HONOLULU, Hawai'i - Hawai'i Pacific University Women's Soccer has added significant depth to its 2026 roster, bringing in seven transfers and eight incoming freshmen from across the country. The newcomers bring a mix of conference championship experience, all-region honors, and multi-sport athleticism to a program looking to build on last season.

Transfers

Azjah Tocher (Sr., GK, #0) joins the Sharks after stops at Lane Community College and Delaware State University, where she earned NEC Prime Performer honors twice and was named NEC Defensive Player of the Week. The Eugene, Oregon native is no stranger to HPU, having previously had the opportunity to join the program before ultimately making her way back to Honolulu.

Kaitlyn Anderson (Jr., F, #8) arrives from Western Wyoming Community College, where she served as team captain and earned Region IX Second Team All-Region and NJCAA All-Academic Team honors during the 2025-26 season. The Highland, Utah product has experience at both forward and midfield.

Olivia Scott (So., F, #11) joins the Sharks after helping the University of Maine capture back-to-back conference championships in 2024 and 2025. The Orono, Maine native also earned the Rising Star Athletic Award and the Presidential Scholar-Athlete Award during her time with the Black Bears.

Keira Pabalan (So., MF, #12) transfers in after one season at Florida Atlantic University. The Corona, California native played varsity soccer at Santiago High School before beginning her collegiate career.

Mary Frances Sluga (Sr., D, #13) joins HPU after stints at Lane Community College and Catawba College, where she helped the Catawba program capture both the South Atlantic Conference regular season and tournament championships. The Eugene, Oregon native was a First Team All-League selection in both her junior and senior seasons of high school.

Mikaela Thibodeaux (So., F, #17) arrives from Saddleback College, where she helped the soccer team win an Orange Coast Conference Championship. A two-sport standout, the Fullerton, California native also competed in flag football at Saddleback, earning Player of the MiraCosta Tournament honors.

Lavinia Vaipulu (Sr., MF, #18) joins the Sharks as a graduate transfer with a decorated collegiate résumé. After earning a spot on the 2023 Big West All-Freshman Team at UC Riverside, the Riverside, California native transferred to Cal Poly Pomona and helped the Broncos win back-to-back CCAA regular season titles (2024, 2025), the 2024 CCAA Tournament Championship, and the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship.

Freshmen

Tia Trinidad (Fr., D, #2) is a local product from Kaimuki, Hawai'i, who earned four varsity letters at Kalani High School. She was a two-time OIA First Team selection, earned State Honorable Mention recognition in 2025-26, and was named Kalani Girls Soccer MVP during the 2024-25 season.

Christina Espinal (Fr., MF, #9) joins the Sharks from Steele Canyon High School in San Diego, California, where she was a two-time CIF Grossmont Hills League First Team selection and two-time team MVP. She was also named Grossmont Conference Freshman of the Year in 2022-23 and earned Academic Honors all four years of high school.

Lindsey Miranda (Fr., MF, #19) arrives from Orange Lutheran High School in Hacienda Heights, California, bringing versatility as a midfielder/forward to the Sharks' roster.

Hokulani Mose (Fr., MF, #23) is a defensive midfielder from Tacoma, Washington, who earned Second Team All-League and Second Team All-State honors in soccer at Curtis Senior High School. A multi-sport athlete, she was also named Athlete of the Year in flag football during her prep career.

Addison Vaught (Fr., D, #24) joins the Sharks from California Preparatory Academy, where she was named Varsity Defensive MVP in 2025-26. A versatile multi-sport athlete, she also earned Overall MVP honors in flag football in 2026.

Madison Barajas (Fr., MF, #25) arrives from Orange Lutheran High School in Rowland Heights, California, where she competed as a midfielder and forward.

Taylor Gallano (Fr., MF, #29) is a local addition from Waianae, Hawai'i, who attended Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, bringing versatility at both forward and defender to the Sharks' roster. She chose HPU for the opportunity to remain close to family while continuing her academic and athletic career.

Shyann Cavaness (Fr., F, #30) joins the Sharks from Ramona High School in Ramona, California, where she earned MVP, Best Midfielder, and First Team All-League honors. A versatile player capable of contributing at forward, midfield, or center back, she also earned Second Team All-CIF recognition during her prep career.

Coach Connor Artigue on the 2026 Newcomers

"I'm incredibly excited about this year's incoming class and what they bring to HPU Women's Soccer. As this is my first full recruiting cycle in this new role, I take great pride in seeing it come together. The additions of new transfers and freshmen have provided us with tremendous depth and players who are ready to make an immediate impact on the field. With individuals joining us from championship-winning backgrounds and Division I programs, our team now boasts invaluable experience that will raise our level on both sides of the ball.

We're eager to build upon the strengths of our returning players, many of whom earned valuable minutes last season. The early challenge, as always, will be integrating our newcomers and quickly finding team chemistry, but I'm confident we will get it done. From day one, they have shown a commitment to our team's culture and standards, only adding strength to the foundation we already have.

Training has gotten off to a fantastic start. I truly believe we'll see an immediate leap in our quality of play, from a more dynamic attack to a stronger defense. This group gives us a real opportunity to make a playoff push, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish together. "

Looking Ahead
With seven transfers and eight freshmen joining a roster that returns much of its 2025 core, HPU will begin blending its new additions into the fold when the Sharks open the 2026 season at home against Saint Michael's College on Aug. 18.