SEATTLE – On Friday, Washington head women’s soccer coach Nicole Van Dyke bolstered her attacking corps, announcing the addition of Gonzaga transfer forward Shelby Runje.
A local product out of Issaquah High School, Runje returns to the Seattle metro area after earning All-WCC Freshman Team honors in her lone season in Spokane, Washington.
“I chose UW due to it’s amazing combination of academic and athletic excellence,” Runje said. “After being away for a year, I knew without a doubt that this is the place for me. I can’t wait to come home and start my career as a Dawg!”
In 20 appearances, including five starts, for the Bulldogs, Runje scored five goals on just 22 shots, leading all freshmen at GU in goals and points (10).
Prior to Gonzaga, Runje was a three-year standout at Issaquah High School, scoring 58 goals and adding 32 assists. Earning all-state and HIS Offensive MVP honors in both 2021 and 2022, Runje raised her game to another level during her senior campaign in 2022 with a school-record 31 goals.
Runje filled the mantel in 2022, earning a myriad of prestigious awards, including Washington Gatorade Player of the Year and United Soccer Coaches Washington State Player of the Year. Runje also earned All-America and Academic All-America laurels from the United Soccer Coaches.
At the club level, Runje played under Billy Wiskel for Crossfire G04 ECNL, earning First Team ECNL Northwest All-Conference honors in 2022. Behind Runje’s potent attack, Crossfire were named Surf Cup and Crossfire Challenge champions and advanced to the ECNL National Finals in 2022.
“Shelby is an experienced attacker who brings versatility to our team,” Van Dyke said. “She is technical, possesses excellent 1v1 skills, and has a natural knack for scoring goals. We’re thrilled she’s chosen to return to Seattle and play for her hometown school!”
The Daughter of Lori and Lance Runje, she plans to major in communications or public relations.
For more information on the UW women’s soccer team, follow @UW_WSoccer on Twitter and Instagram.
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