Central, SC – Southern Wesleyan Women's Soccer and Head Coach Al Meneses are excited to announce the next members of the 2024 signing class. The Warriors will welcome six more ladies from four states in Avery Grubbs, Ella McCowen, Ellagrace Beasley, Taylor Carper, Bailey Meyer, and Alli Dalton.
The Warriors will welcome Avery Grubbs from down the road in Greer, SC. Grubbs attended Riverside High School. Throughout her career she has played as an outside back for the Warriors of Riverside along with CESA ECRL and the Challenge Piedmont League programs. She has played soccer since she was five, starting at the YMCA before moving on to CESA. Throughout her career, her team has won many tournaments, and once she transitioned to high school she received All-Region recognition two times. She will serve as one of the Riverside High School's team captains during her senior season.
Her favorite quote comes from President Franklin D Roosevelt when he said, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." When asked why she is coming to SWU, Grubbs commented, "I chose SWU because the community is extremely positive. The girls seem to all get along and have nothing but nice things to say about the program and the relationship between the professors and coaches and students all seem to be good. I think joining SWU will help me grow spiritually, academically, and athletically."
The daughter of Amy Fuller and Joshua Grubbs, she has several siblings including the Warriors current assistant and goalkeeping coach, Cheyenne Fuller. She is looking to major in Writing and Digital Studies, and Media Communication.
"We are very happy to welcome Avery into our Warrior family!" said Head Coach Al Meneses. "She's a versatile player that will certainly help us in defense and in our midfield. She is intentional in her movement and is very tactically aware. She is also a good tackler and can play fast under pressure. Avery has a contagious personality, and she will add great value to our team culture and campus community."
Ella McCowen will join Southern Wesleyan from Oceanside, NY. During her high school career, McCowen has played as a center midfielder for both Oceanside High School and NY Surf.
Her favorite quote is from Harry Styles when he says, "If your happy doing what you love, nobody can tell you your not successful." When asked why she is choosing to come to Southern Wesleyan in the fall of 2024, McCowen said, "I chose SWU because I've always wanted to move south. When I stepped on campus it felt like a place I could grow not only as an athlete but as a person as well. I was so excited when Coach Al gave me this opportunity."
She is the daughter of John and Robin McCowen. Her mom has played women's tennis at the CW Post in New York. She has an older brother named Patrick. McCowen is looking to be a sports management major. She will not only be playing soccer for the Warriors, but will also join the Southern Wesleyan Women's Lacrosse team.
"Ella plays at a very competitive level in New York and has had great coaching throughout her high school age career," mentioned Coach Meneses. "She possesses good ball skills and can play the possession style well. She's a good passer of the ball and works hard in midfield on both sides of the ball. She has a great competitive attitude, and we expect her to do very well here at SWU. Looking forward to working with her for the next several years!"
The Warriors next signee is Ellagrace Beasley. Beasley will travel to Central, SC via Maysville, NC. A home schooled student, Beasley plays for the ECNL Wilmington Hammerhands. She has been playing soccer since she was seven years old. Beasley began her soccer career with Rec Soccer and then moved up to club soccer. She played on the 03's Girls Premier team before going to play for the ECNL Wilmington Hammerheads. She also assisted the Living Water Christian School Women's Soccer team to gain back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022. During her time with the Living Water Christian School team she received NCCAA South All-Conference and NCCAA Soccer Tournament MVP. Throughout her career, her primary position has been left outside back.
Her favorite Bible Verse is Isaiah 40:29-31 which reads "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." When asked why she is coming to SWU, Beasley commented, "I heard about SWU while I was researching colleges. As I looked at the website I was impressed by the coaches experience. I also liked the fact that they look at the whole person not just the soccer player. I was able to meet some of the team and they were nice and welcoming. I was excited to hear how they work together on and off the field making it seem more like a home then just a place to play soccer."
The daughter of Clay and Debbie Beasley, she has five siblings named Ashley, Nya, Riley, Lee and Lily. Beasley looks to be a business major once she comes to Southern Wesleyan.
"Ellagrace is another one of our incoming defenders as we look to solidify our defensive efforts," said Meneses. "She can play in the outside positions in wing as well. She has good speed to get forward, makes good passes and is a good tackler. She has an outstanding personality and has great potential to become a very successful student athlete. We are excited to have Ella join us!"
Southern Wesleyan second signee from the state of North Carolina is Taylor Carper. Carper will join the Warriors via Jacksonville, NC. She attended Southwest High School. In her high school career, she competed as a striker and forward for both Southwest High School and the OCSA Crew. She was named both Conference and State Player of the Year, along with receiving First Team All-Region, All-Conference and All-Area honors.
Her favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9 which says "be strong and courageous; do not be frightened and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you where you go." When asked why she is choosing to come to Southern Wesleyan, Carper commented, "I chose SWU because as soon as I stepped on campus I felt like it was home, meeting some of the team I immediately felt like I belonged on the team & I loved the location of campus! I am so excited for my next four years!"
The daughter of Charlie and Katie Carper, she has a younger brother who is in high school. Carper intends to be a nursing major when she gets to SWU.
"We are very excited to welcome Taylor to our team and Warrior family!" said Coach Meneses. "She is a proven goal scorer who will play a very important role on our front line. She has good speed, ball control and is a natural striker. We are expecting great things from Taylor and I am looking forward to working with her for the next four years."
The Warriors will add Bailey Meyer from Tampa, Florida. Meyer has played as a center back, center mid and forward for both Mitchell High School and Florida Premier ECNLR 05/06. She has received several accolades including Defensive Player of the Year and ECNLR Florida Regional Team. She has also served as the team captain for both her club and Mitchell High School teams.
Her favorite Bible verse is Psalms 93:4 which reads "But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore – the Lord above is mightier than these!" When asked why she is coming to SWU, Meyer said, "I chose SWU because I feel the school fits my academic, athletic, and most important spiritual needs. When I visited the school I felt a connection instantly. I feel this is God's plan for me."
The daughter of Marcus and Erin Meyer, she has one older brother named Aidan. Meyer plans to major in Business in the fall of 2024.
"Bailey is a fantastic new addition to our program," mention Head Coach Meneses. "She is expected to make an immediate impact on our team and quickly develop into one of our difference makers and future leaders. A strong and athletic defensive minded player, she has great ability to play offensively as well. Bailey has a great work ethic and is the type of athlete that will thrive in a competitive environment. Her current club coaches truly value her and have been very instrumental in her recent growth as a player. She comes from a great family and her desire for spiritual growth in Jesus make her a perfect Warrior."
Joining Meyer from Florida is Alli Dalton. Dalton hails from Navarre, Florida where she attends Naverre High School. She has served as a forward and winger for not only Navarre High School, but also the Florida Roots FC and the GBFA Breakers. She was named the best XI in the GCPL League and was a GCPL Semi-pro starter. She has also served as the captain of her club team and was named Offensive Player of the Year.
Her favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:18 which reads, "the pain you've been feeling can't compare to the joy that is coming." When asked why she chose Southern Wesleyan, Dalton said, "I chose SWU to continue my academic and athletic journey because the moment I stepped onto the campus, it felt like home. The Christ-centered vibe surrounded me, and it instantly resonated with me. Feeling that sense of belonging right from the start was incredible — it's exactly what I was searching for. Being in a place where my academic pursuits align with a spiritual foundation has been very fulfilling. The decision just felt right."
The daughter of Adam and Carrie Dalton, she has a sister, Brittney Pennington, and a brother, Kaine Dalton. She is looking to be a business administration major when she comes to Southern Wesleyan this fall.
"I immediately connected with Alli when I first met her," mentioned Coach Meneses. "She is a strong, physical attacking player that never gives up. She has great determination to fight for the ball, is a good passer and goal scorer. Alli's personality shines through and her desire to continue growing in her walk with the Lord was evident. She will be a great member of our Christ-centered team and community. Looking forward to working with her in the years to come!"
