The 2022 edition of the Penn State Altoona women's soccer program features a balanced blend of experience, skill, and youth.

The Lions return 11 players – including five all-conference selections – from last year's team that finished fourth in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference regular season standings. The team also welcomes 14 new players to the roster this season, many of whom will compete for regular time this fall.

Penn State Altoona was picked to again finish fourth in the AMCC this season, based on the results of the 2022 Preseason Coaches' Poll. But with a strong core and plenty of young talent, 12th-year head coach Pam Snyder Etters and her squad believe that they can take the next step forward this year.

Leading the team's attack are a pair of standout returning forwards: senior Sadie McConnell (New Enterprise, PA/Northern Bedford) and junior Mallorie Smith (Bellefonte, PA/Bellefonte). McConnell, a three-time All-AMCC selection who took second team honors last fall, was ninth in the conference in 2021 in assists (6), points (20), and game-winning goals (2) and 12th in goals scored (7) and shots attempted (39). Smith was voted the 2021 AMCC Newcomer of the Year and was also a second team all-conference pick, after ranking second in the league in game-winning goals (4), fourth in shots attempted (70), fifth in assists (7), sixth in goals scored (11), and seventh in points (29).

Adding new depth to the forward position are freshmen Kaylin Fowler (Quarryville, PA/Solanco) and Jordan Yaletsko (Philadelphia, PA/Philadelphia Academy Charter).

At midfield, senior Sarah Huston (Coatesville, PA/Coatesville) returns after being a second team All-AMCC pick last year. She ranked 12th in the conference in assists (4) while scoring two goals and attempting 17 shots.

Newcomers to the midfield group are sophomore Camryn Kurilla (Mount Wolf, PA/Northeastern), who transferred to Penn State Altoona from Penn State York, and freshmen Schenley Farrell (Philipsburg, PA/Philipsburg-Osceola), Kelsey Johnson (Stephens City, VA/Sherando), Sophia Nelson (Bellwood, PA/Bellwood-Antis), and Hailey Yaletsko (Philadelphia, PA/Philadelphia Academy Charter).

Penn State Altoona's defensive efforts will be led by a pair of All-AMCC selections from last year, as senior KK Wolfe (Coatesville, PA/Coatesville) and junior Haley Chambers (Athens, PA/Athens) return to help anchor the team's back line. Wolfe was a third team all-conference pick who also contributed one goal and three assists last season, while Chambers took second team all-conference honors.

Sophomores Hannah Brubaker (San Diego, CA/Scripps Ranch), Amanda Hazel (Clearfield, PA/Clearfield), Kiley Johnes (West Point, NY/James I. O'Neill), and Sarah Schulz (Harrisburg, PA/Susquehanna Township) are also back this season, with Brubaker and Hazel each playing in all 18 games for the Lions last year.

Freshmen Dee Dee Abbott (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick), Lauryn Hawkins (Danville, PA/Danville), McKenzie Lee (Hanover, PA/Delone Catholic), Rachel Rutkowski (Canonsburg, PA/Canon-McMillan), Lauren Stich (Ellwood City, PA/Lincoln), and Camryn Yaletsko (Philadelphia, PA/Philadelphia Academy Charter) will bring new talent to the team's defense this season.

At goalkeeper, junior Jadyn Michael (Berwick, PA/Berwick) and sophomore Adeline Baustert (Apollo, PA/Apollo-Ridge) return for Penn State Altoona. Michael saw time in nine games last season, making 44 saves, compiling a .710 save percentage, and recording two wins with one shutout. Baustert made 12 appearances in goal last fall, ranking fifth in the AMCC in wins (6) and sixth in saves (65) to go along with a .699 save percentage and one shutout.

The Lions also welcome junior Caitlin Cowen (South Park, PA/South Park), a transfer from Penn State Harrisburg, to its group of keepers.

Penn State Altoona women's soccer gets its 2022 season underway this Thursday, September 1, when the Lions will travel to face non-conference opponent Lycoming College at 4:00 p.m.