Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney head soccer coach Rob Breton today announced the names of two transfers and eight high school seniors who'll suit up for the Lopers this fall.

The group hails from seven different states including three from Colorado and two each from Nebraska and Arizona. By position the newcomers are four midfielders, three defenders, two forwards and a keeper. They join a 2026 roster with 19 returners; nine seniors, seven juniors and three sophomores.

UNK begins fall camp in early August and has three home scrimmages (Aug. 16, 18 & 23) before the regular season begins at home vs. Rockhurst (Aug. 28). 
 
Transfers
Riley "RJ" Marques (R-Fr., MF, 5-5, Cincinnati, Ohio/Wright State U., Ohio)

• Appeared in two games for the WSU Raiders in 2025, keeping her redshirt
• Starred at Mount Notre Dame H.S. and Cincinnati United Premier
• "Riley is a wonderful addition to our midfield group which graduated five seniors this past fall. She has a high work rate that will allow her to help us in dictating the tempo of games while also being an engine that helps win the ball back. Riley sees the game well and will challenge the returners and newcomers to be at their best this year."

 
Ka'iulani "Kai" Nishigaya (Jr., F, 5-5, Waipahu, Hawai'i/Taft College, Calif.)

• 31 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 40 career games for the Taft Cougars
• Two-time all-conference
• "I'm very excited for Kai to be joining us this fall. She is a player who will do very well in our offense, adding another dimension to our attack. She will be able to contribute with her ability to serve the ball in the box, take players on and create chances for herself and her teammates. Kai has an extremely high work ethic that will match well with our culture and really help push the rest of the attackers to increase our output."

 
Freshmen
Maddie King (GK, 5-6, Arvada, Colo.)

• Starred at Ralston Valley H.S., Real Colorado Olympico & Colorado Rush
• Maddie will be a great addition to our GK Union. She has a strong foundation in her technical abilities that will translate very well to the college game, as well as being a very athletic keeper. She is coming into arguably the best group of GK's we have had in my four years here and will really give our staff tough decisions come game day.  I'm excited for her to learn and challenge for opportunities throughout the year."

 
Madison McLachlan (MF, 5-8, Thornton, Colo.)

• Starred at Horizon H.S., helping the Hawks twice reach the Class 5A state tournament
• "Madi is going to be able to fill a lot of the gaps left in our midfield by our graduating seniors. She can play in a multitude of positions, with whatever style and skills are needed to be successful there. I think she has a work rate and focus that is going to allow her to be an impact as quickly as she can get on the field. She has pride and passion not only for this game but for her teammates that is going to really allow her to build a strong connection with our community and program."

 
Dallas Miller (D, 5-5, San Tan Valley, Ariz.)

• Starred for Arizona Arsenal and graduated high school early
• "Dallas is going to be a wonderful addition to our teams defense this year. She is a gritty defender who isn't afraid to put her body on the line to protect her teammates or the goal. Add in the fact that she has great pace, a solid work ethic, and the confidence to get into the attack. There is lots of upside for us to bring in Dallas and I'm excited to see what she can do in this environment."

 
Savanna "Vanna" Reitsma (F, 5-7, Papillion)

• For Bellevue West, 2026 Second-team SuperState and First-Team Class A (191 career points)
• "I am very excited to be adding Vanna to our attacking group. Having been one of the top goal contributors in the state of Nebraska for the past two years isn't an easy feat and shows what she'll bring to our program. Vanna has a change of speed and overall athleticism that makes her a challenge to defend, but when you add in her desire to get to goal and create chances with her skills, will make her a threat anywhere in the final third."

 
Brooklyn Schulte (D, 5-7, Ozark, Mo.)

• All-Region selection for Ozark H.S. with significant club experience
• Brooklyn is a strong addition to our team and especially to a very strong returning defense. She has a very high soccer IQ that allows her to add multiple styles of play and skill to the game both offensively and defensively. This matched with her ability to fight for every ball, play breaking line passes or crosses and chase down attackers is going to make her a threat for us both defensively and offensively for years to come."

 
Bella Spadavecchia (MF, 5-2, Greenville, S.C.)

• One of S.C.'s top players as a member of Wade Hampton H.S. & United FC
• Bella is someone who'll add a very high level of technical abilities to our team. She has a very high level of composure and technique that will allow her to be able to find ways to impact the game anywhere in the offense. Add that to her grit, physicality and mentality, and she will be a player who can contribute to both sides of the ball. I also believe she will be a player that players gravitate towards with her commitment and dedication to being the best she can be."

 
Aspen Steen (MF, 5-1, Commerce City, Colo.)

• Member of Colorado Rush & Class 5A all-state with 65 career points for Prairie View H.S.
• I'm very excited to be adding a player of Aspen's abilities to our team. She has a wonderful soccer IQ and it shows in her technical abilities and the types of passes she will be bringing to the team this fall. Couple that with her work rate and overall ability to cover a lot of space defensively and you will see just how much she will add to the midfield this fall. I think she will be more than just a good player but also a person who helps bring the joy to training each day."

 
Natalia Waller (D, 5-6, Omaha)

• Starred for Omaha Marian H.S. & Sporting Nebraska, helping the Crusaders win the 2026 Class A state title
• "I'm very excited to be adding Nat to our backline this season. Nat is one of the most athletic players I have seen in the past few seasons, locking down players who have committed to play for some of the best programs in the country. Not only is she a great athlete, but she is also a wonderful teammate who will help enhance our team's culture with how she connects with people and supports them on and off the field."