News Summary

The Rutgers women’s soccer team has announced the signing of eight talented freshmen for the upcoming 2025 season. Head coach Mike O’Neill highlights the skill and ambition of this dynamic class, which promises to bring both experience and enthusiasm to the program. The new recruits have diverse backgrounds in soccer, excelling at various levels and bringing strong academic aspirations to the team. As they prepare to join the Scarlet Knights, their futures in the sport look bright.

Scarlet Knights Welcome Exciting Freshmen Class for 2025 Soccer Season

New Brunswick, New Jersey – The Rutgers women’s soccer team is gearing up for an exciting new season as head coach Mike O’Neill announces the signing of eight talented freshmen to join the Scarlet Knights for the 2025 season. This incoming class is packed with experience, skill, and ambition, promising a bright future for the program.

Meet the Newcomers

First up is Kennedi Cotter, a forward/midfielder from Bayonne, N.J. This young dynamo showcased her prowess in the USL W League, notching eight goals and four assists in just one season. Starting her career young, Cotter made waves by joining the Paisley Athletic FC USL W first team at just 15 and earned accolades like First Team All-County during her freshman year of high school. Beyond the field, she’s making a name for herself as an entrepreneur with her business, NJ Card Breaks, and even penned a children’s book to inspire girls in baseball. Cotter has chosen to major in business at Rutgers, attracted by the program’s stellar reputation for talent development and its top-tier facilities.

Next, we have Lindsey Hailey hailing from Raleigh, N.C. As a seasoned captain at the NC Courage ECNL Academy, she led her squad to victory in the 2024 USL W League Championship. Hailey not only shines on the field but also in academics, maintaining Honor Roll status and being a proud member of the National Honor Society. She’s set her sights on majoring in exercise science, a field she’s passionate about.

Coming in from Lake Oswego, Ore., is Julia Joseph, a versatile defender/midfielder. Joseph played for the Portland Thorns Academy, guiding them to the ECNL Final Four in 2024. With a family rich in soccer tradition (her father played in the 1996 Olympics), she’s ready to take on the collegiate challenge. Rutgers appealed to her for its blend of academic and athletic opportunities.

From Middletown, N.J., we welcome Jayme Malanda. Not only has she scored an impressive 28 goals in three high school seasons, but she’s also contributed to her team’s Shore Conference Coaches Cup Championship. Malanda is another athlete who has chosen to major in exercise science, a clear reflection of her dedication to the sport.

Next is Sarah Martinez from Apex, N.C. Recognized as the 2024 ECNL Mid-Atlantic Player of the Year and an ECNL All-American, Martinez has also made waves on the international stage, captaining Puerto Rico’s U-17 squad in Concacaf events. Her commitment to exercise science shows her ambition to intertwine sports and education.

Wayne, N.J.’s Gabriella Sanchez joins us as a talented midfielder, having scored 14 goals in her 58 high school games. Sanchez has also been a significant player in various championships with her high school and club teams. Her major of choice is exercise science, making her another dynamic addition to the roster.

From the Oregon state championship team, Sophia Stiles brings her defensive skills to Rutgers. Having earned All-State Second Team honors, she’s also played with the Portland Thorns Academy, showcasing her talent on multiple platforms. Stiles is set to major in education, with a focus on psychology, as she looks to make the most of her college experience.

Lastly, we meet Lauren Swafford, a goalkeeper from Moorestown, N.J. With an astonishing record of over 375 saves during her high school career, she’s picked up numerous All-Conference and All-State accolades along the way. Swafford’s leadership qualities have made her a mentor to many younger players, and she plans to major in business, concentrating on leadership and management.

A Future Full of Promise

This new cohort of athletes brings a wealth of talent, commitment, and character to the Rutgers women’s soccer team. They not only demonstrate impressive athletic skills but also a strong focus on education—each one pursuing majors that complement their dedication to their sport. As they prepare to don the Scarlet Knights colors, the future undoubtedly looks bright for this burgeoning squad!

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