• Hi Guest, want to participate in the discussions, keep track of read/unread posts access private forums and more? Create your free account and increase the benefits of your eGriz.com experience today!

Griz Soccer 2026

Griz Fan said:
Okay. Take 2 on the Roster.

GOALKEEPERS [3]
  • Jill Miliffe - RS FR (or if new rule passes, year 2 of 5)
  • Lorelai Rustay - FR
  • Avey Heeb - Transfer from SC Upstate - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)
DEFENDERS [7]
  • Josephine Frischknecht - FR
  • Lucie Rokos - RS JR (or 4 of 5)
  • Mackenzie Hildebrand - FR
  • Cate Gusick - FR
  • Kiera Grant - RS FR (or 2 of 5)
  • Lorelei Rustay - FR
  • Ellen Hampton - Transfer from Arkansas State - SOPH
MIDFIELDERS [10]
  • Grace Olson - SR (or 4 of 5)
  • Mia Draper - SOPH
  • Caylee Kerr - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)
  • Liv Thorne-Thomsen - SOPH
  • Finley McKnight - FR
  • Grace Morton - FR
  • Malli Rude - SOPH
  • Sofia Ballesteros - FR
  • Stella Handlin - FR
  • Haylee Bass - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)

FORWARDS [5]
  • Elliasen Lewis - Transfer from NW College - JR
  • Shiana Samarasinghe - Transfer from UCSD - SOPH
  • Lexi Rabold - Transfer from Middle Tennessee - RS SR
  • Lane Lee - FR
  • ?? Megan Sofield - Transfer from Arizona State & Grand Canyon U - JR
2027
  • Rabold out of eligibility
  • Unknown # of DSAs
  • Vega Arancibia - Portland Thorns Academy (OR) - MF/OB
  • Alyssa Maniar - Internationals SC ECNL (OH) - Forward
  • Kaylie Rai - Burlington (Ontario, Canada) - Goalkeeper
  • Isabella Sanabria-Cora - LAFC SoCal ECNL (CA) - Forward/MF
  • Addison Sarina - Marin FC ECNL (CA) - Forward

  • Janessa Ward - Modesto City FC (CA) - Defender - technically a 2028
Click to expand...
Wow, thank you Griz Fan!!

Looks like Montana has 10 freshmen, 2 redshirt freshmen, 5 sophomores, 3 redshirt sophomores, 2 juniors, 1 redshirt junior, 1 senior, and 1 redshirt senior, for 25 total before the 2027 class. In 2027, Montana loses 2 and brings in 6, which would put the roster at 29 before any transfers, departures, or DSA considerations. Historically, transfers and departures seem to account for 2 or 3 players per year, yes?

Montana is young, with 20 players currently in the freshman-to-sophomore range. I am sure that will have to work itself out, since by 2027, as currently listed, Montana would have 26 players who are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors.

I read, and could be wrong, that the 5-for-5 rule only applies to 2026 and forward. Do 2025 players and prior classes remain under the old rules?
 
GrizVibes said:
Wow, thank you Griz Fan!!

Looks like Montana has 10 freshmen, 2 redshirt freshmen, 5 sophomores, 3 redshirt sophomores, 2 juniors, 1 redshirt junior, 1 senior, and 1 redshirt senior, for 25 total before the 2027 class. In 2027, Montana loses 2 and brings in 6, which would put the roster at 29 before any transfers, departures, or DSA considerations. Historically, transfers and departures seem to account for 2 or 3 players per year, yes?

Montana is young, with 20 players currently in the freshman-to-sophomore range. I am sure that will have to work itself out, since by 2027, as currently listed, Montana would have 26 players who are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors.

I read, and could be wrong, that the 5-for-5 rule only applies to 2026 and forward. Do 2025 players and prior classes remain under the old rules?
Click to expand...
My understanding of 5 for 5 as it is currently written is that it would be retroactive to the class of 2023 and then apply to ALL the following recruiting classes.

That’s why it could get really sticky for some schools and they are rescinding verbal offers to players, and 26’s and 27’s are having to reopen their recruitment.
 
WAGrizFan said:
You are correct about there being some roster attrition each year. The Griz had 22 players on the roster before adding from the portal. So with three known 2026 transfer signees, that puts the roster at 25 with possibly more transfer signees in the near future. And there are two seniors who transferred in prior to Coach Gore being hired who are included in the current 22.
Click to expand...

Griz Fan said:
Okay. Take 2 on the Roster.

GOALKEEPERS [3]
  • Jill Miliffe - RS FR (or if new rule passes, year 2 of 5)
  • Lorelai Rustay - FR
  • Avey Heeb - Transfer from SC Upstate - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)
DEFENDERS [7]
  • Josephine Frischknecht - FR
  • Lucie Rokos - RS JR (or 4 of 5)
  • Mackenzie Hildebrand - FR
  • Cate Gusick - FR
  • Kiera Grant - RS FR (or 2 of 5)
  • Lorelei Rustay - FR
  • Ellen Hampton - Transfer from Arkansas State - SOPH
MIDFIELDERS [10]
  • Grace Olson - SR (or 4 of 5)
  • Mia Draper - SOPH
  • Caylee Kerr - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)
  • Liv Thorne-Thomsen - SOPH
  • Finley McKnight - FR
  • Grace Morton - FR
  • Malli Rude - SOPH
  • Sofia Ballesteros - FR
  • Stella Handlin - FR
  • Haylee Bass - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)

FORWARDS [5]
  • Elliasen Lewis - Transfer from NW College - JR
  • Shiana Samarasinghe - Transfer from UCSD - SOPH
  • Lexi Rabold - Transfer from Middle Tennessee - RS SR
  • Lane Lee - FR
  • ?? Megan Sofield - Transfer from Arizona State & Grand Canyon U - JR
2027
  • Rabold out of eligibility
  • Unknown # of DSAs
  • Vega Arancibia - Portland Thorns Academy (OR) - MF/OB
  • Alyssa Maniar - Internationals SC ECNL (OH) - Forward
  • Kaylie Rai - Burlington (Ontario, Canada) - Goalkeeper
  • Isabella Sanabria-Cora - LAFC SoCal ECNL (CA) - Forward/MF
  • Addison Sarina - Marin FC ECNL (CA) - Forward

  • Janessa Ward - Modesto City FC (CA) - Defender - technically a 2028
Click to expand...

COGrizzly said:
My understanding of 5 for 5 as it is currently written is that it would be retroactive to the class of 2023 and then apply to ALL the following recruiting classes.

That’s why it could get really sticky for some schools and they are rescinding verbal offers to players, and 26’s and 27’s are having to reopen their recruitment.
Click to expand...
The NCAA sent implementation guidelines to all ADs a few weeks back. The incoming class of 2026 and future classes 2027&2028 will abide by the new age based model of 5 years of eligibility. If you are currently enrolled (incoming sophomores, Juniors and seniors) the NCAA is allowing the school/player to choose between the new 5-years rules or the current rule of playing 4 seasons in 5 years.
 
GrizVibes said:
Wow, thank you Griz Fan!!

Looks like Montana has 10 freshmen, 2 redshirt freshmen, 5 sophomores, 3 redshirt sophomores, 2 juniors, 1 redshirt junior, 1 senior, and 1 redshirt senior, for 25 total before the 2027 class. In 2027, Montana loses 2 and brings in 6, which would put the roster at 29 before any transfers, departures, or DSA considerations. Historically, transfers and departures seem to account for 2 or 3 players per year, yes?

Montana is young, with 20 players currently in the freshman-to-sophomore range. I am sure that will have to work itself out, since by 2027, as currently listed, Montana would have 26 players who are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors.

I read, and could be wrong, that the 5-for-5 rule only applies to 2026 and forward. Do 2025 players and prior classes remain under the old rules?
Click to expand...
Current enrolled players can choose the new 5 years or keep the current rule, 4 playing seasons in 5 years which is ever is more beneficial to the player/school.
 
Griz Fan said:
TRANSFERS
GK Avery Heeb transferring from South Carolina Upstate is confirmed here: https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/col...mens-division-i-may-transfer-tracker_aid55915

CB Ellen Hampton from Arkansas State confirmed in IG post shown above

ST (presumably Megan Sofield) still yet to be announced

F (wing) Shiana Samarasinghe (spring transfer) from UC San Diego

MF Grace Olson (spring transfer) from St. Cloud State

F Lexi Rabold (spring transfer) from Middle Tennessee State

F Elliasen Lewis (spring transfer) from Northwest College (WY)

Plus the 5 incoming freshmen
MF Stella Handlin
MF/F Lane Lee
MF Finley McKnight
MF Grace Russell
GK Lorelei Rustay

Did I miss anyone?
Click to expand...
What about the goalie and defender from Canada that Chris committed, last I heard they were still planning to come to Montana but haven't heard anything 100%.
 
MontanaGrizSoccer said:
What about the goalie and defender from Canada that Chris committed, last I heard they were still planning to come to Montana but haven't heard anything 100%.
Click to expand...
You are referring to Elizabeth Proulx & Abby Lagrandeur. I can't seem to find any info confirming or denying their commitments to the Griz.
 
GrizVibes said:
Montana’s 2026 class looks strong and flexible. Ballesteros, Frischknecht, Gusick, and Hildebrand all seem to bring good accolades, versatility, and playing connections. They look like players who could compete early and play beyond their age. With the transfers and retained Montana players, I think Montana is in a good position, fingers crossed!

Does Coach Gore usually play a four-back, a three-back, or does he shift based on personnel and matchup? I looked back and may have missed it. As you can probably tell from my posts, I tend to watch the defensive side, not enough accolades there.

Also, how did the fundraiser go? Did Montana fulfill the full $40,000 matching amount? I never saw a “we’re almost there” update or any kind of tracking.
Click to expand...

Griz Fan said:
You are referring to Elizabeth Proulx & Abby Lagrandeur. I can't seem to find any info confirming or denying their commitments to the Griz.
Click to expand...
There’s those two you mentioned plus a third Kaylie Rai a goalie
 
Griz Fan said:
Okay. Take 2 on the Roster.

GOALKEEPERS [3]
  • Jill Miliffe - RS FR (or if new rule passes, year 2 of 5)
  • Lorelai Rustay - FR
  • Avey Heeb - Transfer from SC Upstate - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)
DEFENDERS [7]
  • Josephine Frischknecht - FR
  • Lucie Rokos - RS JR (or 4 of 5)
  • Mackenzie Hildebrand - FR
  • Cate Gusick - FR
  • Kiera Grant - RS FR (or 2 of 5)
  • Lorelei Rustay - FR
  • Ellen Hampton - Transfer from Arkansas State - SOPH
MIDFIELDERS [10]
  • Grace Olson - SR (or 4 of 5)
  • Mia Draper - SOPH
  • Caylee Kerr - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)
  • Liv Thorne-Thomsen - SOPH
  • Finley McKnight - FR
  • Grace Morton - FR
  • Malli Rude - SOPH
  • Sofia Ballesteros - FR
  • Stella Handlin - FR
  • Haylee Bass - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)

FORWARDS [5]
  • Elliasen Lewis - Transfer from NW College - JR
  • Shiana Samarasinghe - Transfer from UCSD - SOPH
  • Lexi Rabold - Transfer from Middle Tennessee - RS SR
  • Lane Lee - FR
  • ?? Megan Sofield - Transfer from Arizona State & Grand Canyon U - JR
2027
  • Rabold out of eligibility
  • Unknown # of DSAs
  • Vega Arancibia - Portland Thorns Academy (OR) - MF/OB
  • Alyssa Maniar - Internationals SC ECNL (OH) - Forward
  • Kaylie Rai - Burlington (Ontario, Canada) - Goalkeeper
  • Isabella Sanabria-Cora - LAFC SoCal ECNL (CA) - Forward/MF
  • Addison Sarina - Marin FC ECNL (CA) - Forward

  • Janessa Ward - Modesto City FC (CA) - Defender - technically a 2028
Click to expand...
 
GrizVibes said:
Wow, thank you Griz Fan!!

Looks like Montana has 10 freshmen, 2 redshirt freshmen, 5 sophomores, 3 redshirt sophomores, 2 juniors, 1 redshirt junior, 1 senior, and 1 redshirt senior, for 25 total before the 2027 class. In 2027, Montana loses 2 and brings in 6, which would put the roster at 29 before any transfers, departures, or DSA considerations. Historically, transfers and departures seem to account for 2 or 3 players per year, yes?

Montana is young, with 20 players currently in the freshman-to-sophomore range. I am sure that will have to work itself out, since by 2027, as currently listed, Montana would have 26 players who are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors.

I read, and could be wrong, that the 5-for-5 rule only applies to 2026 and forward. Do 2025 players and prior classes remain under the old rules?
Click to expand...
Looks like I had a typo. I had Rustay as both a GK and D. Here is a corrected version.

GOALKEEPERS [3]
  • Jill Miliffe - RS FR (or if new rule passes, year 2 of 5)
  • Lorelei Rustay - FR
  • Avey Heeb - Transfer from SC Upstate - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)
DEFENDERS [6]
  • Josephine Frischknecht - FR
  • Lucie Rokos - RS JR (or 4 of 5)
  • Mackenzie Hildebrand - FR
  • Cate Gusick - FR
  • Kiera Grant - RS FR (or 2 of 5)
  • Ellen Hampton - Transfer from Arkansas State - SOPH
MIDFIELDERS [10]
  • Grace Olson - SR (or 4 of 5)
  • Mia Draper - SOPH
  • Caylee Kerr - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)
  • Liv Thorne-Thomsen - SOPH
  • Finley McKnight - FR
  • Grace Morton - FR
  • Malli Rude - SOPH
  • Sofia Ballesteros - FR
  • Stella Handlin - FR
  • Haylee Bass - RS SOPH (or 3 of 5)

FORWARDS [5]
  • Elliasen Lewis - Transfer from NW College - JR
  • Shiana Samarasinghe - Transfer from UCSD - SOPH
  • Lexi Rabold - Transfer from Middle Tennessee - RS SR
  • Lane Lee - FR
  • Megan Sofield - Transfer from Arizona State & Grand Canyon U - JR
2027
  • Rabold out of eligibility
  • Unknown # of DSAs
  • Vega Arancibia - Portland Thorns Academy (OR) - MF/OB
  • Alyssa Maniar - Internationals SC ECNL (OH) - Forward
  • Kaylie Rai - Burlington (Ontario, Canada) - Goalkeeper
  • Isabella Sanabria-Cora - LAFC SoCal ECNL (CA) - Forward/MF
  • Addison Sarina - Marin FC ECNL (CA) - Forward

  • Janessa Ward - Modesto City FC (CA) - Defender - technically a 2028, as it appears that she will join in spring, 2028
 
GrizVibes said:
Just a shout out to the social media team! Great posts, great graphics, and everything looks professional and clean. The design and overall presentation are a eye-catching. Instagram, X, and all look fantastic. Great work!
Click to expand...
I think you're probably thanking Coach Stu...assisted by ChatGPT. He's a coach, he's a social media expert, recruiting director.... What else can he do?!?!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top