Huskie Women's Soccer Announces 2025 Recruiting Class

SASKATOON, Sask. - The 2025 Huskie Women's Soccer season will feature nine new faces to the roster, as the team announces its latest recruiting class ahead of a fresh campaign. Among the newest student-athletes are three forwards, three midfielders, two defenders, and a goalkeeper as the program adds depth to each positional group.

The 2025 edition of the Huskies are set to make their season debut on Saturday, August 30 as they host the Mount Royal Cougars at Griffiths Stadium. Single-game and season tickets are available now at HuskieTickets.com.
 

2025 Huskie Women's Soccer Recruiting Class
(Name / Position / Hometown / Previous Team)
Sarah Fisher / Fullback / Calgary, Alta. / Foothills Soccer Club
Isabelle Lachance / Winger/Striker / Calgary, Alta. / Calgary Villains FC
Kadence Madraga / Midfielder / Saskatoon, Sask. / Saskatchewan Excel, TD Futsal
Alyssa Paydil / Goalkeeper / Saskatoon, Sask. / Saskatchewan Excel
Amella Puskar / Winger / Winnipeg, Man. / 1v1 Futbol Dreams
Julie Randall / Defender / Calgary, Alta. / Foothills Soccer Club
Eva Ricken / Winger/Striker / Medicine Hat, Alta. / Calgary Rangers
Jana van Niekerk / Midfielder / Saskatoon, Sask. / Aden Bowman Collegiate
Cassidy Vieira / Midfielder / Winnipeg, Man. / Winnipeg South End United, Lucania FC
 

Sarah Fisher

 "From the moment I first trained with the Huskies, I knew it was where I wanted to be. To be so inspired and motivated by coaches and players every time you are around them is something truly special. I am incredibly excited to start my first season with the team and embark on this new journey!" - Sarah Fisher

"We are very excited to have Sarah join our program as a defender with alot of potential to grow within our style of play. Sarah's passing range and ability are key attributes that caught our eye in the recruiting process; but what we believe is what separated her is her silent leadership qualities. She is someone that is always ready to own what ever role her team needs out of her, and is a honest, humble hard working player, key qualities within our program. Welcome to our Huskie Family Sarah!" - Head coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton
 

Isabelle Lachance

"I am excited for the opportunity to play on the University of Saskatchewan's Women's Soccer Team. I was drawn to the program not only because of the team's talent and competitiveness, but also because of how kind and supportive the players are off the field. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and I look forward to developing my skills and fulfilling my role on the team to the best of my ability." - Isabelle Lachance

"Isabelle is someone we are very excited to add into our program. She is going to be a threat for many opponents this year as a very dynamic and explosive attacker. The sky is the limit for her. She will be able to not only come in and contribute right away, but also learn from a veteran group of strikers. From a character standpoint, she fits perfectly into our standards as she is a humble, caring and very hard working person. We have no doubt, Izzy will leave a legacy with this program over her career. Welcome to the Huskie Family Izzy!" - Head coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton
 

Kadence Madraga

"I chose the University of Saskatchewan because the team strives for goals and values I associate myself with. Their desire to improve each season drew me in as they are a team that betters themselves every opportunity they have. I identify with their style of play and how it differs from many other U SPORTS teams in terms of intensity and tactics.  The team environment has always been welcoming to me. I feel at home, and they are like my second family. Being able to work with like-minded individuals is a privilege each and every day. Coming into this season, I am excited for what the team can accomplish. This off-season has shown nothing short of intent, ambition and passion for our next steps as a program and how we can continue to be on the rise. I am eager to put my best foot forward to help our team perform towards our goals and aspirations this upcoming season." - Kadence Madraga

"As a local player, we have known Kadence for a while now, as she was also part of our Jr. Huskies Program. The vision and creativity that she has on the ball is outstanding. Her ability to understand the game is also at a very high level. As a person, her determination, grit and humbleness are key pillars of why we believe she will fit in perfectly with our program and become a key player in the years to come! Welcome to our Huskie Family Kadence!" - Head coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton
 

Alyssa Paydli

"I chose the Huskies because of the team culture and the family atmosphere. Everyone supports each other, and from day one, it felt like the right fit. It's not just about what they do on the field, but also how they give back to the community, which is really important to me. Going into my first season, I'm ready to work hard, learn everything I can, and do my part to help the team succeed." - Alyssa Paydli

"Alyssa is a local GK that has already shown alot of growth over the summer months working with our GK Coach Abumere. She is calm and composed in her distribution and will continue to grow in her explosiveness and positioning. Her mindset to push herself and eagerness to continue to grow are key aspects of why we have added her into our program. From a personal level, she is a humble and calm presence that will add depth and competition into our GK Union." - Head coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton
 

Amella Puskar

"I chose the Huskies because their culture embodies excellence and relentless drive. It's an environment that challenges you every day while making you feel supported like family. From the moment I arrived, I knew this was the place where I could push beyond my limits, grow both on and off the field, and truly elevate my game to its fullest potential." - Amella Puskar

"Amella is a dynamic and explosive attacking player that will add depth to a very experienced group. What stood out to us about her in the recruiting process is her work ethic in both the attacking and defending phases. She is a passionate player that plays with an edge and we love that about her. She is another person that possesses a humble and hardworking mindset that we have no doubt will add to our current squad. Welcome to our Huskie Family Amella!" - Head coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton
 

Julie Randall

"I couldn't be more excited to be a Huskie and embrace a program that promotes my beliefs in the importance of strong team culture and the pursuit of excellence! I have always strived to be in environments that push my limits and allow me to grow both as a player and a person. Being a part of this team provides me with the opportunity to improve myself and hopefully have an impact on a team of amazing people dedicated to success!" - Julie Randall

"We are ecstatic to have Julie join our program. We believe she has the ability to make an impact from Day 1 with our team. She has the physical attributes to become a very dominant defender in Canada West. She comes with a winning mindset which is something our program is continually attracting, having won PDP Nationals last year and been the tournament MVP. Her character is outstanding, always wanting to push her limits and not only grow for herself but also bringing others along, we know she will be a leader within our program from the start. Welcome to our Huskie Family Julie!" - Head coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton
 

Eva Ricken

"As a young player from a small town who has always had to fight for every opportunity, joining the Huskies is an honour I do not take lightly. I know I will be faced with many challenges both on and off the pitch, but look forward to using that to grow into my full potential. From the first time I trained with the players, I know the team was an environment I inspired to become a part of." - Eva Ricken

"Eva is an attacking player that we believe has a lot of potential to continue growing with our program. Her athleticism dynamism and versatility we feel will align well with our style of play and she will be someone that will add alot of versatility and depth into our program. She is eager to continue refining her technical and tactical skills and is another player with humble and hardworking mindset and has a drive to better herself!. Welcome to our Huskie Family Eva!" - Head coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton
 

Jana van Niekerk

"Going into my first season with the Huskies I am excited to compete on a team full of wonderful teammates and a great coaching staff. I am looking forward to contribute everything I can to help the team succeed. I am grateful for the chance to wear the Huskies jersey and represent this amazing program." - Jana van Niekerk

"We are excited to add Jana to our 2025 Recruiting Class. She has fully earned this opportunity based on her performances in the last few weeks in training camp. She is a very mature and composed player that we believe will continue to grow alot as she adjusts to the higher pace of play  at this level. As a local player that has been part of our Jr. Huskies player, we know she understands the culture and expectations of our program and we believe she will contribute immensely as a role model for our younger local players. Welcome to our Huskie Family Jana!" - Head coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton
 

Cassidy Vieira

"I always intended to sign to a school outside of the prairies. I felt I had been limited in opportunities for growing my game by the city I lived in, so I had my mind set on escaping by committing to a D1 school in the US. That all changed when I was invited to a U Sask ID camp in November of 2023. Saskatoon felt like a home away from home. The Huskies are a team built on a strong foundation of culture and community. As one of the 10 team standards state, the Huskies always strive to 'perform as a pack.' I could feel that even just briefly being a part of their environment in the 3 day ID camp. I saw that the Huskies had created an environment where I would be able to become a better player and person. Once I saw that opportunity, it was a done deal for me.  The Huskies are 'Always on the rise' and they're bringing the prairies with them. Upon joining the Huskies this year, I am determined to prove that prairie soccer is not something to be escaped or overlooked, but something to be grown and admired. I am wholly excited, proud, and dedicated to uphold this standard as a Huskie this year." - Cassidy Vieira

"Cassidy is a vey intelligent and hardworking player that continues to grow immensely in her ability to read and control the game. Her technical ability and passing ability is at a very high level and we feel she is another player that can immediately contribute to our team. From a character standpoint, she is a leader and is someone that is constantly looking to improve herself and others better. We have no doubt she will become a key leader within our program over the next few years. Welcome to our Huskie Family Cass!" - Head coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton