Gonzaga Women's Soccer Lands Dynamic WSU Transfer Kalia Franklin, Will Play Alongside Sister Ailani

Franklin Brings Attacking Edge After Year at Washington State

Gonzaga University women's soccer has added another weapon to its roster with the commitment of Kalia Franklin, a forward transfer from Washington State University. The 5-4 attacking midfielder from Hilo, Hawaii, signed a financial aid agreement and will join the Bulldogs for the 2026 season, reuniting her with her younger sister Ailani Franklin, who will be a freshman on the Gonzaga roster that same year.

"It was a no brainer to add Kalia to the roster, especially with sisters getting the chance to play together," Gonzaga head coach Benz said. "Her dynamic, attacking style of play elevates our group and brings an exciting edge to the attack."

Franklin made one appearance for the Cougars last season, taking the field for four minutes in a match at San Diego on October 4. While her time in Pullman was limited, her high school pedigree speaks volumes about her potential impact at the collegiate level. The forward will be a sophomore when she arrives in Spokane.

Storied Hawaii Prep Career Sets Stage for WCC Play

Before her time at WSU, Franklin dominated prep soccer on the Big Island. She led Waiakea High School to three Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) championships, capping her high school career with a trip to the state championship as a senior. That final year, Franklin was named an all-state selection after recording 15 goals and earning a spot on the BIIF All-League Team, establishing herself as one of Hawaii's elite prep players.

Her club soccer background is equally impressive. Franklin began her competitive journey with Surf Soccer Big Island before moving to Hawaii Surf Soccer Club on Oahu. She eventually joined Crossfire Premier, the elite Seattle-based club that competes in the ECNL (Elite Clubs National League). During the 2022-23 season, Crossfire's ECNL Girls Northwest Academy team finished atop the conference standings and reached the competitive ECNL Round of 16, showcasing Franklin's ability to perform against the nation's best youth players.

A Family Affair in Spokane

The addition of Kalia reunites the Franklin sisters at the Division I level, a rare opportunity that reflects both players' commitment to excellence. With Ailani arriving as a freshman and Kalia as a sophomore in 2026, the siblings will have years to develop chemistry on the pitch and contribute to Gonzaga's women's soccer program in the West Coast Conference.

Franklin's dynamic attacking style should provide immediate dividends for a Gonzaga program that competes in one of the nation's most challenging collegiate conferences. The Bulldogs are clearly building something special heading into the 2026 season.

This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.