Princeton women’s soccer program introduces six-member Class of 2028

(Photo Credit: Princeton University / Shelley M. Szwast)

Ranked as the No. 15 recruiting class in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer, the Princeton women’s soccer program will welcome six members of the Class of 2028 to a team that has advanced to the second round in two of the last three NCAA tournaments and was ranked as high as No. 13 in the nation last season.

“Our staff is ecstatic to welcome six student-athletes this fall,” Princeton coach Sean Driscoll said. “Last month, the group was on campus for a spring visit. During that time, we had a front-row seat to a significant bond that has already materialized within this class. As college is a massive adjustment for young adults, there is no doubt that these friendships, which have been clearly cultivated, will help pave the way for a more seamless transition in a few months.”

“Alex, Dylan, Sydney, Sophia, Brooke, and Grace have so much to offer this university and our program,” Driscoll continued. “Between their versatility and skill set, we believe we have addressed every position on the field. They are a supremely talented group that boast a tremendous resume of accomplishments on the field. However, it is the personalities – collective and individual – that have us most excited about the potential of this class. Over their four-year careers, I am certain that the university and community will be equally impressed with the qualities these six individuals possess.”

Drsicoll also commended the members of Princeton’s technical staff who contributed throughout the recruiting process.

“I’d like to acknowledge assistant coach Chris Duggan and associate head coach Mike Poller for their efforts to help secure this class. This is Chris’ first class with us, and the ninth group Mike and I have assembled in our time together. I could not be more grateful to Mike for his decade of commitment to helping me bring in some of the best student-athletes across the country and beyond. I’m also excited to announce that Chris has committed to return this fall. It will be the first time that we will have a staff intact for three consecutive years and it will provide some stability for everyone involved with the program.”

Continue reading for a look at each member of Princeton’s recruiting class.

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#27 Alexandra Barry

Hometown: Saddle River, N.J.
Height: 5’8″
Position: Forward
Club Team: PDA Blue ECNL (Coach Mick Smith)
High School: Immaculate Heart Academy (Coach Eric Pfeifer)

4 Star Recruit: Top Drawer Soccer #83 Overall, #4 Regional (New Jersey), #28 Forward

Soccer Accolades:
• United Soccer Coaches New Jersey State Player of the Year (2023)
• United Soccer Coaches High School All-American (2022, 2023)
• United Soccer Coaches All-East Region (2022, 2023)
• High School All-American Game East Team (2023)
• NJGSCA New Jersey Girls Soccer Player of the Year (2023)
• NJGSCA North 1 Player of the Year (2022, 2023)
• NJGSCA State Top 20 (2022, 2023)
• North Jersey Player of the Year (2022)
• First Team All-State (2022, 2023)
• New Jersey All Non-Public First Team (2022, 2023)
• First Team All-County, All-Region, All-League, All-Conference (2020, 2022, 2023)
• New Jersey Non-Public A Finals Most Valuable Player (2022)
• NJ State Champion (2020, 2021, 2022)
• North Jersey Leading Goal Scorer (2022)
• Immaculate Heart Academy Team Captain
• ECNL National Champion (2019)
• ECNL National Finals Best XI (2019)
• ECNL National Championship Finalist (2021)
• International Champions Cup Finalist (2019)

Academic Accolades:
• Immaculate Heart Academy School President
• National Honor Society
• Rho Kappa History Honor Society
• Mu Alpha Theta Math National Honor Society
• Science National Honor Society
• Spanish Honor Society
• George Eastman Young Leaders Award 2023
• Presidential Volunteer Service Award

Barry on Princeton: “I first met Coach Sean and Coach Mike at an ID Camp in seventh grade and immediately felt a personal connection. As I toured the campus and attended subsequent games, I was struck by the beautiful architecture and rich tradition. However, what truly sets Princeton apart is its people. From the stands at Roberts Stadium, I observed the interactions among players and coaches and recognized that I was witnessing something uniquely special. During my recruiting visit, I experienced the team culture firsthand, both on and off the field. The love the girls have for one another and their commitment to prioritizing the team over themselves are my main reasons for choosing Princeton. I am so excited to fully immerse myself into everything that Princeton has to offer and accept every challenge to come. I can’t wait to call Princeton home, to trust in and contribute to the process that Coach Sean and Coach Mike have established and give it everything I’ve got. Go Tigers!”

Driscoll on Barry: “Alex is probably best described as an old school number 9. Her technique back to goal and under pressure is among the best our staff has seen. She offers calm as a target forward and can effectively and efficiently link play and bring midfielders into the game. In the final third, she has a nose for the goal and will pose a threat for opposing defenses due to her combination play, movement inside the penalty area, and top-level finishing qualities.”

#18 Brooke Dawahare

Hometown: Lexington, Ky.
Height: 5’10”
Position: Midfield
Club Team: Lexington Sporting GA and USL Boys Academy  (Coaches: Kurt Fischer and Chris LeFevre)

3 Star Recruit: Top Drawer Soccer #140 Overall, #11 Regional (Great Lakes), #53 Midfielder

Soccer Accolades:
• US Soccer National Team Player Pool U-13 – U17
• US Soccer YNT ID Center Invite (2018-2023)
• US Soccer YNT U16 National Team Camp (2021)
• US Soccer YNT U14 National Team Mini-Camp (2020)
• USL Academy Cup Girls Best XI selection
• ECNL All-Conference Team, Ohio Valley
• ECNL National Selection Game (2022)
• Kentucky High School Soccer Association First Team All-State  (2021)
• Kentucky High School Soccer Association First Team All-11th Region Player (2021)
• Kentucky High School Soccer Association First Team All-City (2021)
• Kentucky High School Soccer Association Player of the Year 11th Region and City of Lexington (2021)

Academic Accolades:
• National Honors Society
• Peer tutor for Lafayette High School

Community Service/School Service:
• Graduating in the Pre-engineering program for Lafayette High School
• Participant in the Computational Cancer Modeling Workshop (CRCERA) with UC San Diego and Markey Cancer Center
• Internship with Southland Christian Church
• Christmas Joy Giving Project
• Lifeline Meal Packing
• Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Volunteer
• Student Council Dance Blue Committee
• Young Life Leader Retreat

Dawahare on Princeton: “The opportunity to receive an education from one of the world’s leading institutions while competing at the highest level collegiately was something I could not pass up. While these factors did influence my decision to choose Princeton, I learned through the recruiting process that there is much more that the school offers. Princeton’s encouragement of its students to embrace their individuality and carve out unique life paths resonated with me. When deciding on a school it was crucial to find not just a team, but a community that pushed me to become the best version of myself, and I found that with Princeton Women’s Soccer. Each interaction with the team leads me to believe I will be surrounding myself with a group of players and an environment that will challenge me to excel both on the field and in life. The family-like atmosphere and constant drive for excellence felt like the perfect place to spend my collegiate years. It was evident that the culture starts with the coaching staff. From my first interaction with Sean, Mike, and Chris, I could tell they genuinely cared about the players and not only on how they performed, but as people. This gave me a sense of peace in making my decision because I know I will be supported through all the highs and lows. I am excited to see where my journey here at Princeton takes me and I cannot wait to become a Tiger!”

Coach Quote: “Brooke possesses a very high soccer IQ. Her awareness, along with excellent technique, will add composure and confidence to the middle of the field. Due to the way she values the ball, makes progressive passes, and understands tempo/rhythm, we feel Brooke has the capacity to play holding mid, box-to-box mid or center back. Regardless of where she is deployed, we know she has the tools necessary to reinforce our style of play.”

#10 Dylan Jovanovic

Hometown: New York, N.Y.
Height: 5’4″
Position: Midfield/Forward
Club Team: World Class FC ECNL (Coach Artan Balaj)
High School Team: Hunter College High School (Coach Anne Turner)

4 Star Recruit: Top Drawer Soccer #83 Overall, #6 Regional (New York), #29 Forward

Soccer Accolades:
• US Soccer YNT U14 National Team Camp (2020)
• US Soccer YNT ID Center Invite (2018-2022)
• ECNL New England All-Conference Team (2021 and 2023)
• ECNL National Training Camp Invitee (2019)
• ECNL National Semi-Finalist (2019 and 2021)
• ECNL Player to Watch (2018-2021)
• ODP National Training Camp (2020-2023)
• NYSSCOGS All-State Girls Soccer Class AA First Team All-State (2023)
• 3 Sport High School Athlete (Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse)

Academic Accolades:
• 3-Time National French Contest Gold Medalist
• National Merit Scholarship Commended Scholar

Community Service/ School Service:
• Exam Schools Partnership Initiative (ESPI) Tutor and Teaching Intern
• Camp Good Grief Volunteer

Jovanovic on Princeton: “I chose Princeton foremost because of the team. From my first time meeting the girls and the coaches, I was instantly drawn to the winning environment that they create, while also providing an exciting place to grow as a teammate, player, and person. I knew immediately that it was the team that I wanted to spend my next four years with. Princeton, being the amazing place that it is, allowed me to make an athletic decision while simultaneously making an academic decision. The rigorous academics are a privilege that I am lucky to experience for the next four years. Playing for Princeton women’s soccer means competing for Ivy League and NCAA championships alongside your family, while getting an outstanding education. I am ecstatic for the next four years. Let’s go Tigers!”

Driscoll on Jovanovic: “Our staff was immediately captivated by Dylan’s mentality. She plays with a distinct relentlessness, especially in the final third of the field. While we feel she can play centrally, we believe Dylan’s best qualities are highlighted in the wide forward position as she relishes 1-v-1 duels. Her ability to play on both flanks with equal confidence and success is something we value greatly. Dylan can create goal-scoring opportunities on her own or combine with those around her. She also understands the importance of transitional defending and how it ultimately influences our attack.”

#17 Sophia Kurisu

Hometown: Mountain View, Calif.
Height: 5’3″
Position: Midfielder
Club Team: MVLA ECNL (Coach Seth Alberico)
High School: Los Altos High School

3 Star Recruit: Top Drawer Soccer #14 Regional (Northern California/Hawaii)

Soccer Accolades:
• US Soccer YNT U16 National Team Camp (2021)
• US Soccer YNT ID Centers (2017-2023)
• ECNL National Selection Game (2021)
• US Futsal Nationals (2017-2018, 2022)
• ECNL PDP All-State/National Pool
• Gothia Cup International Champion (2023)
• CCS Division 1 Champions
• CCS All-League Awards (2023)

Academic Accolades:
• Computer Science/Biological Engineering Research project and collaboration with Princeton Lab researchers/graduate students (Troyanskaya Laboratory) and Participation in the Synopsys Science & Technology Championship: “Applying a modified BERT model on multimodal data to determine probable pathogenic mutations in proteins glycoproteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase in alpha influenza virus H1N1”

Community Service/School Service:
• EMT Student through Foothill College EMS Department + BLS Certified
• Mountain View Senior Center Technology Room Volunteer
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Board Member
• Marketing Specialist and Operations Manager (Local Small Business)

Other:
• Singer/Keyboardist

Kurisu on Princeton: “When I first set foot on the Princeton campus, I was immediately struck by the rich history woven into its beautiful surroundings. Yet, it wasn’t until I experienced Princeton firsthand that I realized its profound significance to me. I value the challenges presented by both the academic and athletic experience, but it was when I found myself welcomed by a warm and inclusive atmosphere that I knew this was the school for me. From the students to the faculty, the coaches and the athletes, there was an undeniable sense of community and camaraderie that resonated deeply with me. During my first Princeton women’s soccer game, I was captivated by the team culture, a vibrant blend of laughter and determination. The electric energy before each match was palpable, igniting my desire to be part of something truly special. At that moment, I knew Princeton was where I belonged. The players, the people, and the program, embodied everything I had hoped for in my collegiate experience. As I embark on this journey, I am thrilled to become a part of the Princeton community as a proud Tiger.”

Driscoll on Kurisu: “Sophia possesses exceptionally quick feet and an escapability that is uncanny. Her ability to solve problems in tight spaces is rare as is her line-breaking dribbling. With tremendous balance and quickness, she is able to wrong-foot players and identify spaces to exploit. In addition, Sophia combines well with forwards and midfielders alike. We feel her attacking prowess will bring another dimension to our offensive capabilities in the final third.”

#0 Sydney Romano

Hometown: Old Westbury, N.Y.
Height: 5’8″
Position: GK
Club Team: SUSA ECNL (Coach JR Balzarini)
High School: Wheatley Varsity Girls Soccer (Coach Andrew DeRuvo)
3 Star Recruit: Top Drawer Soccer #18 Regional (New York)

Athletic Accolades:
• ECNL National Selection Game (2023)
• US YNT Regional ID Center (2021)
• ECNL Showcase Cup A National Champion (2023)
• ECNL New England All-Conference Team (2021 and 2022)
• Nassau County Field Player of the Year  (2023)
• New York All-State 2nd Team as a Field Player (2023)
• Class B Playoff MVP as a Field Player
• US NYT Futsal Team, Alternate (2018)
• U.S. National Futsal Champion (2017 and 2019)
• New York State Track & Field, All-State Discus (2022 and 2023)

Academic Accolades:
• National Spanish Honor Society
• Seal of Biliteracy
• AP Scholar with Distinction
• Wheatley AP U.S. History Award
• Wheatley AP Environmental Science Award

Community/School Service:
• Annual SUSA Golf Outing Volunteer
• SUSA Cares Volunteer
• Vintage Magazine, Contributor

Romano on Princeton: “I fell in love with Princeton the first time I stepped onto the campus. The impressive architecture and beautiful grounds combined with the university’s storied past created the image in my mind of the ideal college atmosphere. Walking past the lawns surrounding Nassau Hall and seeing students going to and from class and activities, it was so easy to picture myself among them. Attending Princeton Women’s Soccer ID Camp only reaffirmed and strengthened my feelings. Coach Sean’s introductory speech, followed by meeting and training with Coaches Mike and Chris, was such a motivating and rewarding experience, I knew I had found a unique environment that would cultivate the player and the person I want to become. Later, seeing the bonds of camaraderie, friendship and support among the women on the team both on and off the field, I thought of how grateful I would be to join them. It is an honor to be part of such a high achieving program that strives each year to be Ivy Champions and compete for a National Championship.”

Driscoll on Romano: “The first quality we seek in a goalkeeper is a presence, which is a unique combination of confidence and communication. In Sydney, we saw both immediately. She is comfortable and assured in her ability to organize the backline in front of her and brings a bit of a swagger to the position. Perhaps her greatest quality exists in her fearlessness on crosses and breakaways. Her willingness to be physical is essential to her success. In addition, she has very good hands, is an excellent shot stopper, and her range of distribution over distance with both her hands and feet is top notch.”

#7 Grace Rossner

Hometown: Castle Pines, Colorado
Height: 5’5″
Position: Midfield/Forward
Club Team: Colorado Rush GA (Coach Russell Finch)
High School: Rock Canyon High School (Coach Sean Kelty)

Top Drawer Soccer 3 Star Recruit: #111 Overall, #11 Regional (Rocky Mountain), #45 Midfielder

Soccer Accolades:
• US Soccer YNT U16 National Team Camp (2021)
• US Soccer YNT U14 National Team Camp (2020)
• US Soccer Regional ID Camps
• ECNL National Finalist (2022)
• Rock Canyon High School Varsity Team Captain
• Colorado High School Soccer All-State

Academic Accolades:
• Academic All-State

Community Service/School Service: 
• Cherry Hills Community Church
• Manna Care Food Pantry

Rossner on Princeton: “From the moment I set foot on the Princeton campus, I knew that this was the place where I belonged. I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to represent the Princeton Women’s Soccer team and to be a part of the university’s legacy of academic excellence. I had met Coach Sean Driscoll previously at a soccer camp, and his speech to a group of players was so impactful that I immediately knew I wanted to play for him and his team. He has a profound talent for bringing out the best in each of us. When I met Coaches Mike Poller and Chris Duggan, I immediately felt at home. The entire coaching staff has an incredible ability to create and nurture a positive team culture that is unmatched in its positivity. The girls are like family, and the coaches have fostered an atmosphere of determination, grit, competitiveness, personal responsibility, and kindness that inspires each player to give it her all on and off the field. I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to be a member of Princeton Women’s Soccer and be a part of the university’s world-renowned academic standards and legacy.”

Driscoll on Rossner: “Grace is the consummate competitor. Her determination and desire to improve are unwavering. She is insatiable and is always looking for ways to enhance her game. During the recruiting process, we have seen her feature in three different positions and believe she has the capacity and drive to play in a few others as well. Like many of her fellow classmates, she possesses a prominent desire to make things happen in the attack. Simply put, she has a knack for scoring goals and finding herself in the right place at the right time. Her intuition rarely lets her down.”