UNC Women’s Soccer Signs Nation’s Top-Ranked 2026 Recruiting Class
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The future of North Carolina women’s soccer is looking as bright as ever. Head coach Damon Nahas and his staff have officially welcomed 12 new players to Chapel Hill as part of the 2026 recruiting class - a group already turning heads after being ranked No. 1 in the nation by TopDrawerSoccer.
This class doesn’t just bring talent - it brings hardware, international experience, and a championship pedigree that fits right into the Tar Heels' storied tradition.
Let’s take a closer look at the newest faces set to don Carolina blue:
Scottie Antonucci (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) - Midfielder
A two-time ECNL Southwest Player of the Year and three-time ECNL All-American, Antonucci arrives from Legends FC with one of the most decorated resumes in the class.
She’s no stranger to the international stage either, having represented the U.S. at two U-17 World Cups - bringing home a bronze medal in 2024. Her combination of technical skill and big-game experience makes her a high-ceiling addition in the midfield.
Maggie Currie (San Jose, Calif.) - Midfielder/Forward
Currie brings versatility and a winning mentality to Chapel Hill.
The MVLA and Leigh High School product dominated the Blossom Valley Athletic League, earning Freshman and Sophomore of the Year honors before being named league MVP. She’s also been part of the U.S.
U-17 Concacaf squad and earned ECNL All-Conference honors in Northern California - a region known for producing elite-level talent.
Leah Kuklick (North Carolina) - Forward
A homegrown product with a championship pedigree, Kuklick played a key role in NC Courage ECNL’s USL National Championship run in 2024 and their runner-up finish in 2025. She’s been recognized as a Mid-Atlantic First Team All-Conference selection and earned the NCFC Shield Award, a testament to her leadership and impact on the pitch.
Amari Manning (Flemington, N.J.) - Forward
Manning has been winning titles since her early teens.
A product of the Players Development Academy, she’s already been part of a U-14 ECNL National Championship team, a U-13 finalist, and a U-15 Nike Premier Cup winner. She’s also shined on the international stage, helping the U.S. claim the U-15 Concacaf Championship.
Her attacking instincts and winning background are a perfect match for UNC’s high-tempo style.
Ella Martinez (Marietta, Ga.) - Midfielder/Forward
Martinez brings a unique international flavor to the class.
A dual national, she’s represented both the U.S. and Colombia at the youth level. Since 2024, she’s been with the Colombian Youth National Team, helping them qualify for back-to-back U-17 World Cups.
She even earned Player of the Match honors in one of Colombia’s 2025 World Cup games. Her time with the USL Super League’s Carolina Ascent adds another layer of experience.
Cali O’Neill (Durham, N.C.) - Defender
Another local standout, O’Neill comes from the NC Courage system and has already suited up for the U.S.
U-17 National Team. She competed in Trinidad and Tobago and was part of the 2025 World Cup roster.
She also made an appearance in the 2025 TST 7v7 Tournament. A composed defender with international reps under her belt, O’Neill adds depth and poise to the back line.
Samantha Rich (Orinda, Calif.) - Forward
Rich has been a force in the NW Girls Academy circuit, helping Lamorinda SC to four conference titles.
She’s participated in multiple U.S. National Team camps and friendlies at the U-15 and U-17 levels.
Her knack for finding the net and her exposure to elite-level training environments make her a strong offensive weapon for UNC.
Wylie Roossien (Nahant, Mass.) - Forward
Roossien lit it up for FC Stars, helping them reach the ECNL National Semifinals in 2024.
Her standout play earned her All-State honors from United Soccer and a spot on the First Team All-America list. She brings a dynamic attacking presence and a proven ability to perform on big stages.
Chloe Shroff (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) - Defender
Shroff has made her mark with Vines and Branches High School and Wilmington Hammerheads SC.
She helped lead her team to a Mid-Atlantic Conference title in 2023, showcasing her defensive prowess and leadership qualities. She’s another strong addition to a defensive unit that’s shaping up to be as deep as it is talented.
Deus Stanislaus (Fort Washington, Pa.) - Midfielder
Stanislaus is a midfield engine with a winning résumé.
She helped Players Development Academy to an ECNL National Championship at the U-14 level and was named U-15 North Atlantic Conference Player of the Year. A two-time First Team ECNL All-American, she’s also competed for the U.S. at the U-15 Concacaf Championships.
Her blend of athleticism and vision will be key in UNC’s midfield rotation.
Sealey Strawn (Prosper, Texas) - Forward
Strawn is one of the most decorated forwards in this class.
A four-time All-Texas Conference First Team honoree and 2024 USL Young Player of the Year, she’s also an ECNL National Champion. Her goal-scoring ability and high-level experience with Dallas Trinity FC make her an immediate impact candidate in the attacking third.
Peyton Trayer (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) - Goalkeeper
Trayer is a proven winner between the posts.
She’s a two-time CIF Champion, SoCal State Champion, and former ECNL National Champion with Slammers FC HB Koge. She’s also earned individual honors like CIF Player of the Year and League Defensive MVP.
Most recently, she represented the U.S. at the U-17 World Cup. Her shot-stopping ability and leadership from the back will be a major asset for the Tar Heels.
Bottom Line:
This class is loaded - not just with talent, but with players who’ve already proven they can win at the highest levels.
From ECNL and USL titles to World Cup appearances, these 12 newcomers bring a mix of skill, experience, and championship DNA that fits right into the culture of excellence at North Carolina. Damon Nahas and his staff didn’t just recruit well - they built a foundation for the next era of Tar Heel dominance.