EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - SIUE women's soccer Head Coach Derek Burton announced six newcomers to the program Thursday, all ready to make an impact for the 2026 season.

The latest newcomers are Maya Gaines (O'Fallon, Missouri), Kate Gleeson (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), Zeniyah Russell (Forney, Texas), Mckenna Wigfield (Naperville, Illinois), Sammy Williams (Washington, Missouri), and Imogene Joseph (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada).

"The 2026 class is full of talent and potential to impact our team immediately," said Burton. "Representing a variety of regions both domestically and internationally, each player has trained and competed at the highest levels under outstanding coaches to prepare them for this step in their athletic careers. Joining a young but experienced team, the possibilities are endless for this group and our team in 2026."

Below is a sketch of each newcomer.

Maya Gaines

Hometown: O'Fallon, Mo.

High School: Fort Zumwalt East High School

Position: Defense

Club Team: Lou Fusz SC GA

Coaches: Chad Otec, Connor Armstrong, Liz Gaudy, and Matt Mueller

From Coach Burton: Maya comes from a very competitive background and a Girls Academy National Championship club. Great size, intelligent soccer IQ and the ability play along the backline will be a valuable addition this fall.

Why I chose SIUE: I chose SIUE because the beautiful campus instantly caught my eye, but it was the genuine warmth and hospitality of everyone I encountered that truly made it feel like the right place for me. I'm excited for the journey ahead—both in pushing myself alongside the soccer team to reach our big goals and in advancing my education within the nursing program.

Kate Gleeson

Hometown: Brampton, Ontario, Canada

High School: Cardinal Ambrozic

Position: Defense

Club Team: Pickering FC OPDL

Coaches: Peter Hogg, Liam Straney, Barry Donnelly

From Coach Burton: Kate is a strong, tough and physically-able defender that has experience anywhere on the back line, and that is an attribute that we value in our recruitment. On the ball she has the ability to pick the right pass to keep possession and the quality to serve into attackers. Kate plays with a real desire to do the job to her fullest, a quality we are excited about bringing to campus.  She will be a tough match up for our opponents.

Why I chose SIUE: SIUE felt like the right fit for me to continue my soccer career for several reasons.  From the first conversation I had with Coach Burton I felt very comfortable and really appreciated his positive energy.  On my campus visit I really enjoyed the atmosphere created by the coaching staff and players I met.  The campus itself felt very welcoming with great facilities and support for its athletes. I can't wait to attend SIUE.

Zeniyah Russell

Hometown: Forney, Texas

High School: Forney High School

Position: Wing Back / Forward

Club Team: Atletico Dallas GA

Coaches: Coaches Mando, Kurtwyn, Rick, Chad, Estrada, Moreno, and Williamson.

From Coach Burton: Z is a dynamo of a player. Blistering pace with the rare ability to run at players in the attack but also be a very good defender with her low center of gravity and quickness. Her ability is top notch but the versatility that her qualities provide the team is of tremendous value. She will be a player that our opponents will hate to play against, wherever she is on the field.

Why I chose SIUE: I chose to attend SIUE because I feel that SIUE chose me! I was incredibly thankful for Coach Burton as well as the rest of the coaching staff for recognizing me as an asset to their program. Meeting my future teammates, the small town feel, and overall vibe of the soccer program helped solidify my decision to call SIUE my home! I'm excited to further my development with Coach Burton, Nick, and Alyssa at SIUE next year!

Mckenna Wigfield

Hometown: Naperville, Ill.

High School: Metea Valley High School

Position: Midfield

Club Team: Galaxy SC GA

Coaches: Coach Whaley, Coach Bostick, and Coach Robinson

From Coach Burton: Mckenna has the ability to dominate the middle of the park. She's a work horse with the desire to compete for every loose ball, every second ball and is ready to put in a tackle anytime. Add to that, the soccer IQ and the exceptional club environment she's developed in, and it gives us a well rounded player that loves the game, hates  to lose and genuinely wants to do whatever it takes to bring the team success. Physically, she is a very prepared, college level ready player who we are thrilled to have joining the Cougar Family.

Why I chose SIUE: I chose SIUE because it felt like home. The minute I stepped on campus it was exactly what I was looking for from the SIUE Gardens to the main quads. Coach Burton, Coach Alyssa, Coach Nick and the soccer team showed me the close family I can be a part of and the memories I can make there.

Sammy Williams

Hometown: Washington, Mo.

High School: Washington High School

Position: Forward / Midfield

Club Team: Missouri Rush ECNL

Coaches: Jason Wyland, Adam Wiedenhoffer

From Coach Burton: Sammy is a high motor player with speed and quickness. A tireless worker that will wear a defender down when she's on the ball but also be effective defending and pressing defensively leading to more attacking moments for her and our team. She has experience playing all over the field and will be a great addition to our attack.

Why I chose SIUE: I chose SIUE because they have a great soccer program that I wanted to be a part of and could see myself thriving in. The campus is very pretty and welcoming. Also I chose SIUE because it is close to home and I love the location. Also, I was confident that it fit my academic goals.

Imogene Joseph

Hometown: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

High School: Shattuck St. Mary's School

Position: Midfield

Club Team: Thunder Bay Chill

Coaches: Marco Colistro, Coach Ball and Coach Morgan

From Coach Burton: Imo brings a true midfield mentality to the team. Two-way player who has the soccer IQ to make good decisions on the ball, operate on her own and also see and execute in combination with her teammates. She is a player with personality and ability that always seems to find herself in great spots to make plays. We are happy to have her coming to campus next season!

Why I chose SIUE: I chose to attend SIUE because I was drawn to the positive team culture and I felt that it was an environment where I could thrive. SIUE checked all my boxes, and I saw myself thoroughly enjoying my next 4 years there. SIUE is a place where I believe I can further my academics while pursuing soccer. I am extremely excited to get started.