Columbia State women's soccer recently hosted a Signing Day event for the first two recruits of the 2026 season.

At the signing, the current high school seniors and their families traveled to the Columbia Campus to be recognized while getting to know their future coaches and teammates.

The team’s newest recruits include Zaharia Walker, from Rossview High School in Clarksville, and Lilly Necci from Independence High School in Thompson’s Station.

“I'm incredibly excited to add these two incredible student athletes to our program,” said Kean Barclay, Columbia State women’s soccer head coach. “They will bring a lot of tools that I believe will contribute to our program right from the beginning. First and foremost, they have tremendous character. We need to bring in the types of players who exhibit characteristics that will fit well with us. They're both incredibly hard-working players, honest, committed and dedicated to their own development and progress, as well as the team.” 

“I love that we get to celebrate signing day by welcoming these two talented young women to our Lady Chargers Soccer program,” said Katie Willingham, Columbia State athletics director. “I’m excited to watch their growth both on and off the pitch as part of the Chargers family.”

When asked what drew each player to Columbia State, they both mentioned the overall culture and team dynamic as a major factor in deciding to join the Lady Chargers.

“I've known Kean for a long time, and so I knew that he would be a reliable coach that I could always trust to be there for me and push me to be better,” Walker said. “And I think just the first time I walked on campus, I immediately felt like it was a family and everybody was really kind.”

“I've been playing soccer ever since I was little, and playing college soccer was my dream for a very long time,” Necci said. “And I think just being here, meeting all of the girls and just the community here really has just been so special, and I'm so excited.”

When asked what they can contribute to the Lady Chargers, Walker said she will fit well into the new team dynamic with her positive outlook on the game and what she can bring to the field.

“When it comes to overall mentality, I'm somebody who can always stay positive and kind of uplift the team,” Walker said. “And tactically, I'm fast on the ball, with and without it, and so I can get through the back line, and I think that would really help attack.” 

Necci says she’ll be able to bring grit, perseverance and focus to her new team.

“I think mentally for me, I'm somebody who never gives up,” Necci said. “I have a lot of mental endurance, so I'm really excited to be able to contribute that. And then physically, I'm fast, I'm strong and I'm able to make quick decisions. So, I'm excited to use that on the field.” 

“Their team-first mentality fits the identity of who we are,” Barclay said. “I believe they both will be able to contribute to creating chances for us to score with their speed and athletic abilities. I know they're excited to join us next fall, and I'm looking forward to another great class.”

For more information on Columbia State women’s soccer, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Womens-Soccer.