University of Houston Athletics
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Houston Soccer Signs Four National Letters of Intent
11/11/2021 4:59:00 PM | Soccer
Bocanegra and staff add to 2022 team
HOUSTON – Coming off its most successful season in program history, the University of Houston Soccer program inked four National Letters of Intent, the coaching staff announced Thursday.
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"The recruiting landscape has completely changed due to the pandemic and everyone getting a free year of eligibility. With bigger rosters across the country and more student athletes in the transfer portal, we will be adding to our 2022 class in stages," stated Head Coach Diego Bocanegra. "I am excited to announce our first four signees. These young women are all very dynamic and versatile players that have the ability to make an immediate impact. Most importantly, as people, they fit in with the team culture we have established over the last few years."
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Below is an in-depth look on the four signees, as well as how Bocanegra believes each one will contribute to the program.
ALEX WHITCRAFT
Defender/Midfielder
Grapevine, Texas
Colleyville Heritage HS
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BOCANEGRA ON WHITCRAFT
"Alex is exactly what we look for in a wide player. Over her youth career she has played as a winger, a wide midfielder and as a defender. She is a hard-nosed defender that can shut down players in 1v1 situations. She also has the fitness, pace and ability to join the attack out of the back. She can score goals and provide assists with her service and I see her making an immediate impact as an outside back and/or wide midfielder."
HIGH SCHOOL
Whitcraft joins Houston from Colleyville Heritage High School. The Grapevine, Texas native was a member of the 2-19 Texas 7-5A Panthers which won the B1-District Championship and 2021 area and B1-District Championship. She is currently the varsity team captain and was named to the All-State Academic team. Last season, she was also the varsity team captain and named to the All-Region, All-District, and First Teams. Whitcraft was the District Midfield MVP in the 2019-20 season receiving All-District honors, Honorable Mention, and Varsity MVP. As a freshman in the 2018-19 season, she was named District Newcomer of the Year, First-Team All-District, and Varsity Offensive MVP. Throughout her high school career, she has recorded 27 goals, 42 assists, as well as leading her club team, DKSC ECNL, to playoffs. Whitcraft is also a four-year letterman.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Julie and Derek Whitcraft … Has a younger sister, Lauren, who also plays soccer … Has been named a Principal's Scholar and awarded the PAP Biology Award … Involved in National Honor Society, DECA, She's the First, and Redefining Beautiful … Volunteers with kids in summer programs and the elderly and GCISD … Lists her biggest influence as Serena Williams … Aspires to someday become a CEO and own her own business … Enjoys cooking, fitness, sneakers, and tracking the stock market … Majoring in Pre-Business
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CASSIDY HOANG
Midfielder
Sugar Land, Texas
George Ranch HS
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BOCANEGRA ON HOANG
"We always want to keep the best talent home and this couldn't be more evident with Cassidy. Although she was courted by several Big 12 schools, Houston is where she was always meant to stay. From the time I was hired, Cassidy attended every ID camp and I was able to watch her grow and develop from a skilled but timid 8th grader to the dynamic midfielder she is today. She is extremely confident on the ball, can break opponents down on the dribble or with her passing and makes everyone around her better. She can play multiple roles in the midfield and I think her best soccer is yet to be seen and I can't wait to help her get there."
HIGH SCHOOL
Graduating from George Ranch High School in Sugar Land, Hoang has been a member of the 2019 B1-District Championship-winning team, 2020 district runner-up, and 2021 third-finishing district team. She is a two-time All-Region Honorable Mention and has also been awarded Second Team All-Greater Houston. Hoang was a member of the 2021 All-Vype Houston Girls Soccer Team, 2019 All-Area Soccer Team, named Fort Bend Herald Newcomer of the Year, District 23-6A Offensive MVP, and District 23-6A Newcomer of the Year. In addition, she has been named to the All-District First Team three times, as well as being named the George Ranch Newcomer of the Year and George Ranch Offensive Player of the Year.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Cindy Tu and Calvin Hoang … Has a younger sister, Candace … Top six-percent of her 6A graduating class … Involved in National Honor Society, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Earthwise Club … Volunteers with the Huyen Quang Buddhist Youth Association, Child Advocates, and Lunches of Love … Lists her biggest influences as her parents … Aspires to be a dentist … Enjoys attending sporting events, going to the dog park and fairs, as well as spending time with her friends … Majoring in Biology
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LACE COKER
Defender
Port Neches, Texas
IMG Academy
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BOCANEGRA ON COKER
"Lace is another versatile player and an extremely gifted athlete. In her youth career she has spent time as a winger, outside back and center back. Her ability to play in multiple roles and her understanding of the game will help the team right away. I envision Lace flying up and down the flanks as an outside back and adding to our ability to attack through our wide areas. Defensively she can keep pace with the top attackers which adds another dimension to our back line."
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HIGH SCHOOL
Originally from Port Neches, Texas, Coker comes to Houston from IMG Academy. The defender was a member of the 2020-21 GA Southeast Conference Championship team. Currently playing for the IMG Academy Ascenders, Coker is also a decorated track & field athlete competing in the triple jump, 200, and 400-meter dash.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Steve Coker and Karisha and Chris Robinson … Has an older brother, Logan, who played college baseball … Member of National Honor Society … Enjoys going to the beach and boating, as well as art … Lists her biggest inspiration as Carli Lloyd … Aspires to someday become an FBI agent
PEYTON MACHADO
Defender
Clovis, Calif.
Clovis HS
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BOCANEGRA ON MACHADO
"When I think of Peyton I think of the ultimate competitor. She seems to play with a chip on her shoulder and makes her presence felt by the opposing attackers. She has the pace to run with speedy forwards but also has the strength and tenacity to win tackles. She is very comfortable on the ball and tactically aware which gives her the ability to play center back or outside back. She will add a sense of toughness to our back line."
HIGH SCHOOL
Graduating from Clovis High School in her hometown of Clovis, Calif. As a member of the Clovis United Cougars, she won a state championship in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, Northern Calif. Regionals and a second-place finish in the Division I Area. Machado was a member of the 2018-19 team as well. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, she placed first for CA NPL and second in the Calif. State Cup. In 2019, she placed second at NPL Nationals in Colorado while being a member of the varsity team since her freshman year. She was also named the Best Newcomer in 2018. In the 2020 season, Machado was named All TRAC Second Team and received the 2020 Cougar Pride Award, as well as NorCal Regional PDP.
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PERSONAL
Daughter of Keri and Patrick Machado … Has an older brother, Michael, and a younger brother, Ryan … Recipient of a California Scholarship Federation award, named a Scholar Athlete and Block C recipient … Named to the Principal's Honor Roll and High Honor Roll … Involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) … Volunteers making blankets for victims of domestic violence and volunteers for youth soccer camps …Lists her biggest influence as her father … Aspires to be a pediatrician … Enjoys soccer, babysitting, and attending Bible study… Majoring in Pre-Medicine
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Soccer on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarSoccer, and "Like" UHCougarSoccer on Facebook.
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JOIN THE COUGAR RESERVES
Fans can help support the Houston Soccer program by joining the Cougar Reserves. To find out more information about the Cougar Reserves Club, click here or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GoUH (713-742-4684).
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FOLLOW THE COUGARS!
Fans can keep up with the latest in University of Houston Cougar athletics by following us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HoustonAthletics), Twitter (@UHCougars), Instagram (houstoncougars) and YouTube.com (Youtube.com/UHAthletics).
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"The recruiting landscape has completely changed due to the pandemic and everyone getting a free year of eligibility. With bigger rosters across the country and more student athletes in the transfer portal, we will be adding to our 2022 class in stages," stated Head Coach Diego Bocanegra. "I am excited to announce our first four signees. These young women are all very dynamic and versatile players that have the ability to make an immediate impact. Most importantly, as people, they fit in with the team culture we have established over the last few years."
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Below is an in-depth look on the four signees, as well as how Bocanegra believes each one will contribute to the program.
ALEX WHITCRAFT
Defender/Midfielder
Grapevine, Texas
Colleyville Heritage HS
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BOCANEGRA ON WHITCRAFT
"Alex is exactly what we look for in a wide player. Over her youth career she has played as a winger, a wide midfielder and as a defender. She is a hard-nosed defender that can shut down players in 1v1 situations. She also has the fitness, pace and ability to join the attack out of the back. She can score goals and provide assists with her service and I see her making an immediate impact as an outside back and/or wide midfielder."
HIGH SCHOOL
Whitcraft joins Houston from Colleyville Heritage High School. The Grapevine, Texas native was a member of the 2-19 Texas 7-5A Panthers which won the B1-District Championship and 2021 area and B1-District Championship. She is currently the varsity team captain and was named to the All-State Academic team. Last season, she was also the varsity team captain and named to the All-Region, All-District, and First Teams. Whitcraft was the District Midfield MVP in the 2019-20 season receiving All-District honors, Honorable Mention, and Varsity MVP. As a freshman in the 2018-19 season, she was named District Newcomer of the Year, First-Team All-District, and Varsity Offensive MVP. Throughout her high school career, she has recorded 27 goals, 42 assists, as well as leading her club team, DKSC ECNL, to playoffs. Whitcraft is also a four-year letterman.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Julie and Derek Whitcraft … Has a younger sister, Lauren, who also plays soccer … Has been named a Principal's Scholar and awarded the PAP Biology Award … Involved in National Honor Society, DECA, She's the First, and Redefining Beautiful … Volunteers with kids in summer programs and the elderly and GCISD … Lists her biggest influence as Serena Williams … Aspires to someday become a CEO and own her own business … Enjoys cooking, fitness, sneakers, and tracking the stock market … Majoring in Pre-Business
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CASSIDY HOANG
Midfielder
Sugar Land, Texas
George Ranch HS
Â
BOCANEGRA ON HOANG
"We always want to keep the best talent home and this couldn't be more evident with Cassidy. Although she was courted by several Big 12 schools, Houston is where she was always meant to stay. From the time I was hired, Cassidy attended every ID camp and I was able to watch her grow and develop from a skilled but timid 8th grader to the dynamic midfielder she is today. She is extremely confident on the ball, can break opponents down on the dribble or with her passing and makes everyone around her better. She can play multiple roles in the midfield and I think her best soccer is yet to be seen and I can't wait to help her get there."
HIGH SCHOOL
Graduating from George Ranch High School in Sugar Land, Hoang has been a member of the 2019 B1-District Championship-winning team, 2020 district runner-up, and 2021 third-finishing district team. She is a two-time All-Region Honorable Mention and has also been awarded Second Team All-Greater Houston. Hoang was a member of the 2021 All-Vype Houston Girls Soccer Team, 2019 All-Area Soccer Team, named Fort Bend Herald Newcomer of the Year, District 23-6A Offensive MVP, and District 23-6A Newcomer of the Year. In addition, she has been named to the All-District First Team three times, as well as being named the George Ranch Newcomer of the Year and George Ranch Offensive Player of the Year.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Cindy Tu and Calvin Hoang … Has a younger sister, Candace … Top six-percent of her 6A graduating class … Involved in National Honor Society, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Earthwise Club … Volunteers with the Huyen Quang Buddhist Youth Association, Child Advocates, and Lunches of Love … Lists her biggest influences as her parents … Aspires to be a dentist … Enjoys attending sporting events, going to the dog park and fairs, as well as spending time with her friends … Majoring in Biology
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LACE COKER
Defender
Port Neches, Texas
IMG Academy
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BOCANEGRA ON COKER
"Lace is another versatile player and an extremely gifted athlete. In her youth career she has spent time as a winger, outside back and center back. Her ability to play in multiple roles and her understanding of the game will help the team right away. I envision Lace flying up and down the flanks as an outside back and adding to our ability to attack through our wide areas. Defensively she can keep pace with the top attackers which adds another dimension to our back line."
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HIGH SCHOOL
Originally from Port Neches, Texas, Coker comes to Houston from IMG Academy. The defender was a member of the 2020-21 GA Southeast Conference Championship team. Currently playing for the IMG Academy Ascenders, Coker is also a decorated track & field athlete competing in the triple jump, 200, and 400-meter dash.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Steve Coker and Karisha and Chris Robinson … Has an older brother, Logan, who played college baseball … Member of National Honor Society … Enjoys going to the beach and boating, as well as art … Lists her biggest inspiration as Carli Lloyd … Aspires to someday become an FBI agent
PEYTON MACHADO
Defender
Clovis, Calif.
Clovis HS
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BOCANEGRA ON MACHADO
"When I think of Peyton I think of the ultimate competitor. She seems to play with a chip on her shoulder and makes her presence felt by the opposing attackers. She has the pace to run with speedy forwards but also has the strength and tenacity to win tackles. She is very comfortable on the ball and tactically aware which gives her the ability to play center back or outside back. She will add a sense of toughness to our back line."
HIGH SCHOOL
Graduating from Clovis High School in her hometown of Clovis, Calif. As a member of the Clovis United Cougars, she won a state championship in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, Northern Calif. Regionals and a second-place finish in the Division I Area. Machado was a member of the 2018-19 team as well. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, she placed first for CA NPL and second in the Calif. State Cup. In 2019, she placed second at NPL Nationals in Colorado while being a member of the varsity team since her freshman year. She was also named the Best Newcomer in 2018. In the 2020 season, Machado was named All TRAC Second Team and received the 2020 Cougar Pride Award, as well as NorCal Regional PDP.
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PERSONAL
Daughter of Keri and Patrick Machado … Has an older brother, Michael, and a younger brother, Ryan … Recipient of a California Scholarship Federation award, named a Scholar Athlete and Block C recipient … Named to the Principal's Honor Roll and High Honor Roll … Involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) … Volunteers making blankets for victims of domestic violence and volunteers for youth soccer camps …Lists her biggest influence as her father … Aspires to be a pediatrician … Enjoys soccer, babysitting, and attending Bible study… Majoring in Pre-Medicine
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Soccer on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarSoccer, and "Like" UHCougarSoccer on Facebook.
Â
JOIN THE COUGAR RESERVES
Fans can help support the Houston Soccer program by joining the Cougar Reserves. To find out more information about the Cougar Reserves Club, click here or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GoUH (713-742-4684).
Â
FOLLOW THE COUGARS!
Fans can keep up with the latest in University of Houston Cougar athletics by following us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HoustonAthletics), Twitter (@UHCougars), Instagram (houstoncougars) and YouTube.com (Youtube.com/UHAthletics).
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