USC Women’s Soccer Reloads with Four Key Transfers Ahead of 2026 Season
The USC women’s soccer program just added some serious firepower - and experience - to its roster with the signing of four transfers, including two graduate players and two standout sophomores. It’s a move that not only bolsters depth but brings proven talent into a squad already riding high with the nation’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class, according to Prep Soccer.
Head coach Jane Alukonis and her staff have clearly prioritized both leadership and upside with this group. From ACC-tested veterans to rising stars from the Big Ten and Big East, these additions are built to make an immediate impact.
Let’s take a closer look at the new Trojans:
Maya McDermott | Forward | Grad Transfer from Syracuse
Hometown: Harleysville, Pa.
Height: 5'6"
High School/Club: Springside Chestnut Hill Academy / FC Bucks ECNL
McDermott brings over 2,800 minutes of Power Five experience to Los Angeles after starting 40 games across three seasons at Syracuse. She scored twice and added two assists in her senior campaign, but her value goes far beyond the stat sheet. A four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll honoree and three-time All-ACC Academic Team selection, McDermott is the definition of a complete student-athlete.
Her athletic background is just as impressive - a multi-sport high school standout who competed in soccer, basketball, and track, McDermott also spent years in the Olympic Development Program, earning MVP honors for the ODP International Team in 2020.
Coach Alukonis on McDermott:
“Maya brings a dynamic attacking threat, defensive stability, and strength in transition. Her leadership and professionalism will have an immediate impact on our team culture.”
McDermott on USC:
“As soon as I stepped on campus, I got it - the vibe, the people, the facilities.
I connected with the coaches right away. I’m excited to be part of a winning culture.”
Hadley Snyder | Defender | Grad Transfer from Louisville
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Height: 5'9"
High School/Club: Assumption HS / Racing Louisville Academy
Snyder arrives with a wealth of experience and a reputation as a tough, intelligent center back. Over four seasons with Louisville, she logged nearly 2,900 minutes across 43 appearances, starting 35 games. In her senior year, she anchored a defense that recorded 11 shutouts and helped the Cardinals complete their first-ever unbeaten home season - not to mention a first-round NCAA Tournament win over in-state rival Kentucky.
She’s no stranger to accolades either, earning All-State and All-Region honors in high school and contributing 15 goals and 16 assists from the back line.
Coach Alukonis on Snyder:
“Hadley plays with grit and confidence, and her ability to build out of the back with both short and long passes is exceptional. Her soccer IQ will be a huge asset to our defense.”
Snyder on USC:
“I chose USC because of its culture of excellence - on and off the field. The chance to compete at the highest level while growing as a player and person made it the perfect fit.”
Taylor Jenkins | Midfielder | Transfer from UConn (Sophomore)
Hometown: Milford, Conn.
Height: 5'8"
High School/Club: St. Joseph’s / World Class FC
Jenkins is a versatile, high-motor midfielder who made an immediate impact at UConn. In just two seasons, she appeared in 23 games (15 starts), racking up over 1,500 minutes and earning third-team All-Big East and fourth-team All-East Region honors in 2025.
She also shined in the semi-pro United Women’s Soccer league this past offseason, earning All-UWS second-team recognition and helping her squad reach the national championship team.
At the prep level, Jenkins was a scoring machine, netting 49 goals and earning All-American, All-New England, and ECNL Player of the Year honors. She led her high school to a state title and was named MVP in the process.
Coach Alukonis on Jenkins:
“Taylor is a proven two-year starter with a relentless engine and elite two-way ability. Her competitiveness and soccer IQ will make her a fan favorite.”
Jenkins on USC:
“Even though USC is far from home, it felt like the right place from the start. The support from the community and the opportunities to grow both academically and athletically made it an easy decision.”
Ashley Thurk | Defender | Transfer from Minnesota (Sophomore)
Hometown: Edina, Minn.
Height: 5'9"
High School/Club: Edina HS / Minnesota Thunder Academy ECNL
Thurk brings Big Ten battle-tested toughness and consistency to the Trojans’ back line. In two seasons with Minnesota, she started every game she played - 39 in total - and logged more than 3,400 minutes. She was a cornerstone of a defense that posted 12 shutouts over two seasons and made a run to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament.
Her freshman year was a breakout campaign: Top Drawer Soccer named her to its Freshman Best XI, and she earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors while being ranked as one of the top 25 freshmen in the country.
Before college, Thurk led Edina High School to a perfect 22-0 season and a state championship, earning multiple All-State and All-Metro honors along the way.
Coach Alukonis on Thurk:
“Ashley is a consistent, high-level performer with excellent 1v1 defending and great athleticism. Her ability to contribute in build-up play and her intensity will raise the level of our back line.”
Thurk on USC:
“I chose USC because of the elite soccer development and coaching, combined with a top-tier academic experience.”
What It Means for USC
With these four additions, USC isn’t just adding depth - they’re bringing in starters. Between McDermott’s attacking instincts, Snyder’s calm leadership in the back, Jenkins’ midfield engine, and Thurk’s defensive consistency, the Trojans have addressed all three phases of the field.
This transfer class, paired with the top-ranked freshman group, sets the stage for USC to be a serious contender in 2026. The pieces are in place. Now it’s about putting them together.
Stay tuned - this team’s ceiling just got a whole lot higher.