PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland State women's soccer team will prepare for another run at the Big Sky Conference title next season as Head Coach Katie Burton announced the signing of five newcomers during the early signing period for the 2020-21 academic year.
The Vikings made a return to the Big Sky tournament in 2019 at the sixth spot after missing the playoffs in 2018. Portland State graduated three seniors at the end of the last season and will look to add to an already talented group of returners.
"This incoming group of athletes is very talented! Our goal for this class was to create more competition within each of the lines in addition to, enhancing our team culture and chemistry," said Burton. "Each of these players has competed at the highest club and high school level that will allow them to have an immediate impact on our team success, both on and off the field."
This year's class features five incoming freshmen with impressive careers at both their high school and clubs with two players coming from California and one from Oregon, Utah, and New Mexico.
2020-21 RECRUITING CLASS:
Raniyah Burton | Forward | 5-2 | FR | Richmond, Calif. | El Cerrito HS
Before Portland State:
Competing at El Cerrito High School, Burton was named the Co-MVP of her team in 2019 while earning MVP in 2018 and Offensive MVP in 2017. She was also named a T-CAL First-Team All-League selection both her freshman and sophomore seasons. Burton also performed well in the classroom, earning Academic Honor roll as well.
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Cameron Dixon | Defender | 5-8 | FR | Albuquerque, N.M. | La Cueva HS
Before Portland State:
During the 2019 season at La Cueva HS, Dixon was named a 2-5A District Player of the Year and a First-Team Defender while leading her team to a District Championship. She earned All-State Second-Team as a defender while serving as the team captain. In 2018, her team finished in second-place in the State Championship and she was named an All-District Second-Team defender and All-State Honorable Mention. Outside of high school, Dixon made the Olympic Development Program (ODP) team for four years.
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Ani Jensen | Midfielder | 5-4 | FR | Salt Lake City, Utah. | Skyline HS
Before Portland State:
Jensen helped lead her team to a 5A State Championship during the 2019 season while at Skyline HS. That same year she was named Second-Team All-State as a midfielder. While playing the club Utah Soccer Alliance, her team who back-to-back State Cup Championships in 2017 and 2018 while making an appearance at nationals in 2018. She also participated in the ODP.
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Emma Jones | Defender| 5-4 | FR | Scappoose, Ore. | Scappoose HS
Before Portland State:
A multi-sports athlete at Scapposse HS, Jones played soccer while also competing in cross country, wrestling, and track & field. She was named All-League all four years in soccer while earning All-League in the other sports on four occasions. She was also All-State her freshman year in cross, her junior year in wrestling, and all four years in track. Jones also played for the Westside Timbers and in the ODP. Her club who the Beaverton Cup Championship in 2015 and 2019 while finishing second at the Clash of the Border tournament.
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Emma Scott | Midfielder | 5-6 | FR | Auburn, Calif. | Del Oro HS
Before Portland State:
Scott played one year of varsity soccer at Del Oro before joining the US Soccer Development Academy. While competing with FC Elk Grove, she helped her team to a State Cup title and an NPL Champions League title. With Placer Untied, she was a Surf Cup finalist during the 2018 club season. Scott also participated in ODP regional and national camps.
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