Seven DI women's transfers to watch

by Travis Clark

February 4, 2016

National Signing Day has come and gone, although it’s just the tip of the icebergs as colleges stock up on future talent for this fall.

One big element to the recruiting race is players transferring, whether between DI schools or players making the move up from lower divisions.

Here are seven transfers to keep an eye out as they setup shop at new homes.

GK Arielle Schechtman, UCLA to Georgetown

One of a handful of goalkeepers to see minutes last fall, Schechtman had some moments of brilliance in goal for the Bruins in what turned out to be a rather disappointing campaign for the team. The West Coast native is heading east for the nation’s capital, where she’ll join one of the Big East’s most prominent programs, and stake a claim on the No. 1 shirt vacated by the graduated Emma Newins.

F Julia Hernandez, Eastern Florida State College to UCLA

Overshadowed in UCLA’s recruiting class by the premier U.S. and Canadian talent, Hernandez has the looks of a very solid depth option for the UCLA attack. Given the likelihood of international absences this fall, the JuCo All-American will certainly have plenty of opportunities to see minutes and prove she can make an impact in the Pac-12.

F Brie Hooks, Colorado to Seattle

Perhaps the biggest transfer of the offseason thus far is the announcement that Hooks is heading home to play for Seattle. The Pacific Northwest native brings All Freshman Team and Second Team All Pac-12 honors with her to the WAC power. Her speed and ability in the final third will be a very solid addition to the three-time WAC regular season champs.

M Madeline McCracken, Boston College to St. John's

A technical, hard-working midfielder, McCracken’s transfer is a big add for a Red Storm side that lost two big pieces (Rachel Daly and Georgia Kearney-Perry). A Virginia native and veteran of U.S. U17 and U19 WNT camps, she should be set for a big role this fall as she transitions to the Big East.

GK Caroline Brockmeier, Florida State to LSU

A highly decorated youth recruit, Brockmeier spent two seasons with the Seminoles (one as a redshirt), seeing 110 minutes of action in seven games last year. With Cassie Miller firmly holding on to the starting role, Brockmeier has moved on to join LSU, where she’ll look to establish herself as the first choice netminder for the SEC program.

M Kayla Jennings, Maryland to Boston College

Despite missing out on the entire 2015 campaign after joining Maryland, Jennings is still an intriguing player to watch for this fall. A Top 150 recruit for the class of 2015, provided she makes a healthy recovery, Jennings is a nice addition to an underrated Boston College team.

F Nicole Howard, Lewis & Clark Community College to LSU

Can outstanding scoring success at the Junior College level translate to the SEC? If Nicole Howard’s move comes off, she’ll be another weapon alongside Summer Clarke and Jorian Baucom. Obviously, it will be a big jump, but if she can replicate her strike rate – she scored 67 goals and had 38 assists in two years at the Illinois school – then it’ll be a big asset as LSU looks to build on its 2015 tournament campaign.

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Pacific 12, SEC, Western Athletic, NJCAA Region 16, NJCAA Region 8