Preseason has officially started this week for the majority of the Division I women’s soccer programs across the country.
With that in mind, TopDrawerSoccer.com takes one look back at which schools secured the best newcomers in the country with the final 2014 girls recruiting class rankings.
Based of the IMG Academy Top 150 rankings for the class of 2014, international recruiting and the quality of transfers, below is a look at the top 20 Division I recruiting classes. It’s a final update from the previous rankings released earlier in the year, with a number of changes reflected by roster and class announcements.
1. Stanford
Recruits: M Jaye Boissiere (MVLA), M Kyra Carusa (San Diego Surf), GK Alison Jahansouz (So Cal Blues), F Mariah Lee (Washington Premier), M Zoe Pacalin (MVLA), M Sarah Robinson (MVLA), M Andi Sullivan (Bethesda SC)
The Cardinal’s excellent class maintains its top-ranked status with a blend of youth nationals, promising talent, and 2014's top rated player in Andi Sullivan.
2. Penn State
Recruits: F Elizabeth Ball (Richmond Strikers), D Isabelle Clauss (Albertson Fury), M Frannie Crouse (Beadling SC), D Haleigh Echard (Penn Fusion), D Madeline Elliston (Sporting Blue Valley), D Britne Holderby (Birmingham United SA), M Katy Keen (Carmel United), F Megan Schafer (FC Bucks), M Liisi Vink-Lainas (FC Stars of Massachusetts), M Emily Ogle (Internationals SC), GK Rose Chandler (Concorde Fire SC)
Two late changes boost the Nittany Lions into the second spot, as Ogle changed her commitment to join Erica Walsh’s program this fall, and the squad got a second boost when U.S. U18 WNT goalkeeper Rose Chandler graduated high school early to enroll this fall.
3. Duke
Recruits: D Schuyler DeBree (PDA), F Imani Dorsey (Maryland United FC), M Casey Martinez (Maryland United FC), M Ashton Miller (Michigan Hawks), GK Emma Proctor (CASL), GK Abigail Pyne (FC Stars of MA), D Morgan Reid (CASL), M Mary Elizabeth Bender (Southern Soccer Academy)
There’s little doubting the quality on display in Duke’s class, which includes two of the top five ranked players in the IMG Academy 150 in Dorsey and Reid. Duke will need it with a significant talent loss ahead of another hectic ACC campaign.
4. UCLA
Recruits: D Reema Bzeih (West Coast FC), F MacKenzie Cerda (Slammers FC), F Alessandra Dutto (Mustang SC), D Chloe Hemingway (West Coast FC), M Samantha Kokoska (Ohio Elite SA), F Gabrielle Matulich (MVLA), GK Arielle Schechtman (San Diego Surf), GK Siri Ervik (Stabaek)
UCLA landed its usual haul of quality. The Bruins bring in some U.S. youth national team veterans and added a cherry on top with Siri Ervik, a Norwegian goalkeeper.
