IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s soccer team signed six student-athletes from the Class of 2028 on Wednesday.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI
“Every year at this time is filled with the excitement and promise of a new group of student-athletes who have long since looked forward to officially becoming a Hawkeye. Like the classes before them in history, they are exceptional individuals, driven students and soccer players that have all been successful in their careers. We feel that each of these individuals has the opportunity to impact our program immediately. However, the next eight months will be a great indication of how quickly that can occur with the work put in before they come to campus. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Iowa Soccer program, and we officially welcome six new women and their families to Iowa City.”
Charlotte Bien
Bloomfield Hills, Mich. | M
(Bloomfield Hills, Nationals GA)
High School – Three-time GA Mid-America Talent ID participant… three-year team captain for Nationals club team that was third place National GA finalist in 2023… team was three-time GA Mid-America Conference Champions and GA National quarterfinalists in 2022 and 2021… National Honors Society student.
Personal – Daughter of Anita and Chris Bien… siblings are Noah and Liam… Psychology major.
Why Iowa:
“I chose the University of Iowa because of its beautiful campus, world-class academic and athletic programs, and most importantly because of the people! After meeting the coaches, staff and team, I was immediately attracted to the competitive environment, work ethic and comradery. Without a doubt, the University of Iowa women’s soccer program provides the best environment in which I can continue to develop as a student-athlete and succeed with my teammates in the Big Ten Conference. Go Hawks!”
Keira Billis
Oxford, Mich. | M
(Oxford, Nationals GA)
High School – Played five seasons with National Girls Academy, including three seasons as team captain… two-time GA National Talent ID invitee… three-time GA Mid-America Talent ID participant… attended 2022 USYNT Regional Camp… holds Oxford High School girls golf records for 18-hole and nine-hole rounds… six high school letters for golf and basketball… four-year Scholar Athlete honoree… First Pick Sports camp volunteer supporting student-athletes with disabilities and 42 Strong mentorship program… Dean’s list for 4.0 GPA during all four years of high school.
Personal – Parents are Derek and Julie Billis… brother, Jake Billis, plays varsity Ice Hockey at the University of Michigan… Business major.
Why Iowa:
“I chose Iowa because I felt it was the best place to help develop me as an athlete, student and person. The family atmosphere and competitive culture at Iowa is truly special and unlike anything I had seen before. I felt an immediate connection to the coaches, staff and players, which instantly made me want to be a part of the Hawkeye family. I know that being surrounded with such exceptional players and people will push me to be my best both on and off the field. Go Hawks!”
Berkely Binggeli
Heber City, Utah | F/M
(Wasatch, LA Roca FC ECNL)
High School – Four-time All-Region selection at Wasatch High School… Academic All-State Champion… State of Utah Scholar Athlete honoree… Led Wasatch to four state tournament appearances… totaled 39 goals and 28 assists (106 points) during high school career… played five seasons for La Roca FC ENCL, winning the 2021 USYS National Championship and advancing to the ECNL playoffs Round of 16 the following season… National Honors Society members… four-time Rotary Club Honors… Homecoming Queen… FBLA, HOSA and Just Serve activities.
Personal – Born Sept. 18, 2005, in Heber City… parents are Jason and Joanna Binggeli… siblings are McRae Wood, Brynn Kemp and Cade… grandfather, George Pitts, played basketball at the University of Utah… uncle, Mark Pitts, played football at Utah Tech… uncle, Jeff Pitts, played baseball at Utah Tech… cousin, Zac Webster, played baseball at Arizona State… Exercise Sciences major.
Why Iowa:
“I love everything about Iowa! When I first began talking to coaches, I immediately had a good feeling about them, and there was definitely a reason why! I love how much each coach, player and staff-member genuinely cares about you and wants what is best for you. I love the campus and am excited to start school there, as well as soccer. I love the small-town feel, even though the university is so big, and the culture that brings. Leaving Utah was pretty scary for me at first, but I know that I will be in good hands at Iowa, and I trust that it is the right decision!”
Caleigh Collard
Byron Center, Mich. | F/M
(Byron Center, Michigan Hawks ECNL)
High School – Five seasons with Michigan Hawks ECNL… three-time ECNL National Tournament qualifier, including runners-up in 2022… High Honor Roll all four years of high school… graduating high school early to attend the University of Iowa.
Personal – Born July 14, 2005, in Grand Rapids, Michigan… parents are Geoff and Lannie Collard… father Geoff Collard played ice hockey at Western Michigan…. siblings are Jack and Bristol… undecided major.
Why Iowa:
“I knew I wanted to be a Hawkeye from the second I walked on campus. Not only does this school offer the Big Ten sports experience and a great education, but it also offers an environment that is hard to top. Everywhere I went on campus, I was met with friendly people who all shared a common goal: watching Hawkeyes succeed. The people on campus and on the women’s soccer team instantly made me feel at home, which led me to pick Iowa for my next four years.”
Berit Parten
St. Paul, Minn. | F
(Minnehaha Academy, NOSC)
High School – Career totals 151 goals and 79 assists (381 points) at Minnehaha Academy… averaged at least 2.4 goals per game and at least 1.2 assists per game during final three seasons of high school… Ms. Soccer Class A, first team all-state and Pioneer Press Player of the year as a senior… three-time first team all-state honoree… four-time IMAC All-Conference… Minnesota Class A State Championship as a sophomore, earning all-tournament team recognition… school records for career goals (151), career assists (79), single-season goals (47) and was first player in program history to earn the Ms. Soccer award… scored six goals in a state tournament game… played four seasons with North Oaks Soccer Club (NOSC)… 2023 USYS National Champions (19U)… Golden Boot award and Best XI honoree at 2023 USYS National Championships… 2022 US Club Soccer National Cup XXI Champions… 2021 US Club Soccer National Cup XX Champions… participated in Bible Study, Minnehaha Leadership Institute and Intramural activities during high school… Highest Academic Honor Roll all four years of high school.
Personal – Born Sept. 19, 2005, in St. Paul, Minnesota… parents are Peter and Kathy Parten… mother, Kathy, played tennis at Gustavus Adolphus College… siblings are Cale and Nick… undecided major.
Why Iowa:
“When I went down to Iowa City for my official visit, within the first hour of being on campus I fell in love with it. The coaching staff and players made me feel like part of the family even though I had only just met them. The moment I left campus I knew I wanted to be a Hawkeye and ended up announcing my commitment a few days later. Playing soccer in college was always what I wanted to do, and being able to pursue this dream at the University of Iowa is such a blessing. I wouldn’t have been able to come this decision without the amazing people that made my experience at Iowa as memorable as it was. Go Hawks!”
Abby Warner
Pella, Iowa | F
(Homeschool, VSA RUSH GA)
High School – Three-time first team all-state, all-conference and all-district recognition playing for Pella High School… state all-tournament team as a junior… surpassed 100 career goals as a junior… Iowa Class 2A third-place team finish in 2023… Girls Academy Mid-American Talent ID selection… Drake Relays qualifier in the sprint medley and 4x100m.
Personal – Parents are Rob and Candace Warner… father, Rob, played football at Central College… mother, Candace Warner, played volleyball and softball at Central College… siblings are Olivia, Ben, Will, Lucas, Sam, Josh, Mia, Nate, Jacob, Julia and Charlotte… brother, Will, was First Team All-American in football at Drake… extended family includes Hawkeye greats George Kittle, Jess Settles and Henry Krieger-Coble… Sports and Recreation Management Major.
Why Iowa:
“My family is a serious Hawkeye family. The strong academics and reputation were significant factors in choosing the University of Iowa. The coaching staff was very encouraging in the areas of personal growth as a student and a player, and I can see myself excelling in the team environment they create. I am proud to be a Hawkeye!”