SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Gearing up for the upcoming season, the Santa Clara women's soccer team welcomes Melissa Lowder from the 2015 signing class to the Broncos' roster. Lowder is from San Diego, Calif. and attends Cathedral Catholic High School.

"Melissa will be a fantastic addition to our program," said head coach Jerry Smith. "She is one of the premiere youth goalkeepers in the country and an outstanding leader.  Her ability and leadership has helped guide her Del Mar Sharks team to the last two national championships.  That type of experience is invaluable."

Lowder played one year of high school soccer as a freshman and then dedicated her focus to her club squad for the remainder of pre-college career. In 2013 and 2014, Lowder proved to be a force in goal, helping lead her club team to back-to-back national championships competing in the U.S. Youth Soccer National League. Her squad's most recent title occured while competing at the U-17 Girl's Blue Division level. During the squad's championship run, Lowder propelled her team to a 6-1 record in tournament play and allowed just four goals. The previous year, the team achieved its first title while playing at the U-16 level. In the final, Lowder withstood the pressure of a penalty shootout to help her squad capture the national crown. 

Lowder will join Alyssa Fiddes and Duffy Moyer as a trio of women's soccer student-athletes making the transition from Cathedral Catholic to Santa Clara next season.

Away from the soccer field, Lowder enjoys spending her time in the great outdoors. She takes pleasure in going to the beach, camping, fishing and hiking.

"I chose Santa Clara because the school has a good location and is relatively close to home," said Lowder. "Jerry Smith is a fantastic coach and he and his staff have created an outstanding soccer team and atmosphere. The school is a great size for me and the campus is beautiful. I believe I can grow as an athlete and an individual at SCU."