2026 Roster Update

Hometown Star, Addison Werth, Commits to USL W League Madison

Werth’s Offensive Excellence to Elevate Team’s Attack

MADISON, WI: USL W League Madison coaching staff signed Addision Werth, an accomplished UW-Milwaukee Panther forward, with a drive for success. Werth racked up a staggering 59 goals and 56 assists during high school career with the Oregon High School Panthers. USL W League Madison will look to her to bring that successful attacking mindset to Breese Stevens Field in 2026. 

“We are delighted to announce the signing of local talent, Addison Werth, a player whose roots are right here in the Madison area,” said USL W League Madison Technical Director, Liz Lawrence. “After a very successful career at Oregon High School and currently playing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Addison brings a truly dynamic presence to our team. Her exceptional speed and athleticism make her a constant threat to our attack.” 

Werth had a breakout season in 2021 playing for the U16 Madison 56ers Red National Team and the Midwest Olympic Development Program where she racked up an incredible 45 goals and 28 assists on the season. She went on to make the Oregon High School Panthers Varsity team in her freshman year in 2022, tallying 16 goals, 14 assists, and helping lead the team to become State Champions and the No. 1 team in the country based on the United Coaches Poll. This was the first of three consecutive appearances for Werth at the WIAA Division 2 Championships. In 2024 she began her two-year captaincy for Oregon and scored the sole goal that brought the Panthers the State Championship title and earned her the Second Team Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association All-State and Wisconsin State Journal/WiscNews’ All-Area team awards. In the off-season, she guided the Madison 56ers club team to numerous league championships and a 2024 State Cup championship. Werth scored an impressive 16 goals and 11 assists during her 2025 senior year and was given the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches 

Association Honorable Mention All-State award. She was also named First-Team All-Badger Conference for three years. 

“Addison Werth brings an attack-focused mindset paired with top-end speed,” said USL W League Madison Head Coach, Giuliano Oliviero. “She’s highly effective in wide channels, turning the corner on defenders and providing quality, threatening service into the box.”

Werth currently plays for the UW-Milwaukee Panthers, where she continues to grow and hone her attacking threat. USL W League Madison will rely on Werth to both create and finish chances in the final third in their inaugural season. 

“I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to play on the USL W Madison team,” said Werth. “Competing and developing at this level is something I’ve worked toward throughout my career, and getting to do it in my hometown makes it even more meaningful. I’m proud to represent Madison and to help build a strong women’s soccer culture here. I can’t wait to take this next step, grow as a player, and get started with the team!”

Werth’s addition bolsters an already formidable USL W League Madison roster. The club’s commitment to constant professional and personal development will ensure the team comes out of the gate as a force in their first year. Community members are invited to join the team for the brand launch on December 12th at the Sylvee. Learn more information about this free event here. 

About USL W Madison: USL W League Madison will begin play in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.madisonwomenssoccer.com. Purchase your Season Tickets here. 

USL W League Madison Adds Center Back, Elsa Maurer, to 2026 Roster

Three-Year WIAA Division 1 Champion Looks to Elevate the Defensive Line

MADISON, WI: USL W League Madison’s newest signing, Elsa Maurer, is set to reinforce the team’s back line during their inaugural 2026 season. A center back from Muskego, Wisconsin, Maurer is a seasoned leader committed to strengthening her team both on and off the field.

”Elsa’s game keeps growing, and it shows,” says USL W League Madison Head Coach, Giuliano Oliviero. “Her instincts and soccer intelligence allow her to sniff out danger early, and her technical ability turns those defensive stops into meaningful attacks. We can’t wait to have Elsa competing with us in the Madison USL W League.”

Maurer is currently a senior at Muskego High School where she boasts an impressive record, including three consecutive WIAA High School Division 1 State Championships. Her stellar back-field play earned her the United Soccer Coaches Association All-American and All-Region awards, as well as Top Drawer Soccer High School Best XI. She joined future USL W League Madison teammates, Sonoma Bever and Jessica Fernau, in being named Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association First Team All-State in 2025, and was also awarded Classic 8 Conference’s First Team All-Conference. Maurer finished the 2025 season with an impressive 20-0-2 record, bringing her overall high school record to 55-2-8. She will play collegiately for Butler University beginning in the Fall 2026 season. 

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Elsa Maurer to the Madison W League team. Her success throughout her club and high school career has been tremendous,” said USL W League Madison Technical Director, Liz Lawrence. “Elsa’s exceptional ball-winning ability, strong leadership, and defensive presence will undoubtedly be a great addition to our team this season.”

Maurer’s strong leadership also extended to the SC Wave Girls Academy, where she led her team on the field as Team Captain and off the field as a member of the Girls Academy Advisory Panel, a player-led group that empowers its members to inspire change within the league. She propelled the Wave to two back-to-back GA Midwest Conference Championships and National Finalist Awards. Her exceptional performance also prompted her Girls Academy National Talent ID selection, where she trained with the top talent in the country. 

“I am super excited and honored to be a part of the USL W League Madison team,” said Maurer. “I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and am excited about how this challenging environment will help prepare me for my collegiate journey at Butler University next year. I look forward to growing as a player, pushing myself, and bringing my competitive spirit to the team. Finally, I’m excited to reconnect with former teammates and coaches and build relationships with new teammates. It’s an honor to represent Madison and be part of this growing program!” 

USL W League Madison coaching staff will build on these previous competitive relationships, while also seamlessly adding new talent to the team. The team will be further strengthened by the launch of their brand on December 12th, which will unite all members under one collective name and logo. Members of the community are encouraged to attend the brand unveil to show their support for the club and the arrival of women’s soccer in Madison. More details on this free event can be found here. 

About USL W Madison: USL W League Madison will begin play in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.madisonwomenssoccer.com. Purchase your Season Tickets here. 

USL W League Madison Signs Powerhouse Forward/Midfielder, Jessica Fernau

2024-25 Gatorade Player of the Year Commits to USL W League Madison

MADISON, WI: USL W League Madison adds another prestigious player to its roster for the inaugural season in 2026. Jessica Fernau, a Wisconsin-native currently playing at Ball State University, will bring her impressive resume and history of success back to her home state. 

“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to join the USL W Madison team and be part of such a competitive, driven environment,” said Fernau. “It is especially meaningful because I get to reconnect with old teammates and coaches who helped shape my game, and I can’t wait to build on those relationships in a new, higher-level setting. I’m looking forward to challenging myself, growing as a player, and bringing my energy, work ethic, and creativity to the group. This is a big step in my development, and I’m grateful for the chance to learn, compete, and represent Madison with pride!”

A Wind Lake, Wisconsin-native, Fernau spent four years at Muskego High School, where she led her team to four consecutive WIAA Division 1 State Championships, including a 2025 undefeated team that finished the year with an incredible 19-0-2 record. During her senior year, the All-American finished the season with a staggering 21 goals and 17 assists in just 21 matches played. She was showered with accolades including, the Gatorade Wisconsin 2024-25 Player of the Year, Wisconsin All-State Player of the Year and Classic 8 Player of the Year awards. Fernau also received Player of the Game honors in the 2024 Division 1 State Final as well as becoming a National Academy League Talent ID invitee. Prior to that, she took her Forge Futsal Academy team to second place in nationals in 2023.  

“Jess brings a special level of creativity and composure to our attack,” said USL W League Madison Head Coach, Giuliano Oliviero. “Her ability to read the game and create opportunities for others makes everyone around her better. She’s a difference-maker for our team.”

As a rookie at Ball State University in Indiana, Fernau has already made a significant impact for her team. The freshman played an average of 29 minutes per match and notched the game-winning goal against Toledo during the 2025 season. 

“We are extremely excited to welcome Jess Fernau to the W League team,” said USL W League Madison Technical Director, Liz Lawrence. “Jess is a fierce competitor, and the success she has seen at a high level will help elevate our team. Her creativity on the ball and decision-making in the attack are tremendous assets. We are very excited to have Jess as part of the team!”

Fernau’s commitment to USL W League Madison further strengthens an already powerful roster that has been carefully curated by Oliviero and Lawrence. The club will look to make a statement in their inaugural year as a dominant force in the league. With USL W League Madison support already surging past 700 full season ticket members, Breese Stevens Field is set to become a formidable atmosphere for visiting teams in the W League.

About USL W Madison: USL W League Madison will begin play in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.madisonwomenssoccer.com. Purchase your Season Tickets here. 

USL W League Madison Signs Elite Local Goalkeeper, Malia Zillman

Zillman becomes first-ever USL W League Madison Keeper

MADISON, WI: USL W League Madison has signed the club’s first-ever goalkeeper, Malia Zillman. The 16-year-old from Waunakee has already shown incredible mastery in the goalkeeper position, both locally and internationally, and is set to be an imposing threat between the sticks for the USL W League Madison club in its inaugural season in 2026. 

“We are all excited for Malia,” said USL W League Madison Head Coach, Giuliano Oliviero. “It’s rare to see a young goalkeeper with her level of talent, maturity, and presence. It’s even more meaningful that Malia gets to showcase it in front of her hometown fans.” 

Zillman grew up in Madison and has built off of her outstanding high school career playing for the Waunakee Warriors to reach new heights in the sport. The proven shot-stopper helped see the Warriors into the state semi-finals in 2024 and her success there opened up an opportunity for her to play in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for the Rockford Raptors in 2025. During her time with the Raptors this year, Zillman received ECNL Conference Cup Best XI and Golden Glove honors as well as made the ECNL Conference Cup Selection Midwest Team and helped lead the squad to become ECNL Midwest Conference Champions. 

“I am honestly so blessed to have the opportunity to step up to the next level in soccer with this team,” said Zillman. “It means so much to me to be a part of this growing program. I cannot wait to join the squad soon and kick off the new season!” 

Zillman will also bring a wealth of international experience to the team. She was invited to the US Youth National Team (USYNT) ID Camp in 2024 and trained with the U16 US National Team in their Netherlands, Spain and domestic camps in 2025. Additionally, Zillman participated in the United States 

Olympic Development Program (ODP) in 2023 and 2024, making both their Midwest Regional Team and National Team Selection. With her already sterling young career blossoming, USL W League Madison will seek to further elevate Zillman’s game as she continues to rise through the ranks in her pursuit of becoming a top professional athlete. 

“Malia brings incredible energy, competitiveness, and a constant will to improve and be her best,” said USL W League Madison Technical Director and Assistant Coach, Liz Lawrence. “She’s the kind of player who raises the standard every day — her drive and enthusiasm will make an immediate impact within our group both on and off the field.”

Zillman will stay true to her Midwestern roots not only in her signing with the USL W League Madison squad, but also in her recent commitment to play for the University of Iowa. As USL W League Madison gets off the ground in 2026, they will look to provide a platform for Zillman to grow on and off the pitch in order to reach all of her professional aspirations in soccer and beyond. 

“If you have seen Malia play, you know that she has a presence and a positive energy that undoubtedly contributes to her success at every level,” said USL W League Madison Assistant Coach, Tenzin Rampa. “We are excited to see what she can do in the next step in her journey here in Madison.”

About USL W Madison: USL W League Madison will begin play in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.madisonwomenssoccer.com. Place your Season Ticket deposits here. 

USL W LEAGUE MADISON SIGNS LOCAL MADISON STRIKER, SONOMA BEVER

Bever becomes first-ever USL W League Madison signing

MADISON, WI: In a landmark moment, USL W League Madison has made their first ever player signing in Forward, Sonoma Bever. Bever is a proven striker and will bring her skills back to Madison for the inaugural season of the USL W League Madison team in 2026. 

Originally from Madison, Bever had an illustrious high school career with Edgewood High School where she set a record as the first player in the school’s girl’s soccer program to reach 100 goals. She scored her 100th goal in her Junior year during the regional final. Bever was captain of the 2025 Conference championship-winning squad and was named 2025 Conference Player of the Year in her senior year. She was also recognized with First-Team All-Conference and All-Region honors in all four years of her Edgewood career as well as earning First-Team All-State in 2024 and All-State in 2023. Bever also played for SC Wave in the Girls Academy League in Madison and was invited to the USYNT ID camp in 2022. 

“It is a huge honor to be the first signing for this club and to be able to represent Madison in the USL W League,” said Bever. “Coming to play at Breese in front of my own Madison community is very special to me and means so much to play in a place where I call home. I am grateful to be a part of something that is bringing women’s soccer to Madison!”

Bever made headlines in 2025 when she hit an Olimpico that sent her team to the WIAA State Championship and landed on ESPN’s “Top 10” segment. Following her glowing high school career, Bever committed to playing NCAA Division I soccer for Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Bever will begin play for the USL W League Madison squad in a pre-professional capacity beginning in Spring of 2026 at Breese Stevens Field in Madison. 

The USL W League Madison team will become the first women’s sports franchise to call Breese Stevens Field home as the facility celebrates its 100th year in 2026. Season tickets are now available for fans who would like to become founding members of the club in its inaugural season. 

About USL W Madison: USL W Madison will begin play in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.madisonwomenssoccer.com. Place your Season Ticket deposits here.