HAYWARD, Calif. – The 2014 women's soccer incoming class includes three junior transfers from within the state of California. The group of goalkeeper Selena Braun, midfielder Mindy Castro, and defender Laura McIntosh has an opportunity to make an immediate impact for the Pioneers and Head Coach Amy Gerace.

"Selena is an explosive goalkeeper who will compete for the starting position," said Gerace. The 14th year head coach is looking to fill the void left by last year's primary starter Donna Williams who graduated from Cal State East Bay.

Braun (Morgan Hill, Calif.) last played competitive collegiate soccer in 2012 at Evergreen Valley College. That season the team finished 15-3-3 and with a No. 5 ranking in the Northern California region.

Castro is "a very crafty midfielder" commented coach Gerace. The two are familiar with each other as Castro (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) has played in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) for the past two years with Cal Poly Pomona. She will face her old squad and return to Kellogg Field when the Pioneers face the Broncos on Friday, Oct. 10.

McIntosh (Atwater, Calif.) played two seasons with Fresno City College and was named a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Junior College Division III First Team All-American in 2012. This past season her squad finished 18-2-3 and reached the second round of the California Community College Athletics Association playoffs.

"Laura is an excellent defender with versatility. She has the potential to make an immediate impact," praised Gerace.

Cal State East Bay will officially begin the 2014 season on Friday, Sept. 5, when it hosts Fresno Pacific at Pioneer Stadium. Please visit the team's schedule page for the full list of games.

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