By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – University of Sioux Falls Women's Soccer and head coach Joe DeMay are excited to announce six additions to the Cougar family as part of the 2026 recruiting class. The newest Cougars — Lilly DeRosier (Brainerd, Minn.), Maren Hayward (Casper, Wyo.), Madison "Maddie" Ingalls (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Hailey Kauffman (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Lily Tadlock (Sioux Falls, S.D.), and Peyton Pearson (Sioux Falls, S.D.) — bring a strong mix of speed, athleticism, and creativity to a Cougar roster continuing to grow within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
"We're thrilled about this class and what each of these young women will bring to our program," said head coach Joe DeMay. "This group checks every box we were targeting — competitiveness, athleticism, and an ability to impact both sides of the ball. They're talented players and even better people who fit the culture we're continuing to build here at USF."
Lilly DeRosier | Forward | 5'4" | Brainerd, Minn. | Brainerd High School | CMYSA
DeRosier arrives from Brainerd High School, where she excelled as a multi-year All-Conference honoree and team captain. She tallied 50 career goals while earning accolades including Most Valuable Player, Playmaker of the Year, and Warrior Award, leading Brainerd to back-to-back Central Lakes Conference Championships. Off the field, she's a National Honor Society member, Student Council leader, and active volunteer with more than 100 hours of community service.
"Lilly brings a great combination of speed to run in behind defenses and skill in tight spaces to escape pressure to create her shot in and around the penalty area," said DeMay. "She has a nose for goal and a relentless work rate that will add to our threat in the front third and our ability to press the opposition to regain the ball as high up the field as possible."
Maren Hayward | Forward/Midfielder | 5'7" | Casper, Wyo. | Kelly Walsh High School | Cheyenne Sting Elite / Wyoming ODP
A standout at Kelly Walsh High School, Hayward was named 4A First Team All-State, 4A West Midfielder of the Year, and All-Conference after leading her team in points and assists during back-to-back state finals appearances. She's a National and Spanish Honor Society member and volunteers for The Arc of Natrona County, a local nonprofit serving individuals with special needs.
"Maren is a creator and scorer in equal measure, which will add more diversity to our attacking play," said DeMay. "She is comfortable anywhere in the front line and can drop into midfield to find more space to get on the ball, facing forward to set up teammates for scoring chances. She has a combination of speed and power that will complement the returning players we have and the others in her class."
Madison "Maddie" Ingalls | Midfielder | 5'5" | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Jefferson High School | Dakota Alliance SC
A local product from Sioux Falls Jefferson, Ingalls was named Metro All-Conference First Team and Offensive Player of the Year for the Cavaliers. A National Honor Society student, she has also coached youth soccer with Dakota Alliance SC and brings a deep understanding of the game from both sides of the touchline.
"We love Maddie's ability to find the ball in pockets of space in the midfield to drive at opponents and put them under pressure," DeMay said. "She is comfortable going solo in those moments to create a shot for herself, but she's just as comfortable being unselfish to find the free player who is in a better position for a shot. She's going to bring great energy and add even more athleticism to an already strong group of midfielders."
Hailey Kauffman | Goalkeeper | 5'9" | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Harrisburg High School | DASC
Kauffman comes to USF as one of South Dakota's top goalkeeping prospects after a standout career at Harrisburg High School. A multi-sport athlete and All-Academic honoree, she earned Metro Honorable Mention and ESD All-Conference honors while posting a goals-against average of 0.11 in 2024 and 0.22 in 2025. Outside of competition, she volunteers with youth programs through Neighborhood Soccer and Soccer Stars.
"We have picked up one of the best, if not the best, 2026 goalkeepers in the state in Hailey," said DeMay. "She has a strong presence in goal and radiates composure, which helps her teammates feel more confident in front of her. She makes big saves that put opponents on notice that it's going to take something special to get something by her. Hailey is a great addition to an already strong goalkeeping corps."
Lily Tadlock | Forward | 5'9.5" | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Roosevelt High School | Dakota Alliance
A product of Sioux Falls Roosevelt, Tadlock brings high-end pace and athleticism to the Cougar attack. She's competed for Dakota Alliance SC and lettered in both soccer and track for the Rough Riders.
"Again, Lily is going to add another threat to get behind opponents with her speed," said DeMay. "She and Peyton are among the fastest players in the state, as evidenced by their track records. Lily brings a work rate and desire to constantly improve her game. She uses her pace to make those runs behind, but she's equally comfortable with the ball on her foot to accelerate past defenders on the dribble to create a shot for herself or set up teammates."
Peyton Pearson | Forward | 5'5 | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Roosevelt High School | Dakota Alliance SC
Pearson joins the Cougars after a standout career at Roosevelt High School, where she tallied 32 career goals and 15 assists. A two-sport athlete in soccer and track, she earned 2023 All-Metro Conference Honorable Mention and 2025 All-Metro Conference honors. She's also a National Honor Society member and a long-time player with Dakota Alliance Soccer Club..
"Speed and athleticism were attributes we put a high value on for the 2026 class, and Peyton certainly brings that element to the squad," DeMay said. "She has a high compete level and will allow us to put more pressure on opponents in our attacking half by offering a very dangerous threat to run behind the last line. She has a knack for being in the right place at the right time in the box, which is a great attribute for a forward."
Looking Ahead
The 2026 recruiting class builds on the momentum of USF's 2025 campaign, which saw the Cougars post six wins, including four at Bob Young Field. With an infusion of attacking depth, defensive stability, and high-level goalkeeping, this group sets the stage for another step forward for USF Soccer under Coach DeMay's leadership.
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