Tennessee Tech University has announced the addition of three new players to its women’s soccer team for the 2026 season. Head coach Corey Boyd and his staff confirmed that incoming freshmen Audrey Ancell and Iris Cotteleer, along with junior college transfer Mayo Kawashima, will join the Golden Eagles in the fall.
The program is coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance, its first in 25 years. Coach Boyd emphasized the qualities sought in this recruiting class. “One of the things we tried to do with this class is bring in multifunctional players who are both athletic and technical as well as possess high character,” Boyd said. “We wanted players who could make an immediate impact and feel we have found that in Audrey, Iris and Mayo.”
Audrey Ancell arrives from Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nevada, where she was named Defensive Player of the Year three times between 2024 and 2026. Despite primarily playing as a defender, she scored 16 goals and recorded five assists over her last three seasons. Ancell also played club soccer for Las Vegas Heat Surf G089 ECNL.
“Audrey is a very athletic and tough defender who can play multiple positions, primarily as a center back, but also as a fullback and winger,” Boyd said. “Audrey has pace and can step into the midfield really well and can break lines effectively with her passing ability. We look forward to adding her as a player from the West Coast with a great personality and leadership capabilities.”
Iris Cotteleer joins Tennessee Tech from PEC Zwolle in the Netherlands’ second-highest division. As part of their U16 squad, she contributed to winning the Regional RSS Girls Tournament. Between ages 12 to 15, Cotteleer was selected each year to trial for the national team, reaching the final round in 2025.
“Iris is a very technical box to box midfielder who can play center back or also as an advanced ten role,” Boyd said. “She has a high footballing IQ, is tough in the tackle and possesses a very professional mindset. Iris can cover a lot of ground and is very comfortable with forward passes and plays quick, which suits the way we want to play. She is another personality player and we look forward to bringing in her experience and character to our team.”
Mayo Kawashima transfers from Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa. She helped lead her team to a 13-3-1 record last season along with an NJCAA Central District Tournament appearance. During her two years at Indian Hills CC, Kawashima was twice named to the NJCAA All-Region 11 First Team after recording four goals, fourteen assists (including eleven assists last season), totaling twenty-two points.
“Mayo is an extremely technical midfielder who can play wingback or any midfielder role really,” Boyd claimed. “She has an extremely high work rate and great experience coming from a junior college. Mayo has a professional mentality as well as high levels of endurance. We have a young squad and her age and experience will be valuable for us. We look forward to Mayo making an immediate impact with our team.”
