UC Davis Soccer's Shocking 2026 Class: You Won't Guess What These 7 Stars Bring to the Field!

DAVIS, Calif. — As UC Davis prepares for its upcoming transition to the Mountain West Conference, head coach Kat Mertz has announced the addition of seven promising student-athletes to the Aggies' 2026 recruiting class. This infusion of talent aims to bolster the team's competitive edge, signaling a strategic move as they aim to elevate their performance within a new conference.

“We're thrilled to welcome this 2026 class to our UC Davis family,” said Mertz. “This group brings an exciting blend of dynamic attacking threats, creative forwards, and gritty, hard-working midfielders and defenders. All seven of these players are hungry, competitive, and ready to hit the ground running.”

In addition to their athletic prowess, Mertz emphasized the importance of character, stating, “Just as importantly, they are exceptional humans—driven in the classroom, committed to their development, and embodying what it means to be an Aggie. We can't wait to get to work with them and see how they elevate our program and help us continue to push toward where we know we can go.”

The newcomers include:

Isabella "Bella" Fernandez (M/F • Napa, Calif. / Justin Siena HS / SoCal Blues / Napa United GA): A standout at the high school level, Fernandez scored 29 goals as a freshman, earning the Offensive Player of the Year honors. She followed that up with 30 goals as a sophomore, claiming the Vine Valley Athletic League MVP title, and notched an impressive 35 goals as a junior, culminating in Napa County Player of the Year recognition. At just 13 years old, she made history as the youngest player to debut in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Her extensive club experience includes participation in the UPSL and training with a USLW team, as well as competing in MLS NEXT with a boys' team.

Loralei Heldreth (D • Barstow, Calif. / Excelsior Charter / Legends FC): A 2023 ECNL U15 All-American, Heldreth has been a formidable force in club soccer, earning three Southwest All-Conference First Team selections while playing for Legends FC. Her commitment to soccer is matched by her academic excellence, as she is a Dean's List student at Barstow Community College.

Payton Henry (F/M • Canyon Lake, Calif. / Murrieta Valley HS / SoCal Blues): A varsity soccer standout since her freshman year, Henry is a three-time scholar-athlete and has received Nighthawk MVP honors on three occasions. She has garnered both First Team and Second Team All-League accolades and plays for the SoCal Blues ECNL. Payton is the twin sister of fellow signee Presley Henry.

Presley Henry (F • Canyon Lake, Calif. / Murrieta Valley HS / SoCal Blues): Joining her sister, Presley Henry has been a four-year varsity player and a three-time All-Division CIF First Team selection. Her achievements in high school also include Nighthawk Academic Athlete and Athlete of the Month honors. Furthermore, she competes with the U.S. national futsal team, showcasing her versatility and talent.

Kaya Herndon (F/M • Torrance, Calif. / Torrance HS / Beach FC): Herndon arrives with an impressive resume, having been named Pioneer League MVP as a sophomore and earning First Team All-League honors in both her freshman and junior years. A proven athlete, she is not only a soccer standout but also excels in track and flag football, contributing to her team's success at Beach FC with three Southwest All-League First Team selections and a 2024 ECNL National Championship title.

Chloe Keating (F • Oakland, Calif. / Bishop O'Dowd HS / Lamorinda SC): A four-year varsity player and team captain, Keating was recognized as the West Alameda County Conference Player of the Year after notching 28 goals and 24 assists in her senior season. Her seven-year tenure with Lamorinda SC and dual-sport participation at Bishop O'Dowd in cross country and track further illustrate her athletic capabilities.

Samantha Murdin (D • Lafayette, Calif. / Acalanes HS / Lamorinda SC): Murdin played varsity soccer during her senior year after previously competing in varsity track. She has been recognized for her talent with call-ups to Girls Academy Talent ID camps in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as USYNT Talent ID identification in 2022 and 2023.

About UC Davis Athletics:
UC Davis is recognized as the No. 2 ranked public university by the Wall Street Journal, home to 40,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 employees. The institution excels in fields such as Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine and is situated in a vibrant California college town, conveniently located near the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley, and Lake Tahoe. Over 650 Aggie student-athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports, with a significant transition to the Mountain West Conference slated for 2026-27.

As UC Davis heads into this pivotal moment, the new recruits are poised to make a significant impact, both on and off the field. The Aggies are setting the stage for a competitive future, and the excitement surrounding this recruitment class suggests that the next chapter in Aggie soccer will be one to watch.