EASTON, Mass. (August 5, 2025) – The Stonehill College women’s soccer team has been picked to finish fifth in the 2025 NEC Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll, as announced by the conference Tuesday afternoon.

The Skyhawks, who earned their highest preseason ranking since transitioning to NCAA Division I in 2022, will kick off the 2025 season on Thursday, August 14, when they travel to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, to face Boston College.

Reigning NEC champion Howard University was selected as the preseason favorite to defend its title, earning seven first-place votes. FDU placed second in the poll with four first-place nods, followed by Wagner in third with one first-place vote. Central Connecticut State rounded out the top four.

Stonehill’s fifth-place selection marks a program-best showing in the NEC preseason rankings, improving on last year’s seventh-place projection. The Skyhawks are coming off a strong 2024 season, finishing 8-10-1 overall and 7-2-1 in conference play to earn their first-ever NEC postseason appearance.

Head coach Alex Wilson enters her 13th season at the helm with a roster that returns 23 student-athletes, bolstered by the addition of seven newcomers. The returning group includes 2024 NEC Offensive Player of the Year Hannah Anselmo, All-NEC Second Team honoree Lily Roslonek, and the league’s top-scoring rookie from last season, Erin Foley.

Anselmo led the Skyhawks with 22 points on eight goals and six assists, with seven of those goals coming during NEC play—ranking first among conference scorers. Foley, an NEC All-Rookie Team selection, paced all first-year players in the league with six goals during her debut season.

Defensively, Roslonek anchors the backline alongside Lindsey Brown, both of whom ranked among the team’s top five in minutes played with 1,584 and 1,258 minutes, respectively. Sophomore goalkeeper Allie Sougaris returns after posting a 1.21 goals-against average and recording four shutouts—setting a Division I program record for single-season clean sheets and marking the most by a Skyhawk goalkeeper since Kaitlin Brown’s eight in 2018.

For the latest on Stonehill Athletics, follow the Skyhawks via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

ITALY — The Adrian College women’s soccer team sent two of its members overseas to Italy earlier this summer, as Head Coach, Nathan Kronewtter, and rising Junior, Melanie Perhne, took part in an exclusive invitation-only tour of Italy organized by Beyond Sports from June 15 to June 24, 2025.

Over the course of the ten-day trip, student-athletes visited Milan and Lake Como, explored Tuscany’s Montecatini Terme region, and concluded in Rome, engaging in three exhibition matches against respected Italian club teams and emerging undefeated with a 3–0 record.

Adrian’s standout representative, Melanie Perhne, primarily featured at outside back throughout the trip but was shifted to forward in a decisive match versus a Serie C Roma club. She even delivered the game-winning goal in a closely contested 2–1 victory, demonstrating both tactical versatility and composure under pressure. “Both my teammate and coach at Adrian went on this trip last summer and had nothing but great things to say about their experiences,” added Perhne about her opportunity. “I decided to challenge myself to do something new and different with this trip to Italy.” Perhne went on to chat about how excited she was to experience new opportunities and meet other athletes on her trip. “I’m most excited about meeting new people and experiencing a new culture, as well as playing international soccer and learning different styles of play.”

Coach Nathan Kronewetter served as the tour coach and liaison through Beyond Sports, orchestrating the College’s international representation and laying the groundwork for future overseas endeavors. Off the field, the squad immersed themselves in cultural experiences including a guided Milan city tour and San Siro Stadium visit, a scenic boat ride to Bellagio on Lake Como, a Tuscan cooking class and visits to Pisa and Lucca, time exploring Cinque Terre’s coastal villages, and evenings touring Rome’s historic sites, creating lasting memories and fostering global awareness beyond soccer.

This inaugural Italy tour represents a significant milestone for Adrian College Women’s Soccer, something that Kronewetter has implemented yearly since joining the Bulldogs. “I have been blessed with many opportunities to travel the world, explore different cultures and to gain international experiences all through the sport of soccer,” said Kronewetter. “Beyond Sports offers collegiate soccer players an avenue to experience an international soccer tour for those that didn’t have the opportunity to go on an overseas tour with their own college program. I have been fortunate enough to assist on these tours in organization and as a tour coach both in Spain and Italy. I am honored to represent Adrian College and our women’s soccer program both internationally against some very good competition as well as within the organization where we work together to offer great experiences to student-athletes from around the states and their respective collegiate programs,” added Kronewetter, who enters his third season with Adrian in 2025. Kronewetter’s time with Beyond Sports has also led to professional opportunities for his previous athletes around the world, as recent graduate Emma Dalzochio also obtained an internship in Greece.

“As a former player who was fortunate enough to play in some of the largest international youth tournaments throughout Europe while in high school, and then experience an overseas collegiate tour with my own college program, I understand the value and importance of these opportunities,” said Kronewetter. “It goes way beyond soccer, it’s about life and an understanding that there is so much out there to pursue and experience. Sport is a vehicle to open these doors, and the educational experiences that are around each and every corner is proof that soccer can take you places. These trips have afforded me an opportunity to network and lay the foundation for future potential international trips for our Adrian College women’s soccer student-athletes. I am always searching for ways to better our student-athlete experience here at Adrian College and an international tour with our players in the near future would be an adventure of a lifetime.”

The duo’s trip to Italy strongly reflects the institution’s dedication to combining athletic performance, cultural literacy, and academic achievement. Moreover, it establishes a powerful precedent for future global engagement opportunities for student-athletes.

State College is a college town through and through, and with a strong Penn State pride, you’ve got to have some merch to show off.

Whether you’re a student, alum, or a visiting fan, you’ll find no shortage of stores selling Penn State gear.

But which stores offer the best selection, value, and experience? Here’s a ranking of five standout spots in the heart of downtown.

1. The Family Clothesline

The Family Clothesline is a staple in the Penn State community. Known for its wide selection of officially licensed apparel, it’s the first stop for many looking to stock up on blue-and-white gear. From summer gear to winter coats, it’s got something for every season.

The store is huge by downtown standards, and the layout makes browsing easy. Additionally, the close proximity to dorms makes it an easy trip for students. Customers love the balance of brand names with house-label options, and the deals on clearance racks are a hidden gem.

2. Lion & Cub

Lion & Cub is a favorite for those looking to grab Penn State merch at a low cost. The store isn’t as large as others, but it makes up for it with affordability, especially on t-shirts, keychains, mugs and kid-friendly clothing.

It’s also a good stop for casual fanwear or quick souvenir shopping. With lower prices, it’s a good option for anyone on a budget. It does have a bit of a smaller selection, but with better prices, it evens out quite nicely.

3. Lion’s Pride

Lion’s Pride has long been seen as the more upscale cousin in the Penn State shopping family. Their selection features premium brands like Under Armour, Cutter & Buck and Columbia. The quality of their clothing is certainly worth the purchase for anyone looking to spend a bit more money.

The store also supports Penn State athletics and often holds PSU events, which adds to the community value. Graduation is also a big point of emphasis, so if you or a loved one will soon turn their tassel, consider checking out Lion’s Pride.

4. Student Bookstore

Student Bookstore is special in the fact that it blends textbook retail with a wide array of Penn State merchandise. While its primary draw is academic material, the retailer also stocks a decent selection of sweatshirts, hats and accessories.

Additionally, if you’re looking for Penn State Christmas ornaments, this is your place. Their selection is varied and high quality. While textbooks take up a decent amount of shelf space, this is still a quality stop for school gear.

5. McLanahan’s Downtown Market

McLanahan’s is part convenience store, part grocery and part Penn State shop. It’s perfect for quick stops — grab a case of water, ramen, merchandise and you’re ready for your first day of school.

While the Penn State apparel section is limited compared to specialty stores, it’s great for impulse buys and basics like lanyards, keychains or beanies. While not the top spot for apparel, its selection and diversity certainly give it a spot on this list.

Whether you’re a new student or just a supportive local, downtown State College has no shortage of team and school merchandise. Each serves its own purpose, so be sure to try them all and figure out a favorite for yourself!

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