TULSA, Okla. – Oral Roberts Head Coach Austin Risenhoover announced Thursday the signing of 11 newcomers to the 2022 women's soccer team.
  Risenhoover on the 2022 Signees:
"We are excited to be announcing our 2022 class," ORU Head Coach Austin Risenhoover said. "Wes and Reagan have worked extremely hard putting this group of players together. We also give a lot of credit to our current players that represent our university at the highest regard, embraced these student-athletes and made them feel that this could be their home.
 
We have added another transfer from one of the best conferences in the country and we have signed 10 new freshmen. This is a group that represents states North Carolina to California as well as student-athletes from overseas who have played in top divisions and national teams. These newcomers have played for national championships and state championships. They have won player of the year awards and some have played for some of the biggest clubs in the country.
 
On top of their talents, these are women who embody what ORU and the culture of our team represent. They are young ladies of high character.  We are on a "Quest to Be Champions" and our current group, this group, plus the other 4 transfers we added will help us reach that goal.  We are on a "Quest to Be Champions" on the field, in the classroom and for Christ. We are excited where this program is going!" 
  Keanne Alamo - Alamo came to ORU from Bishop Lynch High School in Allen, Texas. She competed for the Philippine Youth U16 National Team as a starter and contributor. She scored the tie breaking goal to move to the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers in 2018. In 2021, she was invited to the Philippine Women's National Team training camp. "I chose ORU because of the welcoming, Spirit-filled family atmosphere and its beautiful campus," Alamo said. "I also believe that ORU will give me many opportunities to grow holistically as an individual. I look forward to this journey ahead as I pursue both my academic and athletic goals that will help unfold God's plan and purpose for me. Go golden eagles!" 
 
Carson Arne – Coming to ORU from IMG Academy, Arne hails from Wilmington, North Carolina. Her team has predominately been one of the top teams in the country. Her team currently ranks No. 6 in the nation. Competing in the Girls Academy League, her team has finished second in U19 southeast under head coach Miguel Rodrigues. "I chose ORU because the program and coaches respected me for who I am and what I would bring to the team as a player," Arne said. "They were honest and persistent in communication and showcasing how important I am to them. They made me feel wanted. ORU also gives me the opportunity to further my faith and to be in an environment where everyone is proud of others success. It feels like a family already."
 
Paige Baumgautner – Baumgautner has competed for one of the top clubs in the country in Solar FC. A native of Rowlett, Texas, she attended Sachse High School. She was named offensive MVP and first team all-district. "I chose ORU because of how loving and welcoming atmosphere and people," Baumgautner said. "I truly feel that God has a purpose for me here."
 
Alani Chaple – Chaple comes to ORU after playing for a nationally known clubs as a defender. Hailing from Riverside, California, she attended Ramona High School. She competed for Legends FC and was Surf Cup champion in 2021. "I chose to come to ORU because of the awesome soccer coaches and the small community that will help me grow in my faith," Chaple said. 
 
Tessa Edwards – Edwards hails from the Tulsa area and played defender for Tulsa Soccer Club. A graduate from Victory Christian, she's had a season high 30 goals and 18 assists in her career. She is a three-time all-district player and offensive MVP. During her senior year, she made all-state. "I chose to play at ORU because the atmosphere of the team and the school as a whole is amazing, and it's exactly where I want to be," Edwards said. 
 
Iris Embla Gissurardottir – Gissurardottir signed with ORU from Selfoss, Iceland. Selfoss is one of the best teams in the Icelandic Premier League. She played a key role on the U19 team that plays in the A-league. Her team advanced to the semifinals in the U19 Icelandic Cup last season. She was the second highest goalscorer for the U19 team last season as a midfielder. In 2022, she captained the U20 Selfoss team. "I chose ORU because it's a good school and the location is awesome," Gissurardottir said. "The coaches are nice and I think the team has a promising future!"
 
Annaliese Giusto – Giusto joins ORU as an attacking midfielder from Danville, California. She competed on the Mustang Soccer Club. "I chose ORU because the school community has such purpose and support to help me grow as a leader and as a student athlete," Giusto said. "It will foster my passion and faith as I pursue my goals in the classroom and as an athlete in a strong soccer program. I am excited to learn as much as possible so I can make an impact in the world."
 
Alex Machado – Machado transfers to ORU from the University of Pacific. She is originally from Dixon, California, and Dixon High School. At Pacific, she played in 15 games and recorded one goal and one assist. In high school, she connected for 31 goals as freshman on the varsity team. "Coming from California, ORU provides a new life experience as well as a place to play the game I love most," Machado said. "I know I'll be surrounded by a phenomenal coaching staff to take my game to the next level and grow alongside the program. Beyond Excited!"
 
Caroline Moore – Moore comes to ORU from Nashville, Tennessee, and Christ Presbyterian Academy. She was a state champion in 2018 and made the finals in 2019. Her team advanced to the semifinals in 2020 and 2021. In her high school career she recorded 76 goals and 82 assists. In 2021 she was named all-state, all-region and Tennessee all-star. "I chose ORU because I knew it was different from the other schools I was exploring, but I felt that there was something special about this program and that I wanted to be a part of it," Moore said. "When I began talking to Coach Wes, I could tell that he was not like any coach I have had before, and I knew I wanted to have him as my coach for the next four years. Coach Wes introduced me to a coaching staff that not only cares about making athletes better players, but better people and this is something I wanted to be a part of. When visiting, all of the people at ORU were so kind to me and made me feel at home. I also chose ORU because I love its close Christian environment and the well-known nursing program."
 
Alexa Reifer – A native of Corona, California, Reifer played for Santiago High School. She competed as a goalkeeper for Legends FC where she went undefeated in 2021 and was CIF runner-up in 2022. "I chose ORU because of the atmosphere that has been created by the coaches and players," Reifer said. "I believe i will grow as a player and a person with the opportunities I'll be given in athletics and academics." 
 
Julia Ruth Thasapong – Thasapong comes to ORU from Grindavik, Iceland. She was selected to the U17 Icelandic National Team and played for Grindavik in the first division. As a forward, she played her first senior game at the age of 15 in the Icelandic Premier League. "I chose ORU because I want to experience adventure and I think my journey will start at ORU," Thasapong said. 
 
For the latest information on ORU women's soccer, follow @ORUWSoccer on Twitter or go to www.ORUAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading the ORU Athletics App in the Google Play or App Store.