Penn State completes Top 5 ranked 2024 women’s soccer recruiting class

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State women’s soccer head coach Erica Dambach announced the signing of nine future Nittany Lions to the program’s 2024 roster. PSU’s 2024 signing class garnered the No. 5 ranking nationally according to TopDrawerSoccer.

The Blue & White added four defenders, three forwards, a midfielder and a goalkeeper in the 2024 recruiting window and welcomed six student-athletes that garnered national rankings from TopDrawerSoccer. Top-ranked goalkeeper and 20th-ranked overall prospect Kealey Titmuss headlines the group, with U17 U.S. Youth National Team midfielder Katie Scott and 27th-overall player and forward Addison Hess adding depth and a wealth of experience across the pitch. PSU additionally added Bella Ayscue, Lilly Burger, Jolie Farmer, Kieryn Jeter, Aubrey Kulpa and Natalie Magnotta to complete the nine-member class.

Penn State’s class finished as the fifth-ranked group in the nation, leading all current Big Ten Conference member institutions and ranking second when including future B1G programs. TopDrawer’s December release factors in recent transfers to the Nittany Lion program, including midfielder Jordan Fusco, as well as defenders Kayleigh Herr and Ginger Fontenot. UCLA picked up the No. 1 ranking, followed by Stanford, North Carolina and Notre Dame to round out the four programs ahead of PSU in the poll. Four additional current and future B1G members picked up ranked classes, with USC (No. 8), Michigan State (No. 13), Washington (No. 18) and Maryland (No. 20) completing the list.

“I am incredibly excited to welcome Bella, Lilly, Jolie, Addison, Kieryn, Aubrey, Natalie, Katie and Kealey to the Penn State women’s soccer family,” Dambach said. “Having our class nationally ranked, especially in the top five, is something we take great pride in as a program. That top-five ranking is a testament to the years of work that these student-athletes have poured into their game, as well as the tireless efforts of our coaching staff to bring these incredible people to campus. I can’t wait to see what all nine of these young women achieve during their time in Happy Valley, and I can’t wait to get to work with each and every one of them.”

PENN STATE’S 2024 SIGNING CLASS

• Bella Ayscue | D | Apex, N.C. | Crossroads Flex | NC Courage Academy | TDS #98
• Lilly Burger | D | New Holland, Pa. | Garden Spot | PA Classics
• Jolie Famer | F | Tampa, Fla. | H.B. Plant | Tampa Bay United
• Addison Hess | F | South Riding, Va. | Freedom | TSJ FC Virginia | TDS #27
• Kieryn Jeter | D | Cumming, Ga. | Forsyth Central | Tophat SC | TDS #130
• Aubrey Kulpa | F | Cromwell, Ct. | Cromwell | Oakwood SC
• Natalie Magnotta | D | Berwyn, Pa. | Episcopal Academy | Penn Fusion SA | TDS #161
• Katie Scott | M | Fairview, Pa. | Fairview | Internationals SC | TDS #26
• Kealey Titmuss | GK | Grand Blanc, Mich. | Grand Blanc | Nationals GA | TDS #20

BELLA AYSCUE | DEFENDER | APEX, N.C. | CROSSROADS FLEX / NC COURAGE ACADEMY

One of the premier defensive prospects in the 2024 signing class, Ayscue arrives in Happy Valley following a seven-year stint with the North Carolina Courage Academy, learning under the direction of coaches David Maddren, Willie Davis and Paul Forster. Before her tenure with NC Courage began, she was a part of the Wake Futbol Club from 2013 to 2018 under the leadership of coaches Ashley Riggs and Chris Perez. Ayscue was selected as a team captain with the Courage ahead of the 2021 season, picking up ECNL Mid-Atlantic First Team All-Conference accolades in every season since 2021. Additionally, Ayscue picked up a trio of invitations to the ECNL National Selection Game from 2021 to 2023. Ayscue picked up the No. 98 national ranking as a recruit according to TopDrawerSoccer, making her one of four Penn State signees to come out of the top 100 in the 2024 class.

A native of Apex, North Carolina, Ayscue is the daughter of Kristen and Ryan Ayscue and was born in the summer of 2006. She has two siblings, an older brother named Jet and an older sister named Kaleigh. Both of her siblings attend East Carolina University, where her sister is currently an outfielder for the Pirates’ softball program. She attended Crossroads Flex High School and landed A-B Honor Roll distinction over the course of her high school academic career. Ayscue plans to study business at the Penn State Smeal College of Business, expecting to graduate from PSU in the spring of 2028. She hopes to begin a career in professional soccer at home or abroad in Europe, and eventually begin a career in the business field. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, gaming and watching sports.

“I chose Penn State because of the elite culture embodied by every player on the team,” Ayscue expressed. “The coaching staff is easily the best in the country, and the pillars of their program, as well as the team’s blue-collar mentality is truly one of a kind. The academics at Penn State will challenge me as a student, and the high-level training environment will challenge me to become a better athlete as well.”

LILLY BURGER | DEFENDER | NEW HOLLAND, PA. | GARDEN SPOT / PA CLASSICS

An early enrollee for the Nittany Lions, Burger is already participating in training with the Penn State women’s soccer program during the 2024 spring semester. Burger arrived in Happy Valley after training under the direction of coaches Will Whitty and Todd Wawrousek in the PA Classics organization from 2015 through the fall of 2023. While with PA Classics, Burger participated in a wide variety of ID camps, including Girls Academy Mid-Atlantic Talent ID camps from 2021 to 2023 in addition to Girls Academy National Talent ID camps in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Burger was also an active participant in the PA Classics WPSL team from 2022 to 2023.

Hailing from New Holland, Pennsylvania, Burger attended Garden Spot High School and graduated with distinguished honors last fall. Born in the winter of 2006, Burger is the youngest daughter of Stephanie and Michael Burger. She has one older sister, named Emma, who is two years her senior. While a student at Garden Spot, Burger was a leader among her peers, serving as a student council member, health council member, and active participant in her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. She plans to study kinesiology at the Penn State College of Health and Human Development, with an expected graduation date set for the fall of 2028. She hopes to begin a career in professional soccer after graduation, and ultimately work as a physical therapist in the future.

“Penn State is more than just a top-tier soccer program, it is the embodiment of a family atmosphere,” Burger stated. “The culture that this coaching staff has created makes Penn State a place where I can grow as a person while simultaneously playing alongside some of the strongest individual talents in the country. Penn State will allow me an opportunity to thrive, not only on the field, but in the classroom as well.”

JOLIE FARMER | FORWARD | TAMPA, FLA. | H.B. PLANT / TAMPA BAY UNITED

A remarkably successful athlete at both the high school and club levels, Farmer will join the Nittany Lions after a four-year career at H.B. Plant High School. She was named the school’s most valuable player in all four years of her high school tenure, setting the single-season scoring record in 2022 in addition to the school’s career scoring record. Farmer was a two-time Primetime Preps Player of the Week and led her program to District and Regional Championships in 2021. She handled her club commitments with Tampa Bay United in 2023 under the direction of coach Tricia Taliaferro and also worked with Rangers FC, IMG Academy and Florida Premier FC over the course of her youth career. Farmer was the leading scoring in the state of Florida in both 2022 and 2023 and picked up Southeast All-Conference Second Team honors after the 2023 campaign.

Born in Tampa, Florida, in the summer of 2006, Farmer is the daughter of Beth and Rod Farmer. She is the middle of three children, with an older sibling named Reagan and a younger sibling named Asher. During her academic career at H.B. Plant, Farmer served as the President of the Kiwanettes Service Club, was the President and founder of Athletes of Tomorrow, and was a member of the school’s Gold Rush Spirit Board. She picked up Beta Honor Society and AP Capstone Scholar accolades while serving as an active member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honors Society. She plans to study forensic science at the Penn State Eberly College of Science with an anticipated graduation date set for the spring of 2028. She hopes to pursue a career in professional soccer, and eventually work as an anesthesiologist at the end of her playing days. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends.

“I chose Penn State because the school truly has it all,” Farmer added. “The rigorous education, top-tier athletic programs and unmatched school spirit make PSU a unique and special environment. I felt a family-like atmosphere not only on the team, but within the entire student body. I immediately fell in love with Penn State and knew it would be my home the first time I visited Happy Valley. I am so excited for the next four years.”

ADDISON HESS | FORWARD | SOUTH RIDING, VA. | FREEDOM / TSJ FC VIRGINIA

One of the highest-ranked attacking prospects in the 2024 class, Hess arrives at Penn State following an impressive career at the high school, club, and U.S. Youth National Team development levels. Hess attended Freedom High School in Virginia and was her school’s Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023. In 2023, Hess picked up All-Region First Team, All Cedar-Run District First Team and Washington Post All-Met First Team accolades. She handled her club commitments with a trio of organizations over her youth career, finishing off at TSJ FC Virginia under the direction of Bobby Puppione and Christian Cziommer. She participated in GA Mid-Atlantic and GA National Talent ID camps in addition to picking up a Girls Academy National Championship in 2023. Hess was a part of multiple USYNT Regional Camps, most recently being named to the U17 National Team player pool. Hess is currently ranked as the No. 27 prospect in the nation according to TopDrawerSoccer and is the top prospect in the state of Virginia according to PrepSoccer.

A native of South Riding, Virginia, Hess is the daughter of Christine and Keith Hess. She has two siblings, both brothers, named Luke and Mason. Her uncle, Mike D’Ercole, attended Penn State and graduated in 1987. While at Freedom High School, Hess booked a 4.0 GPA each year of her academic career and earned a placement on the Principal’s List in 2022. She was also a participant in the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) during her tenure at Freedom. Hess plans to study business at the prestigious Penn State Smeal College of Business during her time at PSU with an expected graduation date set for the spring of 2028. She hopes to continue her career professionally after college and looks to work in sports marketing at the conclusion of her playing days. In her free time, she enjoys baking and playing other sports, like basketball.

“I chose Penn State because the moment I got on campus, it felt like home,” Hess said. “Penn State was the perfect fit for me academically and athletically. The culture of the team and the school is like no other, and it really feels like a family. I know this team and this school is going to challenge me and help me grow as a person and player, both on the field and off. The coaching staff is incredible, and they have crafted this program to be one of the best in the country. You can instantly tell that this group of people is incredibly special, and I am so excited to be a part of it.”

KIERYN JETER | DEFENDER | CUMMING, GA. | FORSYTH CENTRAL / TOPHAT SC

One of the most dynamic defenders in the 2024 class, Jeter joins the Nittany Lion family following a decorated career at Forsyth Central High School. She picked up Forsyth County Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023, was a First Team All-County choice in each of the last two seasons and booked back-to-back appearances on the GHSA All-Region squads, appearing on the First Team in 2023 and Second Team in 2022. Jeter was a part of multiple youth club organizations, finishing her prep career with Tophat SC GA Gold from 2019 through the end of the 2023-24 academic year. Jeter has been selected to multiple GA National and Regional Talent ID camps and helped lead Tophat to the 2022 GA Champions League semifinals. A highly touted nationally ranked prospect, Jeter stands as the No. 130 player in the 2024 signing class according to TopDrawerSoccer and is the No. 2 defender in the state of Georgia according to PrepSoccer.

Born in the summer of 2006, Jeter is a native of Cumming, Georgia, and is the daughter of Stacey and Roderick Jeter. She has four siblings named Kylah, Mattias, Micah and Magnus. While at Forsyth Central, Jeter earned multiple appearances on the Dean’s List, garnered a pair of AP Scholar Certificate awards, was named a Student-Athlete of the Month and served as a Forsyth Central Student Ambassador over the course of her academic career. She was a volunteer for Meals by Grace and the Miracle League, served as an officer in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and served as a small group leader at Northpoint Community Church working with elementary school students. Jeter also has intermediate knowledge of American Sign Language. While at Penn State, she plans on studying kinesiology in the College of Health and Human Development with a focus in sports medicine. She expects to graduate in the spring of 2028 and hopes to begin a career in professional soccer after graduation. Ultimately, Jeter hopes to become a pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist. She loves listening to a wide variety of music in her spare time and can also play the saxophone.

“The moment I stepped on campus and on to Jeffrey Field, I was in love,” Jeter said. “It all came together in such a way where I knew this was where I was meant to be. With Penn State having an amazing balance of great academics and consistently successful soccer, in addition to an unbelievable coaching staff who truly believes in their players and are committed to supporting their advancement to the next level, I knew that Penn State was the right decision for me. It is a privilege, and I am extremely excited to call this my new home away from home.”

AUBREY KULPA | FORWARD | CROMWELL, CT. | CROMWELL / OAKWOOD SC

An impressive attacking prospect from the state of Connecticut, Kulpa will join the Nittany Lions in the fall of 2024 after her graduation from Cromwell High School. She did not participate in high school soccer due to her club commitments, spending multiple seasons with Oakwood Soccer Club under the direction of coaches Eric Plimpton, Chris Mogavero, Matt Cameron, Todd Sadler, John Natalie and Penn State women’s soccer legend Tiffany Weimer. While in the Oakwood program, Kulpa was a 2022 Youth All-American, was named the MVP of the GA U17 National Championship and led her team to a GA National title in 2022.

A native of Cromwell, Connecticut, Kulpa is the eldest child of Michael and Laura Kulpa. She has two younger siblings named Brennan and Peyton. While at Cromwell High School, Kulpa is an active member of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, serves as a representative on the Student Council and helps lead the Unified Sports Club. She has secured high honors academically during her tenure at Cromwell and will graduate in the spring before heading to Penn State. While in Happy Valley, Kulpa plans to study business and psychology and plans to graduate in the spring of 2028. She hopes to continue her soccer career professionally upon graduation and will look for a career in the business world when her playing days end. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, fashion and spending time with friends and family.

“I chose Penn State for a number of reasons, most notably the top-tier soccer program,” Kulpa explained. “I am looking forward to learning under the most exceptional coaching staff in the nation, and I believe they will help me grow in many ways on and off the field. The program’s huge emphasis on who you are as a person aligns significantly with my values. Beyond soccer, Penn State’s strong sense of community is something I am eager to be a part of, promoting an environment where I believe I can thrive academically, personally and athletically.”

NATALIE MAGNOTTA | DEFENDER | BERWYN, PA. | EPISCOPAL ACADEMY / PENN FUSION SA

An impressive dual sport athlete, Magnotta will arrive in University Park following an impressive high school and youth soccer career competing at the highest level in both soccer and basketball. Magnotta plays high school soccer at Episcopal Academy in Newton Square, Pennsylvania, and is one of the most decorated student-athletes in program history. Her most recent season in 2023 saw her pick up an invitation to the high school All-American game while simultaneously landing United Soccer Coaches All-East Region accolades. Magnotta is an All-State performer, an All-Southeastern PA selection, a Delaware County Player of the Year and First Team All-Delco honoree. In addition to her illustrious soccer career, she additionally serves as the team captain of Episcopal’s girls’ basketball team. Magnotta handles her club commitments with Penn Fusion ECNL under the direction of coaches Craig Scangarella, Ellis Badillo and Tino Mueller. While with Penn Fusion, she has been a two-time First Team ECNL North Atlantic All-Conference selection and has participated in the ECNL TN National Selection Game and the ECNL National Training Camp. Magnotta currently maintains the No. 161 ranking in the nation according to TopDrawerSoccer.

Hailing from Berwyn, Pennsylvania, Magnotta is the eldest daughter of Amy and Andrew Magnotta. She has one younger sister, named Audrey. Multiple members of her family attended Penn State, including both of her great grandfathers, Albert Magnotta and Bill Borst, her grandfather, Albert Jr., her uncle, AJ, and her cousin Catherine. While in Happy Valley, Magnotta plans on studying finance at the prestigious Penn State Smeal College of Business with an expected graduation date set for the spring of 2028. Upon graduation, she hopes to continue her playing career professionally and ultimately begin a career in the legal field as an attorney. In her free time, she enjoys playing basketball and traveling to new places.

“Ever since I first experienced a Penn State football game with my grandparents when I was six years old, I knew that this school and community was a place I wanted to be,” Magnotta expressed. “Penn State’s combination of high-level athletics and academics creates the perfect competitive environment. I love the amazing coaching staff that is truly committed to development and creating the best atmosphere possible. Penn State has one of the largest alumni networks in the nation, and I have multiple family members that are already apart of it. There is a special pride that comes from being a part of this school, and I am so excited for the opportunity to finally enter the Penn State family.”

KATIE SCOTT | MIDFIELDER | FAIRVIEW, PA. | FAIRVIEW / INTERNATIONALS SC

One of the most highly decorated prospects in recent memory for the Blue & White, Scott signs with Penn State boasting a wide array of success, both in club soccer and with the U.S. Youth National Team system. She did not participate in high school soccer due to her club commitments with Internationals SC but did play basketball at Fairview High School. With Internationals SC ECNL, Scott was named an ECNL All-American on three separate occasions, hauled in a pair of ECNL Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year accolades, was named a three-time ECNL First Team All-Conference choice as well as a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American. Scott has appeared on the U15 and U16 U.S. Women’s Youth National Teams and is currently playing with the U17 Women’s USYNT at the 2024 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship in Mexico. Scott was a part of the United States’ U15 CONCACAF Championship title during her season with the team and helped lead the U16 squad to the French Mondial World Cup title during her stint with the organization. Scott currently maintains the No. 26 ranking in the nation according to TopDrawerSoccer, making her one of four signees in the TDS Top 100.

Born in the summer of 2007 and hailing from Fairview, Pennsylvania, Scott is the youngest child and only daughter of Karen and Nick Scott. She has three older brothers named Nick, Will and Zach, with the latter two currently enrolled at Penn State. Her family features a wide array of Nittany Lion alums, including both of her parents, her grandparents and a great-grandfather on her mother’s side, 11 aunts and uncles, seven great aunts and uncles, as well as five cousins. Her father, Nick, is an alum of the Nittany Lion men’s soccer program, while her mother, Karen, is a Penn State women’s gymnastics alumna. Scott attends Fairview High School and will graduate with honors from that institution. She brought home her school’s 2023 Amelia Earhart Award, as well as the 2023 Class Act Award for Leadership. While at PSU, Scott plans to study hospitality management at the university’s College of Health and Human Development. She hopes to continue her soccer career at the highest level, and eventually work in her family’s hospitality business when her playing days end. In her spare time, she enjoys snowboarding, jet skiing, playing basketball, baking and cooking.

“There is something truly special about Penn State,” Scott said. “The coaches, the winning attitude, tradition of excellence and overall team culture are second to none. Every training and every match come with the highest set of expectations imaginable. Academically, Penn State stands at the top nationally. PSU has been a part of so many of my family members lives, and I am blessed an excited to be able to continue that tradition.”

KEALEY TITMUSS | GOALKEEPER | GRAND BLANC, MICH. | GRAND BLANC / NATIONALS GA

The highest-rated goalkeeper in the nation in the 2024 signing cohort, Titmuss arrived in Happy Valley earlier this month and began training with the Penn State women’s soccer program as an early enrollee. Titmuss joined the Nittany Lions after graduating early from Grand Blanc High School, where she elected not to play high school soccer due to her club commitments with Nationals GA. The organization, based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, is led by head coach David Roberson, with Titmuss gaining valuable experience working with him and goalkeeper coach Rajko Jovanovic. Titmuss was named the captain of Nationals GA, and participated in a wide array of competitions with Nationals, as well as the USYNT program. She participated in a pair of USYNT Domestic Camps in 2021 and 2022, and has been named to a trio of USYNT International Camps for the U16, U17 and U19 National Teams for the 2022 UEFA Youth Tournament, a set of friendlies against England in 2023 as well as the 2023 Pan American Games. Titmuss is the highest-rated individual athlete in Penn State’s 2024 signing group, picking up the No. 20 spot in America according to TopDrawerSoccer.

A native of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Titmuss was born in the fall of 2006 and is the youngest child and only daughter of Christie and Dan Titmuss. She has one older brother, named Keagan, who is five years her senior. While a student at Grand Blanc High School, Titmuss was recognized as an Academic Letterman for her exemplary GPA. She graduated early from Grand Blanc and enrolled at Penn State in the College of Health and Human Development, where she is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Science degree program in Kinesiology with an expected graduation date set for the fall semester of 2027. Upon graduation, she plans to continue her soccer career professionally and eventually begin a career working with other athletes. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, reading and painting.

“I chose Penn State because it immediately felt like home,” Titmuss stated. “Everyone always says that the moment you step on campus, ‘you’ll just know.’ I felt the exact same way. From the first time I visited Happy Valley, I knew it was where I wanted to be. The family atmosphere of the team and coaching staff was something I knew I wanted to be a part of. The work ethic of the entire Penn State women’s soccer program is unlike anything else I’ve seen in sports. There was simply no other choice for me.”