JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Jan. 25, 2023) – On Wednesday afternoon, the ETSU women’s soccer head coach Jay Yelton announced the addition of two signees for the upcoming season.

The first is a 5’4” forward who transferred from West Virginia, Ruby Teixeira (Franklin, Tenn.) and the other is a 5’11” midfielder Annabelle Ekern (Knoxville, Tenn.) who will join the Bucs in the fall.

About Ruby Teixeira

• A 5’4” forward from Franklin, Tenn.
• 2022 Big 12 Tournament Champions.
• Two-time all-league MVP (2019 & 2021.)
• 2021 all-district Player of the Year.
• Majoring in Criminology.

Coach Yelton on Ruby…

“We are very excited Ruby has made the decision to transfer to ETSU. She has an amazing resume and has played at a very high standard throughout her career. Her style of play and technical ability will fit into what we are trying to build as a program, and we certainly think she will be an excellent addition to our attacking options.”

About Annabelle Ekern “AB”

• A 5’11” midfielder from Knoxville, Tenn.
• 2020 and 2022 TSSAA All-State team selections.
• 2021 TSSAA First Team All-Region selection.
• 2022 Farragut Lady Admirals Varsity MVP
• Plans to major in Phycology with a concentration in Health Professions.
• Sister of former ETSU men’s soccer standout Fletcher Ekern, who played from 2014-17.

Coach Yelton on “AB”…

“I am thrilled that we have been able to add a player of Annabelle’s ability to our signing class for this year. She is an excellent soccer player and gives a player who can play in multiple positions across the field. What I find most exciting about AB is that she is only starting to realize the potential in her game, and I believe she is going to have an excellent career in Johnson City.”

Annabelle on signing with ETSU…

“I chose ETSU because I love the support and resources that are provided-both on and off the field. A unique aspect that really stood out to me is the data tracking by sports performance graduate students. Also, Coach Jay and Matt Yelton have created a family-like environment. Through meeting some of the current players I can really tell that this has resonated and forms a great culture.”

For more information on Buccaneer women’s soccer, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the women’s soccer tab.