University of Memphis Athletics
Women's soccer signs nine in 2019 class
Nov 16, 2018 | Women's Soccer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis women's soccer inked nine student-athletes during the early signing period who will join the Tigers for the 2019 season, head coach Brooks Monaghan announced Friday.
The Tigers, who graduated five seniors at the conclusion of the 2018 season, signed a dynamic class that Monaghan hopes can quickly make an impact at multiple positions on the pitch.
"Every year you go into recruiting looking to check off certain boxes, and we feel this group checks off the boxes we need to be successful," Monaghan said. "We set a very high standard at the University of Memphis to compete for championships, and we feel the potential is certainly there with this class. They can come in, and not only replace big shoes, but help keep this program going in the right direction. I'm really excited about this class because there is a lot of potential."
Julia Bailey — Defender — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Julia Bailey comes to Memphis as one of seven Canadian standouts in the 2019 signing class. The Ottawa native competed four seasons with the Ontario Provincial Development League and earned a role of team captain. The defender also established an offensive presence after leading her U16 team in goals scored at the center back position. That same season, Bailey captained the gold medal-winning squad at the Disney Showcase tournament.
A two-time Female Athlete of the Year, Bailey also lettered in volleyball and field hockey at Longfields Davidson Heights Secondary School. Additionally, she served as a member of the athletic council, was named an academic honor roll recipient and has been twice named an Ottawa-Carleton District academic silver medalist.
Off the pitch, Bailey enjoys playing sports, hiking and spending time with family and friends. She chose the University of Memphis for the coaches' philosophy of the game, the successful soccer program, the positive and competitive team attitude from the players and the support that the University of Memphis offers to its student-athletes. Bailey plans to major in health studies and is the daughter of Shawn and Paula Bailey.
Coach Monaghan on Bailey…
"Julia is someone we see coming in and competing at the center back position. She's a physically strong player with a great soccer build. She has a very good soccer brain. Every position has different dynamics, and there are certain things we look for in each recruit to make up that position, and she really has a lot of those qualities we look for in a center back. She's comfortable on the ball, she's good in the air, she has good size and she has strong leadership qualities."
Rebekah George — Midfielder — Choctaw, Oklahoma
Rebekah George joins the Tigers following a career full of accolades in the Oklahoma City area. The Choctaw product was named to all-conference and all-city teams throughout her career after posting 50 goals in 25 matches. George was also a pivotal piece with Oklahoma Energy FC, a squad that has won five state championships, made 38 regional finals and one national championship appearance.
Off the field, George enjoys shopping, crafts, hiking and working with special education children. She participated in the Students Assisting Students program and was a member of National Honor Society and Student Leadership. The daughter of Audrea and John George, Rebekah chose the Memphis soccer program for its style of play and coaching staff.
Coach Monaghan on George…
"Rebekah is a player I see coming in and playing in the center of the park. She's a crafty midfielder that has a great work rate. She's very good on the ball. She may not have the most physical presence, but she makes up for that in her work ethic and has the ability to go at players one-on-one and read the game well. She has the qualities you look for in someone playing in the middle of the field."
Haley Greene — Forward — Birmingham, Alabama
Haley Greene comes to Memphis after an impressive prep career in Alabama. Greene led the state in goals by a freshman (23) and tallied a school-record 43 goals as a junior. A two-time Offensive Player of the Year and two-time Gatorade Player of the Year nominee, she helped lead Chelsea High School to the 2017 6A state championship title. Greene also added all-metro, all-county and all-state accolades throughout her career and was named the 2018 Shelby County Player of the Year with Spain Park High School.
Greene also competed with Alabama FC/Birmingham United. A member of the Alabama State ODP Team from 2013-17, Greene competed in the Boca Raton Region 3 ODP Thanksgiving Invitational and the 2017 U.S. Youth Soccer ODP International Tournament in Costa Rica.
The Birmingham native enjoys art, painting, drawing, photography, cooking, music and traveling. Greene, the daughter of Robin and Dale Greene, chose the University of Memphis for the women's soccer and art programs.
Coach Monaghan on Greene…
"I don't know if she is five feet tall, but she plays seven feet tall. She's a tireless worker that will run at players and can give opponents fits with her speed, grit and tenacity. Haley is versatile. She can play up top or out wide on the wing with the style of soccer we play. She's a feisty spark plug that can not only give us an offensive spark but a defensive spark with her work ethic and athleticism."
Emma Hooton — Midfielder/Forward — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Hooton, one of seven Canadians signing with the Tigers, comes to Memphis from Vancouver. Hooton prepped with the Whitecaps Girls Elite REX under coach Emma Humphries. The British Columbia native also joins signee Mya Jones and Tiger freshman Tanya Boychuk as Whitecaps club alumnae.
The academic Honor Roll member enjoys running, going to the gym, cooking, watching movies and listening to music. The daughter of Adrian Hooton and Maureen McGrath, Emma plans to major in architecture and chose the University of Memphis because she was impressed with the soccer team and staff along with the campus atmosphere.
Coach Monaghan on Hooton…
"We see a lot of versatility in Emma in regard to playing as an outside midfielder for us or up top. She's left footed, which I think is a bonus. She's another athletic player who has both the offensive and defensive qualities we look for. She has a get-it-and-go mentality and has the ability to score goals for us."
Mya Jones — Midfielder/Forward — Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Jones, a fellow Whitecaps Girls Elite REX trainee, brings a wealth of international experience to Memphis after winning gold in 2014 and silver in 2016 with the CONCACAF national youth team. The Calgary native also added a national club championship title in 2015 and was a member of the Four Nations tournament that same season.
A six-time academic honoree, Jones also ran track and field in high school. In her spare time, Jones enjoys running, working with youth teams, hanging out with friends and watching professional soccer.
Jones chose Memphis because of the nationally-ranked soccer program, coaching staff, beautiful campus and various programs that allow for academic success. She is the daughter of Jason Jones and Kristin Sherriff and plans to major in biomedical engineering or health sciences.
Coach Monaghan on Jones…
"Mya Jones is another very athletic player who can play several different positions. She can be an attacking center mid, an outside mid or even a forward. She's very good on the ball and good one-versus-one. At every level she's played, she's had the ability to be a difference maker for her team. Mya brings a lot of tools with her when it comes to being a well-rounded soccer player."
Emily Lazenby — Defender — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
A four-sport standout, Lazenby joins the Tiger program after posting a strong prep career. The Richmond Hill, Ontario native was a member of the Ontario Provincial Team for three seasons and was selected to the 2015 Ontario REX program. Lazenby helped lead her squad to the OPDL Charity Shield championship in 2015 and was a finalist for the Indoor Ontario Cup U18 and Outdoor Ontario Cup U21 in 2018. Prior to that, Lazenby was selected to compete for Team Canada at the 2013 Danone Nations Cup.
Lazenby also lettered in volleyball, cross country and track and field in high school, while also earning honor roll accolades all four years. She also played ringette for seven years and was a member of the first team from the Richmond Hill club to medal at the Eastern Canadian Championships by taking bronze in 2015.
Off the field, Lazenby enjoys traveling, swimming, skating and is a certified life guard. She chose the University of Memphis because of the competitive athletic environment and heavy focus on academics. The daughter of Monica and Keith Lazenby plans to major in biomedical engineering.
Coach Monaghan on Lazenby…
"Emily is another player we see coming in here as a back. I see her competing as a center back, and she is a natural leader. She reads the game well and has the toughness you look for in a center back. She has a winner's mentality. Again, every position requires certain qualities, and Emily really meets those as a center back."
Saorla Miller — Midfielder — Halifax, Nova Scotia
Saorla Miller (pronounced Sehr-la) joins Memphis from the Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club. Miller helped lead Team Nova Scotia to a bronze medal at the 2017 Canada Summer Games, playing alongside current Tiger Beatrice Currie. Miller was also a member of the 2018 Provincial championship team and attended the 2018 Senior Women's Canadian National Championship.
Miller also lettered in basketball and volleyball in high school and earned high honors from the 2016-19 academic seasons. She also participated in the Best Buddies program working with special needs students.
Miller is the daughter of Liesl Gambold and Jeffrey Miller. She is also the granddaughter of the late Bob Gambold, a standout at Washington State University and NFL quarterback who later coached college football at Washington State, Oregon State, Stanford and Illinois along with pro coaching stops with the Denver Broncos and Houston Oilers.
In her spare time, Miller enjoys skiing, surfing, cooking and going to the gym. She chose the University of Memphis because of the excellent academics paired with a top-tier soccer program.
Coach Monaghan on Miller…
"Saorla is a kid we found late. She came into our camp this summer, and when we saw her we knew we needed to get her. I see her as an outside mid. She has a good engine and great attacking abilities. She can run at players on the flank and could potentially play up top as well."
Payton Robertson — Midfielder — Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Payton Robertson brings her talent to Memphis after a multi-sport career with Northern Secondary School and Unionville Milliken Soccer Club. In 2015, the Toronto native was tabbed to compete with the U15 Ontario Provincial team.
Along with soccer, Robertson lettered in basketball for three seasons and volleyball for two years. In the classroom, she also earned scholars certificate honors.
Off the pitch, Robertson enjoys playing basketball, volleyball and hanging out with friends. She is the daughter of Kelly and Gary Robertson and granddaughter of Whit Tucker, a Canadian Football League hall of famer.
Robertson chose Memphis because of the highly competitive soccer program and close-knit team atmosphere. She plans to major in business.
Coach Monaghan on Robertson…
"Payton Robertson is very technical. She has a very high soccer IQ and she is also a tireless worker. She may not be the biggest player, but she has a quarterback mentality of controlling the midfield. Payton has the soccer mind to the read the game well and distribute the ball efficiently."
Claire Wyville — Goalkeeper — Morriston, Ontario, Canada
Wyville comes to Memphis after prepping with Bishop Macdonell CHS and Burlington Youth Soccer Club. Between the posts, Wyville was a national bronze medalist in 2018 and helped lead her squad to the U17 Ontario Cup championship title in 2018.
Along with soccer, Wyville also played ringette in high school and was named an MVP for Team USA and competed in the Canada Winter Games.
Wyville chose Memphis because of the great soccer and academic programs and plans to major in health sciences. She is the daughter of Lisa and David Wyville.
Coach Monaghan on Wyville…
"We feel Claire will add a tremendous amount of depth. She is a very good shot stopper. I have been able to watch her grow over the years, and I feel she has all the qualities to be a great goal keeper. She's only scratched the surface, and I feel confident when she's in here every day working with (assistant coach) Jonny Walker she will blossom into something special."
The Tigers, who graduated five seniors at the conclusion of the 2018 season, signed a dynamic class that Monaghan hopes can quickly make an impact at multiple positions on the pitch.
"Every year you go into recruiting looking to check off certain boxes, and we feel this group checks off the boxes we need to be successful," Monaghan said. "We set a very high standard at the University of Memphis to compete for championships, and we feel the potential is certainly there with this class. They can come in, and not only replace big shoes, but help keep this program going in the right direction. I'm really excited about this class because there is a lot of potential."
Julia Bailey — Defender — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Julia Bailey comes to Memphis as one of seven Canadian standouts in the 2019 signing class. The Ottawa native competed four seasons with the Ontario Provincial Development League and earned a role of team captain. The defender also established an offensive presence after leading her U16 team in goals scored at the center back position. That same season, Bailey captained the gold medal-winning squad at the Disney Showcase tournament.
A two-time Female Athlete of the Year, Bailey also lettered in volleyball and field hockey at Longfields Davidson Heights Secondary School. Additionally, she served as a member of the athletic council, was named an academic honor roll recipient and has been twice named an Ottawa-Carleton District academic silver medalist.
Off the pitch, Bailey enjoys playing sports, hiking and spending time with family and friends. She chose the University of Memphis for the coaches' philosophy of the game, the successful soccer program, the positive and competitive team attitude from the players and the support that the University of Memphis offers to its student-athletes. Bailey plans to major in health studies and is the daughter of Shawn and Paula Bailey.
Coach Monaghan on Bailey…
"Julia is someone we see coming in and competing at the center back position. She's a physically strong player with a great soccer build. She has a very good soccer brain. Every position has different dynamics, and there are certain things we look for in each recruit to make up that position, and she really has a lot of those qualities we look for in a center back. She's comfortable on the ball, she's good in the air, she has good size and she has strong leadership qualities."
Rebekah George — Midfielder — Choctaw, Oklahoma
Rebekah George joins the Tigers following a career full of accolades in the Oklahoma City area. The Choctaw product was named to all-conference and all-city teams throughout her career after posting 50 goals in 25 matches. George was also a pivotal piece with Oklahoma Energy FC, a squad that has won five state championships, made 38 regional finals and one national championship appearance.
Off the field, George enjoys shopping, crafts, hiking and working with special education children. She participated in the Students Assisting Students program and was a member of National Honor Society and Student Leadership. The daughter of Audrea and John George, Rebekah chose the Memphis soccer program for its style of play and coaching staff.
Coach Monaghan on George…
"Rebekah is a player I see coming in and playing in the center of the park. She's a crafty midfielder that has a great work rate. She's very good on the ball. She may not have the most physical presence, but she makes up for that in her work ethic and has the ability to go at players one-on-one and read the game well. She has the qualities you look for in someone playing in the middle of the field."
Haley Greene — Forward — Birmingham, Alabama
Haley Greene comes to Memphis after an impressive prep career in Alabama. Greene led the state in goals by a freshman (23) and tallied a school-record 43 goals as a junior. A two-time Offensive Player of the Year and two-time Gatorade Player of the Year nominee, she helped lead Chelsea High School to the 2017 6A state championship title. Greene also added all-metro, all-county and all-state accolades throughout her career and was named the 2018 Shelby County Player of the Year with Spain Park High School.
Greene also competed with Alabama FC/Birmingham United. A member of the Alabama State ODP Team from 2013-17, Greene competed in the Boca Raton Region 3 ODP Thanksgiving Invitational and the 2017 U.S. Youth Soccer ODP International Tournament in Costa Rica.
The Birmingham native enjoys art, painting, drawing, photography, cooking, music and traveling. Greene, the daughter of Robin and Dale Greene, chose the University of Memphis for the women's soccer and art programs.
Coach Monaghan on Greene…
"I don't know if she is five feet tall, but she plays seven feet tall. She's a tireless worker that will run at players and can give opponents fits with her speed, grit and tenacity. Haley is versatile. She can play up top or out wide on the wing with the style of soccer we play. She's a feisty spark plug that can not only give us an offensive spark but a defensive spark with her work ethic and athleticism."
Emma Hooton — Midfielder/Forward — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Hooton, one of seven Canadians signing with the Tigers, comes to Memphis from Vancouver. Hooton prepped with the Whitecaps Girls Elite REX under coach Emma Humphries. The British Columbia native also joins signee Mya Jones and Tiger freshman Tanya Boychuk as Whitecaps club alumnae.
The academic Honor Roll member enjoys running, going to the gym, cooking, watching movies and listening to music. The daughter of Adrian Hooton and Maureen McGrath, Emma plans to major in architecture and chose the University of Memphis because she was impressed with the soccer team and staff along with the campus atmosphere.
Coach Monaghan on Hooton…
"We see a lot of versatility in Emma in regard to playing as an outside midfielder for us or up top. She's left footed, which I think is a bonus. She's another athletic player who has both the offensive and defensive qualities we look for. She has a get-it-and-go mentality and has the ability to score goals for us."
Mya Jones — Midfielder/Forward — Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Jones, a fellow Whitecaps Girls Elite REX trainee, brings a wealth of international experience to Memphis after winning gold in 2014 and silver in 2016 with the CONCACAF national youth team. The Calgary native also added a national club championship title in 2015 and was a member of the Four Nations tournament that same season.
A six-time academic honoree, Jones also ran track and field in high school. In her spare time, Jones enjoys running, working with youth teams, hanging out with friends and watching professional soccer.
Jones chose Memphis because of the nationally-ranked soccer program, coaching staff, beautiful campus and various programs that allow for academic success. She is the daughter of Jason Jones and Kristin Sherriff and plans to major in biomedical engineering or health sciences.
Coach Monaghan on Jones…
"Mya Jones is another very athletic player who can play several different positions. She can be an attacking center mid, an outside mid or even a forward. She's very good on the ball and good one-versus-one. At every level she's played, she's had the ability to be a difference maker for her team. Mya brings a lot of tools with her when it comes to being a well-rounded soccer player."
Emily Lazenby — Defender — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
A four-sport standout, Lazenby joins the Tiger program after posting a strong prep career. The Richmond Hill, Ontario native was a member of the Ontario Provincial Team for three seasons and was selected to the 2015 Ontario REX program. Lazenby helped lead her squad to the OPDL Charity Shield championship in 2015 and was a finalist for the Indoor Ontario Cup U18 and Outdoor Ontario Cup U21 in 2018. Prior to that, Lazenby was selected to compete for Team Canada at the 2013 Danone Nations Cup.
Lazenby also lettered in volleyball, cross country and track and field in high school, while also earning honor roll accolades all four years. She also played ringette for seven years and was a member of the first team from the Richmond Hill club to medal at the Eastern Canadian Championships by taking bronze in 2015.
Off the field, Lazenby enjoys traveling, swimming, skating and is a certified life guard. She chose the University of Memphis because of the competitive athletic environment and heavy focus on academics. The daughter of Monica and Keith Lazenby plans to major in biomedical engineering.
Coach Monaghan on Lazenby…
"Emily is another player we see coming in here as a back. I see her competing as a center back, and she is a natural leader. She reads the game well and has the toughness you look for in a center back. She has a winner's mentality. Again, every position requires certain qualities, and Emily really meets those as a center back."
Saorla Miller — Midfielder — Halifax, Nova Scotia
Saorla Miller (pronounced Sehr-la) joins Memphis from the Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club. Miller helped lead Team Nova Scotia to a bronze medal at the 2017 Canada Summer Games, playing alongside current Tiger Beatrice Currie. Miller was also a member of the 2018 Provincial championship team and attended the 2018 Senior Women's Canadian National Championship.
Miller also lettered in basketball and volleyball in high school and earned high honors from the 2016-19 academic seasons. She also participated in the Best Buddies program working with special needs students.
Miller is the daughter of Liesl Gambold and Jeffrey Miller. She is also the granddaughter of the late Bob Gambold, a standout at Washington State University and NFL quarterback who later coached college football at Washington State, Oregon State, Stanford and Illinois along with pro coaching stops with the Denver Broncos and Houston Oilers.
In her spare time, Miller enjoys skiing, surfing, cooking and going to the gym. She chose the University of Memphis because of the excellent academics paired with a top-tier soccer program.
Coach Monaghan on Miller…
"Saorla is a kid we found late. She came into our camp this summer, and when we saw her we knew we needed to get her. I see her as an outside mid. She has a good engine and great attacking abilities. She can run at players on the flank and could potentially play up top as well."
Payton Robertson — Midfielder — Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Payton Robertson brings her talent to Memphis after a multi-sport career with Northern Secondary School and Unionville Milliken Soccer Club. In 2015, the Toronto native was tabbed to compete with the U15 Ontario Provincial team.
Along with soccer, Robertson lettered in basketball for three seasons and volleyball for two years. In the classroom, she also earned scholars certificate honors.
Off the pitch, Robertson enjoys playing basketball, volleyball and hanging out with friends. She is the daughter of Kelly and Gary Robertson and granddaughter of Whit Tucker, a Canadian Football League hall of famer.
Robertson chose Memphis because of the highly competitive soccer program and close-knit team atmosphere. She plans to major in business.
Coach Monaghan on Robertson…
"Payton Robertson is very technical. She has a very high soccer IQ and she is also a tireless worker. She may not be the biggest player, but she has a quarterback mentality of controlling the midfield. Payton has the soccer mind to the read the game well and distribute the ball efficiently."
Claire Wyville — Goalkeeper — Morriston, Ontario, Canada
Wyville comes to Memphis after prepping with Bishop Macdonell CHS and Burlington Youth Soccer Club. Between the posts, Wyville was a national bronze medalist in 2018 and helped lead her squad to the U17 Ontario Cup championship title in 2018.
Along with soccer, Wyville also played ringette in high school and was named an MVP for Team USA and competed in the Canada Winter Games.
Wyville chose Memphis because of the great soccer and academic programs and plans to major in health sciences. She is the daughter of Lisa and David Wyville.
Coach Monaghan on Wyville…
"We feel Claire will add a tremendous amount of depth. She is a very good shot stopper. I have been able to watch her grow over the years, and I feel she has all the qualities to be a great goal keeper. She's only scratched the surface, and I feel confident when she's in here every day working with (assistant coach) Jonny Walker she will blossom into something special."
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's Soccer
F/M
/ Women's SoccerWomen's Soccer: Finley Lavin Press Conference- July 29, 2025
Tuesday, July 29
Women's Soccer: Brooks Monaghan Press Conference- July 29, 2025
Tuesday, July 29
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Women's Soccer Edition - April 28, 2025
Monday, April 28
Women's Soccer: AAC Quarterfinal vs. Tulsa-November 5, 2025
Tuesday, November 05