Villanova women's soccer head coach Chris McLain and his staff have announced the addition of eight newcomers to the team for the 2019 season.  This group includes three forwards, three midfielders, and two defenders. 

McLain shared about this class, "our staff has done a great job scouring the entire country looking for players that fit specifically how Villanova soccer wants to showcase its style of play. This group has so many different qualities they can offer our program and these players will surely solidify the competitive level in our training environment."
Associate head coach Daniel Clitnovici added, "This is a special incoming class of hungry players. This class had choices to go to some of the best soccer programs in the nation but they chose Villanova Women's Soccer and we are very grateful for that."

Sara Beidleman | Freshman | Midfield | Collingswood, N.J. | Bishop Eustace Preparatory

Team and ODP Experience: Member of the SJEB Soccer Club (2019) … Medford Strikers Soccer Club (2012-2018)

Bishop Eustace Preparatory: Earned four varsity letters in soccer…Named a Mid-Atlantic Regional All-American (2018)…Helped her team win a Non-Public State Championship in 2017…Earned All-Conference First Team honors three times… All Non-Public First Team New Jersey (Junior, Senior), Top 20 Team All New Jersey Soccer Coaches Association (Senior), All South Jersey First Team South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association (Senior), High School MVP (Junior, Senior), Team Captain (Senior)…Scored 38 career goals and 37 assists

Personal: Born August 21, 2001 in Voorheees, N.J. to Mark and Heather Beidleman…Has one younger brother, Jackson…Dad played football at Lehigh…Hobbies include basketball and writing…Chose Villanova because, I want to challenge myself academically and athletically. I think it is a perfect environment to develop as an individual and accomplish all the goals I wish to achieve.

McLain on Beidleman: "Sara was a player who didn't come from a big club, but she was well coached and drew attention toward her herself.  There is a lot of talent that comes from DA/ ECNL teams, but there are still so many hidden gems out there. She is hard, physical, and takes care of the ball… the perfect utility player that will run through walls for her teammates. Character is important to us and as Sara develops with the team, she will leave her mark in the college game."

Kelsey DeLola | Freshman | Midfield | Baldwinsville, N.Y. | Baldwinsville

Team and ODP Experience: Two-year member of Region I ODP team who competed at 2016 and 2017 inter-regionals tournament and traveled to Italy…Nine-year member of Syracuse Development Academy…Advanced to Nationals in 2016 and won NY West state cup five times.

Baldwinsville:  Earned four varsity letters in soccer…Had 25 career goals and 24 assists…Helped the team to a 67-8-4 record in her four years…Named an All-American as a senior…Two-time all East Region (2017, 2018), Three-time All-State team including first-team in 2018…Three-time All-NYS Section III team…NYS Section III Player of the Year 2018…Three-time All-Central New York team…NYS AA Champion 2017 and runner up in 2015

Personal:  Born October 19, 2000 in Syracuse, N.Y. to Brian and Lori DeLola…Has two older brothers, Brett and Ryan…Dad played baseball at Ithaca College, Ryan runs Cross Country and Track at Niagara University, and Brett played baseball at RIT…Hobbies include working-out and going to the beach…Chose Villanova because, I loved the campus, coaches and players and it felt like the perfect fit for me athletically and academically. I wanted to be a part of the great future of Villanova women's soccer!

McLain on DeLola: "Villanova has not been known as a menacing team. However, Kelsey will change the stereotype of this team. She has fantastic size, a great demeanor, and understands tempo and rhythm of play. Kelsey is technical with a huge range of passing that could impact our midfield and backline from Day 1."

Grace Karagjozi | Freshman | Forward | Rumson, N.J. | Rumson-Fair Haven Regional

Team and ODP Experience: Played for Matchfit ECNL from 2013-2017 and served as captain (2016-17)…Won North American ECNL championship in California in 2016…Played on PDA Academy team (2017-18)…Captain of PDA ECNL (2018-19)

Rumson-Fair Have Regional: Earned three varsity letters in soccer and one in indoor track & field…In three seasons scored 45 goals and had 36 assists…Had 18 goals and 10 assists during her freshman season most by a varsity freshman player in school history…2015 New Jersey All Shore Varsity second team...New Jersey All Group two, third team…During her freshman season was ranked the number 2 freshman varsity scored in New Jersey group 2-4 and number one for central and north New Jersey groups 2-4…. Named to the All group 2, second team and division A team in 2016-17…Helped the school to their first ever shore conference semifinal in 2015…Competed in New Jersey Central Jersey Group II finals (2015 and 2016)….Earned the Gold President's Education Award for achieving over a 4.0 GPA all four years of high school…High honors all four years

Personal:  Born on January 17, 2001 in New York, N.Y. to Zudi and Lysbeth Karagjozi…Has one older sister Hannarose and one younger brother Luke…Hobbies include Rock climbing, Jet Skiing and Kayaking…Chose Villanova because, I wanted a smaller, prestigious school with great academics and athletics. Also, it was very important for me to find a school with strong alumni involvement to help guide me after I graduate. I love the strong school spirit and enthusiasm students and alumni have for Villanova and I wanted to be a part of it.

McLain on Karagjozi: "We have seen this player in the front line, the midfield line, and the back line. Complete utility player, and perhaps one of the best when it comes to dangerous final passers. Her swagger and confidence will bring a dominating edge to this class. Not to mention her vision is second to none. She will demand respect from her teammates and her opponents. We are excited to see this player in a Villanova uniform."

Sophia Kryza | Freshman | Forward | Katonah, N.Y. | Holy Child

Team and ODP Experience: New York Soccer Club Development Academy (2017-2019) …New York Soccer Club (2015-2016) …FC Westchester Elite (2012-2014)
Holy Child: Earned three varsity letters in soccer and one in basketball… Named soccer MVP twice (2016, 2018)…Fairchester Athletic Association All-League and Western New England Prep School Soccer Association All-Star (2016, 2018)…New England Preparatory School Athletic Council All-Star (2018)…Named to the National Honor Society (2018-19), Cornelian Scholar in 2018, given to the highest school academic honors, earned academic honors three times

Personal:  Born May 21, 2001 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Michael and Catherine Kryza…Has three siblings, Nicholas, Zachary, and Emma…Zachary is a defenseman on the men's lacrosse team…Plans to major in Mathematics…Hobbies include going to concerts, watching movies, playing with her dog, and time with family and friends…Chose Villanova because: " it is a great combination of amazing academics and competitive sports. I love the coaching staff, campus, and proximity to Philadelphia.

McLain on Kryza: "It took about three seconds after meeting Sophia to know that she would be a great fit to this program. With her brother making a huge impact for the Lacrosse team here at Villanova, she has the potential to come in and do the same. She is an athletic, powerful, strong athlete that will continue to develop and flourish in the collegiate game. Not only is she technical, clean and fierce, but the way she wears her heart on her sleeve makes me feel that this player will be one to reckon with."

Emily Morrissey | Freshman | Defense | Seattle, Wa. | University Prep

Team and ODP Experience: Seattle Reign Academy Development Academy and ECNL (2016-19)… U.S. Soccer Development Academy National Playoff Qualifier (2017-18)…Seattle United G00 Copa (2011-2016)…State champion (2012) and finalist (2016)

University Prep:  Earned two varsity letters in soccer and two in track & field…Was a state qualifier in track

Personal: Born June 8, 2001 in Los Angeles, California to Steve and Patricia Morrissey…Has two younger siblings, Matthew and Elenor…Both parents ran cross country and track & field at the University of Iowa…Hobbies include cooking and trying new foods and skiing…Chose Villanova because I loved the campus and everyone that I talked to was so welcoming and nice! Villanova is in the perfect location where it can have a beautiful campus, but still all the resources of a big city only a train ride away.
McLain on Morrissey: "This kid has a huge upside. Extremely creative, very crafty, and has an "IT" factor. Emily was a player that made a tremendous impact in her flank play. She loves to take players on and will wrongfoot any defender. She is a player who we feel will become a fantastic addition as she adjusts to the college game."

Jane Olcott | Freshman | Midfield | Potomac, MD. | Winston Churchill

Team and ODP Experience:  Played for Bethesda Soccer Club for 12 years… Qualified for Champions League National Playoffs since the U14 age group….Attended the U15 Girls' U.S. National Team Training Camp in Portland, Oregon… Attended the U.S. Club Soccer id2 Regional Training Camps in 2015 and 2016…Member of the 2016 Nike id2 National Team that attended the ECNL National Training Camp in Oregon… Attended the ECNL PDP Mid Atlantic event in 2017 & 2018.

Winston Churchill: Earned four varsity letters in soccer…Named a team captain her junior and senior year… Named a United Soccer Coaches All-American, 1st Team All-Region, All-State, and Washington Post All-Met, and won Offensive MVP all during her senior season…Earned Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention, 2nd Team All-State, Offensive MVP during her junior season…Named Offensive MVP during her sophomore season and Rookie of the Year her freshman season…Named to the Academic Honor Roll all four years.

Personal:  Born April 9, 2001 in Charleston, S.C. to Douglas and Jennifer…Has two siblings, Molly and Kate…Father played soccer at Adelphi and sister, Molly plays soccer at NYU…Plans to major in Business….Hobbies include hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family…Chose Villanova because, it is the place to be. It is one of the top academic institutions in the country and the soccer program is quickly on the rise. The drive and hunger of the staff and players to better the program and win championships is what I thought was so special and I wanted to be a part of it. The support and resources offered by Nova to make me a successful student athlete cannot be found anywhere else.

McLain on Olcott: "This player has the potential to make the biggest impact as a freshman. Smooth, clean, deceptive, and explosive in tight spaces. Jane is all class and will add to the dominance in our midfield play. She is a staple of what we are trying to create here at Villanova. Olcott will be a name on every teams scouting report; dangerous final pass player and lethal near the goal. If we have a specific type of player we are recruiting here at Villanova, she would check every box."

Makayla Stadler | Freshman | Forward | Glenview, IL | Glenbrook South

Team and ODP Experience:  ODP soccer three years, Illinois state team….FC United Club Soccer Competed in National League for three years… National League Top 3 goal scorer,2017…Illinois state cup finalist two years…Midwest Regional Champion, 2018…Lead team to Disney showcase champion, 2017…Served as Club Team captain for three years…Played AAU Basketball for six years

Glenbrook South:  Earned four varsity letters in both soccer and basketball… Named to All-Sectional during her sophomore season…Soccer All-State honors junior and senior seasons… Earned soccer All-Conference honors three times…MVP in both soccer and basketball during junior and senior year… All-Conference in basketball during senior year…Named team captain for soccer twice…Third all-time in school history in points (187) and leader in assists (47) …Holds basketball record for all-time career steals…Named to the honor roll and scholar athlete.

Personal: Born November 6, 2000 in Glenview, Ill. To Eric and Shari Stadler…Has three siblings, Julia, Dani, and Jacki…Grandfather played professional soccer in Germany…Hobbies include skiing, boating, and baking…Chose Villanova because, it is a school that has both a tremendous academic and athletic legacy. The soccer program competes in a great conference with an elite coaching staff. The community was also very friendly and welcoming.

McLain on Stadler, "Makayla is perhaps one of the best athletes we have coming to Villanova. She is great at just about anywhere she plays. As a top basketball player in the Chicago area she has had to really balance out her sports. Coming to Villanova and focusing year in and year out is going to pay massive dividends. If we do this right, this could be one of the top players in terms of impact. We cannot wait to start training her."

Alexa Wojnovich | Freshman | Defense | Chapel Hill, N.C. | Cardinal Gibbons

Team and ODP Experience: Played for NC Courage Academy (2017-19), Bethesda SC ECNL (2016-17), and TFCA (2008-16) … Won two state championships and was a two-time Region 3 Premier League regular season winner with TFCA… US Soccer Girls Development Academy during junior and senior years, did not play high school soccer these years… 2016 ODP National Championships Runner up and Co-Captain…2017-2018 Girl Development Academy South East Conference regular season champs.

Carrboro/Cardinal Gibbons:  Played two years of varsity soccer at Carrboro…Won back-to-back NC 2A High School State Championships…Named State Championship MVP in 2016…During freshman and sophomore season named to NCSCA 2A All-State Team….All Metro Girls Soccer Team (News and Observer)…Mid State 2A Conference Offensive Player of the Year…Scored 36 goals during her freshman season and 21 during her sophomore year…Transferred to Cardinal Gibbons but did not play soccer there.

Personal:  Born December 11, 2000 in Chapel Hill, N.C. to Scott and Lisa…Has one younger sibling, Bryce…Dad played lacrosse and football and the University of New Haven…Plans to major in Biology…Chose Villanova because, the second I stepped foot on campus I felt at home. I chose Villanova for the outstanding academics, family culture, and amazing athletics programs.

McLain on Wojnovich: "Alexa is a fantastic addition to this program. She is a perfect example of why our ID Clinics and Residential Camps are getting more and more important with these new rules. This player came and did everything in her power to prove she would impact this program. She earned her way onto this team and I wouldn't be surprised if she immediately finds her way into the lineup. Powerful, strong, great soccer IQ… Alexa is a huge piece of this great recruiting class."

McLain continued about the addition of these nine to the team, "they will challenge our players day in and day out for a chance to be in the selected 22 on game day. Once again, the goal is to find impact game changers, you will see some of these freshmen in the starting lineup."