No. 17 WSU women’s soccer, starting out 3-0-0 and still in the top 25, is on a path toward the NCAA tournament. With leaders like sixth-year goalkeeper Ella Dederick and junior defender Hanna Goff, there is one athlete in particular that proves to be a top-star on the team.

Graduate transfer midfielder Averie Collins from Stanford came into this WSU program not only excited to play, but also excited to learn a new style of soccer she isn’t too familiar with, she said.

“A lot of kudos to the team and the coaching staff,” Collins said. “They’ve really made Washington State really feel like home.”

Collins said at Stanford, they pride themselves on a possession style of soccer while at WSU, it is more athletic and straight to the goal.

“Formation wise, we’re playing a 4-4-2 versus a 4-3-3,” she said.

Collins said coming into WSU as a fifth-year is very different than coming in as a freshman, but it has benefited her to join her teammates. They already have experience in the WSU program and have included her.

Senior forward Morgan Weaver said Collins is her roommate, and the connection they quickly made has helped them on and off the field.

“When [Collins] came for her visit, I helped take her around Pullman, showed her around, talked to her,” Weaver said.

Weaver said Collins brought that mentality of winning to WSU, giving her best effort and the grit that makes her the perfect fit for the Cougars.

“She has the experience of playing at such a high level,” Weaver said. “She understands what it takes to be a winner.”

Junior forward Elyse Bennett said Collins brings a different kind of leadership to the team, and her veteran skill level helps the underclassmen on the team.

“I feel like she’s able to lead the freshman and just kind of get her points across,” Bennett said.

Bennett said Collins isn’t afraid to give her opinion to help the team and always has the team’s interest at the forefront.

“I feel like she’s always kind of there to give them her perspective on things,” Bennett said.

Collins said the transition is twofold, with her adapting to the new style and play at WSU, but also is bringing the experience she has had to help prepare the team fully for competition.

“I think we’re going to keep building,” Collins said. “We don’t want to peak too soon, so right now, we’re just getting some games under our belt.”