OREM, Utah — Utah Valley University women's soccer head coach Chris Lemay has announced the addition of four transfers from BYU to the Wolverines' roster for the upcoming 2025 season. Joining UVU are Josie Shepherd, Jaycey Wood, Kelsey Hoopes, and Sierra Pennock, each bringing a wealth of experience and accolades from their time at BYU and beyond.

"We are very excited to announce the addition of four Power Four transfers that will be joining the program this spring," said Lemay. "Jaycee is a technical player that fits our brand of soccer and will be impactful on our front line and in the midfield. We are also excited to add another Shepherd to the group; Josie is a holding center mid with great vision and composure. Kelsey is a talented goalkeeper that is both a good shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at her feet. Sierra is a creative central midfield player that has a tireless work ethic. She can cover ground and add quality on both sides of the ball."

Josie Shepherd | Midfielder | 5-6 | RS-So. | American Fork, Utah (American Fork HS, BYU)

Shepherd comes to Utah Valley after spending three seasons at BYU, including a redshirt year. During her time with the Cougars, she was part of the 2021 NCAA Finals team, the 2023 NCAA Final Four squad, and a 2024 NCAA Tournament appearance. Shepherd appeared in three matches for the Cougars last season.

A standout at American Fork High School, Shepherd was a 2020 First Team All-State selection and part of multiple championship-winning teams, including the 2019 Utah 6A State Champions. She also excelled academically, earning Academic All-State honors.

Shepherd comes from a soccer family, with her sisters Jamie and Jenna making significant marks at BYU and UVU, respectively.

Jaycey Wood | Midfielder/Defender | 5-6 | Jr. | Las Vegas, Nevada (Desert Oasis HS, BYU)

Wood joins the Wolverines after two seasons at BYU, where she played in 10 matches and logged 100 minutes on the field. In 2024, she appeared in six matches.

A prolific scorer during her high school career at Desert Oasis in Las Vegas, Wood earned Desert Region Player of the Year honors and holds multiple school records, including the most goals in a season and goals in a single game. She also competed in track and cross country.

Kelsey Hoopes | Goalkeeper | 5-7 | So. | Livermore, Calif. (Livermore HS, BYU)

Hoopes spent four seasons at BYU, making four appearances during the 2024 season. She was part of the 2021 team that reached the NCAA Finals, the 2023 team that advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals, and the 2024 squad that made another NCAA Tournament run.

At Livermore High School, Hoopes was a standout both academically and athletically, earning NCS Scholar-Athlete honors and competing at the highest levels of club soccer, including stints with Pleasanton Rage and Mustang SC. 

Sierra Pennock | Midfielder | 5-5 | Sr. | Lindon, Utah (Timpanogos HS, BYU)

Pennock arrives at Utah Valley after a successful three-year career at BYU, where she appeared in 56 matches, recording two goals and six assists. She helped the Cougars to deep NCAA Tournament runs, including a trip to the College Cup in 2023. Pennock prepped at Timpanogos High School.

"With the group that we have coming back and the addition of our incoming freshmen along with these transfers, we feel like we have put together the deepest squad in UVU program history," added Lemay. "Players will have to compete for roles, and we are looking forward to getting back at it."