First-Ever Recruiting Crop Combines Local, International Talent
Midfielder Damian Carranza and forwards Aukele Paikuli-Campbell and Jodon Grey make history as the first ever signings for NWACC Men's Soccer.
BENTONVILLE - NWACC Men's Soccer head coach Dean Johnson announced the first three signings in program history Friday ahead of the Fall 2026 season. Forward Aukele Paikuli-Campbell, forward Jodon Grey and midfielder Damian Carranza were all jointly announced as commits for the fall, supplying the program with an international player, a Hawai'i native and a local product from Northwest Arkansas.
"This is a historic day for the program," Johnson said. "We are extremely excited to welcome on board our first three official men’s soccer players."
ABOUT AUKELE
Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai'i, Paikuli-Campbell joins NWACC after moving to Northwest Arkansas in 2024, where he currently plays on Johnson's U19 team at Ozark United FC in Rogers.
"Aukele was a player I immediately targeted once taking the job here at NWACC," Johnson said. "He's a standout performer who has already relocated here in Arkansas and joined the Ozark U19s group," Johnson said.
Paikuli-Campbell graduated from Kealakehe High School in his hometown of Kailua-Kona, where he helped the WaveRiders win their 10th state title as a senior in 2024. He spent the summer in Asheville, N.C. with USL League Two club Asheville City SC.
"He will bring a lot of attacking threat and goalscoring ability to the team," Johnson said, "and he's one we fully expect to have a professional career after college."
ABOUT JODON
Grey is the first international athlete to sign with NWACC Men's Soccer, coming from Sheffield in the western Jamaican province of Westmoreland. Grey prepped at Manning's School, a prestigious soccer program with two cup championships and two final appearances.
"Historically, I have had many Jamaican players on my rosters," Johnson said, "and Jodon will be the next in line to carry the flag."
A 5'8" winger who is also comfortable in a box-to-box role in midfield, Grey is best known for his pace and ability on the ball.
"Immediately you can see he possesses raw physical attributes and the ability to score or create goals," Johnson said. "We are expecting big things from him."
ABOUT DAMIAN
Another member of the Ozark United U19 team, Carranza is as local as they come. Even before starting with Ozark, Carranza played youth soccer with Pea Ridge Thunder Soccer Club before spending seven years in the Sporting Arkansas FC system.
"Damian is a local player also with us at Ozark U19s," Johnson said. "We are really excited to have one of the best local players in the area join us."
Academically, the 5'9", 140-pound attacking midfielder attended Pea Ridge High School and was showered with scholarships and accolades. He won five private and public scholarships, highlighted by the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship and the Officer Apple Scholarship. He was ranked in the top 50 of his graduating class at Pea Ridge.
His dynamic speed and versatility will provide flexiblity for NWACC's program from year one.
"Damian possesses elite speed and ability on the dribble which will cause opponents major problems," Johnson said. "He is able to play either centrally or out wide depending on the shape of the team."
More signings will be announced soon and will be released on social media @NWACCmsoc and at NWACCEagles.com online. The 2026 NJCAA Region 2 Schedule is available to view now here.
