and a trip to the postseason regional finals. She was named Second Team All-District 5-6A and the Wildcats' Co-Midfielder of the Year. Sa added TASCO Academic All-State recognition.
"Stella is a highly-technical player who brings consistency and excellence to every session and game," Salas said. "She is analytical in reading the game well and disciplined on both sides of the ball. Stella is committed to her development, consistently applying herself with purpose and a strong desire to improve. Stella has the ability to play anywhere across the backline and in the midfield. She brings a strong soccer IQ, reliability on the ball and a team-first mentality that makes her a valuable piece in any environment, and is clinical in her passing. We are excited to have Stella at ACU."
Sa is competing with North Texas Legends FC this summer and previously captured a U18/19 Texas Cup championship with Solar SC. The club won an ECNL national title in 2023, as well as the U16 Dallas Cup and U16 ECNL Texas Conference titles in 2024.
Sophia Saludares (Midfielder / Spring, Texas / Homeschooled)
Saludares brings international flair to the Wildcats' roster as a member of the U17 Philippines Women's National Team at the 2024 AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup. She also competed on the Philippines Women's National Futsal Team in 2025, a five-a-side variant of indoor soccer.
"Sophia is a highly-professional and driven player in her approach to both development and the game," Salas said. "With youth national team and futsal experience, she brings a high level of creativity, speed of thought and sophistication to her play. A crafty and intelligent midfielder, Sophia has the ability to control the tempo of the game as an electric box-to-box presence. In addition, she is dangerous on set pieces, bringing quality and precision that can change games. Sophia will be a player that is fun to watch for the Wildcats."
Saludares won a Girls Academy Champions Cup title with her club, HTX, in 2025 and has received several invitations to Girls Academy National Talent ID showcases. She plans to study engineering at ACU.
Players Mentioned
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