A woman whose body was found this week after washing ashore at San Diego’s La Jolla Shores Beach has been identified as 26-year-old Bryn Waite, a former college soccer player remembered by those who knew her for her “beautiful spirit.”
Waite was discovered floating in the water at La Jolla Shores Beach on Wednesday morning after a bystander saw her body and contacted the San Diego Police Department.
Authorities pronounced her dead at the scene. Her cause of death has not yet been determined.
Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Waite competed in Division II women’s soccer at Central Washington University during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, according to her online athletic profile.
During her time on the field, she appeared in at least 15 games, scored two goals and logged more than 700 minutes of play.
Friends told The California Post that Waite had been living in San Diego and had recently become engaged.
“I only met Bryn a couple of times, but each time she was incredibly sweet, genuinely kind, and had such a beautiful spirit,” one 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.
