Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

Next Event

Sebastian Vecchio

Women's Soccer

Five Newcomers Join CSUB Soccer this Spring

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Head soccer coach Sebastian Vecchio and the CSU Bakersfield women's soccer program announced on Monday five signees to either a NLI or AGIA for 2022.

Signees include Anela Nigito (Capital, Mendoza, Argentina), Alani Mexia (Northridge, CA), Penny Smith (Los Angeles, CA), Devan Furukawa (Bakersfield, CA), and Hollee Hercik (Baroda, MI).

"Kate and I worked extremely hard during the winter break and we are very pleased with all five of these signees," stated Vecchio. "This is a very strong group of players from different backgrounds and a lot of experience at the Division I level. We are looking for all them to compete right away in the Spring to make this roster better."

Anela Nigito | Freshman | Center Back | Capital, Mendoza, Argentina | Italian School XXI of April
Anela Nigito is a recent high school graduate (December 2021) from Capital, Mendoza, Argentina with National Team experience. Nigito was instrumental in Argentina's Sub-17 team winning the International Foursquare Tournament in 2019.

A decorated student as well, Anela boasted a 3.7 GPA and was honored as Second Escort of the National Flag. Outside of soccer Nigito competed in horse riding, swim, and dance. Following a degree in Kinesiology, Anela has career plans of playing soccer professionally in Europe.
"Anela has a true pro mentality and she is a very focused individual, committed to improve as player and student. She has been with the Argentinean National and played at a very high level. We are excited to see how her career develops here at CSUB."

Alani Mexia | Sophomore | Goalkeeper | Northridge, CA | University of Arizona
Alani Mexia, a native of California, spent a pair of seasons in Tucson playing for the University of Arizona. Before Arizona Alani was a standout keeper out of the Northridge area at Granada Hills Charter High School. She and the Highlanders won California Interscholastic Federation titles in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Mexia garnered individual accolades including an MVP nod in 2016. She was also named All Conference First Team, was an Honor Recipient, and earned All City Honors in 2018 and 2019.

Alani balanced being a student-athlete well in her prep career landing on the Academic Honor Roll all four years of high school and earning Valedictorian ahead of graduation. After soccer, Mexia plans on enrolling in a Physician Assistant School once she completes her degree in Biology.

"Alani is a very driven individual and is looking to compete for a starting spot with Flavia and Hollee this Spring semester. Her experience in the Pac12 will help her to make a difference here at CSUB."

Penny Smith | Sophomore | Left Back | Los Angeles, CA | University of Alabama
Penny Smith returns to California after two years with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. Penny competed in seven games her rookie season, starting for Alabama twice in 2020. She was recognized by the SEC as a First-Year honor roll recipient. This past season, she saw action in three non-conference matches (Jacksonville State, Lamar, and UAB).
Smith spent her prep years at Century Academy making a name for herself on and off the pitch. She helped the Waves win a Marmonta League Championship and was voted MVP of her varsity team. Penny also and played club soccer for the Camarillo Eagles SC.

While at Century Academy, she was awarded the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence by Nobel Prize Winner Mario Capecchi.

"Penny was brought in to strengthen our back line and she is eager to start as an outside back this Spring. She is very athletic and has been expose to high level players and coaches during her time in the SEC and with her summer team."

Devan Furukawa | Junior | Forward | Bakersfield, CA | Taft College
Devan Furukawa is no stranger to Bakersfield having grown up in the city and a 2019 graduate of Independence High School. Furukawa's improvement on the field from season to season while at Taft College was impressive. After tallying three assists in 2019 she improved her stats to five goals and six assists in 2021, earning an All-Central Valley Conference First Team nod.

At Independence, Devan helped the Falcons win a CIF Central Section title in 2018 and compiled a slew of school accolades. In her final season of high school soccer Furukawa was voted SYL All-League Offensive Player of the Year.

Furukawa earned her associate degree from Taft College and plans to go to dental school following the completion of a degree in Biology at CSUB.

"Devan is a local product with great size and athleticism. She can play multiple positions and we expect her to repeat the success she had while playing at Taft College."

Hollee Hercik | Sophomore | Goalkeeper | Baroda, MI | Dixie State
Hollee Hercik adds depth to the Roadrunners goalie group transferring to Bakersfield from Dixie State University after a pair of seasons in the Western Athletic Conference. She made seven starts and played 562 minutes in her freshman year. Last season, she saw action in two games earning 197 minutes on the year.

A 2020 graduate of Lakeshore High School, Hercik also played basketball for the Lancers. Her club soccer team, FC Pride 2002 ECNL, made it to the Elite Eight at Nationals.

Hollee plans to become a Geo-Political Scientist after graduating with her degree in Political Science – Geo-politics.

"Hollee is a very hard-working goalkeeper looking to make an impact in our team. She brings a lot of experience to our program, is ready to compete for playing time and is looking forward to make our team better."
 
~GoRunners.com~
Print Friendly Version
California State University at Bakersfield Athletics loading logo