BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, N.Y. - Head coach Justine Lombari announced the additions of seven new student-athletes for the 2022 season as she looks to build on the team's most successful season in its young history.
"I am excited to bring these seven to Brooklyn this fall," said Lombardi. "They bring athleticism and versatility to a group that is prepared to build on our first spring offseason program and continue to make strides as a team!"
Chloe Brock | 5-9 | MID/FWD | Beaverton, OR
A native of Beaverton, Oregon, Chloe Brock arrives in Brooklyn after playing two seasons at George Fox. The senior will be a valuable addition to the Terriers' attack. Brock appeared in 13 games during her time at George Fox from 2019-2021, and previously helped her high school squad, Valley Catholic, to the Class 4A State Championship in 2017, and State runners-up in 2018. The rising senior majors in Biology with an aim towards a career in healthcare.
"I'm thrilled that Chloe is ready for her New York City adventure after beginning her career closer to home. Her strength and accuracy will strengthen our attack next season," said Lombardi.
Angelina Briggs | 5-6 | DEF | Commerce, MI
Angelina begins her collegiate soccer career with St. Francis after success at the high school and club level. A graduate of Marian High School, the defender was named to the D2 All-State team in 2021, and in 2022 proved her versatility as a holding midfielder named to the All Catholic team. Briggs credits the diversity of the women's soccer roster and student body in her decision to play her college soccer in Brooklyn.. She plans to study secondary education at St. Francis.
"Angelina has already shown strong leadership characteristics and I look forward to helping her continue to grow on our team. She shows a composed confidence at the back that will help us going forward."
Natalie Beasley | 5-9 | DEF | Dublin, OH
Natalie comes to St. Francis as a defender comfortable playing across the back line. She is a natural leader, having captained her Dublin Scioto team her junior and senior year, when she led the team to a 10-4-2 record good for third in the Ohio Capital Conference. In addition to soccer, she is an accomplished track runner and took 2nd place in the 4x800m in the conference. She chose SFC because of the diverse student body, and joins her sister Lena Beasley in Brooklyn, who is a member of the Women's Volleyball team.
"I am glad Natalie has chosen to keep St. Francis in the family. She brings versatility on the outside, showing the ability to play in the midfield or as a defender," said Lombardi. "Her speed and athleticism can help her make an impact with us this fall."
Olivia Motolese | 5-3 | MID | Schnecksville, PA
Olivia Motolese starts her career at SFC alongside her sister Sophia and Maggie. A multi-sport athlete at Northwestern Lehigh High School, Olivia has a track record of providing output from central midfield while playing lacrosse and basketball. The incoming freshman from Pennsylvania totaled 24 goals and 48 assists during her high school career, and is excited to make the jump to Division I competition.
Sophia Motolese | 5-2 | MID | Schnecksville, PA
Sophia joins the Terriers as a freshman after four years at Northwestern Lehigh where she scored 43 goals and assisted 45 times over four years. The twin of Olivia, Sophia plays center midfielder and was named Athlete of the Week three times as a high school athlete. She plans to study Healthcare Administration at SFC.
"The Motolese family has already been an integral part of the this team's young history, and I'm glad to have Sophia and Olivia joining their sister, Maggie. Sophia brings creativity and a strong finish to our attack, while Olivia is an asset down the wings that can be a play maker."
Angelina Sayago | 5-1 | FWD | Seaford, NY
Angelina comes to Brooklyn from Gen. Douglas MacArthur High School on Long Island, where she started for the Generals and helped them to a conference championship in 2021. She was recognized as one of the top unsung heroes by the Nassau County Girls Soccer Coaches Association with her nomination for the "Dan Deegan Award." The award is given every year to a girls soccer player in Nassau Country "who makes a substantial yet unrecognized contribution to [their] team." In addition to her efforts on the pitch, she was a captain on the track and field team, and qualified for the conference, divisional, and county meets in the 100m Dash and 4x100m Relay.
"Angelina continues the line of New York standouts to join us at St. Francis," said Lombardi. "Her speed on the outside makes her a valuable asset to our midfield."
Samantha Kipperman | 5-2 | DEF | Southbury, CT
Samantha joins the Terriers after a career as one of the top players in Connecticut. She represented Pomperaug High School on All-State teams her final three seasons as a Panther, and helped the team to two conference championships in that time. Her contributions culminated in her participation in the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association Senior Bowl. She will join her sister, and Sacred Heart starting goaltender Elyssa, in the Northeast Conference this fall. Sam chose St. Francis for the team culture created by Coach Lombardi and to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian as a McGuire Scholar in the biology degree program.
"Sam has the ability to be a reliable defender for us. Her consistency on the back line and accurate passing will be a welcomed addition to the team."
These seven join an experienced group that will look to build on one of the most productive seasons in the program's three-year history, including a first full off-season program and the most wins in a season.
