Liberty Women’s Soccer Announces Six Additions to the 2026-27 Roster
11/12/2025 1:34:00 PM | Women's Soccer
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty women's soccer and head coach Lang Wedemeyer have announced the addition of six signings to the 2026-27 roster. The class consists of three defenders, two midfielders and a forward.
"It's always exciting to welcome the next generation of Flames into our soccer family," Wedemeyer said. "The best part of our culture, are the players in our program. Each of these young women are not only great soccer players, but fantastic people who will add value to our team on and off the field."
The Lady Flames will be welcoming Jentry Bertram (Lexington, Ky.), Olivia Diez (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Gabby Garnett (Auburn, Ga.), Audrey Heustis (Eastvale, Calif.), Isabella Myrmel (Mesa, Ariz.) and Izzie Smulik (Lynchburg, Va.) as freshmen next season.
Before the next signing class joins, Liberty will compete in the first round of the NCAA tournament against No. 8 seed Clemson on Friday at 6 p.m. The Lady Flames claimed their second Conference USA title in three seasons, topping No. 8 seed Missouri State in the title game on Friday.
Olivia Diez – Defender – Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – FC Prime ECNL
Diez is a defender from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who played with FC Prime ECNL and South Florida HEAT, a Christian-based program for home-educated athletes.
The defender led her team in scoring across three seasons. She was named first team All-County as a sophomore with 37 goals and 17 assists during a 23-3-2 season. Diez was also named to the ECNL Girls Southeast All-Conference team in 2022 and led her club team in scoring for two consecutive seasons (2022, 23).
She helped lead her team to three consecutive district championships, scoring the game-winning goal in each title game.
Diez's sister, Isabella, is a junior forward at FIU. Her mom, Amber, played collegiate volleyball, also at FIU. Her dad, David, played soccer and basketball at Universidad Metropolitana De Caracas.
A multi-sport athlete, Diez also set multiple school records in track and field. She tops the charts in the school's 4x400 and 4x800 record while medaling at the state championships her sophomore year in the 4x800.
"I chose to continue my athletic and academic journey at Liberty University because it is the only place where I can grow as both a student and an athlete, while most importantly deepening my relationship with Jesus and walking alongside a community of like-minded believers."
Wedemeyer- "Olivia is a consummate center back who is fast, strong in the air and composed on the ball. She brings leadership and presence to the back line, but can also be dangerous on set pieces in the attack."
Gabby Garnett – Forward/Midfielder – Auburn, Ga. – Jefferson High School – Atlanta Fire United
Garnett is a forward and midfielder from Auburn, Ga., who played for Atlanta Fire United (2022-25) and Jefferson High School.
With Jefferson, she led her team to the state Final Four in 2024 and state runners-up in 2025. Garnett was a three-time All-State selection (2023-25) and two-time All-Region (2023, 24). She set the program record with 27 assists and also set the single-game scoring mark with six goals.
Garnett participates with the Puerto Rican national team, playing with both the under-17 and under-20 clubs. She has scored goals in five international appearances. Garnett scored twice in a 7-0 win over Guyana in the 2025 CONCACAF U20 Championship.
She was also named to the first team All-Conference team for ECNL Southeast in 2024.
"Liberty is a special place. I knew I wanted to be part of a team and a school that puts God first."
Wedemeyer- "Gabby is a midfielder who has great vision, an excellent touch, and a rocket of a left foot that allows her to be a dangerous scoring threat. Her experience playing in the Youth World Cup qualifying will be a great advantage for us. "
Audrey Heustis – Midfielder – Eastvale, Calif. – Liberty Academy – Magnus FC
Heustis is a midfielder from Eastvale, Calif., who played for Magnus FC for over 10 years.
She became Magnus FC's first-ever player to be named to the US Youth National Team ID roster in 2022 before going to be named to the roster for four consecutive seasons (2022-25).
The midfielder helped lead the U19 Mid-City Lions to a US Club Soccer National Club XXIII title in 2024. She led her team to back-to-back Far West Championships with the Cal South Olympic Development Program in 2024 and 2025. Heustis also led her teams to the 2022 Coast Soccer League Championship in 2022 and the 2023 WCFC Classic Championship
In addition, Heustis has played with multiple Magnus FC Boys teams.
"I wanted to go to a college where I could pursue my God-given passion for sports while also being built up by a strong Christian community. Liberty no doubt is the perfect place for me and I'm so excited to be a part of the LU family."
Wedemeyer- "Audrey is an exceptional soccer player. Her skill, vision and attacking mindset have allowed her to thrive, even playing on an all-boy's team for her club. She has a great sense for the game and will be a great addition to our midfield."
Isabella Myrmel – Defender – Mesa, Ariz. – Highland High School – SC Del Sol
Myrmel is a defender from Mesa, Ariz., who played for four years with SC Del Sol in Phoenix, Ariz. She attended Highland High School but did not play varsity soccer.
She helped lead her club to four consecutive Southwest Conference Championships. The defender was selected to the 2024 GA (girls academy) Southwest Conference Talent ID roster by TopDrawerSoccer.com.
She is the second defender from SC Del Sol in as many years to sign with Liberty, joining freshman Presley Kaiser.
"I chose Liberty because it was a Christ-centered school where I knew I could grow my relationship with the Lord. It was also a place where I knew as a player, I could be better on and off the field because I would be playing for a higher purpose. GO FLAMES!!!!"
Wedemeyer- "Bella has a tremendous soccer IQ. Although she often plays as an Outside Back, her feel for the game and soccer intelligence allow her to play most anywhere on the field. She is not only technical, but is a fierce competitor.
Jentry Bertram – Defender – Lexington, Ky. – Lexington Christian Academy – Lexington Sporting Club
Bertram is a defender from Lexington, Ky., where she played for Lexington Sporting Club and Lexington Christian Academy.
In her freshman and sophomore seasons, Bertram was named all-region teams and the 43rd District All-Tournament team. In her sophomore year, she was named an All-State honorable mention.
A multi-sport athlete, Bertram also competed in basketball and track, where was named to the all-city and all-tournament teams across her freshman and sophomore years. She was awarded the KHSAA Triple Threat Award her senior season.
Bertram made headlines her freshman year, when she earned a spot on the junior varsity team at Lexington Christian and was elevated to the varsity team. She only missed one extra point attempt that season.
"I chose Liberty because of its Christ-centered mission to develop students into leaders and champions for Christ. I also chose Liberty because of how welcoming the soccer staff and team were."
Wedemeyer- "Jentry is a hard-nosed defender who has the speed and discipline to shut down the best attacking players. She can play anywhere on the back line and has the intelligence to adapt to a variety of defensive schemes."
Izzie Smulik – Forward – Lynchburg, Va. – E.C. Glass High School – Skyline Elite
The lone local signing in the class, Smulik is a forward from E.C. Glass and competed with Skyline Elite for six years.
Smulik broke the program's all-time scoring leader with 112 goals, the single-season leader with 55 goals and scores in a single-game with six. She was named to the all-state first team her junior season. She will not play her senior season, enrolling at Liberty in the spring.
At E.C. Glass, she was awarded the Athletic Boosters Award for Excellence. Smulik was also named to the ODP State and Regional team and was included in the brick ceremony for the E.C. Glass Hall of Fame.
Smulik was selected to compete internationally with the Capelli Sport Plus North America team this summer. She was also selected to the Mid-Atlantic ID Roster.
"I chose Liberty because the first time I stepped on the field it felt like home. I love the competitive spirit of my teammates, and the fact we compete for a higher purpose. Becoming a flame means being part of something bigger than myself."
Wedemeyer- "Izzie is a tremendous athlete who loves the game. She is a true competitor who never backs down from a challenge. Her versatility will enable her to play in multiple positions for us next year."
"It's always exciting to welcome the next generation of Flames into our soccer family," Wedemeyer said. "The best part of our culture, are the players in our program. Each of these young women are not only great soccer players, but fantastic people who will add value to our team on and off the field."
The Lady Flames will be welcoming Jentry Bertram (Lexington, Ky.), Olivia Diez (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Gabby Garnett (Auburn, Ga.), Audrey Heustis (Eastvale, Calif.), Isabella Myrmel (Mesa, Ariz.) and Izzie Smulik (Lynchburg, Va.) as freshmen next season.
Before the next signing class joins, Liberty will compete in the first round of the NCAA tournament against No. 8 seed Clemson on Friday at 6 p.m. The Lady Flames claimed their second Conference USA title in three seasons, topping No. 8 seed Missouri State in the title game on Friday.
Olivia Diez – Defender – Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – FC Prime ECNL
Diez is a defender from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who played with FC Prime ECNL and South Florida HEAT, a Christian-based program for home-educated athletes.
The defender led her team in scoring across three seasons. She was named first team All-County as a sophomore with 37 goals and 17 assists during a 23-3-2 season. Diez was also named to the ECNL Girls Southeast All-Conference team in 2022 and led her club team in scoring for two consecutive seasons (2022, 23).
She helped lead her team to three consecutive district championships, scoring the game-winning goal in each title game.
Diez's sister, Isabella, is a junior forward at FIU. Her mom, Amber, played collegiate volleyball, also at FIU. Her dad, David, played soccer and basketball at Universidad Metropolitana De Caracas.
A multi-sport athlete, Diez also set multiple school records in track and field. She tops the charts in the school's 4x400 and 4x800 record while medaling at the state championships her sophomore year in the 4x800.
"I chose to continue my athletic and academic journey at Liberty University because it is the only place where I can grow as both a student and an athlete, while most importantly deepening my relationship with Jesus and walking alongside a community of like-minded believers."
Wedemeyer- "Olivia is a consummate center back who is fast, strong in the air and composed on the ball. She brings leadership and presence to the back line, but can also be dangerous on set pieces in the attack."
Gabby Garnett – Forward/Midfielder – Auburn, Ga. – Jefferson High School – Atlanta Fire United
Garnett is a forward and midfielder from Auburn, Ga., who played for Atlanta Fire United (2022-25) and Jefferson High School.
With Jefferson, she led her team to the state Final Four in 2024 and state runners-up in 2025. Garnett was a three-time All-State selection (2023-25) and two-time All-Region (2023, 24). She set the program record with 27 assists and also set the single-game scoring mark with six goals.
Garnett participates with the Puerto Rican national team, playing with both the under-17 and under-20 clubs. She has scored goals in five international appearances. Garnett scored twice in a 7-0 win over Guyana in the 2025 CONCACAF U20 Championship.
She was also named to the first team All-Conference team for ECNL Southeast in 2024.
"Liberty is a special place. I knew I wanted to be part of a team and a school that puts God first."
Wedemeyer- "Gabby is a midfielder who has great vision, an excellent touch, and a rocket of a left foot that allows her to be a dangerous scoring threat. Her experience playing in the Youth World Cup qualifying will be a great advantage for us. "
Audrey Heustis – Midfielder – Eastvale, Calif. – Liberty Academy – Magnus FC
Heustis is a midfielder from Eastvale, Calif., who played for Magnus FC for over 10 years.
She became Magnus FC's first-ever player to be named to the US Youth National Team ID roster in 2022 before going to be named to the roster for four consecutive seasons (2022-25).
The midfielder helped lead the U19 Mid-City Lions to a US Club Soccer National Club XXIII title in 2024. She led her team to back-to-back Far West Championships with the Cal South Olympic Development Program in 2024 and 2025. Heustis also led her teams to the 2022 Coast Soccer League Championship in 2022 and the 2023 WCFC Classic Championship
In addition, Heustis has played with multiple Magnus FC Boys teams.
"I wanted to go to a college where I could pursue my God-given passion for sports while also being built up by a strong Christian community. Liberty no doubt is the perfect place for me and I'm so excited to be a part of the LU family."
Wedemeyer- "Audrey is an exceptional soccer player. Her skill, vision and attacking mindset have allowed her to thrive, even playing on an all-boy's team for her club. She has a great sense for the game and will be a great addition to our midfield."
Isabella Myrmel – Defender – Mesa, Ariz. – Highland High School – SC Del Sol
Myrmel is a defender from Mesa, Ariz., who played for four years with SC Del Sol in Phoenix, Ariz. She attended Highland High School but did not play varsity soccer.
She helped lead her club to four consecutive Southwest Conference Championships. The defender was selected to the 2024 GA (girls academy) Southwest Conference Talent ID roster by TopDrawerSoccer.com.
She is the second defender from SC Del Sol in as many years to sign with Liberty, joining freshman Presley Kaiser.
"I chose Liberty because it was a Christ-centered school where I knew I could grow my relationship with the Lord. It was also a place where I knew as a player, I could be better on and off the field because I would be playing for a higher purpose. GO FLAMES!!!!"
Wedemeyer- "Bella has a tremendous soccer IQ. Although she often plays as an Outside Back, her feel for the game and soccer intelligence allow her to play most anywhere on the field. She is not only technical, but is a fierce competitor.
Jentry Bertram – Defender – Lexington, Ky. – Lexington Christian Academy – Lexington Sporting Club
Bertram is a defender from Lexington, Ky., where she played for Lexington Sporting Club and Lexington Christian Academy.
In her freshman and sophomore seasons, Bertram was named all-region teams and the 43rd District All-Tournament team. In her sophomore year, she was named an All-State honorable mention.
A multi-sport athlete, Bertram also competed in basketball and track, where was named to the all-city and all-tournament teams across her freshman and sophomore years. She was awarded the KHSAA Triple Threat Award her senior season.
Bertram made headlines her freshman year, when she earned a spot on the junior varsity team at Lexington Christian and was elevated to the varsity team. She only missed one extra point attempt that season.
"I chose Liberty because of its Christ-centered mission to develop students into leaders and champions for Christ. I also chose Liberty because of how welcoming the soccer staff and team were."
Wedemeyer- "Jentry is a hard-nosed defender who has the speed and discipline to shut down the best attacking players. She can play anywhere on the back line and has the intelligence to adapt to a variety of defensive schemes."
Izzie Smulik – Forward – Lynchburg, Va. – E.C. Glass High School – Skyline Elite
The lone local signing in the class, Smulik is a forward from E.C. Glass and competed with Skyline Elite for six years.
Smulik broke the program's all-time scoring leader with 112 goals, the single-season leader with 55 goals and scores in a single-game with six. She was named to the all-state first team her junior season. She will not play her senior season, enrolling at Liberty in the spring.
At E.C. Glass, she was awarded the Athletic Boosters Award for Excellence. Smulik was also named to the ODP State and Regional team and was included in the brick ceremony for the E.C. Glass Hall of Fame.
Smulik was selected to compete internationally with the Capelli Sport Plus North America team this summer. She was also selected to the Mid-Atlantic ID Roster.
"I chose Liberty because the first time I stepped on the field it felt like home. I love the competitive spirit of my teammates, and the fact we compete for a higher purpose. Becoming a flame means being part of something bigger than myself."
Wedemeyer- "Izzie is a tremendous athlete who loves the game. She is a true competitor who never backs down from a challenge. Her versatility will enable her to play in multiple positions for us next year."
Players Mentioned
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