PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Pilots Women's Soccer announced their signings from the Class of 2026 on Thursday, bringing five recruits to The Bluff.
 
"Our 2026 class is an incredible group of student-athletes who embody the values of our program," Portland head coach Michelle French said. "Their skill, competitiveness and character will elevate our team's performance on the field, while adding depth and purpose to the culture we've built. I'm confident their impact — both through their play and their character — will be felt immediately throughout our program and the entire University as a whole."
 
Sophia Ashtar – Forward – Alpharetta, Ga.
 
Ashtar comes to Portland as a high-scoring forward from Georgia. A star at Denmark High School – the alma mater of fellow Pilot Christina Davenport – Ashtar has scored 44 goals in three years along with 13 assists, helping lead Denmark to a state championship her freshman year in 2023. A captain last year for the Danes, she's earned All-County honors each of the last two years as well as All-Region First Team honors. Ashtar played club ball with the Concorde Fire Platinum ECNL squad each of the last four seasons as well and attended a U.S. Youth National Team IDC camp in 2022.
 
Coach French on Ashtar
 
"An explosive, dynamic and fearless player in the wide areas. Her ability to take defenders on one-on-one, deliver dangerous service in the box, while also having the ability to set herself up to finish, makes her a constant threat on the flank. She brings creativity and pace that will stretch any back line."
 
Lauren Efraimson – Forward – Eugene, Ore.
 
An Oregon product, Efraimson also looks to augment the offense for Portland. Hailing from Eugene, she's scored 54 goals in her high school career and has led North Eugene High School to Midwestern League championships each of the last two seasons. A first team All-League and Second Team All-State selection each of the last three seasons, Efraimson was a part of the Eugene Metros FC squad that won a PNW Conference Championship in 2024 as well.
 
Coach French on Efraimson
 
"A composed and confident forward, Lauren combines smooth movement and poise in front of goal with a tall, athletic presence. Her simplicity, awareness and calmness under pressure makes her a constant threat in the attacking half of the field."
 
Jailynn Henry – Defender/Midfielder – Las Vegas, Nev.
 
Fortifying the defense is Henry, a center back and defensive midfielder who comes from Las Vegas. At Faith Lutheran Middle and High School, she led her team 5A State Championship titles in 2022 and 2024 and a second-place finish in 2023, earning All-State First Team honors each of those years. She earned All-League First Team honors those three seasons as well. Henry comes from Albio SC, the same club as Xayla Black, Jordan Womack and Tatum Manley.
 
Coach French on Henry
 
"A composed central defender with vision and range of service. She helps to anchor the back line while blocking shots in the box, winning battles in the air and playing out under pressure with confidence."
 
Cate Kovats – Defender/Wingback – Issaquah, Wash.
 
Another Pacific Northwest product, Kovats signs with Portland a wing back. From Issaquah, she's led Issaquah High School to top five finishes in state each of the last three seasons, including a second-place finish in 2022. She has earned All-State honors each of the last two seasons, including honorable mention in 2023 and second team in 2024. She was a 2024 All-Kingco second team selection as well. She's played her club soccer with Eastside FC.
 
Coach French on Kovats
 
"A fierce competitor who brings left-footed precision, relentless energy, and a fiery edge to both sides of the ball. Her tireless work rate and dangerous service in the final third make her a true game-changer."
 
Blayke Warner – Goalkeeper – Olympia, Wash.
 
Portland's final addition also comes from Washington, with Warner coming as a threat between the pipes. Warner played in her freshman and sophomore years, earning second team all-league honors her freshman season and honorable mention her sophomore year. With the Pacific Northwest Soccer Club, she earned Second Team All-Conference honors at U-15 level in ECNL. In 2023, she was invited to the U.S. Youth National Team training camp for U-16s.
 
Associate Head Coach Maite Zabala on Warner
 
"Blayke possesses a relentless drive and desire to grow and excel. Her physical presence, sharp soccer IQ and high-performance mentality make her a tremendous addition to our talented group of goalkeepers."
 
The Pilots put together one of their best years in recent history in conference play, finishing with a 7-1-3 record against WCC opponents to finish tied for second in the league. Their second-place finish was the highest for the program since 2013 while their seven wins were their highest since that same year. Portland finished 10-3-6 overall for their third 10-plus win season in four years and their best winning percentage (.682) since that 2013 season as well.

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