SAN JOSE, Calif. - San Jose State women's soccer is adding yet another outstanding player to their 2021 roster, this time in the form of NJCAA All-American and National Champion Kiana Miyazato. The midfielder has officially signed with the Spartans and will join the program for the upcoming season. Head coach Lauren Hanson made the announcement on Wednesday.
"Kiana will bring in valuable experience from competing at one of the top junior colleges in the country as well as her previous Division I experience," Hanson said. "We are thrilled to have such a composed, well-rounded player complete our 2021 class!"
Miyazato joins Hanson's program after a remarkable season at Phoenix College, the No. 1-ranked program throughout the entirety of the NJCAA season. Starting all 14 games, she scored nine goals and was credited with four assists as she helped lead the team to an undefeated record and the inaugural NJCAA Division II National Title. She played a big role in the national finals tournament first scoring a goal in the team's 3-2 double overtime win over 8-seed Waubonsee (Ill.) and then assisted on a goal in the Phoenix's 2-0 win over Jones College (Miss.) in the semifinal. After winning the championship title, Miyazato was named a first team NJCAA All-American, earned spots on the NJCAA Region I first team and NJCAA All-Tournament teams, was the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) Player of the Year and a first team All-ACCAC selection.
Prior to her season in the junior college ranks, Miyazato played one season for Northern Arizona in 2019-20 in which she earned All-Big Sky Academic honors. She played in 10 games for the Lumberjacks with her best game of the season coming on the road against New Mexico State on September 22. The midfielder put three shots on-goal with one finding the back of the net for the game-winning score.
Miyazoto, who is originally from Burlingame, Calif., but grew up in Goodyear, Ariz., played high school soccer at Centennial High School in Goodyear. As a four-year starter and two-time team captain, she scored 39 career goals, including 12 game-winners, and tallied 35 assists. She was named the 2017-18 Player of the Year and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2018-19, as well as garnering first team all-region and all-conference honors.
Miyazoto is the final member of the Spartans' 2021 signing class that includes Karina Barkmeyer, Carly Burns, Tiana Cello, Isabella Flocchini, Kayla Fortenberry, Autum Monty, Taylor Phillips and Shayla Sugai.
