Rutgers women’s soccer unveils 7-player recruiting class
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Via Rutgers University) – Rutgers women’s soccer has officially signed seven highly touted student-athletes to the program as part of the 2019 signing class, head coach Mike O’Neill announced Tuesday. Joining the Scarlet Knights for the 2019 season are Julia Aronov, Regan Berg, Maddie Brant, Allison Lynch, Emma Pascarella, Abbie Roberts and Grace Walter.
“We are thrilled to bring in this 2019 class. The group is stacked with individual ability to immediately add depth to each position,” said Head Coach Mike O’Neill. “It’s a diverse class that features homegrown to out-of-state players, as well as overseas additions. Most importantly, it is a group of amazing people and characters that will complement our program’s standard. We feel this class fills in the areas that we need to continue raising the bar. Forever Rutgers. Forever Family.”
Julia Aronov
Midfielder/Forward | 5-7
Club: FC Fury
New Hyde Park, N.Y. | New Hyde Park Memorial HS
Prior to Rutgers: Captain of FC Fury, leading the team to the playoffs with 16 goals and six assists…called up to North Carolina Courage, claiming the inaugural ICC Women’s Tournament title with the squad in 2018…three-time Futsol National Champion with FC Fury…selected for the US Youth Futsal National Team…three-year letterwinner for New Hyde Park soccer, joining the team as an eighth grader…received all-class in eighth grade and all-conference as a freshman…named MVP and all-county after posting 19 goals and seven assists as a sophomore…also a member of the varsity track and field team…member of the National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society.
Personal: Daughter of David and Maria Aronov…has three siblings, Nicolas, Michael and Sara…interested in a career in physical therapy.
Aronov on Why She Chose Rutgers: I chose Rutgers University not only because of its great athletic program, but the outstanding academic opportunities the school provides. I knew I wanted to be a part of the Rutgers soccer family from my very first visit to campus.
O’Neill on Aronov: Julia was the first one to commit to us and we enjoy having her and her family join R program. Her passion and love for the game is what drew us to her. Her technical and tactical ability will allow her to have an impact right away. We expect her to come in and add depth to the midfield and forward positions.
Regan Berg
Forward | 5-11
Club: Midwest United FC
Kalamazoo, Mich. | Ostego HS
Prior to Rutgers: Four-year varsity letterwinner at Ostego High School…two-time Michigan All-State First Team and conference MVP (2016, 2017)…also a member of her high school’s track and field and basketball teams…two-time Michigan All-State honoree, placing first in the 300-meter hurdles in 2016 and finishing fourth in 2017…all-conference and honorable selection in basketball (2016-18)…called up to the ODP National Training Camp (2015, 2016)…guided Midwest United to becoming National Champions at the USYSA in 2016, followed by a runner-up finish in 2017…participates in S.A.A.D., which stands for Students Against Destrucive Decisions…joined Purple Community, a fundraiser for cancer research…in the honor roll student and National Honor Society member.
Personal: Daughter of Cheryl and Jeff Berg…has a sister, Paige…grandfather was a member of the Detroit Tigers organization…father is a baseball scout for the Chicago Cubs…cousin is a pitcher at the University of Michigan.
Berg on Why She Chose Rutgers: Choosing Rutgers was an easy decision for me. From when I met all the coaches to figuring out I wanted to go there, I’ve felt love and support. Alongside the coaching staff, the college itself really sparked my decision. I love how the college campus is tied in with the city, as well as the family atmosphere. I am so glad to be heading to Rutgers for college and to get the opportunity to play soccer with a staff that is so supportive and is in such a great environment.
O’Neill on Berg: Regan understands what it takes to play in the Big Ten coming from Michigan. She has the athletic ability and determination to have an impact right away. Her leadership and knowledge for the game only adds more value to our program. She has a knack to score goals and we are looking forward to having her come in and compete for minutes right away.
Maddie Brant
Defender | 5-4
Club: Chelsea FC
Maidstone, England | Invicta Grammar School
Prior to Rutgers: FAWSL Development League runner-up and FA Development Cup semi-finalist in 2018 with Chelsea FC…selected for England WNT U17 training camps in 2017…debuted for Chelsea Ladies First Team in a pre-season friendly in 2017…Vice-Captain of Chelsea Ladies U16 (2017)…Dallas Cup U16 quarter-finalist hosted in Texas, USA (2017)… 2016 U15 invitational tournament winner – involving Paris Saint-Germain (FR), Juventus (IT), Manchester City (EN) and Chelsea (EN)…Gothia Cup (‘Youth World Cup’) U15 semi-finalist (3rd place) in 2015…registered seven caps for England Schools U15, 3rd place in Bob Docherty international tournament (2015)…Vice-Captain of Kent County U14 (2014)…league winner and 2014 National Cup finalist with Kent County U14…joined the FA’s England Talent Pathway at U10 (2010)…also member of high school’s field hocky, track and field, and rounders teams.
Personal: Daughter of Marcus and Vanessa Brant…has two sisters, Lilli and Poppy… Finalist in the 2018 British Education Awards for excellence in academics alongside commitment to elite sport…school rank #1 in GCSE exam results in 2017…earned the High School Special Recognition for Physics Award and High School Excellence in Sport Award in 2017…bestowed the High School Sports Personality of the Year Award in 2016…intends to major in exercise science and sport studies and/or psychology.
Berg on Why She Chose Rutgers: One main reason – the people! I had never met a group so welcoming, so driven, and so enthusiastic before I met the Rutgers women’s soccer team and coaches. From the moment I stepped onto campus I could feel how proud the players, staff and coaches were to be a part of Rutgers University. To be given the opportunity to become part of the Rutgers family myself is a huge honor. The soccer environment that the players, coaches and staff have developed is extremely professional and I believe Rutgers has the tools and support to help me reach my life goals – on and off the soccer field.
O’Neill on Brant: We except Maddie to come in her freshmen year and compete for minutes. We needed to bring someone in who is knowledgeable and understands how to have an impact at the collegiate level. We are very excited to have an international flare in this class. Maddie’s passion and knowledge for the game is second to none.
Allison Lynch
Defender | 5-6
Bridgewater | Bridgewater-Raritan Regional HS
Prior to Rutgers: Four-year varsity soccer letterwinner…collected honors such as First Team All-New Jersey, First Team All-Group IV, and first team all-conference…member of the track and field team, placing fourth in the county in the mile event…honor roll student…member of the Student Council, Council for Exceptional Children’s Club, Rachel’s Challenge Club, and Key Club.
Personal: Daughter of Jennifer and Matthew Lynch…has a brother, Matthew, who plays football at Gettysberg College…intends to major in exercise science.
Lynch on Why She Chose Rutgers: I choose Rutgers because it has so much to offer both academically and athletically. Rutgers feels like home and the team feels like family.
O’Neill on Lynch: We are thrilled to have Allison join our program. She is Jersey through and through. The best part about Allison is she always wants to learn. She is a very talented player and her determination to grow her game is second to none. We are excited for her to come in and join the backline. She is versatile and can play anywhere back there for us.
Emma Pascarella
Forward | 5-7
Club: PDA
Millstone, N.J. | Allentown HS
Prior to Rutgers: Four-year varsity starter for Allentown High School, standing as the all-time leader in points and assists…led the team to the NJSIAA Group III Championship in 2018…collected honors such as CVC Player of the Year, CVC Golden Boot Award, All-Area Player of the Year, as well as being named a regional All-American…nominated for Gatorade National Player of the Year award…North American Cup National Champion with PDA
Personal: Daughter of Heather and Carmine Pascarella…has a brother, Luke…father played soccer at Seton Hall University.
Pascarella on Why She Chose Rutgers: I chose Rutgers University for two reasons, academics and athletics. I believe that Rutgers will allow me to grow stronger as both an athlete and a student. I consider myself lucky and very fortunate that RU is located in my home state. I believe if you surround yourself with greatness then you will become great and that is exactly what Rutgers is.
O’Neill on Pascarella: Emma wanted to come to Rutgers and made it clear this was the only place she wanted to come. We are excited to have her part of this class and looking forward to adding depth up top. Her ability to put the ball in the back of the net is exciting to us and looking forward to watching her develop during her time “On the Banks”.
Abbie Roberts
Defender | 5-7
Club: Arsenal WFC U-21
Toddington, Bedfordshire | Harlington Upper School
Prior to Rutgers: Member of the England Women’s National Team organization, competing with the U15-18 teams (2015-present)…appeared 22 times for England, including 10 stints as captain…currently, a member of Arsenal WFC U-21…eight-year member with Milton Keynes Dons Ladies and Girls (2010-18).
Personal: Daughter of Paul and Kate Roberts…intends to major in Sport Management.
Pascarella on Why She Chose Rutgers: For a number of years, I have been considering the option of playing soccer in the USA. I researched the fact that Rutgers was a well-regarded school both academically and for women’s soccer, which are both are very important to me. During my visit I was really impressed with the academic support and sport facilities available for student-athletes. The squad and coaching staff were all very welcoming. I hope to be part of a successful team whilst continuing personal development. I am really looking forward to the challenge and enjoying my next chapter at Rutgers.
O’Neill on Roberts: Anytime you can add a leader like Abbie to the program it is a no brainer. We are looking for her to come in, compete and add depth to the back line. She has so much experience and talent on the international level and we are looking forward to having her bring this experience to R family.
Grace Walter
Goalkeeper | 5-10
Club: PDA
Hainesport, N.J. | Rancocas Valley Regional HS
Prior to Rutgers: Four-year varsity letterwinner at Rancocas Valley Regional…named South Jersey Goalkeeper of the Year, All-State First Team, All-South Jersey First Team, and All-County NCSL First Team in 2017…tabbed All-South Jersey Third Team and All-State in 2016…helped guide PDA Pride to a becoming the 2017 NPL Champions…also a three-year member of her high school’s basketball team
Personal: Daughter of James Walter and Kathleen Cashman-Walter…has a brother, Dylan…father played basketball at the University of Delaware…intends to major in kinesiology.
Walter on Why She Chose Rutgers: I chose Rutgers University for its diversity, its reputation, and its strong value of family. I also chose Rutgers for its soccer program. It is consistently one of the best in the country and I feel I will develop my skills and contribute to the team positively. While a large school, it has an ability to provide the comfort of home, which I won’t be too far from. When I met the team, I was immediately welcomed into the family, which I am so grateful for, and can’t wait to officially be a part of the RU Family!
O’Neill on Walter: We are very happy to have Grace join our family. We know she is Rutgers through and through. We expect Grace to come in and help raise the level of the other goalkeepers and create a competitive atmosphere.
