Women's Soccer Adds Layla Melton, Morgan Haynes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – North Florida Women's Soccer has signed a pair of freshmen to its 2026 signing class, as announced by Head Coach Eric Faulconer on Wednesday.

Layla Melton and Morgan Haynes join Nina Condino, Peyton Thomas, Briella Doyle and Ayva Scalese as freshman additions ahead of the 2026 season.

"We are looking forward to having Layla [Melton] join our program this fall," Faulconer stated. "Layla is going to immediately compete for opportunities as an outside back or wing back in our system of play. She has a great combination of speed, strength and size and we are excited about what Layla brings to our program."

Layla Melton, Defender
Hometown: Buford, Ga.
High School: Hebron Christian Academy
Club: GSA ECNL
Height: 5-8

"North Florida is not only getting a top-notch student athlete and soccer player Layla Melton, but more importantly a young woman of impeccable work ethic and attitude," Hebron Christian Academy Head Coach Chad Griffin said. "As a multi-sport athlete Layla, will bring a can-do mindset to the Ospreys program.

"Coach Faulconer is a tremendous coach and mentor, and he will continue to help Layla in her development as a student athlete."

Notes: 3-year team captain at HCA … 2x first team all-region recipient … Gwinnett all county academic award recipient … State champion (track, 1600m) … AP scholar with distinction … Finished Top 10% of her class.

"Morgan [Haynes] is quite an impressive young lady. She is an extremely hard worker and very driven," Faulconer added. "What excites our staff the most about Morgan is that she has an extremely high ceiling. She is 5'9" and has all the intangibles to be a very good keeper at the collegiate level. We are looking forward to having Morgan on campus."

Morgan Haynes, Goalkeeper
Hometown: Fairfax Station, VA
High School: South County High School (Lorton, VA)
Club: Springfield/South County Youth Club (SYC); Springfield, VA
Height: 5-9

"Morgan is a dynamic presence in the box, she communicates with intent and leads by example - that's the heartbeat of a true leader between the posts," South County High School Head Coach Daryl Springer.

"Morgan has always been the kind of player who makes the team stronger simply by being part of it. As our captain, she led with humility, determination, and a standard of excellence that pushed everyone around her to be better. Playing goalkeeper takes courage - standing tall in the biggest moments when the game is on the line - and Morgan [Haynes] embraced that responsibility every game," South County Youth Club Head Coach Kateri Pineda said.

"But what I'll remember most isn't just the saves she made; it's the leadership, resilience, and heart she brought to our team. I am incredibly proud to have coached her and can't wait to watch her continue her journey at the next level."

Notes: Earned All-Conference honors in high school … Helped her team to Conference and Region Championships in 2025.

Players Mentioned

Briella Doyle

Peyton Thomas

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