Iowa Women’s Soccer Signs 3

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa women’s soccer team signed three student-athletes, it was announced by head coach Dave DiIanni on Sunday.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI
“This group is more diverse geographically than years past, but that’s a tribute to the academic reputation of Iowa and our ever-increasing success on the field the last 6-7 years.

Our focus is always to bring in high achieving student-athletes that can play multiple positions and have an immediate impact on our program. This class checks both boxes.

We are very pleased with this group as these players not only meet our standards on the field but will be great ambassadors of Iowa and our women’s soccer program. We are not done with adding to our program and intend to continue in the very near future. Go Hawks!”

Emma Stannard (MF)
Columbus, Ohio
(Dublin Scioto, Ohio Premier Soccer Club)

High School – Three-time all-conference selection…tabbed as first team all-district as a senior…named second team all-district as a freshman and sophomore…tallied seven goals and five assists as a senior…played on G08 ECNL for eight years…made the honor roll all four years of high school…participated in Global Scholars, National Honor Society, and was a freshman mentor…high school coach was Tom Gordon…club coaches were Chris King and Willie Gage.

Personal – Born January 17, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio…parents are Matt and Melissa Stannard…has two siblings, Alayna and Jacob…Business major at Iowa.

Why Iowa – “I chose to be a Hawkeye because from the moment I stepped on campus it truly felt like home. The coaching staff and my future teammates made me feel so welcomed and like I was already part of the family. I love the culture and the pride that comes with being part of such a respected program. I’m grateful for the opportunity at Iowa to grow both as a player and as a person. I can’t wait to officially be a Hawkeye!”

Melisa Kekic (F)
Hamilton, Ontario
(Saltfleet Distirct)

High School – Received the team soccer award as a freshman...recorded four goals as a freshman…named cross country and track and field MVP as a sophomore…was also top 30 in the cross country OFFSA as a sophomore…earned a gold medalist in the 400m dash in Track and Field’s OFFSA as a sophomore.

Personal – Born on April 27, 2008, in Hamilton, Ontario…parents are Mediha Kekic and Amir Kekic…has two brothers, Amel and Nuki...Sport Science major at Iowa.

Why Iowa – “I chose to be a Hawkeye because the moment that I visited Iowa City, it truly felt like home. It didn’t feel like just another team – it felt like family. I instantly felt safe and welcomed. I fell in love with the soccer program and can’t wait to grow, have fun, and contribute to the team’s success. The coaching staff stood out to me as more than just coaches – they really feel like family.

Kylee Rocha
Elk Grove, Calif.
(Pleasant Grove, San Juan Soccer Club).

High School – Five-year captain of her club team…was invited to US National ID Talent Center three-times…three-time ECNL all-conference first team selection…earned first team all-conference honors for her high school team twice…named high school defensive player of the league as a freshman…was on the Norcal State Pool team three-times…U.S. Youth National Futsal Champion as a freshman…named to the ODP team as a freshman…invited to the ECNL National Conference Cup as a sophomore where she made the “Best 11 Team”…was named captain of her high school team as a junior and senior…was selected for the Continental Tire ECNL National and would go on to be selected as a captain…made the travel team for Norcal State Pool Team to Sweden for the Gothia Cup where they went on to win the championship…was called up to NY Gotham FC Talent ID Showcase as a senior…made USL California Storm team as a senior…ranked #89 player overall and #22 defensive player in her class…played five years with San Juan Soccer Club…in 2021 her club team placed third at ECNL National Finals…placed fifth in 2022…high school coach was Rich Moorehouse…club coach was Lloyd Girist…was an AP/Honors student all through high school…was a three-time FFA Scholar…was the assistant to the athletic trainer for her high school football team for two seasons…graduating early and will attend the University of Iowa in the Spring of 2026.

Personal – Born February 19, 2008, in Modesto, Calif…parents are Todd and Amber Rocha…has two siblings Felica and Jordan…her brother Jordan captained and played soccer at Ottawa University in Arizona…Nursing major at Iowa.

Why Iowa – “The women's soccer coaching staff is amazing. They treated me with such value as a player and really took the time to listen to me and learn who I am as a person. Also to see the culture they had built around the team is like a big family, I just knew I wanted to be a part of that. During my visit and getting to see the atmosphere around the campus and how everyone is so pleasant or helpful and the community support for their Hawkeyes is amazing. But the bonus for me was the Children’s Hospital next to the football stadium and learning how the fans wave to the children during every football game. It was the best feeling, and I was so excited I could be a part of that. I feel blessed to be a Hawkeye.”