ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University Women's Soccer program welcomed 10 student-athletes as part of its 2026 signing class, head coach Sarah Jacobs announced on Tuesday.
 
The Black and Gold welcome: #1 Joyce Robinson (Perry Hall, Md.), #12 Serene Sherman (Mechanicsburg, Pa.), #15 Gabby Gallegos (Bluffton, S.C.), #17 Mally May Hanvey (Raleigh, N.C.), #19 Lila Sharp (Bluffton, S.C.), #20 Jayda Larson (Kernersville, N.C.), #21 Olivia Mauer (Clover, S.C.), #22 Lauren Hardy (Fort Mill, S.C.), #23 Aly Peters (Sealy, Texas) and #28 Emma Rutledge (High Point, N.C.).
 
"We are excited to welcome eight freshmen and two transfers as the newest members of our program this season." Said head coach Sarah Jacobs. "These student-athletes embody the values of our culture, and they will strengthen our team both on and off the field. We look forward to the impact they will make as we continue building the future of Anderson University Women's Soccer."
 
The Trojans open the 2026 season on the road when they travel to Lander University for a non-conference matchup on Thursday, August 27. The game is slated for 7 p.m.
 
Meet the Trojans:
 
Name: Joyce Robinson, #1
Hometown: Perry Hall, Maryland
High School: Perry Hall High School
Club: Maryland Rush
Height: 5'7"
Position: Goalkeeper
Major: General Engineering
Accomplishments: 2025 Maryland State Champions and County Champions (high school), 2026 State finalist (club).
Why Anderson? "With the amazing team culture and academic programs, I believe I can become the best version of myself at Anderson."
 
Name: Serene Sherman, #12
Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Previous School: Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
Club: Keystone FC
Height: 5'7"
Position: Defender
Major: Psychology
Accomplishments: Second Team All-Conference (2024), Third Team All-Conference (2023)
Why Anderson? "I chose Anderson because the people instantly made it feel like the right fit. Everyone was so welcoming, and I loved the faith aspect of the school."
 
Name: Gabby Gallegos
Hometown: Bluffton, S.C
High School: Bluffton High School
Club: Tormenta FC Academy
Height: 5'3"
Position: Midfielder
Major: Elementary Education
Accomplishments: Three-time All-Region and MVP. Leading Goal Scorer for two years in a row. Invited to train with USL W Tormenta FC the summer after they won USL Championship.
Why Anderson? "I chose Anderson because I knew it was a place I wanted to be. I was intrigued by the culture and environment athletically and academically provided. I was also interested because of the Christian values that come with being a part of the AU family. I loved how close and welcoming the team was, but also how competitive they got when it was time to play. I knew it was going to be an easy decision and something I definitely want to be a part of considering all these amazing factors."
 
Name: Mally May Hanvey, #17
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
High School: Trinity Academy
Club: NCFC
Height: 5'9"
Position: Forward
Major: Kinesiology
Accomplishments: All-Conference Player of the Year, All-State Player of the year, 100 career goals and top goal scorer all four seasons.
Why Anderson? "Loved the School, community, and faith."
 
Name: Lila Sharp, #19
Hometown: Bluffton, S.C.
High School: May River High School
Club: Sporting Club Jax ECNL
Height: 5'7"
Position: Midfielder
Major: Digital Media
Accomplishments: Member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club and varsity team captain.
Why Anderson? "I attended my first ID camp in 8th grade and immediately fell in love with the campus and coaching staff. From that moment, Anderson felt like home a place where I knew I could grow both as a soccer player and in my faith in Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue pursuing my goals at the collegiate level in an environment that truly aligns with my values at Anderson."
 
Name: Jayda Larson, #20
Hometown: Kernersville, N.C.
High School: Wesleyan Christian Academy
Club: NC Fusion
Height: 5'4"
Position: Defender
Major: Pre-Physical Therapy/Kinesiology
Accomplishments: Defensive MVP and two-time All-Conference.
Why Anderson? "I always knew I wanted a Christ centered education and immediately when I met the soccer team and some of the students on campus I felt like this is where the lord wanted me to be."
 
Name: Olivia Mauer, #21
Hometown: Clover, S.C.
High School: Clover High School
Club: CSA (Charlotte Soccer Academy)
Height: 5'5"
Position: Midfielder
Major: Nursing
Accomplishments: 2024 South Carolina 5A State Champions, caption of CSA club team in 2025 and 2026, 2024 national DPL finalist, 2025 All region player.
Why Anderson? "I went to two ID camps and loved the environment! Everyone was very welcoming and nice. Not only that, but I saw the team atmosphere and wanted to be a part of it!"
 
Name: Lauren Hardy, #22
Hometown: Fort Mill, S.C.
High School: Fort Mill High School
Club: Fox Soccer Academy
Height: 5'6"
Position: Defender
Major: Marketing
Accomplishments: JV MVP, JV Defensive Player of the Year and two-time varsity All-Region
Why Anderson? "I chose Anderson because I love how the school and soccer program are faith base, and I am excited to grow as a person through Christ."
 
Name: Aly Peters, #23
Hometown: Sealy, Texas
High School: Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Club: Albion Hurricanes FC
Height: 5'5"
Position: Defender
Major: Business Accounting
Accomplishments: 5A Rookie of the Year. (2022-23), All-District Second Team (2022-23), All-District First Team (2023-24), All-State First Team (2023-24) and All-SPC (2024-25).
Why Anderson? "I choose Anderson because of the small town feel atmosphere and progressive nature of the soccer team."
 
Name: Emma Rutledge, #28
Hometown: High Point, N.C.
High School: Wesleyan Christian Academy
Club: NC Fusion
Height: 5'3"
Position: Midfielder
Major: Nursing
Accomplishments: All-Region, three-time All-Conference, named Offensive MVP and eared the program's Standard Award.
Why Anderson? "Anderson was the perfect small school feel that I wanted while playing soccer. The girls at the school really made the place for me and I really felt that this is where the Lord wanted me to be."