University of Pennsylvania solidifies eight-member recruiting class for 2023
PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania’s Douglas N. Brush Head Coach of Women’s Soccer, Dr. Krissy Turner, has announced her program’s Class of 2027 recruiting class.
Eight young women — Magali Capdevila, Avery Chapel, Abigail Cook, Taylor Ferraro, Leah Finkelman, Mia Fuss, Megan Graves and Karly Murlless — will join the program in the fall of 2023 as freshmen. This marks Coach Turner’s first recruiting class since taking over the program last summer.
“Overall, we are excited to have this talented group of student-athletes join our program,” said Coach Turner. “It is a collection of fierce competitors who will elevate our program on many levels as we strive to compete for Ivy League titles. Thank you to my staff, Associate Head Coach Fred King and Assistant Coach Megan Hinz, for helping us attract such a gifted class of young women to the University of Pennsylvania.”
MAGALI CAPDEVILA
Forward
Barcelona | Institut Abat Oliba, Ripoll
CLUB: Futbol Club Barcelona
High School: Most recently played for the U17 Spanish National team and played club soccer for Futbol Club Barcelona (2017-23) and has also played for Vic Riuprimer REFO (2016-17), and Escola Futbol del Ripollès (2009-16) … Top scorer for Barça in ICC Futures tournament … ICC Futures champion (Barça – 2019-20) … Three-time league champions (Barça – 2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22) … Copa Catalunya champions (Barça – 2021-22) … Led the team in assists (Barça – season 2021-22) … Copa Catalunya champions (Barça – 2017-18) … Led the team in scoring (Barça – 2017-18) … Was top three in scoring in 2016 as a member of Vic Riuprimer.
Personal: Daughter of Elisabet Muntadas Castellà and Angel Capdevila Casas … Will enroll in the Wharton School of Business.
Why Penn? “There is no better option than this one. I want to win championships and bring our team on top.”
Coach Turner on Magali: “Magali is a skillful attacking player who loves to create chances and finish. She plays with flair and confidence due to her background playing with her club and the U 17 Spanish National Team.”
AVERY CHAPEL
Forward
Leesburg, Va. | Riverside
CLUB: TSC FC Virginia
High School: Played varsity soccer at Riverside for head coach Amanda Heins and was a team captain … Named to the honor roll her first three years of high school … Was a member of Deca and Key Club … Played nine years of club soccer for TSJ FC Virginia … Two-time GA Conference champions … National playoff qualifiers, semifinalists, and national runner ups … GA Mid Atlantic Talent ID invitation (2021) … GA Goal of the Month for May of 2022 … Was nominated for a United Soccer Coaches Award (Nov. 2022).
Personal: Daughter of Lisa and Jay Chapel … Will enroll in the College of Art and Sciences.
Why Penn? ” I chose Penn because of the amazing academic opportunities and the inspiring student environment. I am looking forward to joining the women’s soccer team with admirable coaches and teammates.”
Coach Turner on Avery: “Avery will bring a strong technical base to our team and the versatility to play in multiple positions on the field. Avery hails from a strong club background, which has given her the tools to succeed at the Division I level.”
ABIGAIL COOK
Forward
Pasadena, Calif. | The Webb School
CLUB: Slammers HB Koge ECNL
High School: Was a three-sport high school athlete as she played soccer, volleyball and ran track and field … Played four years of soccer and ran track and was named team captain of both teams in her final two years … Was a member of the volleyball team during her senior year … Was a soccer high school state champion (2021-22) … Recorded 134 goals in 56 games over three seasons … Set a single-season record with 55 goals in her freshman season as she led the CIF Southern Section (2019-20) … Plays club soccer for Slammers HB Koge ECNL and has previously played for Arsenal FC ECNL in Sporting, Calif. … Named to TopDrawer Soccer’s “State Stars” (2020) … On ODP team since 2019 … Won regional championships with Cal South (2020 & 2022) … Was invited to ODP inter-regional event and listed on ODP West Team (2020) … With Arsenal ECNL, listed as one of the top scorers in the ECNL for 2019-20 season … Led Arsenal ECNL team in scoring for three straight seasons (2019-20, 20-21, 21-22) … With Slammers HB Koge ECNL, leads the club in goals … Named among IMG Top 150 players in the nation for her class (2022) … Club team is currently ranked #1 in the nation.
Personal: Daughter of Kelly and Buzz Cook … Will enroll in the Wharton School of Business.
Why Penn? “I chose Penn because of its academic reputation, and I immediately felt at home on the campus. Considering my plan is to major in Finance, you cannot get much better than Wharton! From a soccer standpoint, being at Penn provides me the opportunity to play at the highest level and hopefully make an immediate impact with the program.”
Coach Turner on Abigail: “Abbey plays for one of the best girls’ clubs in the country. She is confident in front of goal and believes in her ability to score. The training environment she competes in on a regular basis will prepare her for a successful college career.”
TAYLOR FERRARO
Forward
Camp Hill, Pa. | Cedar Cliff
CLUB: PA Classics GA
High School: Played varsity soccer and basketball for four years and was named a team captain for both team during her senior seasons … On the pitch, she was named first team (2019-22) … Named to the Mid Penn All-Star team (2021) … All-Sentinel Team Central PA (2021) … On the hardwood, she was named all-defensive team … Second-team all-state … Top five player to watch and was third in Pennsylvania in steals (2022) … Most recently played club soccer for PA Classics GA (2021-23) and played eight years for Eagle FC HMMS (2014-21) … Was GA Mid–Atlantic Conference finalist and National Playoff qualifier in 2022.
Personal: Daughter of Leslie and Bob Ferraro … Father wrestled at Bucknell … Will enroll in the Wharton School of Business.
Why Penn? “University of Pennsylvania provided me the best opportunity to pursue and achieve my athletic and academic goals. The chance to learn from the professors in the Wharton School is an incredible opportunity for me. When I met with Coach Turner and understood her goals for the team, I knew I wanted to be a part of her program.”
Coach Turner on Taylor: “Taylor is a terrific athlete who plays multiple sports. Taylor knows how to compete and win. Her versatility and ability to be a left-sided player will enhance our team.”
LEAH FINKELMAN
Midfield
Coral Springs, Fla. | North Broward Prep
CLUB: FC Prime ECNL
High School: Was a two-sport athlete at North Broward Prep … Played four seasons of varsity soccer and was twice named a team captain … Ran two seasons of varsity track and field … On the pitch, in 79 games played she totaled 109 goals, 61 assists for 279 points … She set a myriad of North Broward Prep soccer records during her career … Including most goals in a career (109) and in a season (34) … Most points in a career (279) and in a season (87) … Most assists in a season (23) … Her team was crowned district champions for three straight seasons (2020, 21, 22) … The 2022 team made school history as regional champions and state semifinalists, both firsts in team history … ITG Next Florida Top 10 High School Girls Soccer Recruits (2023) … Miami Herald Broward County 4A-2A Girls Soccer Player of the Year (2022) … Sun-Sentinel Broward County 5A-2A Girls Soccer Player of the Year (2022) … Miami Herald All-Broward County 4A-2A Girls Soccer First Team (2020, 2021, 2022) … Sun-Sentinel All-Broward County 5A-2A Girls Soccer First Team (2020, 2021, 2022) … USA Today Southeast Florida High School Soccer Honoree (2021) … Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-State Team (2020, 2021, 2022) …Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Academic Team (2020, 2021, 2022).
Personal: Daughter of Meryl and Robert Finkelman … Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn? ” My dream since I was little has been to play Division I collegiate soccer. Getting the chance to fulfill this dream at a place like Penn with such competitive athletics and elite academic opportunities is something I am so grateful for. When I first visited campus I immediately felt at home and I couldn’t be more excited to get started in the fall.”
Coach Turner on Leah: “Leah is a terrific technical player with the ball at her feet and strikes a good ball from distance. Leah will add depth to our midfield and will bring a great ability to be calm and composed on the ball.”
MIA FUSS
Forward
Austin, Texas | Westlake
CLUB: Sting SC
High School: Played soccer and was a member of the track and field teams at Westlake … 6A Area and Regional champions and finished third at the state championships (2021-22) … Named the District 26-6A Offensive MVP (2020-21) … Two-time District 26-6A first team All-District (2020-21, 21-22) … On the track she was a district champion in the long jump (2020-21) and the Open 400 (2021-22) … ECNL Nationals Showcase A Champions (2021-22) … Two-time TopDrawer Weekly Standout (2020) … Ranked four-stars by TopDrawer.
Personal: Daughter of Elizabeth and Alan Fuss … Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn? “I chose Penn for many reasons; from the exceptional academics accompanied by high-level sports, to the wonderful staff and atmosphere throughout, everything at Penn felt like home since the moment I arrived.”
Coach Turner on Mia: “Mia is extremely quick and fast. Mia plays with an edge and is relentless in her desire to make plays happen on the field.”
MEGAN GRAVES
Goalkeeper
Redmond, Wash. | Redmond
CLUB: Crossfire Premier ECNL
High School: Played four years of varsity soccer, team captain as a senior … Earned Coaches’ Award (2021-22) and was named to the All-League first team (2022-23) … Off the pitch, she served as a volunteer coach for a youth girls soccer team … As the HOSA Club vice president at Redmond, she led her club to a top 10 finish two years in a row for the Washington State HOSA competition … Helped lead a team that raised over $30,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in the Washinton Students of the Year program. … Played club soccer for Crossfire premier ECNL (2019-23), Crossfire Select (2014-19) … Placed fifth at ECNL Nationals (2022) … Attended ECNL National Playoffs (2021) … Placed first in back-to-back years in the ECNL Pacific Northwest Conference.
Personal: Daughter of Maria and Aaron Graves … Brother, Jackson, rowed crew at Oregon State … Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn? “I chose Penn because of the amazing academic opportunities coupled with a competitive athletic environment. The staff and players have been extremely welcoming, and I can’t wait to be a part of the team for the next four years.”
Coach Turner on Megan: “Megan is a fierce competitor and is driven to be the best. She will add depth and competition to our talented goalkeeper position.”
KARLY MURLLESS
Midfielder
Downingtown, Pa. | Downingtown East
CLUB: Penn Fusion Soccer Academy
High School: Played three years of varsity soccer for Jason Luzak at Downingtown East … Was named team captain her senior year … Ches-Mont champions and district champs … Named All-Area first team, All-Ches-Mont second team and honorable mention … Academic honors include distinguished honor roll, National Honor Society, Believers and Science buddies … Played club soccer for Penn Fusion Soccer Academy and went to the ECNL sweet 16 …
Personal: Daughter of Melissa and Brad Murlless … Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn? “I chose Penn for the opportunity to play the sport I love at one of the top universities in the country. I love the team chemistry and the city environment the school provides.”
Coach Turner on Karly: “Karly plays for one of the best teams on the East Coast. Her versatility to play in multiple positions on the field is an asset to our program. Karly’s high level of competitiveness will enhance our program.”