Women's Soccer Inks Seven Incoming First-Years

EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern women's soccer announced the addition of seven incoming first-year student-athletes. Camryn Freeman, Kayla Kamdem, Naomi Lofthouse, Elle Phillips, Kadance Radwanski Balogh, Amber Weaver and Gwen Zimmerman will join the Wildcats for the upcoming 2026 season.

Camryn Freeman | M | Lancaster, Calif. | LA Surf Pasadena

Played club for LA Surf Pasadena
Team Captain at Paraclete High School
Tallied 56 goals and 20 assists over first three seasons
2024-25 Del Ray League MVP

Why Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because it felt like home with a challenging academic and athletic environment and such a supportive and excited staff. Northwestern also has a very competitive pre-med program that would allow me to pursue both of my dreams of being an anesthesiologist and a footballer."

Kayla Kamdem | F | Montreal, Quebec | Lakeshore Soccer Club

Three-time provincial top scorer (2022, '23, '24)
Two-time Quebec-Ontario Series First Team ('23, '25)
FTF x Sports Ambitions Showcase Attacking MVP ('24)
Two-time FTX x Sports Ambitions Showcase First Team ('24, '25)

Why Northwestern: "Northwestern stood out to me because it encourages excellence in the classroom and on the field with equal intensity. I wanted to be part of a program where my academic ambitions were valued just as highly as my athletic ones, and Northwestern embodies that balance. It feels like the best place to reach my full potential."

Naomi Lofthouse | D/M | Ottawa, Ontario | Ottawa Rapid FC, Ottawa South United

Represented Canada at the 2017 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, topping the group with a perfect 3-0 record and advancing to the Quarterfinal
Recorded an assist in Canada's Round of 16 win over Zambia
Played for Ottawa South United in Ligue1 Quebec
Signed a youth development permit with Ottawa Rapid FC in the Northern Super League, making five appearances

Why Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because of the amazing culture that the coaches and current players have created. Competing in the Big Ten is such an exciting challenge and I can't wait to be a part of what NU is building!"

Elle Phillips | M | Clarkston, Mich. | Michigan Hawks

As a Captain of Michigan Hawks, earned First Team All-Conference honors in 2023-24 and 2024-25
2023 ECNL U15 National Champion
Named to Team Midwest for the 2024 ECNL Girls Conference Cup
Also played for Flint City AFC in the USL W League

Why Northwestern: I chose Northwestern because the team felt like a family. The culture is supportive but competitive, and I know it will give me the opportunity to develop into the best player and person, all while getting a world-class degree.

Kadance Radwanski Balogh | Goalkeeper | Brighton, Mich. | Michigan Hawks

Played five years with Michigan Hawks
Four-time ECNL First Team Midwest All-Conference
Also played varsity tennis at Brighton
Four-year Honor Roll selection

Why Northwestern: "The moment I stepped foot on the campus I was in awe. How could someone not go to a school that will push you both academically and athletically. It is the perfect size, great coaches/teammates, and the people will always be there for me even after I graduate."

Amber Weaver | D | Ann Arbor, Mich. | Michigan Hawks

2023 ECNL U15 National Champion
Named to Team Southeast for the 2025 ECNL Girls Conference Cup
2022-23 ECNL Girls U15 Midwest All-Conference
Also played basketball, volleyball and tennis at Pioneer High School

Why Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because it is a place where I can challenge myself both athletically and academically. I was also drawn to how close Northwestern is to both the lake and the city of Chicago. It is the best of both worlds."

Gwen Zimmerman | D/M | Palatine, Ill. | Eclipse Select ECNL

Represented Wales at the youth levels before making her debut with the senior national team, starting in a friendly against Australia
2024-25 ECNL Girls U18/19 Midwest All-Conference
Two-time all-state in sophomore and junior seasons at Fremd
Also won a state championship in flag football and competed in track and field for the Vikings

Why Northwestern: "Northwestern has been my dream school ever since I was little, and as I grew that never changed. Its amazing athletics and academics are an exciting challenge, and it's close enough to home to give me the chance to watch my brothers play their own sports in high school, which I love."

Northwestern University Athletics

Northwestern University Athletics

Women's Soccer Inks Seven Incoming First-Years

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