The start of the 2015 Division I season is creeping closer and closer as programs ramp up preseason preparations.
New recruits are finally on campus, as the majority of recruiting classes have finally been announced. Transfers and freshmen are eager to make an impact ahead of the new season, and could ultimately prove decisive in conference and postseason races.
TopDrawerSoccer.com takes one last look at the new recruits, ranking the Top 25 women’s DI recruiting classes.
1. Stanford
Incoming Freshmen: F Averie Collins (La Roca Premier), D Alana Cook (Match Fit Academy), M Jordan DiBiasi (Colorado Rush), GK Penelope Edmonds (PDA), D Tegan McGrady (MVLA), D Michelle Xiao (Gretna SC)
Holding strong with a six-player class, the Cardinal reload in impressive fashion once again. Tegan McGrady, a dynamic outside back could also potentially provide attacking thrust up front.
2. Penn State
Incoming Freshmen: D Ellie Jean (Oakwood SC), M Cecilia Knaub (Penn Fusion), D Kaleigh Riehl (Braddock Road YC), F Kristin Schnurr (McLean Youth Soccer), M Marissa Sheva (Penn Fusion), F Charlotte Williams (Revolution Empire), D Taylor Campbell-Phipps (PDA), M/F Alina Ortega-Jurado (FFC Frankfurt)
Transfers: Nikki Driesse (Florida State)
Call the Nittany Lions 1a when it comes to its ranking. Should the late addition of German Alina Ortega-Jurado work out, Penn State could end up with the best incoming class of 2015, one season after adding some impressive talent.
3. Virginia
Incoming Freshmen: F Ayan Adu (Prince William SI), GK Morgan Beans (GSA), M Betsy Brandon (Colorado Rush), M Alexandra Connell (McLean Youth Soccer), F Mia Hoen-Beck (McLean Youth Soccer), F Hana Kerner (Match Fit Academy), D Courtney Petersen (Michigan Hawks), F Lorato Sargeant (McLean Youth Soccer), F Christiana Sullivan (Albion Hurricanes FC), M Montana Sutton (PDA), D Brianna Westrup (Slammers FC), D Jasmine Wright (Maryland United FC)
The combination of outstanding regional talent meshes well with some of the nation’s top recruits in UVA’s class, including the likes of Brandon, Petersen and Westrup. Head coach Steve Swanson will have plenty of talent to call upon from this group as he looks to replace Morgan Brian and Danielle Colaprico.
