SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Ushering in a new era of Bronco soccer, the Santa Clara women's soccer team welcomes Sophie French from the 2016 signing class to the squad.

"I chose Santa Clara because I wanted a challenge," said French. "I want to be able to test my abilities in the classroom and on the soccer field and I believe that Santa Clara is the best place to do this."

"We're excited to welcome Sophie to the team," said Santa Clara head coach Jerry Smith. "She is a student of the game and a very smart defender. She puts herself in positions where she doesn't get exposed. She'll be competing at center back."

French, hailing from Bellevue, Wash., is a multi-sport athlete competing in soccer, cross-country, track, swimming, water polo and basketball during her first two years at Bellevue High School and next two years at Lakeridge High School.

While at Lakeridge, French's soccer team reached the Oregon 6A State Championships two years in a row, placing fifth in 2015. During that two year run, French was also named First Team All League.

On the club side, French has experience playing with the FC Portland U17 ECNL squad and Olympic Development Program team for the state of Washington. While suiting up for the OPD Region IV team, French helped capture a championship. French also helped pilot her club team, Eastside FC, to an appearance in the club soccer national championships.

Away from the pitch, French is a Special Olympics Soccer Championships coach, Enatai Enatai Elementary School PTSA volunteer, and member of the French Language National Honor Society. During her spare time, she enjoys hiking, drawing, running and reading. Beyond her Santa Clara soccer career, French aspires to become a surgeon.