Lauren Isackson, pictured on the UCLA 2017 women's soccer roster, had reportedly never played competitive soccer before being named on the elite team
A student who had reportedly never played competitive soccer was named on UCLA's elite team alongside members of the U.S. and Canadian national side after her parents allegedly transferred Facebook shares worth $250,000 to get her into the school.
Lauren Isackson was given jersey No. 41 in 2017 on a team of all star players and required to stay on the side for at least one year, an indictment says.
But she made no appearances and played zero minutes during the season after her side included five U.S. youth national players and a member of the Canadian national team, Kennedy Faulknor. Her side finished second to national champions Stanford in the 2017 season.
Prosecutors say her parents, Davina, 55, and Bruce, 61, spent more than $600,000 to get Lauren and her sister into UCLA and USC with fake athletic credentials.
The California couple are said to have handed over 2,000 Facebook shares - worth around $251,249 - and donations to college admissions scandal mastermind Rick Singer.
While her teammates at UCLA were playing for their state or national teams Lauren's roster lists her as team captain for Woodside Soccer Club from 2012-16.
Prosecutors say she did not even play competitive soccer - for a team or in a league - before joining UCLA.
Lauren Isackson was given jersey No. 41 in 2017 on a team of all star players
Davina Isackson with daughters Lauren and Audrey Isackson. Prosecutors say Davina and Bruce Isackson, 61, spent more than $600,000 to get their daughters into UCLA and USC with fake athletic credentials
The California couple, pictured with their children, are said to have handed over 2,000 Facebook shares and donations to college admissions scandal mastermind Rick Singer
A spokesman for UCLA told The Los Angeles Times all teams at the school 'include student-athletes with varying levels of athletic achievements'.
They added: 'Some team members are on the roster for the purposes of preparing the team for competition, and may not play in games.'
Jorge Salcedo, UCLA’s men’s soccer coach, is said to have been placed on leave in light of the allegations. He has been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering.
A profile of Isackson on The Key Athletics Club, one of Singer’s websites, says: 'Lauren Isackson is a standout high school senior at Woodside Priory Catholic School in Portola Valley, California.
'Whether on the track or on the field, Lauren is known for her speed. She is captain of her local club soccer team, and a solid middle-distance runner for Priory.'
An affidavit shows Davina thanked Singer 'from the bottom of my heart and soul for your persistence, creativity and commitment towards helping [our daughter]'.
A month later the 2,150 shares of Facebook stock worth about $251,249 were allegedly sent to the Key Worldwide Foundation, the nonprofit used by Singer. The money was said to be helping 'disadvantaged youth'.
Their second daughter, an equestrian, was
