Penn State women’s soccer unveils top-ranked recruiting class
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Head coach Erica Dambach has announced the 2019 women’s soccer recruiting class, which is comprised of nine student-athletes. The top-ranked 2019 class by TopDrawerSoccer features student-athletes across the United States from New York to California.
Angela Aguero (Brooklyn, New York), Jordan Canniff (California, Maryland), Shelby Craft (Frisco, Texas), Julia Dohle (Scarsdale, New York), Cori Dyke (Littleton, Colorado), Payton Linnehan (Douglas, Massachusetts), Devon Olive (Brooklyn, New York), Leah Scarpelli (Brick, New Jersey) and Kate Wiesner (Monrovia, California) make up the 2019 Penn State women’s soccer recruiting class. The nine Nittany Lions will join transfer Sam Coffey (Sleepy Hollow, New York) as newcomers to the program in 2019.
“We are very excited to welcome the 2019 recruiting class to the Penn State women’s soccer family,” Dambach said. “We know that this class will have an enormously positive impact on our program and feel like the future is very bright!”
+READ: Close to 400 players earn U.S. GNT / WNT call-ups in 2018
The 2019 Penn State women’s soccer roster will feature 18 returners from the 2018 campaign. Penn State is slated to return its top three goal scorers, two starters from its backline that helped record 14 shutouts in 25 matches, and two-year starting goalkeeper Amanda Dennis in 2019.
Angela Aguero
U.S. NATIONAL TEAM EXPERIENCE
A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team at the U-15 level…Attended a U.S. U-15 WNT training camp (May-June 2016)…Has been called into training camps in 2017 and 2018, but was unable to attend.
BEFORE PENN STATE
Played club soccer for NYCFC…NYCFC made the 2018 Development Academy playoffs…Top goal scorer for NYCFC in the 2017/2018…Played two years of soccer at Berkeley Carroll and led the team in goals in freshman and sophomore year…Broke the single-season goals record at Berkeley Carroll with 26.
PERSONAL
Angela Aguero was born on Feb. 5 2001 in Manhattan, New York…Parents are Miguel Aguero and Vivian Van de Perre…Has a brother, Jake…Wants to major in kinesiology and become an athletic trainer…Last name is pronounced Uh-gueir-oh.
WHY I CHOSE PENN STATE
“The moment I first visited Penn State it felt like home. The environment the team and coaches create perfectly balance hard work and family. It’s the best possible environment for playing soccer at a high level and getting a great education.”
COACH DAMBACH ON ANGELA
A creative, hard-working attacking player, Angela has been so fun to watch in the recruiting process. She sees the game a little differently that most and has a creative, flare that we just love.”
+READ: Boston College standout Sam Coffey transfers to Penn State
Jordan Canniff
U.S. NATIONAL TEAM EXPERIENCE
A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team at the U-17 and U-19 levels…Has competed at the 2016 and 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup…Joined the U.S. U-17 WNT for the 2016 U-17 CONCACAF qualifiers…Has taken part in international tournaments and training camps with the U.S. WNT program with Nittany Lions Julia Dohle, Cori Dyke, Payton Linnehan, Leah Scarpelli and Kate Wiesner.
BEFORE PENN STATE
Ranked No. 6 overall, and the No. 3 midfielder, in the 2019 class by TopDrawerSoccer…Played club soccer for Washington Spirit Maryland…Made the U-15 and U-16 playoffs with Richmond United…Attends Great Mills High School.
PERSONAL
Jordan Elizabeth Canniff was born on July 27, 2001, in Jacksonville, Florida…Parents are Chris and Tracy Canniff…Has two sisters, Ashley and Courtney…Undecided on a major…Last name is pronounced Cann-if.
WHY I CHOSE PENN STATE
“I chose Penn State because of the training environment the coaches created. I believe that Penn State is going to challenge me to be a better person and soccer player. I chose Penn State because I feel at home when I’m there. I also love the fact that I will be able to get a great education while also fighting to win a national championship with my best friends.”
COACH DAMBACH ON JORDAN
“Jordan can play absolutely anywhere in the front six and will score and create goals wherever she is. She has a great mind for the game and despite her age will bring with her a wealth of experience.”
Shelby Craft
BEFORE PENN STATE
Played club soccer for FC Dallas…Three-time team captain…A member of the 2017 U-16 ECNL national championship team…2017 ECNL Texas conference champions…2018 DA frontier division champions…Quarterfinalist at the U17 development academy national championship tournament in 2018…Attends Lone Star High School…2016 district newcomer of the year…2016 Lone Star High School Newcomer of the Year…2017 district defensive player of the year…2017 Lone Star High School Defensive MVP…2017 second team all-state honoree.
PERSONAL
Shelby Lynn Craft was born on June 21, 2001, in Abingdon, Virginia…Parents are Chad and Jackie Craft…Has two older brothers, Coy and Bailey…Coy has seen time with FC Dallas…Plans to major in biobehavioral health.
WHY I CHOSE PENN STATE
“There are three main reasons I chose Penn State. The humility that not only the soccer program displays, but the entire school. At Penn State, it is more about earning success opposed to showing off success, and that is a quality that I found super intriguing. The second is the connection I felt when visiting State College for the first time. Almost instantly, I fell in love with the campus, the coaching staff, and the program itself. The final reason is that I could envision myself playing with the girls on Jeffrey every week, being taught by the best coaching staff in the nation, and being a part of a program that is not only going to improve my ability as a soccer player, but also my build my character as a person.”
COACH DAMBACH ON SHELBY
“Shelby has been incredibly fun to get to know as a player…especially because she comes off so differently off the field! Don’t let her southern charm fool you, she will be one of the hardest hitting, toughest tackling, biggest ball-winning defenders we have had here!”
Julia Dohle
U.S. NATIONAL TEAM EXPERIENCE
A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team at the U-15 and U-17 levels…On the U.S. U-17 WNT that took part in qualifying for the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Nicaragua and competed at the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay.
BEFORE PENN STATE
Ranked No. 18 overall, and the No. 2 goalkeeper, in the 2019 class by TopDrawerSoccer…Played club soccer for NYCFC…Named to the U-16/17 Development Academy (DA) Best XI for the 2017-18 season…Attends German International School New York High School.
PERSONAL
Julia Dohle was born on February 6, 2001, in Gütersloh, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany…Parents are Markus and Karin Dohle…Has an older brother, Niklas…Undecided on a major…Last name is pronounced dowl (bowl with a d).
WHY I CHOSE PENN STATE
“I chose Penn State because I believe that it offers one of the best college soccer environments in the entire country, while also providing a great academic education for its athletes. The fact that the coaches and the entire staff treat their players like family enables the players to become the best soccer players and people that they can be. As soon as I stepped on Penn State’s campus, I knew that this was the place where I wanted to spend my next four years to continue my soccer and academic careers.”
COACH DAMBACH ON JULIA
“A total pro in her approach to training and to her development already, the future is incredibly bright for Julia. She is a really athletic goalkeeper with a great presence on the field and an awesome mentality.”
Cori Dyke
U.S. NATIONAL TEAM EXPERIENCE
A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team at the U-14, U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19 and U-20 levels…Joined the U.S. U-20 WNT for the Nike Friendlies (December 2018)…Joined the U.S. U-16 WNT for trips to Italy and the Netherlands…Took part in trips to Australia, England and Spain with the U.S. U-18 WNT…Helped the U.S. U-19 WNT to a first-place finish in a four-team tournament in China.
BEFORE PENN STATE
Played club soccer for Colorado Rapids U19 ECNL…Team captain of Colorado Rapids U19 ECNL… United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2017 (Colorado Rush)…Team captain of the Colorado Rush U16/U17s…Attends Valor Christian high school…2015 first team all-state and first team all-conference…2016 second team all-state and first team all-conference…Two-time Gatorade Player of the Year nominee (’15 and ’16)…Named to the 2014 ODP Inter-regional Best 11 All-Tournament Team.
PERSONAL
Coriana Dyke was born on September 20, 2000, in Los Gatos, California…Parents are Annette and Peter Dyke…Has an older sister, Camryn…Camyrn plays soccer at Notre Dame…Undecided on a major.
WHY I CHOSE PENN STATE
“I chose Penn State because it was the total package. It has an excellent soccer program with amazing coaches and players that create a safe yet challenging environment for everyone. I could tell how much the coaches care about their players, not just about the soccer, but in every aspect of their lives. There is a huge emphasis on team culture, and it really feels like a family environment, which I love. I also wanted to go somewhere where we could win a national championship, and I know with the talent, coaching, and hard-working mentality that Penn State has that this is definitely a possibility. In addition to soccer, I know that I can get a great education here and have many opportunities to thrive off the field. The campus is beautiful, and I love the amount of school pride that everyone has and how strong their overall athletic program is. Of course, the Creamery really did it for me though!”
COACH DAMBACH ON CORI
“Cori is a tremendously talented midfielder with an ability to read the game, control the tempo and open things up that reaches well beyond her years. Couple that with her work ethic and love for the game, we believe she will have an awesome career here.”
Payton Linnehan
U.S. NATIONAL TEAM EXPERIENCE
A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team at the U-15 and U-17 levels…Helped the U.S. U-15 WNT win the 2016 CONCACAF U-15 Championship…Scored eight goals during the tournament and claimed the Golden Boot award…A member of the U.S. U-17 WNT that won the 2017 Torneo Femminile Delle Nazioni Tournament in Italy…On the U.S. U-17 WNT for the 2017 CFA International U-16 Women’s Football Tournament in China…Took part in the Copa Provincial de Buenos Aires with the U.S. U-17 WNT…On the U.S. U-17 WNT for the 2018 U.S. Soccer U-17 Women’s Invitational…A member of the U.S. U-17 WNT that took part in qualifying for the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Nicaragua and competed at the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay…Has been in training camps/tournaments with Nittany Lions Jordan Canniff, Julia Dohle, Leah Scarpelli and Kate Wiesner.
BEFORE PENN STATE
Ranked No. 15 overall, and the No. 5 forward, in the 2019 class by TopDrawerSoccer…Played club soccer for FC Stars of MA…2016 & 2017 ECNL National Finalist with FC Stars of MA…U-14-17 Northeast Conference champions…2017 United Soccer Coaches Youth Girls All-Region and All-American…Attends Blackstone Valley Tech High School…Two-time team MVP…Rookie of the Year…Two-time Colonial Athletic League All-Star…Named all-state…Milford Daily News All-Star…Telegram & Gazette Super Team.
PERSONAL
Payton Elizabeth Linnehan was born on March 25, 2001, in Milford, Massachusetts…Parents are Sean and Sheri Linnehan…Has an older brother, Austin, and an older sister, Brooke…Undecided on a major…Last name is pronounced Linn-i-han.
WHY I CHOSE PENN STATE
“I chose Penn State because it feels like my second home. The coaching staff, the team chemistry, and the whole environment ultimately makes Penn State the best place for me to be a college student-athlete. I love everything about the school and I’m looking forward to being challenged everyday on and off the field.”
COACH DAMBACH ON PAYTON
“A fast, hard-working attacking player, Payton will add some pace and amazing goal-scoring ability to our front six. She is good with and without the ball and will be a real pest for our opponents!”
Devon Olive
BEFORE PENN STATE
Played club soccer for PDA ECNL Blue 2001 and FC Fury…With FC Fury, ranked No. 2 in the northeast division and No. 11 in the national playoff pool…Team captain…2018 US Futsal — Northeast Regional Champion…2017 Selected to ECNL Regional PDP Camp…Attended Poly Prep Country Day School…2018 NY State Association of Independent Schools State Champion…Two-time co-MVP (2016 & ’18)…2018 First Team All-Ivy…2018 Senior Excellence Award given by United Soccer Coaches…2016 First Team All-Ivy…2015 Super Y League National Champion…Set the all-time single season assist record as an eighth grader in 2014 at Brooklyn Friends School.
PERSONAL
Devon Rae Olive was born on August 23, 2001, in Brooklyn, New York…Parents are Lee and Louise Olive…Has a brother, Nicholas, and a sister, Sienna…Undecided on a major.
WHY I CHOSE PENN STATE
“I chose Penn State for many reasons. I chose Penn State for the amazing program and coaches, Erica, Ann and Tim have shaped the women’s soccer program into one of the best in the country and I am extremely blessed to be joining the family. I chose Penn State for the amazing atmosphere that Jeffrey Field brings on game days and the amazing group of girls that comes with it. WE ARE!”
COACH DAMBACH ON DEVON
“Devon has a deep understanding of the game and can play just about anywhere on the field. She has a really well-rounded skill set on both sides of the ball and a great mentality.”
Leah Scarpelli
U.S. NATIONAL TEAM EXPERIENCE
A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team at the U-15, U-16, and U-17 levels…Team captain of the U.S. U-15 WNT that won the 2016 CONCACAF title…Received Best XI center back award…A member of the U.S. U-17 WNT that won the 2017 Torneo Femminile Delle Nazioni Tournament…Has traveled to numerous international trips with the U.S. WNT program…Attended U.S. WNT training camps with Nittany Lions Jordan Canniff, Julia Dohle, Cori Dyke, Payton Linnehan and Kate Wiesner.
BEFORE PENN STATE
Ranked No. 19 overall, and the No. 6 defender, in the 2019 class by TopDrawerSoccer…Played club soccer for Cedar Stars Academy…Has been an ECNL finalist at the U-16 (Match Fit Academy) and U-18 (PDA) levels…Played soccer at Brick Memorial High School during her sophomore year…Named the offensive MVP…Coaches All-Division A South first team honors…All-State Group 4 third team…A member of the ODP at state, regional and national levels.
PERSONAL
Leah Elizabeth Scarpelli was born on September 18, 2001, in Toms River, New Jersey…Parents are Craig and Elizabeth Scarpelli…Craig was a goalkeeper on the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team in 1980 and played for the St. Louis Steamers/Minnesota Strikers (MISL) and for the Ft. Lauderdale/Minnesota Strikers (NASL)…Has two older sisters, Hannah and Sarah…Plans to major in Biobehavioral health…Last name is pronounced scar-pell-e.
WHY I CHOSE PENN STATE
“I just knew after my first visit that in my heart, Penn State was truly where I wanted to continue my academic and soccer career. Impressed was an understatement of how I felt after that visit. I knew that attending Penn State would provide me with the tools to become a better athlete and student. I am excited to work with one of the best and most intelligent coaching staffs in the country. They expect a lot from their players, but yet have a high degree of compassion and understanding for each individual on the team. I was impressed with their upfront honest approach to what was expected on and off the field. I am honored and very excited to be a part of the Nittany Lion family!”
COACH DAMBACH ON LEAH
“We are so excited to be adding Leah this spring semester. She has an incredible soccer brain and a rare talent. She’s an excellent defender but can also attack and control the tempo and rhythm of things in a way that only someone who has studied the game most of her life could.”
Kate Wiesner
U.S. NATIONAL TEAM EXPERIENCE
A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team at the U-15, U-17 and U-19 levels…Co-captain of the U.S. U-17 WNT…A member of the U.S. WNT at the 2016 U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan…A member of the U.S. WNT at the 2016 U-17 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers in Grenada…Wiesner was with Nittany Lions Jordan Canniff and Frankie Tagliaferri at the 2016 U-17 World Cup Qualifiers and World Cup… A member of the U.S. U-17 WNT that won the 2017 Torneo Femminile Delle Nazioni Tournament…On the U.S. WNT roster for the 2018 CONCACAF U-17 World Cup Qualifiers in Nicaragua and Florida…Traveled to China as a member of the U.S. U-19 WNT with Canniff and Cori Dyke…Has seen time with the U.S. U-17 WNT with Nittany Lions Canniff, Julia Dohle, Payton Linnehan and Leah Scarpelli.
BEFORE PENN STATE
Ranked the No. 1 player in the 2019 class by TopDrawerSoccer…2018 Western Conference Development Academy Player of the Year…2018 TopDrawerSoccer Player of the Year…2017 U.S. Soccer Player of the Year nominee… Played club soccer for LAFC Slammers…Won three national titles with LAFC Slammers (2015, ’16 and ’18)…Attends Monrovia High School.
PERSONAL
Kate McGuire Wiesner was born on February 11, 2001, in Monrovia, California…Parents are Scott and Mary Wiesner…Undecided on a major…Last name is pronounced Weez-ner.
WHY I CHOSE PENN STATE
“I chose Penn State because despite the distance, from the first minute I stepped on campus, it felt like home. It was obvious to me that the staff here is not only dedicated to building one of the best soccer programs in the country, but that they are invested in building a family of great character and good people too. I feel that Penn State, I have the best opportunity to win championships on the field and prepare for the challenges I might face off it.”
COACH DAMBACH ON KATE
“Probably the most talented left-sided player in the country, Kate has a work ethic and mentality that you often see only in players much more senior than her. A pretty complete player already, she can score goals, create goal-scoring opportunities and defend.”
