Gonzaga Women's Soccer Lands WSU Transfer Kalia Franklin, Sister Reunion on the Horizon

Gonzaga University women's soccer is making a splash in the transfer portal, adding Washington State transfer Kalia Franklin to its roster for the 2026 season. The dynamic forward from Hilo, Hawaii, signed a financial aid agreement that reunites her with her sister, Ailani Franklin, who will be a freshman on the Zags roster that same year.

A Dynamic Attacking Force

Franklin, a 5-foot-4 forward, brings an exciting attacking mentality to head coach Damon Benz's program. Despite limited playing time at Washington State last season (just four minutes in one appearance against San Diego on October 4), her credentials speak volumes about her potential at the collegiate level.

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

Franklin's pedigree as a scorer is well-established. At Waiakea High School in Hawaii, she was a force to be reckoned with, leading her program to three Big Island Interscholastic Federation championships. As a senior, she posted 15 goals and earned all-state honors while being named to the BIIF All-League Team. She also helped lead Waiakea to a state championship appearance, cementing her status as one of Hawaii's top prep talents.

Elite Club Experience Sets Foundation

Beyond her high school success, Franklin's club soccer resume demonstrates her commitment to developing at the highest levels. She began her club career with Surf Soccer Big Island before transferring to Hawaii Surf Soccer Club on Oahu. Most recently, she competed with Crossfire Premier, the Seattle-based powerhouse that finished atop the ECNL Girls Northwest Academy conference standings during the 2022-23 season. Crossfire's success that year included an ECNL Round of 16 appearance, exposing Franklin to elite regional competition.

The decision to transfer from Washington State University appears mutual, giving Franklin an opportunity to find a new home in the West Coast Conference while staying close to family. Gonzaga's women's soccer program, consistently competitive at the NCAA Division I level, offers Franklin the chance to compete for meaningful minutes immediately upon arrival as a sophomore in 2026.

Building for the Future

With Ailani already committed to the program as an incoming freshman that same year, the Franklin sisters' presence will provide continuity and chemistry on the pitch. For a Gonzaga program that competes in a challenging conference, adding proven goal-scoring talent and attacking creativity strengthens the roster depth heading into the next cycle.

Kalia Franklin will look to make an immediate impact when she arrives in Spokane, bringing her dynamic style and proven track record of finding the back of the net to the Zags' attack.

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