PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Feb. 22, 2017) – Rutgers women’s soccer has officially added 10 standout student-athletes to the program as part of its 2017 signing class, announced Wednesday by head coach Mike O’Neill.

Participants in five-straight NCAA Tournaments, the 2015 College Cup National Semifinals, and back-to-back Big Ten Championship Finals, the Scarlet Knights will flood an experienced roster with an abundance of young talent. The signing class spans four states, features the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National High School Player of the Year, three high school All-Americans, multiple youth national team players, and benefits every position group on the field.

“The coaching staff is very excited to announce the 2017 Rutgers women’s soccer class,” O’Neill said. “This accomplished class is deep in talent and character and has a clear understanding of the hard work and dedication that is needed to raise the Rutgers standard on a daily basis both in the classroom and on the field.”

“The student-athletes come to us from the top clubs in the country, so we expect them to have an immediate impact. I would like to thank the coaching staff – Lubos [Ancin], Trica [DiPaolo], and especially associate head coach Meg Ryan, our recruiting coordinator, for all of their hard work to bring in such a talented class of student-athletes.”

Joining the Scarlet Knights for the 2017 season are Amirah Ali, Alexa Ferreira, Caitlyn Ferreira, Jamie Frank, Dana Goldstein, Jezlyn Jimenez, Alaysia Lane, Nneka Moneme, Gabby Provenzano and Ciara Terabasso. Read more about the incoming class below.

“To bring in a class that is deep in character and talent that has a clear understanding of what a hard day’s work is speaks volumes about the culture and importance of team that has been built by everyone associated with this program,” O’Neill added.

Amirah Ali

Forward • 5-8

Club: PDA

Voorhees, N.J. • Eastern Regional High School

Prior to Rutgers: National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National High School Player of the Year at Eastern Regional High School … three-time high school All-American … current U.S. Women’s National Team U-19 player and participated in U-14, -18 and U-19 camps … member of PDA soccer club, one of the top ranked soccer clubs in the country … plays for the U-18 PDA ECNL team, currently ranked fourth in the country … four-year letterwinner who was a four-time regional All-American, four-time all-South Jersey selection, four-time all-conference selection and 2015 Courier Post and Philadelphia Inquirer Player of the Year … named South Jersey forward of the year … owns two Eastern Regional scoring records with 99 career goals and 36 goals in a single season … played in the High School All-America Game in 2016.

Personal: Daughter of Jameel and Kimberly … has one sibling, Jameel … intends to major in nurse science.

Why Ali Chose Rutgers: “As a young girl growing up, I always wanted to go to a school that was the right fit for me on both an academic and athletic level. I believe that Rutgers will provide all of the attributes that I’ve been looking for. At Rutgers, I would like to major in nursing science while at the same time working and traveling with the Rutgers women’s soccer team. As these last few months of high school pass by my excitement for Rutgers grows more and more. I can’t wait to attend this school and pursue a major that I enjoy a lot.”

O’Neill on Ali: “Amirah is one of the top freshmen in the country who has a strong soccer IQ and knows how to score goals. She has very good feet and has a great 1v1 mentality. She is a strong technical player that possesses all the tools to have a major impact as a freshman.”

Alexa Ferreira

Attacking Midfielder • 5-3

Club: PDA

Warren, N.J. • Watchung Hills Regional High School

Prior to Rutgers:  Top-10 national recruit, according to TopDrawerSoccer.com … high school All-American at Watchung Hills Regional … member of PDA soccer club, one of the top ranked soccer clubs in the country … plays for the U-18 PDA ECNL team, currently ranked fourth in the country… ECNL National Finalist with PDA in 2014 and 2013 … played with the Portuguese National Team … has attended numerous U.S. Women’s National Team Camps, including U-14, U-15 and U-17 … played high school ball at Watchung Hills and the Pingry School … while at Watchung, named first team all-state, First Team All-Skyland Conference, and Courier News All-Area First Team … scored 21 goals and had 18 assists in her senior season … played in the High School All-America Game in 2016.

Personal: Daughter of Phil and Liliana … has three siblings, Brittany, Chloe, and Anthony … intends to major in exercise science.

Why Ferreira Chose Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because I knew it was the perfect school for me. Rutgers has one of the best soccer programs in the country and that was something I wanted to be a part of. Rutgers is also outstanding academically and has everything I’ve been looking for. As a student-athlete at Rutgers, I know I will be challenged not only on the soccer field but also in the classroom. I am a Jersey girl and I wanted to stay close to home, and having such an incredible school right in my backyard, I knew my heart was at Rutgers. I am thrilled to know that my family and friends will be able to come to all of our games because of how close it is to home. There is something to be said about the successful soccer program at Rutgers and that is because of the outstanding people who are a part of it. The coaching staff and players have created an incomparable family environment that makes Rutgers so great.”

O’Neill on Ferreira: “Alexa is one of the top midfielders in the country who sees the game very well. She is at her best when she has the ball at her feet. She likes to score goals and at the same time has the vision to play make for her team. Alexa is very dangerous on or off the ball and is a major threat to score goals from anywhere on the field. She is a super competitive and a strong technical player that is calm in tight spaces. Expectations are very high for her on both sides of the ball.”

Caitlyn Ferreira

Goalkeeper • 5-7

Club: FC Stars of Massachusetts

Windham, N.H. • Central Catholic High School

Prior to Rutgers:  Played club ball with FC Starts of Massachusetts, one of the top ranked clubs in the country … played high school soccer at Central Catholic … was a four-year letterwinner with the team … a two-sport athlete, also playing basketball her freshman and sophomore years.

Personal: Daughter of Margaret Landry and David Ferreira … has two siblings, Shannon and Chris … intends to major in pre dental.

Why Ferreira Chose Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because I knew that it was a great soccer program with great academics. However, the main reason I chose Rutgers was because of how at home I felt. The campus is exactly everything I look for in a college. The soccer program has strong family values and everyone supports each other, I know that a Rutgers education will serve me well as I pursue a career in the dental field.”

O’Neill on Ferreira: “Caitlyn comes to Rutgers from FC Starts of Massachusetts, one of the top clubs in the country with a history of developing good goalkeepers. She has a great work ethic with a strong technical and tactical ability. She will be an asset to the program.”

Jamie Frank

Outside Back • 5-4

Club: Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Allegheny Township, Pa. • Kiski Area High School

Prior to Rutgers:  Starter for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds since 2013 … Riverhounds were crowned national champions in 2014 and placed third in 2015 and 2016  under Jamie’s leadership … four-year starter at Kiski Area High School.

Personal: Daughter of James and Tracy … has one sibling, Chris.

Why Frank Chose Rutgers: “There are several reasons to why I chose Rutgers. From a young age I always knew I wanted to play soccer in college. The first time after talking to the coaching staff I knew this was the school for me because of the family atmosphere it demonstrates. I also love challenging myself on and off the field, and I know how well academics are at Rutgers. I am very excited to be able to compete at such a high level in the Big Ten. I look forward to being a part of the RU family and growing as a person and player.”

O’Neill on Frank: “Jamie is a very talent player. She is super competitive and her best soccer is still ahead of her. What makes Jamie so special is her versatility and her strong 1v1 play. She will have a very good career at Rutgers and make an impact in the Big Ten.”

Dana Goldstein

Club: PDA Impact

Center/Outside Back • 5-6

Medford, N.J. • Shawnee High School

Prior to Rutgers:  Member of PDA Soccer Club, ranked one of the top clubs in the country … four-year varsity letterwinner at Shawnee High School … in 2016, was named South Jersey player of the year, first team all-South Jersey, garnered all-state and all-conference laurels … named Burlington County Player of the Year in 2016 … received all-conference and all-state recognition and helped the team to the Group 4 Sectional Championship in 2015.

Personal: Daughter of Dave and Lynne … has two siblings, Catie and Andrew … intends to major in pre-dental … her sister, Catie, is a member of the Rutgers women’s rugby team.

Why Goldstein Chose Rutgers: “Rutgers University has always been a big part of my life and I have had a desire to go to the school since I was a young girl. Both of my parents and my cousin attended Rutgers. My sister is currently attending Rutgers as a senior and a member of the women's rugby team. Once I decided I wanted to play soccer at the collegiate level I knew Rutgers was the perfect place for me. The academics, as well as the soccer program, are phenomenal and I can’t wait to be challenged in both areas. The coaching staff is outstanding and they all share the same passion to be the best they can be. It is very impressive that the staff takes into account a player’s character just as much as her ability to play the game. I am really looking forward to the competitive and intense atmosphere on and off the field.”

O’Neill on Goldstein: “Dana was named the 2016 South Jersey Defender of the Year who has a passion to get better every day. She is a very talented player and her best soccer will be played at the collegiate level. She is a strong 1v1 player that sees the game very well. Dana is very good in the air and is a pure ball winner. She was born and raised on Rutgers Athletics so we know Rutgers is in her heart.

Jezlyn Jimenez

Club: PDA

Defender • 5-3

Bridgewater, N.J. • Bridgewater-Raritan High School

Prior to Rutgers: Member of PDA Soccer Club, one of the top ranked clubs in the country … named a high school All-American … three-year varsity letterwinner at Bridgewater-Raritan High School … first team all-state, first team all-region and first team all-county as a senior … helped team to sectional championships in 2015 and 2016.

Personal: Daughter of Ana Lissette and Edgardo Jimenez … has one brother, Brandon … member of the Spanish Honor Society in high school.

Why Jimenez Chose Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because I have a familiarity with the University as I grew up in Jersey. I like that aspect because I am able to visit my family. I chose Rutgers because I have grown accustomed to the program. I chose Rutgers because of its facilities. I know I will be receiving proper care with my activity and my wide range of health throughout the four years. I chose Rutgers because it offers the major I want to pursue and has the hospital as a resource to continue and prevail in my studies. I chose Rutgers because it is very successful on and off the field and I want to be a part of that family. Along with that I love the coaching staff and the team and can't wait to call them family. Lastly, I chose Rutgers because it is an incredible college and I know I will be in great hands when attending the University.”

O’Neill on Jimenez: “The coaching staff has had the opportunity to watch Jezlyn play over the past four years and she continues to get better every time we see her. A high school All-American, Jezlyn possesses strong technical and tactical abilities with a strong passion to win. She has great habits and discipline that will help make her time at Rutgers a great success.”

Alaysia Lane

Forward/ Midfield • 5-3

Club: Shattuck-St. Mary’s

Plymouth, Minn. • Shattuck-St. Mary’s High School

Prior to Rutgers: Played at Shattuck-St Mary’s … team won its first Minnesota State Cup in program history in 2016, with Lane playing a major role in the team’s success … scored the game-tying and insurance goal in the State Cup final … sophomore year scored 29 goals and notched 16 assists … bested that mark as a junior with 42 goals and 19 assists.

Personal: Daughter of Winston and Joan … has one sibling, Winston III … honor roll student.

Why Lane Chose Rutgers: “Rutgers is a great university for many reasons. When Coach Meghan contacted me in my junior year, I didn’t know much of Rutgers. However, after my visit there, I fell in love. The soccer program is amazing. How all the coaches run the program was very impressive. Their focus to win a Big Ten championship and National Championship is something I want to be a part of. They expect a lot out of the girls on the team, but treat everyone at Rutgers like family.”

O’Neill on Lane: “Alaysia is a very talented player that never stops working on her game. We expect her to come in and score goals, at the same time creating scoring chances for her teammates. She will see time up top or in the midfield for us and we expect her to have an immediate impact. She is super competitive and loves the 1v1 aspect of the game.”

Nneka Moneme

Midfield • 6-0

Club: PDA

Union, N.J. • Union High School

Prior to Rutgers:  Member of PDA Soccer Club, one of the top ranked clubs in the country … four-year letterwinner at Union High School … earned all-county and all-state recognition … also a three-year basketball letterwinner and four-year track and field letterwinner … served as team captain for both soccer and basketball.

Personal: Daughter of Victor and Ifeoma … has four siblings, Chioma, Obinna, Adora and Onyeka … Chioma was a member of the Rutgers rowing team, while Adora currently plays for Rutgers women’s soccer … her brother, Obinna, attends Rutgers … intends to major in sports medicine.

Why Moneme Chose Rutgers: “When I went to Rutgers for my unofficial visit, I noticed the girls on the team aren’t just teammates, they are also a family that I hope will help me get through my years of college. The school itself has a diverse community and a wide range of majors and minors. The resources at Rutgers will help me pursue what I want to become. I chose Rutgers because I wanted to stay closer to home and my family. Rutgers is a school that runs in my family and I want to continue the tradition.”

O’Neill on Moneme: “Nneka plays club soccer at PDA, so we know she will be battle ready coming into preseason. She is blessed with size, speed and technical ability. She is a very talented player who is just starting to play her best soccer. The coaching staff is looking forward to her development and watching her have a major impact in the Big Ten and at the collegiate level.”

Gabby Provenzano

Midfield • 5-5

Club: PDA

Sergeantsville, N.J. • Hunterdon Central Regional High School

Prior to Rutgers:  Member of the PDA Soccer Club, one of the top ranked soccer clubs in the country … plays for the U-18 PDA ECNL team, currently ranked fourth in the country … ECNL National finalist with PDA in 2014 and 2013 … two-time National Elite Soccer Showcase MVP (2013, 2012) … attended ID2 National Team Camp in Chula Vista, California  … four-year varsity soccer letterwinner at Hunterdon Central Regional High School … was a captain at Hunterdon Central in 2015 and 2016 … led squad to a Skyland Conference title, two Group 4 Sectional State titles and the 2016 Group 4 State Championship … named Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Most Valuable Player in 2014 and 2015 … received first and second team all-conference laurels.

Personal: Daughter of James and Donna … has two siblings, Julianna and Nicholas … her brother, Nicholas,  plays soccer at The College of New Jersey … intends to major in engineering.

Why Provenzano Chose Rutgers: “Going into the recruiting process I knew that I wanted to be a part of a special team. I wanted the team to be my family and I saw that with Rutgers the first time I visited. The coaching staff is incredible and so supportive, setting themselves apart from others. The Rutgers community quickly became my home away from home. Equally as important as its high caliber athletics, Rutgers possesses a stellar academic prestige. Rutgers University will be the basis for the next chapters of my life and I can't wait to experience Big 10 wins, memories with my soccer family, and hard-earned academic success.”

O’Neill on Provenzano: “Gabby is very strong technically and tactically and knows what it takes to win. She is blessed with great leadership qualities and the ability to make the players around her better. She is very versatile and has a strong desire to improve every day. She is a very talented player and we expect her to have a major impact as a freshman.”

Ciara Terabasso

Attacking Midfield • 5-2

Club: Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Oakdale, Pa. • West Allegheny High School

Prior to Rutgers:  Played club soccer with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds … attended U.S. Women’s National Team U-15 Camp in 2013 and was the youngest player at just 13 years old … won a US Club Soccer National Championship in 2014 with the U15 RDA LadyHounds … in 2015, won the US Club U16 Southeast Regional Championship … was US Club Soccer National Semifinalist at the National Cup XIV Finals … invited to train at numerous U.S. Soccer Training Centers … participated in the US Club Soccer ID2 Program in 2013.

Personal: Daughter of Rick and Luann … has one sibling, Ryan, who attends Penn State University.

Why Terabasso Chose Rutgers: “During my search, I knew that I wanted to go to a college that not only had a fantastic women’s soccer program, but also a program that focused on academics as well. Rutgers, of course, has both. It is also in the Big Ten Conference which is great for me because my family could come and watch most of my games. The location of Rutgers University was also a significant factor while determining how far away from home I was willing to go. It is in the perfect location, near two of my favorite things: New York City and the beach.

“When deciding on a college, Rutgers coaching staff made my decision a whole lot easier. Coaches Mike O’Neill, Meghan Ryan, Lubos Ancin, and Trish DiPaolo are amazing. I instantly felt comfortable from the moment I met them. They really show their passion for the game and hold their players to the highest standards possible. I feel not only honored to be going to Rutgers, but blessed that I have the opportunity to play at such a great college competing against and with a bunch of great athletes alongside me.”’

O’Neill on Terabasso: “Ciara is a very talented player that is blessed with strong technical and tactical abilities. She has great field awareness both in her short and long passing game and is very comfortable on the ball in tight spaces. Ciara can break down 1v1 and is a scoring threat from the midfield. She is always working on her game and it is her priority to be one of the best. She will play both sides of the ball and our expectations are very high.”

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (Rutgers Athletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers women’s soccer, follow the program on Facebook (Rutgers Women’s Soccer), Twitter (@RUWSoccer) and Instagram (@RUWSoccer). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.