The University of Minnesota Duluth soccer program has finalized the signing of six student-athletes set to join the Bulldogs in the 2025 season.

"We're always excited for our newcomers to join our program.  We're also excited for them that they've made such a big decision for their future that they are proud of.  This class clearly states the reasons why UMD and our Soccer program make sense for them.  I'm so happy they've recognized the quality assets we have here.  They obviously are similar to the women we already have in our program and we expect this group to fit right in.  Congrats, and welcome, to all of them." - Head Coach Greg Cane

Claire Acker - Goalkeeper

Acker has collected many accolades throughout her career at Highland Park Senior HS and with the St. Paul Blackhawks club team, including: two All Conference honorable mentions, two All Conference team nominations, and three Conference Goalkeeper of the Year awards. During her time with the Scots, she helped her team earn the Team All State Academic award.

"I chose UMD because of the family-like feeling the team and school makes me feel. I love the opportunities I have at UMD, especially for Social Work."

Kennedy Christensen - Forward

Christensen is a two time varsity captain for the Stoughton HS Vikings, earning two Badger Small Conference honorable mentions on the field and multiple Stoughton HS honor roll nominations. Christensen played club soccer for the Rockford Raptors, being named twice to the Olympic Development Program's All Midwest interregional team.

"UMD offers a great balance between the vibrant city of Duluth and the beauty of Lake Superior just up the shore. Academically, it has a great engineering department and allows me to also continue my Spanish education."

Edy Halverson - Goalkeeper

Halverson, the daughter of UMD Soccer alumni Jenny Thompson Halverson, was named to All Conference rosters during the 2023 and 2024 seasons and led the state in total saves with 219 throughout the 2024 season during her time with Two Rivers HS and the Minnesota Thunder Academy club team. The Mendota Heights, Minn. native also received the Spotlight on Academics Award at Two River HS during 2022, 2023, and 2024.

"I chose UMD because I have always loved Duluth and winter is my favorite season. I really like the campus size. I also really enjoy the soccer team and coaching staff. I also have an English Bulldog at home!"

Nora Helvig - Midfielder

A native of Lino Lakes, Minn., Helvig helped lead the Centennial HS Cougars to a state tournament appearance in her sophomore year and back to back section runners up in her junior and senior years. Helvig won a club national championship with the North Oaks Blast in 2023 and led Centennial HS in goals and assists throughout her senior year.

"I chose UMD because I have always loved the city of Duluth. Once I met the coaches and toured the school I knew it was the right place for me!"

Liliana Peleska - Defender

The Arden Hills, Minn. native helped lead the Mounds View High School Mustangs to a state tournament appearance during her sophomore year. While playing for the Mustangs, where she was named team captain and MVP throughout her all conference senior year, she also spent time with the St. Paul Blackhawks club team and three years with the US Youth Futsal national team.

"I chose UMD because of the amazing psychology department and the ability to focus on sports while also getting a college education! UMD is so beautiful and amazing in all seasons so being able to go camping or go to the beach was always a plus. I also love the coaching staff, players, and facilities that UMD soccer provides."

Marissa VanDeHei - Defender

A native of De Pere, Wis., VanDeHei was named Bay Conference Defensive Player of the Year in her freshman season and was a two time Bay Conference Player of the Year, leading the West De Pere HS Phantoms to two conference championships. VanDeHei played club soccer for the Wisconsin United FC, helping earn the club a Fall 2023 E64 League Championship title.