American University women’s soccer announces 2020 recruiting class

WASHINGTON – American University head women’s soccer coach Marsha Harper has announced the addition of five incoming freshmen to the 2020 roster.

“This recruiting class has me excited for the future of AU women’s soccer,” said Harper. “It’s a diverse group of student-athletes that will each bring tremendous amounts of additional energy and talent to our program. They certainly will play a part in helping us write our next chapter. I can’t wait for them to get on campus so we can get to work!”

LUANA DALUZ

Hometown: Roselle Park, N.J.
High School: The Academy for Information Technology
Club: Matchfit Academy

Why AU: “I really enjoyed how friendly and straightforward the staff was. I also enjoyed that when I met the team, they already took me in and treated me just like everyone else. It was very family-like and I loved that the most. The academics were also an attraction for me because I wanted to emphasize both school and soccer in my college decision.”

ABBY DILLON

Hometown: Marin County, Calif.
High School: The Branson School
Club: Marin FC

Why AU: “I’m so excited to play soccer at AU mainly because of the unique values that are ingrained in the program – camaraderie, energy, and cohesiveness. I love how everyone on the team and coaching staff have a unique flair to add to the program. There is an assortment of personalities on the team and I admired how cohesive everyone was with one another. I’m so excited and hopeful to be coached by someone who inspires me and wants me to thrive both on the field and in everyday life. An element of my recruiting process was finding the right coach that could see me as a person rather than just a player, and I was so beyond thankful to have found that. The academics are high-caliber and I also love the idea of being in Washington D.C., which is so full of energy and has an abundance of opportunity in all areas of interest.”

SARAH GRIMMETT

Hometown: Houston, Texas
High School: Clear Lake High School
Club: 02/01 Dash Da

Why AU: “I used to live in D.C. when I was younger, and my sister took reading classes at AU. When my dad was deployed, my mom would take my sister and I on long walks around Embassy Row. Therefore, going back after many years made it very nostalgic. I love AU for the academics, as well.”

SKYLER MATUSZ

Hometown: Kearny, N.J.
High School: Kearny High School
Club: PDA

Why AU: “I have seen multiple campuses and I learned that I love the city style, which American clearly achieves. But not only that, from the first time I visited, I fell in love with the atmosphere. The people, the opportunities of the school, the team. It was a great feeling I haven’t experienced elsewhere.”

OLIVIA SEKIMOTO

Hometown: Chula Vista, Calif.
High School: Eastlake High School
Club: Rebels Soccer Club

Why AU: “The amazing culture and family-like bond of the team is what made me choose AU.  I also love being in a big city where there is a lot of good food, different cultures, and history. Additionally, I also love the proximity to Capitol Hill, Virginia and Maryland.”