EL PASO, Texas – The UTEP soccer team is reloading in preparation for joining the Mountain West Conference by adding five standout transfers, as announced by head coach
Gibbs Keeton.
The Miners have landed Valeria Agudelo (Heartland Community College), Jaylyn Hammond (Grambling State), Shawna Larson (Sacramento State), Alana Lawless-Felarca (East Texas A&M) and Macey Williams (Saint Peter's University, affording Keeton and staff some proven players to step in immediately and play key roles in the upcoming 2026 season.
"Within the portal era we must continue to get top high school/club players along with transfers. That balance is exactly what UTEP needs as we seek to achieve more as a program," Keeton said. "We are looking forward to the success these five players can bring to the team immediately and in the fall."
Agudelo led the NJCAA DII in scoring nationally with 33 goals to help Heartland Community College advance to the 2025 NJCAA DII championship contest. She was named the 2025 NJCAA DII Player of the Year. Her ability to find the back of the net will be counted on with UTEP.
Hammond was an All-State GK who starred with Tulsa SC's ECNL 07 at the prep level. She's ready to make her mark in net in the Sun City.
Larson was the 2024 NWAC Player of the Year who compiled 31 goals & 17 assists in her career with Peninsula College and helped win a NWAC Championship. The efforts brought her to the DI level, where she's set up for success in the Orange and Blue.
Lawless-Felarca was a 2025 All-Southland Conference second team member for East Texas A&M. She boasted three goals (all SLC play), three assists and a SLC Attacking Player of the Week honor. She will bring a steadying presence to the 915.
Williams was a standout center back with Saint Peter's University. She racked up 30+ starts while earning more than 2500 minutes of playing time. She will be a valuable asset to the back line for the Miners. Williams is the first UTEP player to hail from Colorado in 29 years and second all-time (Cherly Pursley, 1997).
"Our move to the Mountain West Conference has raised the standard and the visibility of our program," Keeton said. "This is the first time that we have been able to utilize the MWC as a major recruiting point. Those specific examples include getting a player from Colorado, acquiring players with significant D1 minutes and starts, and lastly adding two JUCO players of the year. Our transfer class will fill in positional needs, bring in experience, leadership, toughness and the ability to put the ball in the back of the net."
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