SENATOBIA - After making history in his second season at the helm of the Northwest women's soccer program, head coach James Beattie has picked up his first Division I transfer in time for the 2022 season.

Former Briarcrest standout and Olive Branch native Hadleigh Watson has officially signed with the Lady Rangers after spending her freshman season at Austin Peay. Watson, a combo midfielder and defender, played in eight contests with Austin Peay, earning two starts against Western Kentucky and Lipscomb.

"Hadleigh is the type of player we want to attract at Northwest," Beattie said. "Having a Division I transfer on our roster shows the caliber of player we want to bring to our program."

Prior to her stint at Austin Peay, Watson helped Briarcrest capture a TSSAA Division II – AA West Region Championship and a runner-up finish in the state title in 2017. She was an All-Region Team selection and led Briarcrest to a TSSAA Division II State Championship in 2019, while also playing club soccer for the '03 Lady Lobos Rush Premier.

Watson is just one of several players expected to make an impact next season, joining career assists leader Jennifer Enriquez, midfielder Melinda Hernandez, among many others.

Northwest ended the 2021 season with a program-best 15 victories and advanced to the MACCC Semifinals. For Beattie, last year marked back-to-back playoff appearances during his tenure. Four members of that squad signed to four-year schools, including Molly Rose (Georgia State), Ally Bailey (Christian Brothers), Tori Dronet (Wayland Baptist) and Jessica Jaimes (Faulkner University).