NC State signs youth soccer standouts from across the country for 2022 class

Chism arrives to Raleigh from in-state club Wilmington Hammerheads.

Santoro on Chism: “Taylor’s ability to head the ball, to compete and to be an on-field leader jumped out in the recruiting process. She has a strong presence on the field and that’s not something you coach. I’m excited for Taylor to join our program.”

Engel arrives to Raleigh from FC United, a club outside Chicago, Ill.

Santoro on Engel: “Delaney is a player we followed closely when she was dealing with some injuries. We believe her athleticism, competitiveness and soccer instincts in the midfield will flourish at NC State now she’s back to full health.”

Holt, from Raleigh, comes from NC Courage. Her parents are NC State alumni and mother, Carla, played soccer for the Wolfpack. Additionally, her sister, Brianna, is a freshman in the program.

Santoro on Holt: “Brooklyn will add competition in the back, and we expect her to really develop her game once she’s in this environment. She has the ability to get up and down the flank and she’ll enjoy how our backs play.”

Kim arrives to Raleigh after spending a year at IMG Academy via Maryland United and Bethesda SC.

Santoro on Kim: “Cienna is a quick attacking player we identified at our ID Camp and continued to watch. The opportunity every day in this program should enhance her game and let her grow as a player.”

Mohr, a member of the San Diego Surf club, joins a long list of San Diego area products at NC State.

Santoro on Mohr: “Alex is one of the first kids we committed in this class because of a need for soccer-playing defenders. I expect her transition to the college game to be quick.”

Rich arrives to Raleigh from in-state club Charlotte Soccer Academy.

Santoro on Rich: “Eliza has a lot of creative ideas from the midfield position and gets into good attacking positions to create goals. I expect her to adapt her game in our system and develop in our program over time.”

Nicosia, a 2021 selection to the All-ACC Freshman team at Louisville, is a current member of Argentina’s U20 National Team.

Santoro on Nicosia: “Nina is a player that matches our style perfectly so when the opportunity arose in the transfer process this spring, it was an easy and obvious fit for both sides. She’ll add even more creativity and technique to our attack.”

Strickland, a Raleigh native, arrives to NC State as a transfer. In 2019 she played in all 27 games for North Carolina, including ACC Tournament and NCAA College Cup Final appearances, while registering four goals and three assists for 11 points.

In 2020 she was a medical redshirt at UNC before going to Oklahoma for the 2021 fall season. With the Sooners she had a goal and two assists in 17 games.

Santoro on Strickland: “Lexi is a player we recruited originally and someone I always believed fit best at NC State because of our soccer. She’s very quick, has good attacking instincts, is competitive and will add a lot of experience to our group.”