Santa Clara women’s soccer announced on March 27 the addition of two new players to its 2026 roster: Swedish freshman Lovisa Yng and George Washington transfer Aoi Kataoka.
The announcement highlights the team’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its lineup for the upcoming season. The addition of these athletes brings international experience and collegiate-level play to the Broncos’ midfield.
Yng joins Santa Clara from Sweden, where she played professionally with FC Rosengard. She contributed to her team winning the F19 Elite League and finishing third in national playoffs. Yng also competed twice in a FIFA Tournament in Switzerland, achieving a third-place finish during her first appearance. She was part of FC Rosengard’s youth academy since age 13, previously playing for Ronneby BK, and has participated in Swedish Youth National Team training camps at both U15 and U17 levels. At ProCivitas Privata Gymnasium, she was named Student-Athlete of the Year. “Lovisa is an amateur playing on a great pro team. She has no weaknesses in her game and has all the tools. She’s tactically aware and very skillful with a lot of experience. She’ll be a great midfielder that helps us keep the ball.,” Jerry Smith said.
Kataoka transfers from George Washington University, where she earned selection to the Atlantic-10 All-Rookie Team in 2022 after scoring one goal with three assists as a freshman. As a sophomore, she started fourteen matches, recording two goals and leading her team with nine assists. Last season she appeared in four matches after missing time due to injury in 2024. Kataoka also attended U.S. Soccer Training Center/YNT Identification Center sessions and played for U15 NYFC Girls Academy teams. “Aoi is a hard worker that covers a lot of ground and has really good acceleration as a [midfielder]. She’s been plagued by injuries the last couple of years but she’s a difference maker as a midfielder when she’s been healthy,” Smith said.
With these additions, Santa Clara aims to enhance its midfield depth ahead of next season.
