DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake women's soccer head coach Lindsey Horner has announced the signing of six players to join the Bulldogs for the 2026 season.
 
Alexa Aylward, Addy Basler, Joanah Jepsen, Ellie Ohlmann, Grace Thomason, and Kamryn Wray will don the Blue & White as freshmen next season.
 
ALEXA AYLWARD l LENEXA, KAN. l ST. JAMES ACADEMY
 
Why Alexa Chose Drake: "I chose Drake because of the positive and competitive team culture, strong sense of community, and excellent academics. I can't wait to play for the amazing coaching staff and join the Bulldog family!"
 
What They Are Saying About Alexa: "Alexa is a fast, strong and dynamic forward. She is creative in front of goal and has the technical ability to break down defenders 1-v-1 as well as make a dangerous run in behind. She has a powerful right foot and can be a viable threat in the air. Defensively, she is relentless and very aggressive in winning the ball back for her team. Beyond that, she is a great leader. Always willing to improve and sets a high standard of both attitude and effort for her teammates. Alexa will challenge to get on the field and be a scoring threat immediately at the collegiate level." - Mark Twellman, St. James Academy High School
 
ADDY BASLER l LEE'S SUMMIT, MO. l ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
 
Why Addy Chose Drake: "I chose to be a Bulldog because of the incredible team culture, the environment that's been created, and the amazing players and coaches. Drake and the soccer program not only have everything I was looking for, but it immediately felt like home."
 
What They Are Saying About Addy: "Addison is not only a very good soccer player, she is an incredible young lady. Having had the pleasure of coaching her for three years, I can confidently say she is a fantastic addition to your women's soccer program and the wider university community. Addison embodies the ideal student-athlete, demonstrating remarkable character, leadership, and a tireless work ethic. She is an outstanding young woman, and I have no doubt she will be an immediate and valuable asset to Bulldog women's soccer." - Marcus Kelcher, KC Athletics ECNL head coach
 
JOANAH JEPSEN l BETTENDORF, IOWA l PLEASANT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
 
Why Joanah Chose Drake: "I chose Drake because of its academic excellence, and the opportunities offered that will best prepare me for my future. The Drake women's soccer program is a great fit for me, not only because of the creative and dynamic style of play, but also because of the energetic team culture. I can't wait to be a part of the remarkable soccer program the coaches have created."
 
What They Are Saying About Joanah: "Joanah is a relentless, joyful competitor—equal parts grit and grace. She's the kind of athlete who not only keeps your team in every match, but elevates everyone around her. Her consistency, drive, and ability to find that extra gear in key moments make her a game-changer. What truly sets Joanah apart is the joy she brings to the process. Whether she's pressing high, recovering deep, or sparking a counterattack, there's an unmistakable energy in how she plays. It's contagious—inspiring teammates, coaches, and fans alike. I have no doubt Joanah will keep evolving, embracing new challenges, and growing into the next phase of her journey with the same passion and purpose she brings to every training session." - Coach Mark Lewis, Rockford Raptors ECNL Staff Coach
 
ELLIE OHLMANN l PRIOR LAKE, MINN. l PRIOR LAKE HIGH SCHOOL
 
Why Ellie Chose Drake: "I committed to Drake because the moment I stepped on campus and met the coaches and team, it felt right. Everything felt like the perfect fit. The atmosphere creates an opportunity for me to get the most out of my experience both academically and athletically."
 
What They Are Saying About Ellie: "Ellie has been an outstanding forward for us —dangerous with the ball, creative in the final third, and always finding ways to score or set up her teammates. Her competitiveness and love for the game elevate everyone around her. We're excited to see her bring that same energy and talent to Drake!" - Phil Walczak, Prior Lake HS
 
GRACE THOMASON l WAUKEE, IOWA l WAUKEE NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL
 
Why Grace Chose Drake: "I committed to Drake because of the strong sense of community and the welcoming atmosphere. I loved witnessing the unity within the program. I know I will grow as a person and athlete while playing soccer at Drake!"
 
What They Are Saying About Grace: "Over the past three years, Grace Thomason has transformed into one of the most composed and confident goalkeepers in our program. Her growth has been outstanding — she's calm and assured with the ball at her feet, a true modern goalkeeper who can build play and lead from the back. Beyond her technical ability, Grace is simply a joy to coach — a great teammate, a hard worker, and someone who is driven to succeed in everything she does. I couldn't be more excited to see Grace continue her journey and grow under the leadership of the Drake women's soccer coaching staff, following the same path of excellence paved by many Sporting players before her. The best is yet to come for Grace." - Coach Daryl Brazeau, Sporting Iowa ECNL Head Coach
 
KAMRYN WRAY l OMAHA, NEB. l MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL
 
Why Kamryn Chose Drake: "I chose Drake because of the team environment and the welcoming atmosphere. The strong academics and big opportunities drew me into the amazing school. I am so excited to be a Bulldog!"
 
What They Are Saying About Kamryn: "Kam is a calm presence on the ball. She is a tenacious defender. Kam finds gaps in the opposition and delivers penetrating threatening balls. She is a leader always uplifting her teammates. Kam leads by example with her attention to detail, discipline, and calm leadership. she is an excellent defender and will start offensive attacks out of the back. You definitely want her on your team." - Teresa DeGeorge, Marian High School