November 12, 2026 | Soccer
ATHENS, Ga. – University of Georgia soccer head coach Keidane McAlpine announced Thursday afternoon the addition of six new Bulldogs to the program. The incoming class includes five freshman student-athletes and one transfer, with four of the signees joining the program for the spring exhibition season.
Phoebe Apple | GK | Juno Beach, Fla. | The Benjamin School | Palm Beach Gardens Predators
Apple joins Georgia after playing for The Benjamin School and Palm Beach Gardens Predators. She was selected for both the U.S. Soccer National ID and Southeast ID Camps, along with the Girls Academy Talent ID National Event. In her high school, she was named to the Honor Roll and received the Presidential Award. Apple is the daughter of Sharon and Roy Apple and is intending to major in Advertising.
Sophie Barnes | F | Coral Spring, Fla. | St. Thomas Aquinas HS | Athletic Club Florida
Barnes joins Georgia after playing for St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Athletic Club Florida. For St. Thomas Aquinas, she was named the South Florida Player of the Year in her sophomore season by the Sun-Sentinel and Miami Herald, along with Offensive Player of the Year. She was also named to the First Team All-County in freshman and sophomore seasons and was named Freshman of the Year in 2023. In club competition, she was named an ECNL U17 All-American, ECNL U17 Conference Player of the Year, and All-Conference First Team in U17 and U18/19. Barnes is the daughter of Sheldon and Tanya Barnes and is undecided on a major.
Brynna Burrus | D | Marietta, Ga. | Kell HS | Tophat SC
Burrus joins Georgia after playing for Kell High School and Tophat Soccer Club. In high school, she was a multi-sport athlete, competing in soccer for her freshman and sophomore seasons along with three years in track and four in flag football. On the track, she was a GHSA regional champion in the 100m and qualified for the state championships in the 100m, 400m, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay. In flag football, she was named to the All-State and All-Region teams. For Tophat, she helped the team win the U16 and U19 Girls Academy National Championships, along with the U19 Champions Cup title. She has been invited to multiple USYNT training camps, most recently attending in June 2026. Burrus is the daughter of Kendall and Josh Burrus and is intending to major in Sport Management.
Makena Cook | F | Costa Mesa, Calif. | Sierra Canyon HS | Slammers HB Køge
Cook joins Georgia after attending Sierra Canyon High School and playing for Slammers HB Køge. She originally attended Orange Lutheran High School, earning numerous athletic honors in multiple sports. In soccer, she has helped lead Slammers to the ECNL Playoffs each season, including two placements in the ECNL Top 8. She is one of the most prominent flag football players in the nation, captaining the U.S. Junior National Team and winning gold medals at the USA Football Junior International Cup in 2023 and 2024. In the 2025 season, she passed for more than 7,000 yards for 112 touchdowns, along with over 300 yards rushing and three rushing touchdowns, earning MaxPreps California Junior of the Year. She has previously won the 2024 CIF state title and has previously been named Orange County Player of the Year and MaxPreps California Player of the Year. In 2025, she became the first athlete to receive a scholarship offer from a Power Four women's flag football program from Nebraska. She also earned Trinity League MVP honors in track and field as a freshman. Cook is the daughter of Stefanie and Mikhail Cook and is intending to major in Journalism.
Jocelyn McKinney | F | Dallas, Texas | Allen HS | FC Dallas
McKinney joins Georgia after playing for Allen High School and FC Dallas. For Allen, she was named the Texas UIL Class 5-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2024, followed by TASCO First Team All-Region and Allen Offensive MVP honors in 2025. In club competition, she helped lead her team to the Dallas Cup championship in 2026, earning championship game MVP honors. She was also named to the ECNL First Team All-Conference in 2025 and 2026. McKinney is the daughter of Araba and Kentara McKinney and is intending to major in Political Science.
Destiny Powell | MF | Kingston, Jamaica | Daytona State | Excelsior HS | Frazsiers Whip
Powell joins Georgia after playing two seasons at Daytona State College. This season, she ranks third on the team with eight goals, along with four assists, helping the Falcons reach the NJCAA DI National Tournament. Last season, she tallied three goals and five assists, earning a place on the 2025 United Soccer Coaches Junior College All-America Team and All-East Region Team, along with the FCSAA Region 8 First Team. She has played with the Jamaican national team after previously appearing for multiple junior squads. In club competition, she helped lead Frazsiers Whip FC to the Jamaican Premier League championship. Powell is the daughter of Camrlia Hyman and Patrick Powell and is intending to major in Management.
