SANTA CLARA, Calif. - With the 2015 season approaching quickly, the Santa Clara women's soccer team welcomes Emily Jensen from the 2015 signing class to the Broncos' roster. Jensen is from Nelson, New Zealand and previously attended Waimea College.

"Emily is one of the most experienced players we added to our roster having already played in the U17 and U20 World Cups," said head coach Jerry Smith. "Emily will compete for time at center back.  We are looking forward to Emily joining us later this month as she is enrolled in the spring quarter.  The experience of getting to know how things work here this spring will allow her to potentially have an even greater impact next fall."

Jensen's talent and skill on the pitch has earned her a spot on the U-20 New Zealand Women's National Team. At the 2014 U-20 FIFA Women's World Cup, Jensen helped propel her squad to an appearance in the quarterfinals of the pinnacle international competition.

Prior to her experience with the U-20 team, Jensen also developed her game while competing with the U-17 squad. During her time with the U-17s, she was named Nelson Sportswomen of the Year.

While at Waimea, Jensen was a multi-sport athlete competing in soccer, touch rugby and swimming to name a few. Her athletic prowess helped her rack up a plethora of individual awards, including Sportswomen of the Year in 2013, Greatest Achievement in Sport in 2012 and 2013, and back-to-back swimming championships in 2012 and 2013.

Away from the soccer field, Jensen enjoys playing touch rugby and netball as well as spending time outdoors, listening to music and enjoying time with her friends and family.

"I chose Santa Clara University for many reasons: the fantastic soccer program, excellent academic standard and beautiful campus," said Jensen. "Travelling all the way from New Zealand, I wanted to make sure I felt happy and at home and Santa Clara definitely ticks those boxes."