FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (May 12, 2022) - NAU Women's Soccer added two new transfers to the squad this spring in fiery duo, Dai Williams and Jaylin Borden, from Arizona State University. Jaylin Borden is a defender from Lake Tapps, Washington and Dai Williams is a forward from Los Angeles, California.
With their experience on a Pac-12 team that plays a possessive style of soccer, both Williams and Borden are looking forward to growing with the team.
"I was really attracted to the culture of this team and department," Williams said. "They were the first team to reach out to me when I entered the transfer portal and they had strong communication and we quickly hit it off. Flagstaff felt like home right away and everyone was very friendly and nice."
When touring, both appreciated the kindness and professionalism of the department and felt welcomed immediately. They felt that this team makes it a priority to make each transfer or recruit feel welcomed which ultimately benefits the dynamic and success of the team both on and off the field.
Coach Kylie applauds the women for their ability to create special bonds with new teammates as it can be hard for transfers to adjust to the change of scenery and structure of a new team.
Throughout the spring season, Borden and Williams have been able to create chemistry with their teammates and adapt to a new environment. Both see a lot of potential in the upcoming season and discussed the appreciation of the competitiveness present within the team. Williams admires the team's ability to separate the competitiveness in practice to the support reciprocated on and off the field.
"We hold each other accountable and push each other to perform to our full potential in each practice," Williams said.
Along with their prior experience in a Pac-12 team, this duo is bringing heightened soccer IQ and game awareness to the team. They are also good friends and have worked closely together over the years.
Williams described Borden as a sister and is grateful to be up in Flagstaff and continue working with her. She feels as though their relationship is growing stronger and stronger each day and is looking forward to bringing that strong chemistry onto the field.
"When anyone joins our team, we look for people with high character and will add value," Coach Kylie mentioned. "Both Dai and Jaylin bring great energy and have a special dynamic. With the skills they have adopted throughout their careers, I think they will contribute positively to the overall success of our team."
Looking forward, both the coaches and athletes are eager to showcase their talent in the upcoming season. Borden, Williams, and Coach Louw mentioned the powerful skill set each player has. Coach Louw sees the growth in all the athletes throughout the off-season and feels as though there is a lot of special character on this team.
Borden elaborated on the large potential for growth she sees within the team. She feels as though each player is individually skilled and is looking forward to creating a strong dynamic that will dominate on the field.
"I expect us to do really well this season. We have a strong team with a lot of new skilled players and over the spring we have learned how to play with each other and into each others skill set," Borden described.
Each athlete is bringing something different to the table this year as both Borden and Williams are eager to commit to their part in bringing success to the team. They are looking forward to winning and getting the opportunity to play in a different climate both within the culture of the team and in Northern Arizona itself.
