Fresno State Athletics
Two student-athletes added to 2016-17 roster
4/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
By Jason Kelm
jakelm@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State women's soccer head coach Brian Zwaschka announced the addition of two student-athletes for the 2016-17 season on Friday.
The Bulldogs are adding goalkeeper Alex Best (Woodland Hills, Calif.) and midfielder Kayla Calmes (Fresno, Calif.) to a strong 2016-17 incoming class. Earlier this year, the 'Dogs received National Letters of Intent from defenders Asia Harbour-Brown and Emma Chivers, midfielders Sydni Lunt and Tori Nicolo, and forward Kasidee Wiley.
"Alex is a very well-rounded goalkeeper," Zwaschka said. "She knows what it's like to play in big games and has a good level of concentration. She is coming to us already adapted to the college academic environment and we anticipate her challenging our talented goalkeeping unit to raise everyone's game right away while competing for the gloves.
"Kayla is one of the most consistent, hard-working, coachable and reliable local players we've recruited," Zwaschka added. "She has a good soccer IQ and is quite adaptable. I believe she has a strong upside and already has a solid knowledge of the way we want to play."
Alex Best (Woodland Hills, Calif.)
Best comes to Fresno State as a sophomore transfer goalkeeper after spending a year at CSUN. She was a four-year starter at El Camino Real Charter High School and played for the So Cal Blues in the Elite Clubs National League for five years as well.
"I chose to transfer to Fresno State because of the amazing community feel and sense of school pride," Best said. "While on campus at Fresno State, it really felt like a family and the support from the community makes it even more special. Fresno State gives its student-athletes the best academic support along with the best athletic support. I hope to contribute my hard work and leadership in the goal to help the team dominate in every game."
Best was a decorated high school player as she recorded 61 shutouts in her 97 games played with 69 wins and a 0.6 goals-against average. She also holds many school records.
In 2012, Best was named the MaxPreps No. 1 freshman goalkeeper in the nation and No. 15 overall. In 2012 and 2013 she was named second-team All-West Valley and in 2014 and 2015 was named first-team All-West Valley. After her senior year in 2015, Best was named the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division I City Player of the Year, CIF All-City Defensive Player of the Year, CIF first-team All-City and CIF first-team Division I City.
During her time at El Camino Real Charter, the team was Division I City CIF Champions (2012, 2013, 2015), Division I SoCal Regional State Champions (2013), MaxPreps No. 1 national ranking (2013) and West Valley League Champions (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015).
Coming out of high school, she was also recruited by Arizona State, Baylor, Cal State Fullerton, Kansas, Pacific, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara and Utah.
Kayla Calmes (Fresno, Calif.)
Calmes joins the Bulldogs as a midfielder from Clovis West High School, where she was named first-team All-Conference following her sophomore and senior years and MVP of the Central Section All-Star Game her junior year.
"I chose to play for Fresno State because it has always been a dream of mine to play Division I soccer," Calmes said. "Now I get to play for my hometown school and will have my family and friends supporting me at every game. Fresno State is a very strong program and I hope to contribute with my strong work ethic and competitiveness."
Calmes was also recruited by Dominican, Eastern Washington, Louisiana Lafayette, McNeese State and Montana.
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