EUGENE, Ore. – Tracy Joyner announced the first three players to sign with the Ducks during her tenure as Oregon’s head coach on Wednesday.
Three transfers from UC Davis – Joyner’s previous school – midfielder Abella Hunter, goalkeeper Gia Kiesling and defender Elise Picard, will be a part of Joyner’s first team in 2025.
Hunter was named to the Big West All-Freshman Team this fall, while Picard earned that honor in 2023. Picard redshirted the most recent season and both players will be sophomores. Kiesling also redshirted the 2024 season and will be a freshman for the upcoming season.
Abella Hunter, 5-2, Sophomore, Midfielder, Santa Rosa, Calif.
Cardinal Newman High School / UC Davis | Club: Santa Rosa United
BEFORE OREGON
2024 (Freshman): Played in all 20 games during UC Davis’ record-setting 13-win season and started twice … Named to the Big West All-Freshman Team … Scored four goals (third on the team) with two game-winners … Attempted 21 shots (third on the team) … Ten shots on goal for a .467 on-target percentage … Scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 win over Cal State Fullerton (Sept. 26) on a season-best four shots … Found the net for the game-winner in a 3-2 decision at Long Beach State (Oct. 10) … Also had goals against UC Irvine (Oct. 20) and at Cal Poly (Oct. 27) … Matched season-high four shots against Cal State Bakersfield (Sept. 29) and UC Irvine.
HIGH SCHOOL
Helped lead Cardinal Newman High School to two league championships, going undefeated in the league during the 2023-24 school year… First team all-league as a sophomore, junior, and senior … Named all-league second team as a freshman … Junior year Press Democrat Player of the Year … Played year-round club ball for Santa Rosa United … Participated in the National All Star Selection Game … Also ran track during senior year … Principal’s list … NCS President List.
PERSONAL
Born in Santa Rosa, Calif. … Parents are Grace and Anthony Hunter … Father played football at Sonoma State University … Majoring in business management.
Coach Joyner on Abella Hunter
“Abella is a versatile player who will add depth, experience and a winning mentality. She has all the attributes of being a big-time contributor.”
Gia Kiesling, 5-9, RS-Freshman, Goalkeeper, Carlsbad, Calif.
Sage Creek High School / UC Davis | Club: SoCal Blues
2024 (Freshman): Redshirt season at UC Davis
Helped lead Sage Creek High School to the 2021-22 CIF Division II Championship … Earned All CIF second team honors in 2022-23 … Three-time all-league honoree … Team MVP in 2022-23 … Part of the USYNT soccer pool from 2020-24 … Named first team ECNL (U16) … Also played basketball for Sage Creek, earning three first team all-league honors … Helped lead the basketball team to an Avocado League Championship in 2022-23 and a CIF Division III runner-up finish in 2023-24 … Member of the Student-Athlete Association Committee … Honor roll student … Played club ball with SoCal Blues.
Majoring in sociology.
Coach Joyner on Gia Kiesling
“Gia is a technical, vocal and powerful goalkeeper. She has a presence about her that I know will add to our intensity and help establish a strong defense.”
Elise Picard, 5-7, RS-Sophomore, Defender, San Jose, Calif.
Archbishop Mitty High School / UC Davis | Club: De Anza Force and FC Bay Area ECNL
Played in 22 games with 21 starts for UC Davis … Scored one goal on 12 shots … 2024 (Sophomore): Played in three matches, starting two, before being sidelined with an injury and redshirted the season … 2023 (Freshman): Was named to the 2023 Big West Conference All-Freshman Team … Played and started in all 19 matches for a total of 1,555 minutes on the field … Had one goal on 11 shots (three on goal) … Scored first career goal against San Francisco (Aug. 27) and was named the Big West freshman of the week for her performance against the Dons … Had season-high three shots against Cal Poly (Nov. 2) … Played the full 90 minutes in 13-of-19 matches.
Key member of Arch Bishop Mitty’s program, scoring nine goals during her senior campaign … WCAL first team during the 2022-23 season … 2023 United Soccer Coaches High School All-Region Team … Played club ball with De Anza Force and FC Bay Area ECNL.
Born in San Jose, Calif. … Parents are Ray and Kim Picard … Major is undecided.
Coach Joyner on Elise Picard
“Elise is an athletic, tough, and consistent defender. She plays with so much passion and intensity. I’m excited to see what she can bring to Oregon.”
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