PORTLAND, Ore. --- The Portland Pilots women's soccer team is adding transfers Jamie Rita and Payton Woodward to the program, announced head coach Michelle French. Rita, who will be a junior in the fall, comes to The Bluff from Washington State, while Woodward will have three years of eligibility remaining after spending her freshman campaign at Kentucky.
 
"With Jamie, we're adding a very composed, intelligent, and creative playmaker," said French. "Her ability to break down the opposition with her vision and technical ability will help to make our attack even more dangerous.
 
"Payton has shown to be very confident and aggressive coming off her line, both in crossing and 1-v-1 situations," French noted. "Her experience playing in the SEC will prove to be valuable to our current group of goalkeepers."
 
A midfielder who calls Burien, Wash., home, Rita collected a goal and an assist in 22 appearances with the Cougars. Prior to Washington State, Rita played club for Crossfire Premier in the ECNL, helping her team secure a spot in the Champions Division playoffs during each of her last three seasons. Additionally, Rita played in the Olympic Development Program and the Eastern Development Program that was the Region Y Champions.
 
"I'm beyond excited and thankful for the opportunity that the UP family is giving me," said Rita. "I can't wait to grow as a person and a player with this incredible team and coaching staff. Go Pilots!!"
 
Payton Woodward, a goalkeeper who originally hails from Fayetteville, Arkansas, made three appearances and two starts for the Wildcats, registering 15 saves last fall. Woodward played club for the Arkansas Comets, winning a state title in 2016. With Fayetteville High School, Woodward earned all-state and all-conference recognition, and she landed on the NWA Democrat-Gazette Team. Her high school team also finished second in state twice.
 
"Portland had everything I was looking for, somewhere to push me academically and on the field," Woodward said. "All the people I trust the most told me this was an opportunity of a lifetime, to work with such an incredibly talented coaching staff and play at a school with a rich soccer history. I'm super excited to get started!"