HELENA, Mont. - Head Coach David Thorvilson has officially announced the additions of 12 student-athletes who will join the Carroll College Women's Soccer team this Fall.

One of the largest senior classes in recent history departed the program last Fall, leaving Thorvilson with work to do on the recruiting trail this winter. The Fighting Saints will look a little different this season, welcoming in a pair of transfers and a large group of prep and club standouts as they aim to grab the school's first CCC title since 2018.

"Following the graduation of 10 players from last year we needed a diverse recruiting class to meet many needs." said Thorvilson of the new crop of Saints  "With these 12 new players and a strong returning class that will see seven starters return, the hope is for a smooth transition of new and old to battle for the Cascade Collegiate Conference title this year."
  
 
Adison Stoddard | McCall, Idaho | North Idaho College (Scappoose HS) Stoddard, a junior transfer, comes to Carroll following two seasons at North Idaho College. The talented forward is the daughter of Amy & Leo Stoddard, and her brother Colin has been a four-year member of the Carroll Football and Track & Field teams. After a stellar prep career that saw her earn All-League, All-State, and Athlete of the Year honors at Scappoose HS, Stoddard tallied 11 points with four goals and three assists in her NIC career. A strong student, she graduated high school with a 4.2 GPA, and finished her time at NIC with a 3.98 GPA.

"I've gotten to watch my brother play football at Carroll for the past four years, which has allowed me to see how great the school is academically and athletically. I also love the strong sense of community and competitiveness of the team." said Stoddard.

"Adison had looked at us coming out of high school but ended up at North Idaho." Said Thorvilson "Over the last few years coming to watch her brother play football she knew Carroll could be a place to finish academically and athletically. We are excited to add her to our attacking group."

Carmen Anderson | Missoula, Mont. | Central Washington (Hellgate HS) The daughter of Jay & Estella Anderson, Anderson transfers to the Hilltop as a junior following two seasons at NCAA Division II Central Washington. Anderson, a two-time team captain, is one of the best players to come out of the Treasure state in the last few years. In 2024 she was named the Montana Gatorade Player of the Year, while in 2023 she amassed a slew of honors including United Soccer Coaches Montana Player of the Year, MHSA Player of the Year, and MHSA Western Player of the Year. A three-time All-State selection, Anderson is the All-time Montana state leader in assists. A standout student, Anderson brings in a perfect 4.0 GPA.

"I chose Carroll because it offers me more of what I'm looking for both academically and athletically, as well as just being closer to home!"

"Very excited to have Carmen transferring into us." said Thorvilson. 'I am familiar with her having watched her high school career unfold at Hellgate. I rated her the top midfield out of Montana when she graduated and had hoped Carroll might be a good fit. It just took a little longer to get her here and she can have a significant impact right away."

Ann Marie Donald | Big Timber, Mont. | Sweet Grass County HS Ann Marie, the daughter of Wyatt and Stacy Donald, comes to Carroll after a successful prep career at Sweet Grass County HS. Donald was an All-State selection on the pitch, and a four-time Academic All-State selection that was also a member of the FFA, Hope Squad, and National Honor Society.

"I chose Carroll College because of the competitive and welcoming team environment, along with the academic focus of the school!"

" We first saw Ann Marie at our ID camp last summer." Said Thorvilson "We were impressed with her overall athleticism and potential to play in different roles for us."
 
Gabrielle (GG) Lougen | Camas, Wash. | Seton Catholic College Prep Gabrielle, the daughter of Nicole and Greg Lougen, joins Carroll after a stellar high school career that saw her earn Defensive Player of the Year twice, while excelling in the classroom. GG was a member of the Honor Roll, and National Honor Society, holding a 3.8 GPA and plans to major in Business.

"I loved the atmosphere and opportunities Carroll has to provide academically. Montana is beautiful, and I'm excited to get the option to adventure around Helena!"

"GG was very late into our recruiting cycle but a connection to an alum of our program got us talking and after watching her play in the Las Vegas showcase this spring we are happy to bring her into our defensive unit." Said Thorvilson
 
Ava Markiewicz | Medford, Ore. | North Medford HS Ava, the daughter of Jeremy and Cheryl Markiewicz, comes to Carroll following a prep career that saw her earn All-Conference honors all four years. Off the pitch, Markiewicz was a member of the National Honors Society, and next month she will be going to Nationals to represent Oregon on her Club team.

"I chose Carroll because of the welcoming, competitive environment from the coaches and players. I was also really drawn by the nursing program, and overall scenery of the town."

"Ava found us through our strong academic nursing program and started connecting with the coaching staff and we finally got her on campus last summer." Said Thorvilson "She is a very active outside back and will help with depth in our defense this fall."
 
 
Erin Coulter | Colorado Springs, Colo. | Rampart HS Erin, the daughter of Emily and Jim Coulter, will succeed her sister Sydney, who was a four-year member of the Soccer team that graduated this past spring. Her ECNL club team won their league championship and are in position for more success this summer. Throughout her prep career, Erin has earned multiple Dean's list and Honor Roll recommendations, and on the pitch was named Defensive Player of the Year and Second Team All-State.

"I chose Carroll because I saw how amazing the environment was throughout my sister's time there, and wanted to surround myself with a team and people that will push me to be the best version of myself."

"Erin's sister Sydney just finished her four year career at Carroll so we have been familiar with Erin for many years and are ecstatic she will put on the Carroll uniform like her sister." Said Thorvilson "Erin is a very dynamic defender and will bring much needed depth into our backline."

Ava Winters | Missoula, Mont. | Sentinel HS Ava, the daughter of Angella and Richard Wintters, will have the opportunity to reunite with her older sister on the pitch this Fall, joining junior Defender Emily as a Fighting Saint. A four-year letter-winner at Sentinel, Winters was also a two-time letter-winner in Track & Field. Another future Saint with great academics, Winters will graduate with a 3.6 GPA and plans on majoring in Nursing at Carroll.

"I chose Carroll because it gave me the opportunity to play collegiate Soccer with my older sister on a team that felt like a family, while also furthering my education"

"Ava will be a nice addition to our defensive group where she will get to play with her sister Emily." said Thorvilson "I have had the chance to see her play club, high school and Stride ID camp and will transition well to our style of play."
 
Harper Emmanuel | Shoreline, Wash. | Shorewood HS Hope, the daughter of Rebbecah and Tom Emmanuel, joins the Fighting Saints after an outstanding high school and club career. At Shorewood, Emmanuel was named Second Team All-Westco and Defender of the Year, while also garnering the Pivitol Player Award through Emerald City Football Club. Graduating with a 3.7 GPA, she plans on Majoring in Political Science.

"I chose Carroll because of the strong academic reputation, plus the strong sense of community that I have experienced, even from short visits. Montana is a second home to me, and I can't wait to deepen that at Carroll."

"Harper has some family connections in Helena and she found us first." Said Thorvilson "After watching her play we knew she would be a great fit for our team. She is a tall central defender and gives us some depth right away."
 
Eden Henderson | West Richland, Wash. | Hanford HS Eden, the daughter of Matt and Ammie Henderson, brings an impressive high school resume to the Hilltop. A four-year varsity starter, Henderson was twice named a team captain at Hanford HS, earning All-Conference honors in both her junior and senior seasons. She will graduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA, and plans on majoring in Biology with an eye towards the Pre-Dental track.

"Eden's recruiting path was a bit different." Said Thorvilson "We did not get the chance to watch her play live so relied on connections with some of her club coaches. They continued to say great things about her as a person and a soccer player and we are lucky to add her to our team."
 
Bailey Koster | Coeur d'Alene, Idaho | Lake City HS Bailey, the daughter of Paula LaBelle and Matthew Koster, is the latest in a long line of Fighting Saints to hail from Coeur d'Alene. A prominent performer at both Lake City HS, and Sting Soccer SC, the 3.5 GPA student-athlete plans on majoring in Nursing at Carroll.

"I chose Carroll because of the community, academics, and athletics. From the time I was there for a camp, it just felt like the place I wanted to go. Then, to learn more about the Soccer and Nursing programs just intrigued me more and more. Once the opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it and just knew."

"Bailey continues a good pipeline of players coming to us out of CDA." Said Thorvilson "She is dynamic player primarily playing wing but can step into the backline if needed, her versatility is excited to add to the team."
 
Caroline Kovacich | Redmond, Wash. | Woodinville HS Caroline, the daughter of Craig Kovacich and Susan Brockenbrough, was a multi-sport prep star in Washington. The Most Valuable Player on the Woodinville HS Soccer team, Kovacich also earned All-Conference honors in both Softball and Flag Football. In addition to the on-field success, she will graduate with a 3.98 GPA and intends to major in Nursing at Carroll.

"I chose Carroll because of the community. I went to the Carroll Soccer camp last summer and really liked both the campus and the team. Plus, it's in Montana, and I've spent a lot of time there with my family."

"Caroline first popped up on our radar at our ID camp last summer." Said Thorvilson "She has a tone of energy and will bring some good competition to our midfield group this next fall."
 
Makayla Schnabel | Billings, Mont. | Billings West HS Makayla, the daughter of Ryan and Robbi Schnabel, becomes the next Golden Bear to head West from Billings. A member of both the Billings West Soccer team and Real Billings FC, Schnabel was a multi-time Academic All-State selection and also excelled in Track & Field, earning All-Conference honors. She intends on majoring in Health Sciences on the Pre-OT track, graduating with a 3.68 GPA.

"Carroll provides an opportunity to pursue my academic interests in a supportive, community environment while also allowing me to remain in Montana and contribute to a competitive Soccer program."

"Makayla showed up at our summer camp as a sophomore and by the end of the week we knew we wanted her to be a Saint." Said Thorvilson "She is tall, athletic and has very good vision with the ball and can't wait to get her back on the pitch after a knee injury last year."