BYU soccer adds UCLA transfer Ellie Walbruch

PROVO, Utah — BYU women’s soccer will welcome national-champion UCLA transfer Ellie Walbruch to the Cougars for the 2023 season.

"We are thrilled to have Ellie coming to BYU," said head coach Jennifer Rockwood. "I have known Ellie since she was very young, and I have watched her development over the years. She is a very versatile attacking player, a good goal scorer and will be a huge addition to our high power offense."

During her time at UCLA, Walbruch played in 13 games and totaled one goal, nine shots and 256 minutes played. As a freshman midfielder for the Bruins, Walbruch was a part of the 2022 National Championship team that beat the North Carolina Tar Heels 3-2 in the College Cup finals in double overtime on Monday, Dec. 5 at WakeMed Soccer Park. Prior to her freshman season at UCLA, Walbruch competed year-round on her LaRoca ECNL soccer team. Because she played on a high-level ECNL team, she did not play for her high school.

“After having a great freshman season at UCLA, where I grew so much, I’m excited to continue my college career at BYU, surrounded by my family, friends and the community support,” Walbruch said. “I am looking forward to learning and growing under Coach Rockwood’s leadership. I can’t wait to run out on South Field for my first game.”

Ellie Walbruch

5'10" | Midfielder/Forward | Highland, Utah | American Fork HS | LaRoca FC

Participated in U.S. U-18 National Team virtual camp in 2021
Participated in a USYNT Region Camp in 2021
Won the U18/19 state championship in 2020 with La Roca, where she served as team captain from 2016-21
Selected to the Top XI at the 2020 ECNL Phoenix Showcase, Spring 2019 USSDA and 2018 USSDA Winter showcase
Played with Real Colorado in Fall 2021
ECNL All-Star at a Top XI player at the ECNL Showcase San Diego