Former California Golden Bears women’s soccer players Noelle Bond-Flasza and Mia Fontana have been invited to trial with the Utah Royals ahead of the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, which is set to begin on March 14. The two athletes are currently in Sandy, Utah, participating in preseason training camp with the club through mid-February as they seek their first professional contracts.
“Mia and Noelle are both exceptionally gifted players who are well equipped to be top level professionals both domestically and internationally,” said Cal head coach Neil McGuire. “We wish them all the best during their preseason with Utah.”
Bond-Flasza played four years for the Golden Bears, starting three of those seasons. She made 77 appearances and started 57 times as a midfielder. After missing the 2023 season due to injury, she returned in 2024 and recorded two goals, two assists, and one game-winning goal while playing in all 21 matches that year. She chose to return for a fifth season in 2025, serving as team captain and starting every match. During her final collegiate season, she played a career-high 1,663 minutes and completed all 90 minutes in twelve matches.
Fontana spent five years at Cal as a forward, appearing in 74 games with 49 starts. In 2024, she was previously invited to trial with the Chicago Red Stars. She earned Third-Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023 and scored at least one goal each collegiate season. Over her career at Cal, Fontana scored nine goals—four of which were game winners—and contributed four assists. Her final college season included appearances in all nineteen matches along with three goals and a personal-best three assists.
