Fresno State Women’s Soccer Bolsters Roster with Eight Transfer Additions
Fresno State women’s soccer is gearing up for a potentially transformative 2026 season with the addition of eight new transfer players, announced by head coach Gabe Bolton. The influx of talent aims to strengthen the Bulldogs’ lineup and build a competitive team.
Local Talent and Valley Connections
A significant portion of the incoming transfers have strong ties to the Central Valley. Defender Alexis Dueker and forward Daisy Torres both arrive from San Jose State, but importantly, both are products of Buchanan High School in Clovis. Dueker, a sophomore, saw action in all 18 matches for the Spartans last season, making ten starts. Torres, a junior, previously played at CSU Northridge and Fresno City College before her time at San Jose State, where she recorded her first collegiate goal against Nevada.
Sophomore Rylee Heffner also returns to the Valley, transferring from Fresno City College after a successful run with the Rams, including a Central Valley Conference title in 2025. She contributed 11 goals and 13 assists in 40 games.
Goalkeeping Depth Added
Coach Bolton addressed the goalkeeping position by securing the services of Madison Ejgird (USC Upstate) and Katie Lannon (Westmont College). Ejgird, a sophomore from New Jersey, brings a record of 4-2-1 with two shutouts from her previous season. Lannon, a redshirt sophomore, gained experience at Westmont College.
Further Reinforcements Across the Field
The Bulldogs also added Aryana Martinez, a freshman transfer from Sacramento State, who scored her first collegiate goal against Eastern Washington. Ava Kelly, a forward, joins from CSU Stanislaus, bringing experience as a former team captain at Whitney High School. Emily Gehrlein-Allen, a forward with two years of experience at San Francisco State, adds a proven scoring touch, having netted three goals, including two game-winners, during her time with the Gators.
The Transfer Portal and Modern College Soccer
The reliance on the transfer portal, as demonstrated by Fresno State, is becoming increasingly common in college athletics. This strategy allows coaches to quickly address roster needs and bring in experienced players who can contribute immediately. While traditionally, college soccer programs relied heavily on recruiting high school players, the transfer portal provides a new avenue for building competitive teams.
This trend is driven by several factors, including increased player mobility and the ability for athletes to seek opportunities that better align with their athletic and academic goals. It also allows programs to adapt quickly to changing team dynamics and fill gaps in specific positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the head coach of Fresno State women’s soccer?
A: Gabe Bolton.
Q: How many transfers joined the Bulldogs for the 2026 season?
A: Eight.
Q: Where did Alexis Dueker play before transferring to Fresno State?
A: San Jose State.
Q: Did any of the transfers come from local high schools?
A: Yes, Alexis Dueker and Daisy Torres both attended Buchanan High School.
Q: What position does Madison Ejgird play?
A: Goalkeeper.
Pro Tip: Keep up with Fresno State Women’s Soccer by visiting the official athletics website for schedules, news, and updates.
Interested in learning more about college soccer recruiting? Explore resources from NCSA Sports to understand the process and opportunities available to student-athletes.
What are your thoughts on Fresno State’s new additions? Share your predictions for the upcoming season in the comments below!
