From Sweat to Signature, Avery Yagle Commits to the Blue Raiders

After years of dedication, sacrifice, and countless hours on the field, Avery Yagle ’26 has officially committed to Middle Tennessee State University where she will play at the highest level of collegiate sports, NCAA Division I.

By: Ariana Lopez Salguero

Avery Yagle’s commitment represents more than an athletic achievement. It marks the culmination of a journey that began when she first stepped onto the soccer field.

From the age of seven, Yagle played soccer. Fond of the sport, she says, “I continued to play the sport because I had a genuine love and passion for it,” Yagle said. “I also realized at a young age that I had talent and the natural ability.”

Throughout her development as a player, Yagle credits much of her success to her parents, who supported her through long practices, tournaments, and the demanding recruitment process.

“They always pushed me to work harder every day and reminded me why I’ve put in all this work to get to where I am today,” Yagle said. “Without them, none of my success would be possible.”

The recruiting process, however, was not without challenges.

Yagle played for a club team located three hours away from her home in Visalia, forcing her to balance long travel days with academics and social life.

“Trying to balance school, social life, and soccer was difficult,” she said. “Having to drive three hours limited my social activities and was a struggle for me education-wise,” said Yagle.

“But since I’ve committed and put in those 2 years of dedication, it all paid off, and now I’m able to enjoy my senior year,” said Yagle.

Support from teammates and coaches also played a key role in Yagle’s development. She emphasized the impact of coaches who went beyond normal expectations to help prepare her for the collegiate level.

“I’ve definitely had a lot of teammates and coaches contribute to my success,” Yagle said. “A constant support from my previous coaches definitely helped, especially a certain few who took extra time to shape me into the player I am and get me to where I am today.”

When it came time to choose a college, Yagle considered several programs, both in-state and out-of-state. Ultimately, Middle Tennessee stood out.

“My main focus was finding a school that was the best fit for me and by far that was Middle Tennessee. The coaching staff and atmosphere was so welcoming from the first time I stepped on campus. I automatically fell in love with the program, and the city surrounding the school.”

Avery Yagle, ’26

As Yagle prepares for the next chapter of her soccer career, she has clear goals in mind for her time at Middle Tennessee.

“I want to work hard, earn a starting spot, and score goals,” she said. “I hope to have an amazing freshman year and make an impact my freshman year, win a conference championship, and make it to the NCAA tournament.”

Few people know that Yagle once considered stepping away from soccer to focus on volleyball, a decision that could have changed her path entirely. “Thankfully, it all worked out,” Yagle said.

Girls’ soccer coach Jason Vieira praised Yagle’s work ethic and physical presence on the field.

“She’s incredibly hardworking,” Vieira said. “Everything she’s put herself through, she’s trusted her body and stayed ready to play. with her tremendous form ready to play.”

Vieira also highlighted her leadership and intensity.

“She motivates her teammates, she’s big, strong, fast, and aggressive. She’s a force of nature out there.”

Coach Jason Vieira

According to Vieira, Yagle’s growth since her freshman year has been especially impressive.

“She’s worked so hard on her skills and touches,” he said. “It’s all paid dividends. She’s just such a hard worker.”

“This commitment is definitely refreshing to my family and I because we, as a family, have put so much time and effort into my recruiting journey so it is definitely rewarding. It just goes to show that time and dedication definitely pays off and we are so excited for the next 4 years of college soccer.”

Avery Yagle ’26

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