UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State women's soccer program has announces its captains for the 2021 fall season. Head coach Erica Dambach has appointed seniors Kerry Abello and Sam Coffey and redshirt junior Ally Schlegel as the captains of the Nittany Lion soccer program.
"I'm extremely excited to have these three tremendous student-athletes serving as our team captains. Kerry and Sam were an integral part of helping our team and program navigate uncharted waters during the fall and spring season last year. I am very proud to have them both as captains for a second time. Ally is in her fourth year in our program and has done a tremendous job helping lead our team and has learned from those captains that have come before her. These three student-athletes exemplify our three pillars and are leaders both in the classroom and on the field." Head coach Erica Dambach said of her three captains.
Abello and Coffey become the 15th and 16th Nittany Lions in program history to serve as captains multiple times. Both Abello and Coffey served as team captains during the 2020-21 season.
Abello and Coffey were both named CoSIDA First Team Academic All-Americans as well as both being named Senior CLASS Award All-Americans last season while serving as captains. Abello became the first student-athlete in program history to be named the CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year. Coffey was named the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year, was tabbed a First Team All-Region performer and earned her second First Team All-Big Ten honor last season.
Both Abello and Coffey have started every game this season. Coffey is second on the team with two goals and is tied for the team lead with two assists. Coffey is the NCAA active leader with 48 career assists and is second on the active list with 120 points.
Schlegel was named the Penn State Female Athlete of the Year, a Honda Sport Award finalist, MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American and the Big Ten Forward of the year last season. Schlegel has started all five games this season and is tied for second on the team with two goals this season, both goals have been game-winning goals.
Penn State travels to #3 Virginia for its next match on Thursday, September 9.
