SAN FRANCISCO – Marking the eighth new addition to the team, Academy of Art women's soccer has announced forward/defender Jade Alverio (Mililani, Hawaii/Mililani HS) as the latest Urban Knight to join the program ahead of its 2023 campaign.

"The process of picking the right college that was going to be the perfect fit for me overall took a while," Alverio said. "But as I narrowed down my options and my decision to major in business branching off into fashion styling/designing, ART U was the perfect place. It gave me an option as well to continue playing soccer at the NCAA Division II level, which was such a huge blessing. I wanted to attend a college that had both for me. Soccer has truly been the one thing I've loved and had a huge passion for since I was little, and I'm glad I get to continue my journey with Academy of Art."

Finishing up her second year on the varsity soccer team at Mililani High School prior to her graduation, Alverio contributed to the Trojans' OIA State Championship, earning All-Star Senior Team while netting multiple goals along the way. That came after a league title in 2022 and OIA Junior Varsity Championship as a freshman in 2019.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic would deny Mililani its 2020-21 season, Alverio was able to join the RUSH Regional Showcase Team, traveling around the country to compete in California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Alverio was also a member of other club teams including Blaze (Premier) (2013-16), SWF Hawaii Premier in (2016-18), and Rush Hawaii Premier (2019-23) over the course of her career.

"I'm super excited to build a relationship and get to know the soccer coaches as well as my teammates," Alverio said. "I'm looking forward to bringing positivity within the team, but also enforcing determination, dedication, consistency, and discipline. I want to make an impact on this year's overall stats with the amazing ART U soccer team. Academically, I'm stoked to have an amazing opportunity with fashion. I can't wait to learn more about the program and the many projects that will be held. This is just the beginning of what I want to do in the future."

While in pursuit of her future goal of working in fashion design/styling, Alverio will enter the School of Fashion this Fall, joining a recruiting class that includes Kayla Hampton, Jorryn Echeverria, Breanna Bernardson, Valeria Perez Rivera, Ashley Tasev, Alanna Del Carlo, and Mackenzie Dowd.