GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota soccer program and head coach Henrik Sohn announced on Friday afternoon that it has signed 12 incoming athletes for the upcoming 2026 season following Sohn's first season at the helm of the Fighting Hawks.
 
Class Breakdown
By State: Minnesota (4), Missouri (3), California (2), Iowa (1), Utah (1), South Africa (1)
By Position: Defender (5). Forward (4), Midfielder (2), Goalie (1)
 
Names are listed in alphabetical order
 
Emma Buettner | 5-8 | Defender | Rancho Cordova, Calif. | Pleasant Grove High School
A member of the Phoenix Cup Worldwide Showcase Champion team in 2022…two-time Pleasant Grove varsity soccer captain…two-time All-Delta League First Team…2024 Coach's Award winner…six-time player of the game…2023 varsity letterwinner…2023 JV Midfielder of the Year and Captain
 
Coach Sohn on Buettner: "We are very excited to welcome Emma to the program. A composed and intelligent defender, she will make an immediate impact on our backline."
 
Julia Goncalves | 5-5 | Midfielder | Gauteng, South Africa | Elite Sporting and Cultural Academy
Member of the South Africa Women's U20 National Team…also played for South African Women's U17 National Team…Elite Sporting and Cultural Academy Sportsperson of the Year…COSAFA Cup Champions in 2022…Pirates Women's Open Cup tournament champions and MVP…Iber Cup U19 Tournament Champions…HollywoodsBets Women's Super League JVW First Team Player
 
Coach Sohn on Goncalves: "Julia joins us from South Africa, where she has been called up to the South African U20 National Team. She will add creativity, composure, and valuable international experience to our midfield."
 
Rylee Lawrence | 5-4 | Forward | Stillwater, Minn. | Stillwater Area High School
Three-time All-Conference selection as a sophomore, junior and senior…First Team All-State honoree as a junior and senior…Mrs. Soccer Finalist in senior season…won the Gothia Cup in Sweden…won a state tournament title for Stillwater Area…collected 54 goals and 38 assists in high school career
 
Coach Sohn on Lawrence: "We are excited to welcome Rylee to the program. A high school state champion from Minnesota, Rylee is a versatile player who will make an immediate impact on our team."
 
Payton McKnight | 5-7 | Forward | Andover, Minn. | Andover High School
Two-time All-Conference selection…leading scorer on Boreal FC 2008 two years in a row…scored 46 goals in 40 games last season…captain of high school team as a senior…claimed third place in 2023 state tournament…2025 Texas Solar International Champions…first female kicker/player on Andover's football team…two-time Academic Excellence Award winner
 
Coach Sohn on McKnight: "Payton is an athletic forward who will bring another dimension to our attack. Her pace and determination will make an immediate impact on the program."
 
Josie Muelhaupt | 5-4 | Forward | Waukee, Iowa | Waukee High School
Four-year varsity starter…two-time All-Conference selection, earning Third Team honors as a sophomore and Second Team honors as a junior…2024 ECNL PHX Selection Game participant…state semi-finals participant…played for Sporting Iowa ECNL
 
Coach Sohn on Muelhaupt: "JoJo is an exciting addition to our program. Her speed, creativity, and attacking instincts will elevate our offense. We look forward to seeing her make an impact in Kelly green."
 
Morgan Neall | 5-9 | Defender | Salisbury, Mo. | James. M. Bennett High School
Four-time All-Conference selection…member of three-time Bayside Conference Champions…2025 Maryland Second Team All-State honoree…2025 GA Mid-Atlantic Talent ID…2025 U19 Gothia Cup participant…two-time team captain as a junior and senior…39 career clean sheets as a center back in high school
 
Coach Sohn on Neall: "Morgan joins us from the East Coast and brings outstanding athleticism that will translate seamlessly to the college game. We are confident she will make an immediate and positive impact on our program."
 
Linnea Peltonen | 5-10 | Forward | Moorpark, Calif. | Moorpark High School
Three-time All-Conference honoree, including two First-Team accolades as a sophomore and junior…2024/25 Offensive MVP…2023/24 All-State Southern Section Second Team…First Team Ventura County Star Selection…2023/24 and 2024/25 Offensive MVP…2024/25 Captains' Award winner…member of four-time conference championship team…2022/23 CIF State Champion
 
Coach Sohn on Peltonen: "We are thrilled to welcome Linnea to UND. She will be a tremendous addition to our attack, bringing size, soccer intelligence, and a natural goal-scoring ability to the program."
 
Kate Sell | 5-9 | Midfielder/Defender | Liberty, Mo. | St. Pius X High School
Three-time All-Conference selection…three-time All-District and All-Region honoree…three-time Second Team All-State selection…honored as All-KC Metro…also a three-time All-Conference basketball player who holds the school record in 3-point field goals made in a game (10)
 
Coach Sohn on Sell: "Kate is another exciting addition to our roster. A technical player with excellent vision, she has the versatility to play both along the backline and in the midfield. We are excited to have her join the program."
 
Addison Stadden | 5-7 | Defender | Blaine, Minn. | Blaine High School
Four-time letterwinner…named Offensive MVP as a junior and senior…has All-Conference and All-State accolades…four-year academic letterwinner…Academic All-State selection…also an All-State track and field and swimming athlete
 
Coach Sohn on Stadden: "Addison is a fantastic addition to our roster. Her athleticism and soccer IQ will strengthen our defensive unit, and we are eager to see the impact she will make in Kelly green."
 
Grayson Vacanti | 5-8 | Defender | Parkville, Mo. | St. Pius X High School
Three-time First Team All-Conference selection…three-time First Team All-District honoree…three-time First Team All-Region selection…Missouri Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman…has earned Principal's Honor Roll status three times in academic career
 
Coach Sohn on Vacanti: "Grayson will add quality and depth to our outside back position. She has a strong understanding of the game and will accomplish great things in Kelly green."
 
Jacque Worden | 5-5 | Goalkeeper | White Bear Lake, Minn. | Mahtomedi High School
A two-time state champion goalkeeper…also has collected a state runner-up finish with Mahtomedia High School…has accrued four academic letters
 
Coach Sohn on Worden: "Jacque is a tremendous addition to our goalkeeper group. She is hardworking, composed, and possesses exceptional shot-stopping ability. We are excited to see her represent UND between the posts."
 
Bailee Zentner | 5-3 | Defender| Highland, Utah| Lone Peak High School
Member of the two-time state champion Lone Peak high school soccer team in 2023 and 2024…also a part of the 2025 state-runner up squad…also a member of the Utah Avalanche 07/08 ECNL
 
Coach Sohn on Zentner: "Bailee is a fantastic addition to our defensive unit. She is a tough, physical defender who can also push forward and contribute to the attack. We are confident she will be a major asset to the program."
 
For more information on North Dakota soccer, follow on social media @UNDsoccer or visit FightingHawks.com