Maryland Terrapins secure Top-20 ranked women’s soccer recruiting class for 2024

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Maryland Terrapins women’s soccer head coach Meghan Ryan Nemzer announced the newest members of the program ahead of the 2024 season.

This class is composed of nine student athletes across several regions, including the DMV. These nine players each come with their own unique skill set that will continue to grow the brand of Maryland soccer and help the program return to the upper echelon of collegiate soccer.

The 2024 class continues Coach Nemzer’s dedication to bringing in some of the best high school players nationally into the Terrapins’ program. Nemzer and staff once again brought in one of the top classes in the country, with the 2024 class ranking as the no. 19 recruiting class in the nation according to TopDrawer Soccer.

The class of 2024 includes decorated student athletes with impressive accolades from their respective high schools and clubs teams. Among the honors included in this class are ECNL Player of the Year, ECNL All American, Three State Champions, Four High School All-State selections, and Five ECNL All-Conference selections. In addition to their athletic accomplishments, each player also excels in the classroom. Many of these future Terps are National Honor Society members, multiple Honor Roll recipients, and volunteer much of their time to particular causes that are important to them.

“This is a special class for the University of Maryland,” Nemzer said. “As a staff we searched the country to find the best talent and best fit for our Championship Culture. We believe we have found the right group of women to help, not only continue to grow our culture, but raise the level on the field to get the University of Maryland back where it belongs among the leaders of college soccer. I could not be more excited to welcome this exceptional group of student athletes to the Terp Family and I cannot wait for them to get started.”

Continue reading for a look at each member of Maryland’s signing class.

GEMMA DAVITIAN
Bethesda, MD
Walt Whitman HS // Bethesda Soccer Club
Forward

Before Maryland: Plays club soccer for Bethesda Soccer Club… Four-star prospect… Ranked as the No. 58 player nationally and the No. 6 player in the Midwest Region by TopDrawer Soccer … ECNL All-American in 2021… U15 ECNL North Atlantic Conference Player of the Year in 2021… 2020-21 All Conference First team U15 ECNL North Atlantic Conference selection…Two-time Maryland Class 4A State Champion in 2022 & 2021… Washington Post All-Met First Team in 2022… Maryland All-State First team in 2022… Maryland All-State Second Team in 2021… 2021 Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention.

Personal: Parents are Jason Davitian and Giselle Pelaez… Has one brother, Graeme… Camp counselor at Bethesda Summer Soccer Camp and Viking Soccer Camp… Honor roll member… Born August 14, 2006.

Why Maryland: “I decided to come to Maryland because of the team atmosphere and the winning mindset the coaching staff has created. Every coach and player has the same goals which has created an atmosphere which is something that I wanted in a school. The coaches also really care about you off the field. The location of Maryland was really important to me as well because I wanted my parents to be able to come and watch as many games as they can and be able to see them often.”

Head Coach Meg Nemzer: “Gemma is one of the best players in the DMV area in this 2024 Class and we are excited that she is a Terp! She comes from one of the top local clubs, Bethesda SC, and grew up less than 20 minutes away from campus. She has a special ability to beat players and break lines on a dribble and score a goal in almost every game we have seen her play.”

KENNADIE MARCHAND
Buford, GA
Buford HS // United Futbol Academy
Goalkeeper

Before Maryland: Plays club soccer for United Futbol Academy… No. 108 ranked player in the nation and the No. 6 goalkeeper by TopDrawer Soccer… ECNL Southeast All-Conference U17 Second Team selection in 2023… Selected for 2023 Continental Tire ECNL National Selection Game… Invited to U14 GNT Talent ID Regional Camp March 2020 and U16 virtual camp in 2021… Attended US Soccer Youth National Talent ID Center sessions from 2017-2021… 2020 ODP State Team Member and ODP South Region Pool… Helped lead Buford to the State Semifinals in 2021… State Quarterfinalist with Buford in 2022… All-Region First Team selection in 2022.

Personal: Parents are Irvin and Kerry Marchand… Has one sister, Kyara Atwell… Both Parents played collegiate sports at Wayne State University; mother played volleyball and father played basketball… Participated in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) from 2020-2021… Born April 6, 2006.

Why Maryland: “I wanted to be a part of something great. After getting on campus and meeting the team and coaches, I knew that Maryland would allow me to grow and succeed on and off the field. I believe in the future of this program and in the impact. I can make on the team, and that makes me really excited.”

Head Coach Meg Nemzer: “From the beginning stages of evaluating this 2024 class, Kennadie has all the tools to become one of the best goalkeepers in the country. One of the biggest attributes is her ability to be a shot stopper. Her presence is known as soon as she steps on the field and her special ability to play with both feet in the run of play and overall distribution makes her one of the most complete Goalkeepers in the country. We are excited to add her to an already talented GK Union and cannot wait to work with them all this Spring.”

ELLIE EGELAND
Long Grove, IL
Adlai E. Stevenson HS // Eclipse Select SC ECNL
Midfielder

Before Maryland: Played club soccer for Eclipse Select SC ECNL 06… Ranked as the No. 191 player nationally and the No. 6 player in the Midwest Region by TopDrawer Soccer… All-State and All-Conference selection in 2023… Named the 2023 NSC Offensive Player of the Year… Led Adlai E. Stevenson in goals and assists in 2023 and 2022… Named varsity team captain in 2023… Named to Chicagoland Soccer, Chicago Tribune and Daily Herald All-State Teams in 2023.

Personal: Parents are Eric and Jennifer Egeland… has one sibling, Anabelle… Father played football at Olivet Nazarene… Named to the NSC All-Academic Team in 2023… Intends to major in Marketing… Born April 11, 2006.

Why Maryland: “I chose the University of Maryland because it was always my dream to play in the Big 10, there is such a good team culture, an incredible coaching staff, and one of the best academic and athletic programs in the country.”

Head Coach Meg Nemzer: “Ellie is a player that can change a game at any moment. From the first time we watched her play, it was clear that her speed, 1v1 mentality and ability to score makes her very special. She has taken huge strides in her goal production and defensive execution in the last year and we cannot wait for her to wear a Terp uniform at Ludwig Field.”

EMILY LENHARD
Stafford, VA
Mountain View HS // Virginia Development Academy
Midfielder

Before Maryland: Played club soccer for Virginia Development Academy (VDA) and Stafford Soccer… Three-star prospect and ranked as the No. 20 player in the Mid-Atlantic Region by TopDrawer Soccer… Named ECNL Mid-Atlantic All-Conference U18/19 First Team in 2022 & 2023… Trained with the Washington Spirit of the NWSL… Led Stafford Soccer to the ECNL Regional League Southeast Championship in 2022… Two-time U.S. Club Soccer Virginia State Club Champion (2021 & 2022)… Trained in the U.S. Training Centers in 2016 and 2017… Team captain for both club and high school teams…Three-year varsity member at Brooke Point High School… 2023 All-Commonwealth District Player of the Year… 2023 Free Lance-Star All-Area Player of the Year… 2023 First Team All-Region 5D selection…Three time First team All-Commonwealth District selection (2021-23)… Helped lead Brooke Point High School to the Region 5D semifinals in 2023.

Personal: Parents are Justin and Lisa Lenhard… Has two siblings, sister Lauren and brother Michael… Brother plays collegiate soccer at University of Mary Washington… Stafford Soccer U5 Stars Volunteer Coach since 2017… Member of National Honors Society… Born December 27, 2005.

Why Maryland: “I decided to come to Maryland because the minute I stepped on campus, I knew I’d be in good hands. The vision and passion from the coaching staff matches what I want and I immediately knew that Maryland is the perfect place for me to continue to grow as both a player and a person.”

Head Coach Meg Nemzer: “Over the course of the last year, she has proven to be one of the top midfielders that can play anywhere in the midfield. Through her leadership and on field production, she has helped her team compete for championships. She finds a way to make an impact with her vision, ability to play passes of all ranges and textures with both feet and ability to shoot from distance. We are so excited to get her a semester early and start working with her and the team this spring.”

TARYN RAIBON
Laguna Niguel, CA
Aliso Niguel HS // Slammers FC
Defender

Before Maryland: Played club soccer for Slammers FC ECNL and Pateadores… Rated as a three-star prospect by TopDrawer Soccer… U17 ECNL Southwest First Team All-Conference… First Team All-Conference selection in 2023… High School Team MVP.

Personal: Parents are Damian and Kristen Raibon… Has one sister, Kaylin Raibon… Sister currently plays collegiate soccer at Cal State Fullerton… Mother played collegiate basketball at Concordia University… Father played collegiate basketball at University of San Francisco and Azusa Pacific University… Three-time Honor Roll member… Born September 8, 2006.

Why Maryland: “I decided to come to Maryland because it was my dream school since the beginning. I fell in love with the campus and the facilities. And most importantly, I loved the coaching staff and team environment. They all have a winning mindset which was very important to me.”

Head Coach Meg Nemzer: “Taryn is a top tier athlete that can play anywhere across the back line. She is best known for her ability to get into the attack and create chances, but she also has a 1v1 defending ability that loves the spotlight when it comes to stopping top forwards in the country. She comes from Southern California and one of the top youth clubs in Slammers SC. Taryn and Maryland are a perfect match, and we are thrilled to have her a Terp!”

ELLA BULAVA
Latrobe, PA
Greater Latrobe Senior HS // Pittsburgh Riverhounds ECNL
Defender/Midfielder

Before Maryland: Played club soccer for Pittsburgh Riverhounds ECNL… Rated as a three-star prospect and ranked as the No. 10 player in the Pennsylvania Region by TopDrawer Soccer…U.S. Club Soccer National Finalist in 2019… Led Pittsburgh Riverhounds to ECNL North American Cup Semifinals in 2021… First Team All-State selection in 2022… Three-time All-Conference selection (2020-22)… Helped lead Greater Latrobe Senior High School to its first Team Selection Championship since 1992… HS team captain in 2021 & 2022.

Personal: Parents are Joseph and Erin Bulava… Has a sister, Sophia… Father played collegiate football at Indiana University of Pennsylvania… Distinguished Honor Roll member from 2020-2023… Member of National Honor Society… Two-time Kaitlyn “Moe” Rosensteel Scholarship Foundation Nominee… Competes in track & field in the 800m, 4x400m, and 4x800m… High School Class Vice President… Born December 22, 2005… Intends to major in Kinesiology.

Why Maryland: “When I first visited Maryland and met the coaching staff, I immediately felt a profound sense of belief and support. Their unwavering confidence in my abilities and potential as a soccer player, person, and student left a permanent mark on me. The campus’s dynamic atmosphere and inclusive community made Maryland’s overall environment a perfect fit for me.”

Head Coach Meg Nemzer: “Ella is one of the toughest and hard-nosed defenders that we had the pleasure to recruit. Her ability to win 1v1 battles and 50/50s sets her apart from other players in her position. Ella plays with a relentless effort and a blue-collar mentality. She has an extremely unique skill set on the field, and we are confident in her ability to play in every position. We have seen her make game saving recovery tackles and score game winning goals from distance, inside the box and with her head. I believe she will have a big impact on and off the field in the program.”

SAM WINER
Arlington, VA
Yorktown HS // Arlington Soccer Association
Defender

Before Maryland: Plays club soccer for Arlington Soccer Association… Three-star prospect and ranked as the No. 35 prospect in the Mid-Atlantic Region by TopDrawer Soccer… 2022-23 ECNL All-Conference Second Team selection… 2018 Virginia State Champion… 2019 FC DELCO Players Cup Champion… CASL Finalist in 2019… Helped lead Yorktown High School to the 2021 Virginia 6A State Championship… Northern Region Champion in 2022… Two-time Liberty District Champion (2022 & 2023).

Personal: Parents are Jon and Annalena Winer… Has two sisters, Maddie and Paige… Mother played collegiate basketball and volleyball at Marymount University…Born May 12, 2006.

Why Maryland: “Maryland offers a unique experience with both soccer and future career building opportunities, which positions me to achieve my goals both academically and athletically. After meeting the coaches and players, I knew they shared the same feeling of community. Led by Coach Meg, this close-knit team drew me in and gets me really excited for the future. Go Terps!”

Head Coach Meg Nemzer: “Sam is a commanding center back that fits perfectly into our style of play. She is dominant in the air, a great 1v1 defender and has a wide passing range to help us in possession. Throughout her recruiting process, it was clear that her competitiveness, leadership and drive would be a perfect fit here in College Park. She is one of the top 2024 players in the DMV area and we are very excited to see her showcase her abilities next Fall!”

DANI GICHNER
Northbrook, IL
Glenbrook North HS // Eclipse Select SC
Defender/Midfielder

Before Maryland: Played club soccer with Eclipse Select SC ECNL 06… Rated as a three-star prospect and the No. 23 player in the Midwest by TopDrawer Soccer… Two-time ECNL Second Team All-Conference selection in 2021 & 2023… Helped lead Eclipse Select SC to the ECNL Champions League Round of 16 in 2022… All-Conference selection in 2021 & 2022… Helped lead Glenbrook North to the back-to-back Regional Championships in 2021 & 2022.

Personal: Parents are Eric and Jackie Gichner… Has two siblings, brother David and sister Taylor… Member of the Glenbrook North Honor Roll and National Honors Society… Relay for Life Chair at Glenbrook North… Intends to major in Kinesiology.

Why Maryland: “I decided to come to Maryland because of every single aspect of it. The coaching staff is truly incredible and I cannot imagine playing for anyone else. The team dynamic is also really amazing which is something that is very important to me. I also have a lot of family that lives in the DMV area which made Maryland even more desirable for me.”

Head Coach Meg Nemzer: “Dani is an extremely competitive defender with a commanding presence on the field. She has a unique ability to read the game and always be in the right positions. Her skill set allows her to play as a Center Back or also as a Holding Midfielder. She is a dominant 1v1 defender and will be a huge part of our program both on and off the field.”

KATE HAWLEY
Rockville, MD
Thomas S. Wootton HS // Arlington ECNL
Midfielder/Forward

Before Maryland: Played club soccer for Arlington ECNL… Rated a three-star prospect by TopDrawer Soccer… Led FCGB to the Maryland State Cup Finals… Helped FCGB qualify for the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championship…Three-year starter at Wootten High School… Helped lead Wootton HS to the Regional final in 2021… Led Wootton to the 2021 MCPS Conference title.

Personal: Parents are Jason and Susan Hawley… Has two brothers, Andrew and Adam, who both attended the University of Maryland… Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper ‘Common Sense’… Won a national award for Journalism… Wootton HS honor roll member… Volunteers as a soccer coach for kids in her local community.

Why Maryland: “Ultimately, I chose to come to Maryland because of all the great people I met within the program. From the coaching staff to my future teammates, everyone I’ve met so far has shown me nothing but kindness, respect, and passion for the game. I truly believe that this program is rising to become one of the top programs in women’s soccer, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Head Coach Meg Nemzer: “Kate is a local Maryland product that has deep family ties to the University of Maryland. She is a hard worker whose desire to be the best makes her standout as one of the top local recruits. She will continue to help set the standard for our championship vision in our program. Kate plays with flair and creativity that will be very impactful as we strive to compete for Big Ten Championships. Looking forward to having her here this Spring and look forward to implementing her in our attack right away.”