Diverse Group Enhances 2026 Women's Soccer Class
Monica Rogel adds yet another local product to NWACC's first-ever roster, while Natalie Ibarra represents Florida
BENTONVILLE - Two more top athletes and students were brought into the fold Friday by NWACC Women's Soccer head coach Nick Marquez.
Midfielder Monica Rogel and goalkeeper Natalie Ibarra include both local ties and out-of-state representation, including the program's seventh player based in Northwest Arkansas. Ibarra becomes the program's third goalkeeper and the first player from the state of Florida, while Valadez is the first representative from Marquez's home state of New Mexico.
All three student-athletes plan to study within the most rigorous and advanced academic plans at the college; Rogel will major in criminal justice, Valadez will major in nursing and Ibarra will study education.
ABOUT MONICA
Rogel comes from Rogers Heritage High School, joining five NWACC men's soccer commits from the same school for the class of 2026. NWACC will also play its home matches in 2026 at Heritage's football facility, David Gates Stadium.
"Monica is our first signee from Heritage," Marquez said, "and we already have future classes on our radar. It signals the beginning of something lasting."
The 5'6" midfielder graduates from Heritage in May after four years lettering with the War Eagles.
"What drew us to her was her edge and humility--she earned everything in front of her," Marquez said. "She does the difficult running and embraces the unglamorous moments. That matters when you are building something from scratch.
ABOUT NATALIE
Ibarra heads to Bentonville from Gateway High School in Lehigh Acres, Fla., just outside the coastal city of Fort Myers.
"We have long respected how competitive the Florida landscape is, and Natalie reflects that background," Marquez said. "She stuffs low shots with authority and covers top corners confidently."
Both of Ibarra's parents have experience at the local club level as coaches, informing her IQ and goalkeeping ability.
"As the daughter of coaches, she reads the game instinctively," Marquez said. "She brings assurance to the entire frame of the goal."
CURRENT SQUAD
Goalkeepers (3): Alissa Dumas, Oklahoma; Naomi Rasburn, England; Natalie Ibarra, Florida
Defenders (5): Ellen Piggott, England; Jessica Vallejo, Arkansas; Molly Docherty, England; Mia Germano, England; Amy Stratton, England
Midfielders (10): Jackie Ayala-Gonzalez, Arkansas; Carla Samblás Benito, Spain; Leila-Mae Per, England; Erin Clarke, England; Lilia Carvalho, England; Mariana Araujo-Martinez, Arkansas; Jada Damian, Arkansas; Isis Chapa, Texas; Nadia Soto, Texas; Monica Rogel, Arkansas
Forwards (6): Rylee Hamill, Canada; Ava Sherfield, England; Deisy Mendez, Arkansas; Faith Baker, Texas; Gizelle Fierros, Texas; Lucy Willoughby, England
MORE INFO
More signings will be announced soon and will be released on social media @NWACCWsoccer and at NWACCEagles.com online. The 2026 NJCAA Region 2 Schedule is available to view now here.
