RIVERSIDE, Calif. - UC Riverside women's soccer interim head coach Gerardo Hidalgo has signed six new Highlanders – five freshmen and one transfer - for the 2025 season.
All six signees hail from Southern California.
Morgan Kennedy, Defender
Culver City, Calif. | Culver City HS
Morgan Kennedy is a center back and defensive midfielder who played junior varsity and varsity soccer at Culver City High School. She was named Culver City High School's team MVP in 2022. Kennedy played her club soccer for Oliver Walsh at FRAM Soccer Club, also participating in the 2024 Las Vegas Players Showcase and GA Winter Showcase and Champions Cup. Off the pitch, Kennedy received the 2022-23 Media Program Award for the 75th Model Legislature & Court and was the Youth Chief of Communications of California within Youth and Government.
Coach Hidalgo on Kennedy:
"Morgan Kennedy will be an outstanding addition to our team, bringing both exceptional character and a positive influence to the environment we are cultivating within the women's soccer program. As a skilled defender, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to effectively handle top-ranked attackers. Morgan's strong understanding of the game, combined with her athleticism, makes her a valuable asset to our team."
Rylee Lewis, Forward
Orange, Calif. | Villa Park HS
Rylee Lewis comes to UCR as a transfer from Idaho State, where she appeared in all nine non-conference games last season with two starts. Lewis logged 10 shots total last year, five of which came on goal. She returns to her home state, where she was a three-time First Team All-Crest View League selection, four-time Crest View League winner and a four-time scholar-athlete at Villa Park High School in Orange.
Coach Hidalgo on Lewis:
"Rylee Lewis brings valuable experience and is poised to make an immediate impact on our program. We are thrilled to welcome Rylee back to California and are excited that she has chosen UCR to further both her academic and soccer pursuits. Known for her relentless drive, Rylee excels in 1v1 situations and has a proven ability to create goal-scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Joining us in the winter quarter, Rylee will have the opportunity to immerse herself in our team culture and play a key role in fostering that culture when our 2025 class arrives in the fall."
Merielle Navor, Defender
Lakewood, Calif. | Artesia HS
Merielle Navor played at Artesia High School and for FC Premier under current Highlander coaches Gerardo and Ernesto Hidalgo. Navor also played alongside former Highlander Leyna Wood for the FC Premier Women's Team. Navor was named to the 2024 Long Beach Press-Telegram Girls Soccer Dream Team and was honored as the 2024 CIF Division 7 Girls Soccer Player of the Year in addition to leading Artesia to the 2023 CIF title.
Coach Hidalgo on Navor:
"Merielle is a proven leader and a dedicated competitor, having served as team captain during her high school team's historic run to a CIF championship. Her unmatched work ethic and unwavering commitment to excellence will be instrumental in ensuring the team upholds its high standards. Additionally, Merielle's versatility on the field, with the ability to excel in multiple roles, makes her an invaluable asset to the program. We are thrilled to welcome Merielle to the UCR family."
Lauren Nguyen, Forward
Hawthorne, Calif. | El Segundo HS
Lauren Nguyen is a forward and midfielder who played at El Segundo High School. Nguyen also played at the club level for Los Angeles Surf SC. She was a First Team All-Pioneer League selection at El Segundo and led the Eagles to three consecutive CIF SoCal playoffs.
Coach Hidalgo on Nguyen:
"We pursued Lauren at the earliest opportunity, as she exemplifies everything we value in our program both on and off the field. Her dedication and relentless effort are evident in everything she does. We are eager to welcome Lauren, confident that she will seamlessly integrate into our team culture and style of play while making an immediate impact."
Talisa Perez, Goalkeeper
Walnut, Calif. | Walnut HS
Talisa Perez played her high school soccer at Walnut High School, where she was an All-CIF Southern Section and San Gabriel Second Team All-Area selection. Perez was named to the 22-person 2007 ODP list as a member of Real So Cal at the club level.
Coach Hidalgo on Perez:
"Talisa will be an exciting player to coach, consistently seeking opportunities to improve and poised to make an immediate impact on our team. As a goalkeeper, she embodies the qualities every coach values: courage, strong communication and natural leadership. We are eager to welcome Talisa to the program and look forward to her contributions this upcoming season."
Tahirih Vahdat
Thousand Oaks, Calif. | Westlake HS
Tahirih Vahdat was a two-sport athlete at Westlake High School in varsity soccer and flag football, and was named Second Team All-CIF Southern Section Division 1 in soccer. Vahdat played her club soccer for Real So Cal and was named to the 2018 22-player Olympic Development Program list.
Coach Hidalgo on Vahdat:
Tahirih's vibrant personality will enable her to seamlessly integrate into the team, fostering both a positive social dynamic and competitive drive that will help us achieve new heights. We are excited to welcome Tahirih and look forward to coaching her on the field while watching her grow and thrive off it.
