(Editor's note: University of Providence media release)
GREAT FALLS – The University of Providence women's soccer program announced the signing of an additional six student-athletes to the program Tuesday afternoon. Of the six new additions to the program, five of them are transferring from the Northwest Athletic Conference while the sixth joins from Region IX.
The program had already announced the signing of five players earlier in the spring, bringing the total number of new-student athletes in the program to 11.
"We are excited to add some experience to our youthful class of recruits by complementing them with an accomplished group of junior college transfers," head coach Brian Clarke said. "Despite much of the recruiting process occurring during a pandemic, we are confident we have found six quality student-athletes that will make an immediate impact on our program, institution, and community."
Dani Chang
Chang will transfer to the Argo program from Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash. An attacking co-captain for the Hawks, Chang was named to the all-East Region team in both years with the team. She led the conference in assists last season and was named the Adidas NWAC Player of the Week last fall.
Chang attended James B. Castle High School in Kaneohe, Hawaii. She plans to study exercise science at Providence.
"Dani is a dynamic and creative attacking player that will add a bit of flare and excitement to our front line," Clarke said. "Her vision and leadership qualities will help anchor an exciting group of young attacking players."
Tihanee Freitas
Freitas also joins the Argo program from Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash. A defender for the Hawks, she was also named to the all-East Region team and was additionally named to the NWAC all-academic team
Freitas is from Wailuku, Hawaii and attended Maui High School, where she ran track and field and cross country and weight lifted in addition to playing soccer. She plans to study psychology at Providence.
"Tihanee is a tenacious defender and all-around stellar athlete," Clarke said. "She is a competitive, selfless individual with strong leadership qualities that will help lead our young defensive group."
Megan Haugen
Haugen also joins the team from Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash. She was a multi-sport athlete for the Hawks, playing both basketball and soccer. She played mid-field on the field and was named to the 2019 NWAC all-star all-Region team.
Haugen is originally from Richland High School in Richland, Wash., where she played both basketball and soccer. On the field, she led her team to a conference championship and to the Sweet 16 of the Washington state tournament. She plans to study business at Providence.
"Megan is an exciting multi-faceted midfielder," Clarke said. "She has the innate ability to make others around her better. Her vision, composure and competitive nature will help strengthen our midfield group."
Grace Hipke
Hipke joins the Argo program from Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Wash. An anchor defensively, she led the Pirates to an NWAC championship in 2018 and was named an NWAC all-star last season.
Hipke is also from Richland High School in Richland, Wash., where she was named the defensive MVP of her team. She plans to study exercise science at Providence.
"Grace comes from a top-level college where she has been a key piece to their success this past season," Clarke said. "Her composure and vision are only a few of the outstanding qualities she will add to our midfield."
Kylee Manning
Manning joins the Argo program from Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs, Wyo. As a freshman, she ranked fifth in the conference in goals scored with eight and led her team to a conference championship. Her team also finished as runners-up at the North Plain district championship. For her efforts both on and off the field, she was named a 2018 second-team academic all-American.
Her sophomore year, she also ranked fifth in goals with 10. She also added eight assists. She was named second-team all-Region.
Manning attended Fremont High School in Hooper, Utah. She was a part of the 2015 Region championship team. Manning was also named to High Honor Roll for four years of high school. She plans to study business at Providence.
"Kylee is a very athletic, dynamic and dangerous forward," Clarke said. "Her ability to create goal-scoring opportunities for herself and others will cause problems for even the strongest defensive units."
Cassidee Whitehead
Whitehead joins the Argo program from Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Ore. She was named to the NWAC all-Region team last season. She also played basketball for the Chukars.
Whitehead attended Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho, where she had a decorated high school career. During her tenure, she was named both first- and second-team all-conference and led her team to a runner-up at the Idaho state championship. She plans to study elementary education at Providence.
"Cassidee is a very composed, technical and smart midfielder," Clarke said. "Her understanding of the game will be a huge asset to the program, especially to the young players around her."
