BROOKE SMITH
According to assistant coach Mikaela Howell, our newest British recruit has a lot to offer the Mustangs program: "Brooke is an individual with a strong tactical knowledge of the game, harboring outstanding technical abilities and composure. The skill set that she has accrued through her development in the English club system, coupled with her vibrant personality, is sure to have a positive effect on our program."
Full Name: Brooke Smith
Hometown: Sheffield, UK
Age: 19
High School: Sheffield Park Academy
Brief playing history: Played and captained Handsworth Girls FC from the age of seven. Won their league and cup-double four times with a flawless record; went on to play for Cestria Girls in the Gothia Cup — the world's largest and most international youth football tournament.
Preferred position(s): Center Midfield/Center Back
Reason for choosing the Mustangs program: "The strength of the soccer and academic programs at Monroe convinced me it was the best place for me further my studies while priming my skills on the field."
Quote: "Never stop until you're at the top."
BRUNA NATALY TAVARES MENDES
Winger Bruna brings a wealth of talent and experience to the Mustangs program, having secured a multitude of championships while playing for teams in her native Brazil.
Head coach Jonathan Garbar expressed enthusiasm about Bruna's commitment to Monroe: "We are extremely excited for Bruna, and all that this opportunity will mean for her and her future. She is not only a tremendously skilled winger, with top-level speed and a wealth of ability on the ball, but — equally as important — she is a hard working, committed and mature individual. We are thrilled to have her."
Full name: Bruna Nataly Tavares Mendes
Hometown: Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Age: 20
High school: Escola Estadual Walt Disney
Brief playing history: Bruna's soccer career to date includes three regional championships, three indoor soccer state titles, two state championships, and four metropolitan championships with her previous clubs.
Preferred position(s): Forward, Left Winger
Reason for choosing the Mustangs program: "I chose to become a Mustang because I know that the resources I will have access to are unparalleled, giving me all I need to evolve as a student and athlete. Coach Garbar and his staff have gone out of their way to make me feel like I belong, and I'm confident that this next chapter of my life will be exciting, challenging and rewarding."
Quote: "This is only the beginning for me. Though my primary objective is to graduate and succeed in my studies, I also intend to ensure that we win every single tournament we play!"
DAIANA FRIZON DAVID
After graduating their entire back line at the end of the 2014-15 season, Coach Garbar and his team were faced with the daunting prospect of finding equally talented replacements. However, Coach Garbar explains of Brazilian recruit Daiana Frizon David: "Daiana was someone that we targeted early in the recruiting season. Her presence and maturity as a first-rate center back is one that immediately drew us to her. Additionally, her passion for training and development is one that absolutely aligns with the ethos and priorities of our program."
Full Name: Daiana Frizon David
Hometown: Quilombo, Santa Catarina; Brazil
Age: 20
High School: Jurema Savi Milanez
Brief playing history: Began playing soccer with boys at age four, and continued to do so until the age of 15. At this point, Daiana volunteered with Sociedade Esportiva Kindermann team, which has produced numerous national-level soccer players. During her time volunteering with the club, she honed her futsal and field soccer skills.
Preferred position(s): Defender
Reason for choosing the Mustangs program: "I chose to be part of Mustang program because it is simply a perfect fit for me -- I know that I'll not only have the opportunity to play soccer in a great, inclusive environment, and at a high level, but I'll receive the necessary support to improve my academic performance at the same time. I strongly admire and aspire to Monroe's philosophy of constant advancement."
Quote: "The will to prepare must be greater than will to win."
EVELINA KIHLBERT
Evelina yields an impressive background within Swedish clubs, having played against teams from all over her home country and farther afield. We are confident that she is a true team player and will capitalize on her experience to significantly strengthen the Mustangs roster.
Full Name: Evelina Kihlbert
Hometown: Karlskrona, Sweden
Age: 19
High School: Soderportgymnasiet, Kristianstad, Sweden
Brief playing history: Began playing soccer at the age of six, with Nättraby GoIF – a team based just outside of Karlskrona, in southeast Sweden. With Evelina on the team, Nättraby won several significant titles on regional levels, and also achieved silver in a national futsal tournament.
Evelina subsequently secured a spot on a regional all-star team and played several games with them against other regional, as well as international, teams.
At 16, Kristina moved to Kristianstad to attend an elite soccer high school and simultaneously transferred to the soccer club Kristianstad DFF, where she now plays in their G19 and Division 2 teams. In 2013, her and her teammates were G19 national champions, and went on to achieve second place last year.
Preferred position(s): Defender, Central Midfielder
Reason for choosing the Mustangs program: "I chose Monroe not only because I respect its ambitious soccer program and its strong focus on development, but also because of the warm and welcoming environment."
Quote: "The USA has so much to offer and to be explored in terms of new cultures, people and sights. I know that new friends, challenges and experiences are also awaiting me, and I look forward to taking these crucial next steps with Monroe's support. This opportunity to pursue my studies while receiving high-level soccer training is a dream come true for me."
MARIBEL PORTILLO MARTINEZ
Maribel established herself as a world-class player back home in Paraguay, and we can't wait to see what she brings to practice as part of the Monroe team. Coach Garbar explains: "From the moment I witnessed Maribel touch the ball, I was beyond impressed. However, it was her confidence, electric energy, and fearlessness that left me beyond convinced that she belonged in a Mustang uniform."
Full Name: Maribel Portillo Martinez
Country: Paraguay
Age: 19
Previous teams: Olimpia
Brief playing history: Started playing in the Santaní Womens Soccer League when she was seven years old. In 2012, when she was 16, she was recruited by Olimpia and quickly made an impression. Shortly thereafter, she was called to be part of the U20 women's national team. She played one International Cup in 2013, and was selected to play in the U20 World Cup in 2014.
Reason for choosing the Mustangs program: "Quite simply, because it is the best!"
MARTA TURMO CRESPO
Defender and Spanish national team member Marta Turmo Crespo was an easy selection when targeting potential new talent. Her natural leadership skills, evident willingness to learn, and strong presence on the field make her a perfect addition to the team. "Marta's level of talent and effectiveness is, without question, top class," said Coach Garbar. "Her ambitious nature, along with her passion for constant progression, makes her ideal for our program. We are tremendously excited to get to work together."
Full Name: Marta Turmo Crespo
Hometown: Vilassar de Mar, Spain
Age: 18
High School: INS Vilatzara
Brief playing history: Began playing soccer at six years old, and was ultimately named captain of each of her teams. Selected to play for the U19 and U17 Spanish national team.
Preferred position(s): Central Defender
Reason for choosing the Mustangs program: "After speaking with the coaches and athletics staff, I immediately fell in love with the Monroe family and knew it was the school for me. There is a real sense of camaraderie and, most importantly, my parents approve – so they won't worry about me being so far away from home!"
Quote: "During my time at Monroe, I'm excited to pursue both of my dreams simultaneously: to acquire the business acumen needed to start a business with my father, and to advance my dream of becoming a professional soccer player."
