South Georgia Tormenta FC has confirmed seven returning players ahead of the 2025 USL W League season, which kicks off May 17 on the road against North Carolina Fusion. The majority of these returners compete at the NCAA Division I level and all bring leadership, experience and a deep connection to the club.
Returning players include:
- Goalkeeper Cora Brendle – Utah State University
- Defender Natalia Santangelo – Virginia Commonwealth University
- Defender Emma Tucker – University of Miami
- Defender Vivianna Gutierrez – Furman University
- Midfielder Abby Gemza – Utah Valley University
- Forward Taliyah “Tee” Headman – Virginia Military Institute
- Forward Elise Holcey – Campbell University
Cora Brendle returns after a standout 2024 season with Utah State University, where she made 19 appearances, recorded 40 saves and allowed just 9 goals. Brendle was named 2024 Mountain West Newcomer of the Year and earned second team and all-newcomer team honors.
Natalia Santangelo brings back leadership after four years at VCU. There, she played 17 matches in 2024, starting 10 and taking 10 shots from the back line. With Tormenta last season, she started nine matches and was a key defensive leader.
Emma Tucker rejoins Tormenta for the first time since 2023. The Miami right back scored one goal in 10 appearances and 8 starts that season, helping limit opponents to nine goals. Throughout her time with Miami, she tallied three goals and three assists from the back line.
Vivianna Gutierrez, a TFC Academy alum and Furman defender, returns after recovering from injury. She began training with Tormenta in 2022 alongside her W League champion sisters and scored on her collegiate debut at Southern Wesleyan University.
Midfielder Abby Gemza is back after a strong 2023 season with Tormenta, appearing in 11 matches, making 9 starts. Since then, she has gained experience playing for Utah Valley University and is ready to hold down the Ibis midfield.
Taliyah “Tee” Headman, another TFC Academy product, made her W League debut in the final game of 2024. Recently committed to Virginia Military Institute, she’s set to make an impact before starting her collegiate career.
Elise Holcey, the league’s first-ever official signing in 2021, enters her fourth season with Tormenta FC. A USL W League Champion and Campbell University forward, Holcey brings experience and a championship mindset back to the squad.
Fans won’t want to miss Tormenta FC’s W League’s home opener at Tormenta Stadium on Wednesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. with tickets available here.
