HUNTINGDON, PA- The Juniata women’s soccer team welcomes nine incoming freshman for the 2015 season. These players join a youthful Eagles team that has 14 sophomores returning from last year’s squad along with a mix of veteran talent.
Wynter Adams (Houtzdale, PA/Moshannon Valley)
Adams earned three letters playing one year at the mid position and two seasons at striker/center mid. She was a captain for three years and holds the school record for career goals and led the team in goals scored in 2013. Adams was named to the Altoona Mirror First Team in 2013 and 2014 along with being selected as an ICC All Star. Her team was ICC Champions last year.
“Wynter is a skilled attacking player who has dedicated herself to becoming a college-level soccer teammate,” said head coach Scott McKenzie. “Her contributions to her Mo-Valley and AC United teams speak for themselves.”
Anna Kaufman (Palmyra, PA/Palmyra)
Kaufman was a four-year letter winner where she played at the center mid and forward position. She was selected to the Lebanon County Sports Writers All-County B Team in 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.
“Anna is a physically strong and tactically sound attacking player with a wealth of high-level playing experience from her career with both Palmyra and PA Classics,” stated McKenzie. “She will be a wonderful addition to our team.”
Amanda Kopacz (Green Brook, NJ/Mount Saint Mary Academy)
Kopacz was two-sport athlete at Mount Saint Mary where she was a letter winner in both soccer and basketball. In soccer, she was captain in her junior and senior years and was a second-team all-conference in her junior season. Kopacz was also a captain in basketball and a second-team all-conference selection while garnering Honorable Mention status in senior year.
“Amanda is a strong defensive player who has developed very well in the past few seasons playing for US Parma and FC Copa Academy of the National Premier League” noted McKenzie. “Amanda will bring a strong work ethic and high skill level to preseason camp.”
Kate Bompiani (Red Lion, PA/Eastern York)
Bompiani was a center-mid and starter for all four years. Her team was district champions in her freshman campaign. She led the squad in assists in her sophomore and senior years.
“Kate is a creative and solid midfield player for her Eastern York and HMMS Club teams,” McKenzie stated. “I look forward to working with her as she transitions to the college game. “
Elizabeth Bentz (Mt. Wolf, PA/Northeastern)
Bentz was a four-sport athlete at Northeastern. She was a four-year letter winner playing forward, mid, and defense in soccer. In her freshman year, she was a honorable mention All-County. In her junior season, she was a County All-Star at forward and defense. Her team was a county finalist in 2013 and went to Districts in 2013 and 2014.
“I wanted to attend Juniata because I love the atmosphere,” said Bentz. “I have heard many great things about the soccer program. Overall, I am very excited to attend Juniata and to play soccer there. It will be a great experience and I believe I will fit in well.”
“Elizabeth is a smart outside defender and has been impressive for her Northeastern High School and HMMS Club teams,” said McKenzie. “Always a threat to go forward, her versatility as an attacking player will help with her comfort at the college level.”
Kristin Racis (Womelsdorf, PA/Conrad Weiser)
Racis played center defense all four years at Conrad Weiser. She is a two-time All-Berks County first teamer on defense and was named to the second team in 2014. In 2013, she added All-Pennsylvania state team accolades. Racis was a member of a division champion and Berks County champion squads along with a district runner up and a state qualifier.
“I am extremely excited to be attending and playing soccer at Juniata College in the fall this year,” said Racis. “One thing that I really like during my visits was how comfortable the campus felt and how welcoming everyone was. The team is a bunch of great girls and a coaching staff that I cannot wait to be a part of. I hope to accomplish many goals and aspirations here at Juniata College.”
“Kristin is a terrific player who has been very well coached at both Conrad Weiser and Rage SC, where her club team has enjoyed a national top-10 ranking,” McKenzie noted”. “A smart and physical defender, Kristin has the ability to dominate opponents and I look forward to working with her.”
Caroline Braas (Lancaster, PA/Manheim Township)
Braas was a three-year letter winner at Manheim Township. “Caroline comes from a high school and club program that is used to success, said McKenzie. “Her mentor at Manheim Township is a legend in Lancaster County soccer circles and her Penn Legacy Club team, coached by Wendell Hannaford, consistently competes for championships in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Her speed and versatility will help her succeed at the college game.”
Maiya Mastovich (Johnstown, PA/Westmont Hilltop)
Mastovich was a two-year varsity letter winner in her junior and senior years. In her senior year, her team advanced to the District 6 championship. She also was a member of the swimming team for three years.
“Maiya joins a crowded goalkeeper field at Juniata and has shown promise as a field player as well,” said McKenzie. “Her Westmont Hilltop teams are perennial district and state contenders. Her work ethic and terrific attitude help to define her high value as a team member.”
Janet Peifer (Oley, PA/Oley Valley)
Peifer earned three letters playing at Oley Valley. She was co-captain of her team in 2014 and also played for the Evergreen Club where she was a team captain. Evergreen was Indoor Varsity Division Champions this year and Lehigh Valley League U-18 Division League Champions.
“Janet is a strong and physical midfield player and valuable member of her Oley Valley High School and Evergreen Club teams,” stated McKenzie. “We look to acclimate Janet quickly to the college game.”