College soccer star identified as woman found dead on SoCal beach

The woman found dead this week after her body washed ashore at San Diego’s La Jolla Shores Beach has been identified as a former college soccer player with a “beautiful spirit.”

Bryn Waite, 26, was discovered floating in the waters of La Jolla Shores Beach on Wednesday morning after bystander spotted her body and alerted the San Diego Police Department.

She was pronounced dead at the scene, and the cause of death cause of death has not been determined.

Waite, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, played Division 2 women’s soccer at Central Washington University during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, according to her online profile.

She appeared in at least 15 games, scoring two goals in more than 700 minutes of play.

Friends of Waite told The California Post that she lived in San Diego and had recently gotten engaged.

“I only met Bryn a couple of times, but each time she was incredibly sweet, genuinely kind, and had such a beautiful spirit,” the friend said.

“She had a warmth about her that made people feel comfortable and cared for. It’s clear that the light she carried touched so many lives, and I feel grateful to have crossed paths with her, even briefly. She will be deeply missed, and I will continue to pray for everyone who loved her, especially her fiancée, as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.”

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Another friend told The Post that she knew Waite from church and saw her just last week.

“She was kind and sweet. She listened and loved. She is leaving behind friends and family that will miss her dearly,” the second friend said, noting Waite “loved animals and the beach.”

Waite’s Instagram showed she enjoyed travel, music and art.

A post from July 9 showed her attending the San Diego County Fair and enjoying the live music there.

Another post from May showed Waite hiking in the sun around towering trees at Joshua Tree National Park. A video from the post also showed her dancing to live music in the area.

The former soccer player also posted a picture of her driving at night on Instagram just three days before her death with the caption: “It only gets better.”

The California Post contacted Central Washington University for comment.