HARRISONBURG, Va. – As we approach the start of the 2025-26 academic year, the EMU Athletics Communications department will spend the next few days highlighting the incoming classes for our fall sports. Today, we turn our attention to women's soccer and first year Head Coach Leo Alcoreza, who has brought in eight first-years and one transfer student-athlete for the 2025 campaign. Read on to learn more about the newest women's soccer Royals:
 
Karina Bondaruk

Hometown: Churchville, Va.
High School: Buffalo Gap
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Major: Biochemistry
Club:  Augusta United SC
Athletic Achievements:  Two-Time Second Team All-District Forward, Valedictorian

Why EMU?
"EMU was the perfect choice because I get to stay close to home where my family and friends can come support me at my games and I am extremely excited to be a part of an uprising program!"

Alex Diana

Hometown: Sickerville, N.J.
High School: Our Lady of Mercy Academy
Position: Forward
Major: Engineering
Club:  Match Fit Surf – New Jersey

Why EMU?
"I chose EMU because it's small and I believe I thrive better in small environments. I also like that everyone supports everyone whether it's on the field or in classes."

Bridget Hay

Hometown: Front Royal, Va.
High School: Warren County
Position: Forward
Major: Psychology or Education
Athletic Achievements:  Warren County High School all-time leading career goal scorer (83 goals), District co-player of the year ('25), Region player of the year ('25), First Team All-District and Region (2023-25), All-A's honor roll (all four years)

Why EMU?
"I chose EMU because of its welcoming and supportive environment I felt when I first toured! The campus is beautiful and I'm just really excited to continue playing the sport I love at a more competitive level!"

Camden Jefferson

Hometown: Henrico, Va.
High School: Mills Godwin
Position: Goalkeeper
Major: Environmental Science
Club:  Richmond Strikers
Athletic Achievements:  ODP State Team 2023-24, Three years Varsity

Why EMU?
"I love how it feels like such a tight knit community. My brother just graduated from JMU, so I'm very fond of the area and the people. Also, the science program is very impressive."

Peyton LaCombe

Hometown: Calverten, N.Y.
High School: Riverhead
Position: Wing/Defender/Goalkeeper
Major: Psychology/Criminology
Club:  Long Island Slammers

Why EMU?
"I picked EMU because it allowed me to play both track and soccer."

Ella Nguyen

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.
High School: Tallwood
Position: Midfielder
Major: Biology
Club:  Inter Virginia FC

Why EMU?
"I chose EMU because of the welcoming community and beautiful campus."

Michelle Thompson

Hometown: Madison, Va.
High School: Madison County
Position: Defender
Major: Nursing
Club:  Orange Fire SC
Athletic Achievements: Four-Time First Team All-District, First Team All-Region, Valedictorian

Why EMU?
"I chose EMU because coming from a small school, it made me feel at home. I felt as though I would be seen and valued both as a student and as an athlete."

Hailey Walker

Hometown: Glen Allen, Va.
High School: J.R. Tucker
Previous School: Goucher College
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Major: Accounting and Business Administration
Club:  Richmond Strikers
Athletic Achievements:  Four-Time All-Region Selection, Female Athlete of the Year, Three years Varsity Captain, Four years Varsity Starter

Why EMU?
"I wanted to be closer to home and family, and I wanted to be able to have a good athletic and academic journey."

Bryn Yoder

Hometown: Berlin, Ohio
High School: Hiland
Position: Defender
Major: Nursing
Athletic Achievements:  Three-Time OHSAA D3 District Champions

Why EMU?
"My family is connected to EMU and Harrisonburg in many ways, so for me it's a familiar place. I love the community, and the area is beautiful."
 
Coach Alcoreza's comments on the incoming class:
"This being my first recruiting class makes it especially exciting. Coming into the process a bit later presented some challenges, but I'm really pleased with the group we've brought in. They're a strong group of people first and foremost, and high-character individuals with a lot of potential to grow as players. I'm looking forward to seeing how they develop and wouldn't be surprised to see some of them make an immediate impact in their first year."
 
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the EMU women's soccer program this year, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.