Waldrum Announces Seven New Panthers on National Signing Day
11/8/2023 2:57:00 PM | Women's Soccer
PITTSBURGH – The Pitt women's soccer program has signed seven players to National Letters of Intent for its 2024 recruiting class, as announced by head coach Randy Waldrum. The class includes Lola Abraham,Coco Dorfman, Emily Graeca, Bella Hynes, Rylee Keely, Erika Schneider, and Dakota Watterson.
Lola Abraham | Forward | Oakmont, PA | Riverview High School | Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Prior to Pitt: Was named to ECNL All-Conference First Team in 2022 and 2023 and All-WPIAL in 2021, 2022 and 2023…Leading WPIAL goal scorer in 2023 with 68 goals…Awarded 2023 Post-Gazette Player of the Week…Was a 2023 Moe Rosensteel Most Outstanding Player of the Year Award Finalist…Played in 2022 ECNL National Selection Game…Participated in 2022 ECNL National Training Camp…Named to ECNL All-Conference Second Team in 2021…Participated in 2021 U16 United States Youth National Player Pool Camps, 2020 U 15 United States Youth National Team Camp in Florida, ECNL Conference Selection Program (Ohio Valley), US Club Soccer ID2 and the United Soccer League Experience…Placed 167 goals and 34 assists in high school career.
Why Lola chose Pitt: "The reason I chose Pitt is because of the talented coaching staff and team that is very welcoming and family-oriented, as well as the excellent academic opportunities."
Coco Dorfman | Defense | San Diego, CA | Del Norte High School | San Diego Surf Soccer 2006 ECNL
Prior to Pitt: Has played for Surf Soccer ENCL since she was four years old…Was the Surf Cup Champions (2023)…2023 ECNL quarterfinalists…State Cup Champion…National Cup Champions (2020)…Blues Cup Champions (2022)…College Cup Champions (2022)…Ranked No. 2 in Youth Girls Programs…Intern coach for 2011 ENCL San Diego Surf Girls team.
Why Coco chose Pitt: "I chose the University of Pittsburgh because of the environment and family given to and from the team and coaches. The caring and hardworking environment allows for everyone to become the best person and player they can be. Everything that I was looking for in a college, Pitt provided, and I can't wait for my time here."
Emily Graeca | Defense | DuBois, PA | DuBois Area High School | Pittsburgh Hotspurs
Prior to Pitt: Captain of Pittsburgh Hotspurs (2021-2023)…Was the 2023 E64 National Runner-Up…2023 E64 Conference Champion…Named to 2022 First Team All-Pro League…Was the 2021 USYS Regional Champion…Named to Pittsburgh Hotspurs Women's First Team UWS in 2021 through 2024…Became a 4x MVP…Recorded 39 goals, 90 assists, 280 in high-school career.
Why Emily chose Pitt: "I chose Pitt because of the family-oriented team and the opportunity to play in a competitive environment."
Bella Haynes | Defense | Canton, MI | Divine Child High School | Michigan Hawks ECNL
Prior to Pitt: Named as ECNL Phoenix Best Performance in 2023…Prep Soccer Nov. 2022…Listed as Soccer Wire Player that impressed ECNL Girls Florida National Event in 2023.
Why Bella Chose Pitt: "I chose Pitt because it is one of the top academic schools in the country alongside their beautiful campus environment. Their university has so much to offer, including their history making women's soccer program, which is nationally ranked one of the best in the country. Pitt simply has everything I could want and more!"
Rylee Keeley | Midfield / Forward | Wake Forest, NC | Crossroads Flex High School | NC Courage Academy
Prior to Pitt: U 20 USL Academy Tournament Best 11 First-Team…Soccer Wire Players That Impressed: ECNL Girls Tennessee National Event 2021… 19-time TopDrawerSoccer Weekly Standout.
Why Rylee Chose Pitt: "I chose Pitt because of the coaching staff and their visions for the program. I believe that they will help me become a better player and I'll be able to do so while competing at the highest level."
Erika Schneider | Defense | Aldie, VA | Lightridge High School | TSJ FC Virginia
Prior to Pitt: Participated in Girls Academy Mid-Atlantic Talent ID in 2021, 2022 and 2023…Attended Girls Academy National Talent ID in 2022 and 2023…Girls Academy National Champions (2023)…YNT Identificaiton Centers (2021 – 2019)…U14 YNT Talent ID East Camp Invite (2020)…YNT Reginonal ID Center (2021).
Why Erika Chose Pitt: "I chose Pitt because I felt the style of play, amazing coaching staff, players, and environment were a great fit for me. From the moment I stepped on campus, it just felt right."
Dakota Watterson | Forward | Clovis, CA | Buchanan High School | Clovis Crossfire
Prior to Pitt: Named Offensive Player of the Year three times in her high school career…Awarded MVP of the Year twice…Was a 2x Coaches Award Recipient…Selected to participated in GPS Bayern Munich in Spain…Became a Puma Athlete in 2019 through now…Joined the Roc Nation Sports in 2019.
Why Dakota Chose Pitt: "I chose Pitt because it felt like a home away from home. I connected with the coaches and staff immediately making it an easy decision. It has always been a dream of mine to play in the ACC, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!"