Women’s Soccer Announces 2021 Recruiting Class

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville Head Women's Soccer Coach Clifton Bush announced that the program has signed seven student-athletes during the early signing period. The newest Bulldogs set to take the pitch in the fall of 2021 are: Carson Bogan (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Daysha Chaney (Wilmington, N.C.), Taylor Gardner (Cherry Hill, Va.), Mary Jo Smith (Sherborn, Mass.), Emilyn Krans (Mebane, N.C.), Lillian Morrison (Burlington, N.C.), and Anna Doane (Jackson, Mich.).

"The thing I am most excited about in this 2021 class is their passion for the game and this University," Bush said of this newest class of Bulldogs. "This class is full of intrinsically motivated student-athletes that can and will inspire their teammates on day one. We stressed that each player must be adaptable and able to take on and implement information quickly. That is the DNA of this group, they are students of the game and leaders on & off the field."

Carson Bogan – Midfield – 5-6 – Pittsburgh, Pa.

Anticipated Major: Pre-Medicine
Post-Grad Plans: PA program
Club Team: Beadling 02/03 GA

Why UNC Asheville: "I'm excited to be a Bulldog! UNC Asheville's strong academic program for my major was key in my decision to commit," said Bogan. "Additionally, I connected with the coaching staff and the players when I attended their camp. They believe in me as a player, and I can't wait to contribute to the team over the next four years. UNC Asheville is the perfect school for me."

Coach's Take: "Carson impressed so much at our ID camp taking on each challenge given to her head-on," said Bush. "Carson's versatility gives us options to ensure we have the correct personalities on the pitch together. Carson comes from a soccer family and has benefited from immersing herself in the game. I have no doubt Carson's growth mindset will show in her play and development but also impact her team."

Daysha Chaney – Center Midfield/Forward – 5-9 – Wilmington, N.C.

Anticipated Major: Political Science/Journalism
Club Team: Wilmington Hammerheads 02/03 ECNL

Why UNC Asheville: "While touring other schools, I never realized what people meant when they said you just know it's the right college for you; however, I soon understood when I came across UNC Asheville," Chaney said. "Although I've only visited Asheville once, the feeling I got when I first drove through campus was an unforgettable one. Not only was the environment welcoming and comforting, but the people were too. The academic approach at UNC Asheville is unbeatable as well, as it is the only designated liberal arts institution in the UNC system. Even so, what made me admire UNC Asheville was the women's soccer program and team. The atmosphere, discipline, morality, and dedication involved in the program are truly praiseworthy, and I can't wait to become a Bulldog and be a part of it myself."

Coach's Take: "Daysha is a multi-talented player who we are sure is to fit right into the attacking mentality of the squad," Bush said. "Her skill and dynamism are what drew us to her. Her character and work ethic are what made us fight to get her to Asheville. I look forward to seeing her relentless pursuit to better herself permeate the culture of this group."

Taylor Gardner – Forward/Midfield – 5-6 – Cherry Hill, Va.

Anticipated Major: Environmental Science/Biology/Chemistry
Post-UNCA-Grad Plans: Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences or Biochemistry
Club Team: PDA South 02/03 ECNL

Why UNC Asheville: "After taking a trip down to UNC Asheville this summer, I quickly realized that its unmatched location, research based-undergraduate studies, and overall atmosphere of the team was a perfect fit for me as both a student and an athlete," Gardner said. "The coaches and girls on the team helped me to feel more welcomed than I ever could have imagined, and when I got home from this trip, I immediately realized that this was the place that I wanted to call home. As a goal-scorer, I will strive to make an impact in the Big South Conference in the attacking third. I am beyond excited to begin my collegiate career next fall, and I cannot wait to see where the next four years in Asheville take myself and the other girls in my class! Go Bulldogs!"

Coach's Take: "Coming from such an elite prep environment, I am excited to see how quickly Taylor integrates her technical ability into the team," stated Bush. "Taylor has great technical ability, coupled with the speed she processes information on the field Taylor will be able to fill a number of roles in the systems we try to employ. We are glad her process landed her with us. From our first conversation, the fit was seamless, and I am excited to get Taylor to Asheville in August."

Mary Jo "MJ" Smith – Midfielder – 5-5 – Sherborn, Mass.

Anticipated Major: Psychology
Club Team: NEFC 02/03 NPL

Why UNC Asheville: "I am excited to be committing to UNC Asheville," said Smith. "When I went down for the ID camp, I had such a nice experience meeting the coaches and seeing the campus tucked away in the beautiful town of Asheville. The city itself was very foody and artsy, which I love. Walking around classes with the current team members, I got a feel for the different types of classes and the type of message UNC Asheville spreads. The teachers and academic staff want you to succeed and figure out what you want to do in the future. I feel that UNC Asheville will be a place I can thrive and discover more about myself and what I want to do with my life. I am lucky to have been given this opportunity, and I plan on using all the great resources UNC Asheville has to offer."

Coach's Take: "Mary Jo "MJ" came to our most recent ID camp and exhibited a poise and composer few veteran college players have," Bush said of Smith. "We see her vision and calm impacting our midfield for years to come. MJ is a multi-talented individual that will add a much-needed perspective to the group. Another north-east addition, we look forward to her working with Kaiya and Taylor to add goal tallies to the squad."

Emilyn Krans – Forward, Winger – 5-9 – Mebane, N.C.

Anticipated Major: Business Management
Club Team: NCFC 02/03

Why UNC Asheville: "Playing college soccer has always been a dream of mine, but trying to find the right school was always so discouraging," Krans said. "However, It took one ID camp to know UNC Asheville was my school. From the faculty to the facilities, Asheville is so perfect to me. I can't wait for the next four years!"

Coach's Take: "Emilyn is an ambitious and driven leader who is already using her skills to pull the class together," said Bush. "We see the same tenacity and courage on the pitch; as a kicker for her HS football team, we know she'll be as tough as they come. Versatile and athletic (a lot like our current Em), Emilyn will play many roles in the squad. Adding a talented player who is so well aligned with our culture is a dream."

Lillian Morrison – Midfielder – 5-8 – Burlington, N.C.

Anticipated Major: Psychology
Post-UNCA-Grad Plans: Speech Pathology
Club Team: NCF 02/03 ECRL

Why UNC Asheville: "After touring campus with my family and later attending the winter ID camp, I quickly realized that UNC Asheville was the right place for me," said Morrison. "The culture and interdisciplinary academic approach here are reminiscent of my small charter high school, and Asheville, N.C., is simply an unbeatable location. I already admire the well-roundedness and moral character of those who are a part of the women's soccer team. The unique notions of "ruthless simplicity" and "keep climbing" stand out to me and make it clear that being a Bulldog is something special and significant."

Coach's Take: "Lillian brings a level of scholastic and athletic work ethic which aligns with the standards and goals of our program," Bush said of Morrison. "Her passion and love of this University has shown through during her entire process. Our program is built on being a student of the game, and Lillian's intelligence in the classroom and on the field will make her a valuable addition for the program."

Anna Doane – Center Back – 5-7 – Jackson, Mich.

Anticipated Major: Pre-Vet
Club Team: Michigan Rush 02/03 NPL

Why UNC Asheville: "I chose to attend UNC Asheville because of how even though it is a good distance away from my hometown, I felt like I belonged there when I visited last fall," said Doane. "I believe that the atmosphere at UNC Asheville allows me to be myself and fit in there as an athlete and student. I also think I will thrive in the small class settings because the professor will be more personal in teaching, and he or she will know my name. When I met Coach Clifton, Davis, and Molly, I knew they would continue to develop me into the best possible athlete and human that I could be. That is why I am honored to get to spend the next four years as a Bulldog!"

Coach's Take: "Anna was the first athlete to commit in this 2021 class," said Bush. "Anna is a talented and tough center-back who we think will be the next in a line of defensive stalwarts at that position. Anna is a natural leader whose potential knows no boundary. Two years ago, we had a very frank conversation about what her future might hold, not knowing at the time her future would be with us. Anna's coach Marco Bernadini has a history of developing players not just to win, but to be ready for the rigors of the college game, and we know Anna will represent well."

Overall, the newest crop of Bulldogs come from five different states with three from North Carolina and one each from Pennsylvania, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Virginia. The position breakdown for this class is mainly made up of forwards and midfielders as six of the seven players play one or both of those positions on the pitch.

"Thanks goes to Assistant Coaches Davis Fox and Molly Dwyer for finding and nurturing relationships with the newest members of our team," added Bush. "Each commit will tell you a big reason they are joining the Bulldogs is the character and warmth of our squad and this community. Our leadership group has done an amazing job representing what it means to be part of the UNC Asheville Women's Soccer program."

University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics

Women’s Soccer Announces 2021 Recruiting Class

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