Jill Ellis’ U.S. Women’s National Team squad for the upcoming 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero is loaded with Southern California connections.
Southern California natives Alex Morgan (Diamond Bar), Christen Press (Palos Verdes), and Whitney Engen (Torrance) were selected to the 18-player roster on Tuesday for the Olympic Games which begin next month. Northern California native Megan Rapinoe was also chosen for the squad.
Four of the 18 players boast California college connections as UCLA’s Mallory Pugh, Santa Clara alumna Julie Johnston, and Stanford University’s Kelley O'Hara were named. Also included among Ellis’ four alternates for Rio is UCLA alumna Samantha Mewis.