Women's Soccer Signs International Trio
Carla Samblás Benito, Ava Sherfield and Rylee Hamill each represent a different country
BENTONVILLE - NWACC Women's Soccer head coach Nick Marquez announced three new signings Friday, all of which represent unique countries.
Midfielders Carla Samblás Benito and Ava Sherfield join forward Rylee Hamill as Class of 2026 signees ahead of the inaugural season this fall. The Eagles now have six announced women's soccer athletes, including two from Arkansas.
Players in all four primary positions have also been announced, as Hamill becomes the first attacker in program history.
ABOUT CARLA
Samblás Benito is an attacking midfielder by trade and joins from CF SPA Alicante in Spain. Alicante is a well-regarded club in the Spanish women's soccer system, known for being the first women's soccer-specific club in the city.
"Carla excites us because she is composed, intelligent, and fearless on the ball in every phase of play," Marquez said. "She reflects what we admire in the Spanish game: comfort under pressure, positional discipline, and a deep appreciation for possession."
A native of Alcoy, Spain, Samblás Benito stands at 5'6" and has the ability to play across midfield.
"She connects lines naturally, makes others better in possession, and helps us impose our style rather than chase the game," Marquez said.
ABOUT AVA
Primarily a defensive option in midfield, Sherfield has experience beyond her years with English side AFC Reading.
"With significant interest [in NWACC Women's Soccer] across the UK, what separated Ava was her mindset, edge, and belief in this project," Marquez said. "Her personality and positivity are infectious, and she will be cultural glue from day one."
Sherfield will slot in tactically as an agent of quick changes of possession, utilizing her ability to fill passing lanes and distribute in the other direction.
"Ava is a disruptive force in the best possible way," Marquez said. "Her game aligns perfectly with the aggressive counter-pressing style we want to employ, where winning the ball back quickly is just as important as what we do with it."
ABOUT RYLEE
Hamill is a versatile attacking player hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, where she prepped at St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School. She is a capable out-and-out striker and also has experience as a wide option in a front three.
"Rylee is a true attacking piece, capable of influencing games as both a striker and a winger," Marquez said.
Hamill has experience at the highest levels of local club soccer in Alberta, including provincial matches with the Edmonton Minor Soccer Association's EMSA1.
"She is fearless, confident, and comfortable taking responsibility in key moments," Marquez said. "Along with her pace and attacking instincts, she has the ability to play with her back to goal."
MORE INFO
More signings will be announced soon at NWACCEagles.com and @NWACCwsoc on Instagram.
