BENTONVILLE - Three more in-state additions were announced Friday to the NWACC Women's Soccer Class of 2026, as announced by head coach Nick Marquez.

Vanessa Flores of Wickes, Hailey Bond-Strickland of Gentry and Bryn Butler of Siloam Springs, all defenders, are the three incoming freshmen.

"We wanted the foundation of this program to reflect the communities around us," Marquez said. "These three bring strong academics, local knowledge, and a steady presence to an eclectic roster."

The roster now boasts 11 players from the state of Arkansas and six more from other U.S. states.

"One thing I am especially proud of with this class is that we intentionally signed 11 players from the Natural State," Marquez said. "That meant expanding our footprint beyond the immediate Northwest Arkansas corridor into places like Siloam Springs, Gentry, and even Wickes."

ABOUT BRYN

Butler comes from Siloam Springs, where she developed a relationship with fellow NWACC commit Trinity Brown. One of five siblings, Butler is also a twin.

"What stands out about Bryn is the switch that flips when she steps on the pitch," Marquez said. "Once the ball drops, she becomes a competitor in every sense of the word. She comes from a tight-knit family, which speaks to the competitive environment that helped shape her."

On the field, Butler projects as a tall, physical center back with a 5'7" frame and aggressive ball-winning mentality.

ABOUT HAILEY

Bond-Strickland is in her fourth year lettering as a varsity soccer player with Gentry High School. A tri-sport athlete, she was also a wrestler and a defensive specialist in volleyball for the Pioneers.

"Athletes who compete across multiple sports develop toughness and resilience that translate directly to the soccer field," Marquez said. "Hailey brings a tremendous competitive background to our program."

Bond-Strickland is also a second-generation NWACC student, the first such Eagle athlete in school history.

"Hailey is deeply rooted in her faith and comes from a family connection to our college as the daughter of Northwest Arkansas alumni, giving her a strong understanding of the school’s history and community," Marquez said.

ABOUT VANESSA

Hailing from Wickes, a town of less than 650 people just north of De Queen, Flores comes to Bentonville this fall after graduating from Cossatot River High School in May.

"Players from smaller communities often bring a quiet toughness with them, and we saw that right away [with Vanessa]," Marquez said. "Adding someone from Wickes shows how far we were willing to search for the right culture fits as we built this class."

Flores competed at the high school level in soccer as well as cross country for the Eagles of Cossatot River.

"Vanessa made a strong impression the moment she stepped on campus," Marquez said. "She carries herself with humility and appreciation for the opportunity in front of her."

CURRENT SQUAD

Goalkeepers (3): Alissa Dumas, Oklahoma; Naomi Rasburn, England; Natalie Ibarra, Florida

Defenders (8): Ellen Piggott, England; Jessica Vallejo, Arkansas; Molly Docherty, England; Mia Germano, England; Amy Stratton, England; Bryn Butler, Arkansas; Hailey Bond-Strickland, Arkansas; Vanessa Flores, Arkansas

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.