Golden Eagles Add Icelandic and Basque Talent with New Tech Signings for 2026

Photo / Tennessee Tech Athletics

COOKEVILLE, TN - As spring fades into summer, Tennessee Tech keeps stacking its 2026 soccer future—adding two more incoming players to the Golden Eagles’ Purple and Gold roster.

TTU head coach Corey Boyd and staff announced the signings of incoming freshman Nanna Lilja Guðfinnsdóttir and transfer sophomore Elena Lizarralde Arano, who are set to make their Tennessee Tech debuts in the fall of 2026.

Fresh off an impressive season that included an OVC regular-season and tournament title and an NCAA Tournament appearance, Tennessee Tech is continuing to build momentum into next year’s campaign—adding both international experience and dynamic attacking upside to the squad.

Nanna Lilja Guðfinnsdóttir: Two-Footed Defender with Set-Piece Presence

Guðfinnsdóttir arrives from Alftanes, Iceland, where she developed within the competitive club system of Starjnan—one of the country’s top organizations. During her time there, she saw action across league matches, cup competitions, and youth tournament play, while also earning national recognition.

The newest Golden Eagle has been selected six times for the Iceland U16 national team and has served as captain for her club team.

“She is a two-footed fullback/center-back who likes to get forward,” Boyd said. “She is quick in recovery and in support, and has a very good left footed service. She can whip in crosses or play entry balls into the forward’s feet. She takes set pieces and being captain for her club team shows her leadership capability.”

Elena Lizarralde Arano: Quick Attacker with 1v1 Skill

Lizarralde Arano joins Tennessee Tech from Georgia State, where she was part of the Panthers during the 2025 season.

Before college, the incoming sophomore helped lead her high school team, Zumaiena, to both the Basque League title and the Basque Championship in the 2024-25 campaign, scoring close to 25 goals over her time with the program.

Boyd believes Elena’s game is a natural fit for Tech’s style.

“Elena is a very quick winger/attacking midfielder combo,” Boyd said. “She is very technical, likes to go 1v1 and combines well. She has good service into the box and fits our style of play. Elena is a player we tried to recruit previously, so we are familiar with her. Now that she is adapted to the US college system, it will be an added bonus for us. We are excited to add Elena to our team.”

On the international stage, Lizarralde Arano competed with the U17 and U15 Basque national teams.