SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Preparing for the road ahead, the Santa Clara women's soccer team welcomes Lillie French from the 2016 recruiting class to the Bronco roster.

"I chose Santa Clara because it is the school I have always wanted to go to," said French.

"We're excited to have Lillie coming on board," said Santa Clara head coach Jerry Smith. "She's a very smart midfield player that will come in and compete for a central midfield position. She doesn't make a lot of mistakes with the ball and possession is one of our keys to success."

Residing in Lake Oswego, Ore., French currently attends Lakeridge High School after spending two years at Bellevue High School in the state of Washington. During her four year high school career, French has competed in a number of sports, including soccer, cross country, water polo and basketball. On the pitch, French has helped lead her squad to the state playoffs each of the last three seasons, earning First Team All League honors in the process the past two years.

In club play, French and her FC Portland U-17 squad advanced to the ECNL national playoffs. She has also seen competitive action with the Olympic Development Program team for the state of Washington.

Away from the field, French spends her time as a Special Olympics soccer coach and volunteers at nearby schools. She also enjoys playing the guitar, painting, hiking and diving.