Women’s Soccer Announces 2016 Recruiting Class

MEDIA, Pennsylvania -- Penn State Brandywine women's soccer coach Sharif Saber announced the signing of 10 recruits on Wednesday who have committed to attend Brandywine and compete for the Lions this fall.

Nine freshmen and one transfer will join Brandywine, which finished as the runner up in the Penn State University Athletic Conference during its first varsity season in 2015. The group includes two goalkeepers, six midfielders, one defender and one forward hailing from Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.

"Our coaching staff is extremely excited to be adding such a wonderful group of talented young women to our soccer family at Brandywine. Moving forward, we know that they will not only be successful on the field, but more importantly, in the classroom as well," remarked Saber.

The Penn State Brandywine women's soccer class of 2020 includes Brianna Banks, Samantha Bearden, Emily Bush, Danielle Chattin, Michaela Lowery, Kierra MacLeod, Brooke Muhlbaier, Sara Ropski, Amanda Roy and Rachel Weir.

Banks, a forward from Parkway Center High School in Philadelphia, was member of the boys soccer team at her high school and the only female to score a goal in the Division C Boys League. She also competed as a member of the Bulldogs' track and field team and captained the dance team. 

"I chose Penn State Brandywine because the campus is small, therefore I get to have more one-on-one learning with my professors," said Banks. Also, when I came for my first visit, the people and the professors were welcoming and kind. This was the right place for me!"

Bearden comes to Brandywine from Ewing High School in New Jersey where she was a three-year letter winning midfielder/defender for the girls soccer team. A senior captain in 2015, Bearden received the Coach's Award and was selected to compete in the Senior All-Star Game, while also aiding her club team in winning the NLSA State Cup.

"I chose to go to Penn State Brandywine because of the small campus size and the soccer team is very close together and support each other. The people were friendly to me and welcomed me," said Bearden.

Bush was a three-sport standout at Central Regional High School in Bayville, New Jersey, earning a total of 10 varsity letters in soccer (2), basketball (4) and softball (4). A goalkeeper, she helped the Bayville soccer team to a pair of Shore Conference Class B titles and four appearances in the South Jersey Group III semifinals, including two runner-up showings. A 12-time scholar-athlete award winner, Bush also helped her club teams to numerous titles.

"Everyone is so genuine and welcoming here. I love that they are strict about the academics and to stay on top of your grades. I also wanted to choose a college that was out of state but close to home. Brandywine is perfect for me," said Bush.

Chattin, a goalkeeper, was teammates with Banks at Parkway Center High School where she competed on the boys varsity soccer team as well for the girls varsity basketball and dance teams, while also serving as a track team manager. Voted Most Athletic Female by her peers, Chattin also received the Top Goalie Award.

"I chose Penn State Brandywine because it is a small campus and I get to have more one-on-one time with the professors. Everyone made me feel welcomed and Brandywine is close to home," said Chattin.

Lowery starred for her club team, Super Nova FC98, winning a pair of State Cup and Jefferson Cup championships, while also being selected to attend the 2014 USL Super Y League ODP National Camp and the 2013 Disney College Showcase. A four-time distinguished honor student, Lowery competed for her high school soccer team as a senior, helping Northern York win its conference championship, finish as the district runner-up and qualify for the state tournament.

"Penn State Brandywine made me feel very welcomed and I liked the small campus. I also have the opportunity to continue my soccer playing career which gives me the best of both worlds - I will get a great education and play the sport I love," said Lowery.

MacLeod attended Owen J. Roberts High School and will play midfield and defense for the Lions. She competed for four years as a member of the Wildcats' soccer and track and field teams, while also helping her club soccer team to the 2015 MSSL Tournament championship.

"The reason I chose Penn State Brandywine is because of the class size and the environment of the campus," said MacLeod.

Muhlbaier, a midfielder, comes to Brandywine following a four-year varsity career for the Millville High School girls soccer team in Millville, New Jersey. She was named all-conference honorable mention for her exploits on the field and was a member of the National Honor Society and Leaders Club, while also serving as team captain for her club team.

"I chose Penn State Brandywine to continue my education at a great school and continue my soccer playing career," said Muhlbaier.

Ropski will play midfield and defense for the Lions after completing her playing career at Archbishop Prendergast High School. A team captain, Ropski was also involved in orchestra and jazz band at Prendie and has performed with the Philadelphia Mummers.

"I was always in love with the Penn State traditions and family, but didn't want to move far from home. Now I have the opportunity to do both and enjoy college, while also getting to continue playing sports," said Ropski.

Roy, a sophomore transfer from the University of Delaware, was a four-year member and two-year captain of the varsity girls soccer team at Brandywine High School. She earned a pair of all-conference awards, including first team honors as a junior, while also being named third team all-state during her junior season. Roy also ran cross country for the Bulldogs as a senior.

"I chose Penn State Brandywine because I was interested in going to a smaller college and being able to play soccer, as I am a transfer student from the University of Delaware. What really helped me make up my mind about attending Penn State Brandywine, however, was how wonderful all of the people were that I met upon my visit. Everyone was so nice and welcoming and made me feel like a part of the Brandywine student body instantly," said Roy.

Weir attended Red Bank Regional High School in New Jersey where she served as team captain for the girls soccer team during her senior season. She earned all-league honors from the Shore Conference as an All-Division B North selection.

"I chose to attend Penn State Brandywine because it allows me to get a good education, while playing the sport I love," said Weir.

Brandywine begins fall practice on August 16 in preparation for its second season of women's soccer which opens Thursday, September 1 at home against Immaculata (4:00 pm).