Paulsen Finalizes 2025 Recruiting Class with Six Signees

SILOAM SPRINGS -- Head coach Dr. Kathleen Paulsen and the five-time defending Sooner Athletic tournament champion John Brown University women's soccer team added four freshman and a pair of transfers to the 2025 squad, Paulsen announced on Thursday (May 15) afternoon.

"I'm so excited to welcome the 2025 women's soccer recruiting class," head coach Dr. Kathleen Paulsen said. "This group brings a diverse set of strengths, experiences and perspectives that we believe will make an immediate impact both on and off the field. More importantly, each student-athlete shares a desire to be part of a Christ-centered team culture and a hunger to help us pursue a national championship. They embody the values we hold dear and align closely with the identity of our program.

"This class not only fits our culture but elevates it — and adds significant quality on the pitch. We look forward to seeing how each player grows, contributes and helps us take the next step as a program."

Last season in the Golden Eagles' seventh-consecutive appearance, the Blue and Gold made the deepest run in the NAIA National Championships in program history by upsetting undefeated and No. 1 Cumberlands (Ky.) in the Round of 16 before falling to eventual national champion SCAD Savannah (Ga.) in the national quarterfinal round. JBU has captured four straight Sooner Athletic regular season titles and five consecutive league tournament crowns.

Over the previous five seasons, John Brown is 42-2-1 (.944) in league play and have compiled an overall record of 81-16-3 (.825) during its last 100 matches.

A 2025 graduate of Lincoln East High School, Bella Bingham developed into a defensive cornerstone for the Spartans over her three-year varsity career. From her initial season as a varsity starter, she established herself as a reliable defensive presence under head coach Emily Mathews, eventually ascending to a Team Captain role during her senior campaign. Bingham's contributions on the back line propelled the Spartans to three District Championships and two appearances in the State Semifinals. Her junior season featured a breakout performance that earned her Defensive Player of the Year recognition within the program while also garnering Lincoln Journal Star All-State Honorable Mention accolades. Beyond the high school arena, Bingham strengthened her skills with 402 Development Academy, where she contributed to the club's State Championship success in 2024.

Why she chose John Brown: "I chose John Brown University because of the amazing community, and how Christ-centered this team truly is. From the moment I met Coach Paulsen and the team, I felt so loved and it felt like home."

A 2024 graduate of Bentonville West High School, Jones developed into one of the most prolific scorers in Wolverine history, shattering records over four varsity seasons under head coach Kerry Castillo to become the all-time leading goal scorer for both men's and women's programs during her junior year. Despite missing time due to injuries, she accumulated an impressive 62 goals and 26 assists throughout her decorated career. Her senior campaign culminated in 6A Attacking Player of the Year honors alongside First Team All-Conference and All-State recognition, with her selection as the 2024 All-Star Game MVP serving as a fitting capstone. Building on momentum from her junior year—when she earned All-State, All-Region, and All-State Tournament Team selections—Jones enjoyed her most remarkable season as a sophomore, leading the Wolverines to the 2022 6A State Championship while collecting State Finals MVP, 6A West Offensive Player of the Year, All-State, All-State Tournament Team, and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Player of the Year honors. Her rise to prominence began as a freshman when she guided her team to a state runner-up finish, receiving nominations for Gatorade Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2022 while earning back-to-back 6A West Offensive Player of the Year awards.

Complementing her high school success, Jones competed at the elite club level with Sporting Blue Valley and Oklahoma Energy FC of the ECNL before spending one year at NCAA Division I University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Why she chose John Brown: "I chose John Brown University because I was drawn to its strong Christ-centered culture, where faith is at the heart of everything, including academics and athletics. When I met with some players, I was inspired by how competitive they were on the field, yet how genuinely supportive and caring they were toward each other. This unique community made me confident that JBU was the right place for me to grow as both a player and a person."

A 2025 graduate of Forest Grove High School, Long served as a defensive midfielder for the Vikings throughout her career under head coach Nacho Olvera. Despite her primary defensive role, she led her team in scoring during both her sophomore and junior years. Her progression through the competitive 6A Pacific Conference began with honorable mention recognition as a freshman before earning three consecutive All-League first team honors and back-to-back Conference Player of the Year selections. Long also excelled at the club level with Thorns Academy '08, where she captained the team to a 2024 ECNL national quarterfinal appearance.

Why she chose John Brown: "I wanted to be somewhere where people pushed me to be a better person and player, believed in me and helped me grow stronger in my faith so I can do the same for others."

A 2023 graduate of Grissom High School, Porter established herself as a dominant defender for the Tigers during her five-year varsity career. She developed into a defensive cornerstone for the program, earning Best Defender Award honors for four consecutive seasons and culminating with Team MVP recognition in her senior campaign. Her stellar play in the backline contributed to six shutouts during her junior year, showcasing her ability to neutralize opposing attacks. Porter's impressive performances earned her All-Metro selections in all four years of high school competition and All-State honors during both her junior and senior seasons. Her defensive excellence led to her selection for the prestigious North-South All-Star Game. Beyond her high school accomplishments, Porter competed with North Alabama SC at the club level, where she captained the team to a State Cup Championship in 2022 before advancing to semi-professional competition with USLW teams in Chattanooga and North Alabama.

Having played a pair of seasons at Montreat (N.C.), the defender started all 24 matches the Cavaliers played in, including the seven last season before the campaign ended early due to the effects of Hurricane Helene. The 5-foot-7 transfer netted her first collegiate goal last year in a 6-0 win over Kentucky Christian. Porter led the squad in minutes logged in both her freshman and sophomore seasons.

Why she chose John Brown: "I chose to finish out my college career at John Brown University due to the genuine Christ-centered and competitive environment that Coach Paulsen has created. All of the girls bear the image of Jesus through their kindness and love while also pursuing excellence on and off the feild. I wanted to be somewhere where people pushed me to be a better person and player, believed in me and helped me grow stronger in my faith so I can do the same for others."

A 2025 graduate of Colorado Early Colleges Colorado Springs, Riley developed her soccer skills while balancing her academic career with the Mountaineers. She competed for one season of varsity women's soccer at Rampart High School under head coach Carisa Whitson, making an impact in the competitive 5A classification where she earned Attacking Player of the Year honors as a freshman. Her soccer development continued primarily through club competition, including two years with Pride Predators ECNL 06 followed by an additional year with Pride ECNL-RL 06/07. These experiences against high-level club competition helped prepare Riley for collegiate play at the attacking midfielder position. Throughout her development, she balanced athletic pursuits with academic excellence, earning the Gold Honor Award for four consecutive years—demonstrating her commitment to performance both on the field and in the classroom.

Why she chose John Brown: "I chose John Brown University because of the inspiring standards set by both the coaches and players, as well as the high level of competition. JBU's integration of faith into athletics stood out to me and I witnessed Christian values being lived out on and off the field. The team is incredibly welcoming and supportive creating an environment that I am thrilled to be a part of."

A 2025 graduate of Fayetteville High School, Whitson emerged as a productive scorer for the Bulldogs while competing in the 6A West conference. She demonstrated consistent offensive ability, netting 11 goals during her sophomore campaign and continuing her scoring prowess into her senior season with at least nine goals, including an impressive hat trick against Northside. Her contributions helped elevate the Bulldogs to back-to-back State Runner-Up finishes in 2022 and 2023, followed by a State Semifinal appearance in 2024. Through her sophomore year performance, Whitson earned All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition. Beyond her high school accomplishments, she competed at the club level with Bentonville FC Prodigy, where she contributed to the team's State Tournament Championship.

Why she chose John Brown: "I love the positive vibe around the campus and the Christ-centered community."

What Coach Paulsen Says »

On Bingham: "Bella is a strong, athletic defender who brings a physical presence and a fearless mentality. As a left-footed player, she adds important balance to our back line. She competes with intensity and has the mindset to join a tough, disciplined defense."

On Jones: "Tianna is a technically sharp forward who knows how to score. She's clean on the ball, creates her own chances, and brings valuable experience to our attack. Her ability to stay composed in front of goal gives her an edge in high-pressure moments."

On Long: "Joy is a crafty center mid with great vision and a high soccer IQ. She sees the game well, can break lines off the dribble, and has the ability to unlock defenses with her passing. She thrives in tight spaces and has the creativity to make things happen."

On Porter: "Ellie is a composed center back who reads the game really well. She's consistent, connects passes out of the back, and brings a steady presence to our defensive shape. She's also someone who brings maturity and experience to the back line."

On Riley: "Andi is a smart, reliable midfielder who helps us stay connected in possession. She reads the game well, keeps things simple, and does a great job building play from the middle of the field. Her discipline and consistency in the midfield make her a vital link between the back line and forwards, contributing to both defensive solidity and offensive creativity."

On Whitson: "Kara is a high-motor forward with a relentless work rate and an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time. Her determination to press defenders, chase down loose balls, and capitalize on scoring opportunities makes her a constant presence around the goal."

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