Princeton University Athletics

Class of 2024 Set to Join Princeton Women's Soccer Program
May 27, 2020 | Women's Soccer
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Tune in tomorrow starting at 12pm EST as we announce our #23 in the country recruiting class as selected by @TopDrawerSoccer #GoTigers #Tigers2024 #AnotherChapterBegins pic.twitter.com/OJaqTZdxpM
— Princeton WSoccer (@PrincetonWSoc) May 26, 2020
Here's a look at the Class of 2024:
Head coach Sean Driscoll on the class:
"Since my arrival, I have been graced with the privilege of welcoming some of the country's most decorated and talented student-athletes. This year is no different. On the heels of losing an impressive senior class that achieved great heights and supplied endless memories, we knew we had to work diligently to address the needs of our program moving forward. In the words of legendary assistant coach Ron Celestin we searched for those we felt would 'bleed orange.' Along with the significant efforts of assistant coach Mike Poller I believe we have done just that, and more. We feel we have secured a class that possesses unique gifts and clear ambition that will be showcased on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the Princeton community. We are delighted to welcome Jen, Didi, Kiley, Lexi, Heather, Tyler, Ella, Aria and Grace to the Princeton Women's Soccer family."
Jen Estes
5-8 Forward
Kirkland, Wash.
High School: Lake Washington (Coach: Ashton Staudacher)
Club Team: Crossfire Premier ECNL (Coach: Just Baumgardt)
Accolades:
- Ranked #29 Nationally in Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2020
- Ranked #9 Forward in Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2020
- US Soccer DA Best XI Award (2019)
- Girls DA Playoff U16/17 Best XI (2018)
- KingCo 3A League Offensive MVP (2019)
- WPSL West Region Northwest All-Conference Team (2019)
- ECNL Northwest Conference Preview "Player to Watch" (2020)
- Lake Washington High School Captain (2020)
- Crossfire Premier Captain (2019-2020)Â
"When looking at the complete package for a college, Princeton has everything I am looking for in a school and soccer program. With challenging academics, a great coaching staff and team environment, an amazing campus, and endless opportunities, Princeton seems like the perfect fit. I feel that this school will give me the support and push to be the best version of myself. The Princeton community involves people with many different backgrounds and experiences, and I am excited to learn more about these and embrace new challenges and activities." Â
Driscoll on Estes:
Jen is a prolific attacker that can put her stamp on the game in a multitude of ways. She has the unique ability to create chances for herself by beating players off the dribble, combining with a teammate or using deceptive movement in the penalty area. Somehow, some way, she always seems to find the space necessary to threaten the opposing goalkeeper. While Jen possesses an uncanny nose for the goal, perhaps her greatest strength is that she is the consummate team player. She is equally happy providing assists as she is scoring goals, which is a quality that our staff truly values.
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First up in our incoming class is Jen Estes, a forward from Kirkland, Wa and @CrossfirePrmr Jen is the #29 player overall in the IMG Academy Top 200 according to @topdrawersoccer #GoTigers #Tigers2024 #AnotherChapterBegins pic.twitter.com/n7nUIowY2B
— Princeton WSoccer (@PrincetonWSoc) May 27, 2020
N'Dea "Didi" Godwin
5-11 Center Back
Altadena, Calif.
High School: Westridge School (Coach: Tulio Marroquin)
Club Team: Slammers FC ECNL (Coach: Cheyne Gordon)
Accolades:
- Ranked #42 in Top Drawer Soccer Southern California Region Class of 2020
- First-team all-league (2017, 2019 & 2020)
- Westridge High School MVP (2019 & 2020)
- Westridge High School Captain (2018-2020)
- U.S. Youth Futsal National Team Player (2017-2019)
- First Team All-Conference (2019)
- Selected U.S. Youth Futsal National Team Captain in 2017
- Four-year U.S. Soccer Training Centers Participant (2013-2017)
- Southern California Region U.S. Soccer Combine Invitee (2017)
"It is hard to describe the feeling of overwhelming gratitude and relief that comes with finding a university that you know is the exact right fit for you. As soon as I met Sean, as soon as I set foot onto the Princeton campus, I knew without a doubt that Princeton was that school for me. When on a tour, I learned that the school's unofficial motto is, 'In the Nation's Service and the Service of Humanity.' As someone who deeply values both individual and collective engagement in the betterment of society, this statement couldn't have better described the community I was looking for. I knew that Princeton would nurture my love of learning, foster my desire to challenge myself academically, and offer me an amazing soccer program and coaching staff that would help me grow as a player. I am beyond excited to join the Princeton family."Â
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Driscoll on Godwin:
"Didi drew immediate attention from our staff because of her strength, dominance in the air and incredibly soft feet. She is a weapon on set pieces because of her timing and fearlessness with services into the penalty area. Her experience with the U.S. Futsal Team has paid dividends in her mastery of the ball. Didi is unflappable regardless of the pressure around her. Her skill set makes her an option as a center back, looking to start the attack with controlled possession, or a holding midfielder that breaks up play and links with the forward line."
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A defender from Altadena, CA and @slammersfc, Didi Godwin was selected as Captain of @usyouthfutsal National Team and is the #42 player in Southern California as selected by @TopDrawerSoccer #GoTigers #Tigers2024 #AnotherChapterBegins pic.twitter.com/k2vW2RuBZM
— Princeton WSoccer (@PrincetonWSoc) May 27, 2020
Kiley Hamou
5-7 Wide Back
East Setauket, N.Y.
High School: Ward Melville (Coach: John Diehl)
Club Team: SUSA ECNL (Coach: Paul Yardi/Ron Alber)
Accolades:
- Ranked #11 in Top Drawer Soccer New York Region Class of 2020
- NYSSCOGS all-state (2019)
- SCGSCAÂ all-county (2017-2019)
- SCGSCA Division 1 Player of the Year (2019)
- NYS Scholar Athlete Award (2019)
- ECNL Player to Watch (2017-2019)
- Ward Melville High School Captain (2018-2019)
- National Training Center Invitee (2015-2017)
- ODP National Camp (2016-2017)
- Region I Team (2015-2017)Â
"I chose Princeton because I love to be challenged. I felt that Princeton would challenge me in all aspects of my life, within my relationships, studies, and athletics. I also enjoy the fact that it is in the Northeast, where I grew up, because I love the climate and close proximity to my home. At my high school, I've been fortunate enough to have close, personal relationships with all of my teachers, counselors and coaches. Throughout my time at Ward Melville, I never felt an absence of support from staff members. After visiting Princeton and having the opportunity to meet with an amazing group of fellows and other coaches and staff members, I can truly say I felt that same amount of overwhelming support and care, if not more, that I've experienced throughout high school. Additionally, as one of the top universities in the country, housing the most intelligent students from all over the world, Princeton may seem to encompass a competitive environment. After stepping on campus, I felt the exact opposite. Students were challenging each other while still being humble and wholesome toward one another. They all held positive attitudes and continually supported each other inside and outside of the classroom. This made the atmosphere on campus that much more appealing, knowing that while still striving to be the best version of yourself, you have the guidance and strength of your peers to help you."Â
Driscoll on Hamou:
"Kiley is an explosive athlete that will bring some steel to our back line. She has played as both a wide forward and back during her club career, which has been perfect preparation for the attack-minded wide back that can thrive in our system. From the first minute we saw Kiley at a camp three years ago, we marveled at her ability to positively impact both sides of the ball. Defensively, her pace, physicality and relentless approach combine to make her extremely difficult to beat in 1-v-1 duels. In possession of the ball, she has the confidence and skill set to beat players off the dribble and is a consistent threat in the final third to score or provide assists."
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From Setauket, NY and @susa_academy @KileyHamou Kiley is the #11 player in the New York Region as selected by @topdrawersoccer #GoTigers #Tigers2024 #AnotherChapterBegins pic.twitter.com/TZ4cRheUTt
— Princeton WSoccer (@PrincetonWSoc) May 27, 2020
Lexi Hiltunen
5-11 Forward
Palm Beach, Fla.
High School: American Heritage of Boca/Delray (Coach: Krisztian Mikoczi)
Club Team: Sunrise Prime FC ECNL (Coach: Alan Hough)
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Accolades:
- Ranked #89 Nationally in Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2020
- Ranked #26 Forward in Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2020
- Florida all-state (2019 & 2020)
- All-Palm Beach County (2016-2020)
- Best of Preps Florida (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- American Heritage School Captain (2019-2020)
- National Training Centers (2015-2017)
- ODP National Champions (2017)Â
"I chose Princeton because I was welcomed into a family. I knew that I would be spending so much of my time with these people for the next four years of my life, and I found it extremely important that everyone would be close. I loved the fact that the players, coaches, and faculty of Princeton were so kind to one another. I desired attending a top academic school, as well as an athletically talented program, and I was astonished that when I stepped onto campus for the first time, it felt like home. Everyone is genuine in welcoming and looking out for each other's best interests. I chose Princeton because it was somewhere I could grow both athletically and academically, and do so while being supported and lifted up by those around me."
Driscoll on Hiltunen:
"Lexi is a player that brings a very unique mentality to the striker position in that she will do absolutely anything to score a goal for her team. Simply put, she is fearless. Her movement in counter-attacking situations as well as ability to find pockets of space in the penalty area to finish chances are excellent. With her height, tenacity, and nose for the goal, our staff believes she has the potential to present a lot of challenges for our opponents. In addition, her ability in the air is among the best we have seen and an area we wanted to address as it is becoming a lost art."
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A forward from The Sunshine State and @sunriseprimefc @Lexxhil Lexi is the #89 player overall in the IMG Academy Top 200 as selected by @topdrawersoccer #GoTigers #Tigers2024 #AnotherChapterBegins pic.twitter.com/I5jWuL4oBj
— Princeton WSoccer (@PrincetonWSoc) May 27, 2020
Heather MacNab
5-10 Forward
Indianapolis, Ind.
High School: Culver Academies (Coach: Nathaniel King)
Club Team: FC Pride (Coach: Matt Blackbourne/Mike Beckner)
Accolades:
- Ranked #17 in Top Drawer Soccer Great Lakes Region Class of 2020
- Indiana Soccer Coaches Assoc. Top Team Player (2019)
- Indiana Soccer Coaches Assoc. first-team all-district (2019)
- Second-team all-state (2019)
- US Club Soccer Player Development Program Selection (2018)
- Culver Academy Captain (2018-2019)
- USA Today Preseason All American (2017)
- First-team all-state (2016)
- High School Varsity Soccer MVP (2016, 2017, 2019)
- USYS Nationals Best XI (2016)
- U.S National Training Center Invitee (2015-2016)
Why Princeton?:
"When deciding where I wanted to continue my academic and athletic career in college, I knew I wanted a place offering unmatched academics and athletics. I chose Princeton because of its rigorous academics, its close-knit student body, and its unparalleled soccer program. The small campus environment mixed with the kindness displayed by every person I met made Princeton feel like home from the minute I first stepped on campus. The resources and constant support offered to students and athletes by faculty, staff, and peers creates a place optimal for success. I connected particularly well with the Princeton mindset of embracing all sorts of challenges and setbacks that will get thrown at me and growing through those problems with the support network I will have. I have already experienced the abundant support and encouragement offered by Coach Sean and Coach Mike, all the girls on the team, and the team of fellows associated with Princeton Women's Soccer, and I am excited to spend the next four years in an environment where I can unlock my potential as a person, scholar, and athlete."
Driscoll on MacNab:
"Heather first caught our attention as a rising ninth grader who took our summer camp by storm. Her ability to impact a game so positively at a young age was truly amazing. Since then, she has continued to develop into a dominant attacking force with a terrific left foot, an eye for goal and the technical ability to break teams down in a variety of ways. She can score goals from distance with power or with finesse from closer range. In addition, she can provide assists with accurate service from the left flank or by slipping passes behind the back line as she moves more centrally."
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From Indianapolis, IN and @FCPRIDESOCCER forward @ochobean Heather was selected as the #17 player in the Great Lakes Region by @topdrawersoccer #GoTigers #Tigers2024 #AnotherChapterBegins pic.twitter.com/MKRCrKQIs8
— Princeton WSoccer (@PrincetonWSoc) May 27, 2020
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Tyler McCamey
5-10 Goalkeeper
Atlanta, Ga.Â
High School: The Westminster Schools
Club Team: Tophat Soccer Club DA (Coach: Troy Garner)Â
Accolades:
- Ranked #28 in Top Drawer Soccer South Atlantic Region Class of 2020
- Tophat Captain (2017/18 & 2019/2020)
- ECNL South East Conference Champions (2015-2017)
- AAA State Championship (2017)
- National Training Center Invitee (2014-2017)
- U15 GNT National Training Camp (2016)
- ODP National Training Event (2016)
"My two priorities in choosing a university were academics and athletics. I wanted a school that was highly prestigious academically and had an elite soccer program and found it here at Princeton. After spending more time with the coaching staff and players on the team, I knew Princeton had the exact environment I wanted to be in. The team chemistry, the coaching staff's vision for the program and the general sense of community on campus immediately impressed me and ultimately sold me on Princeton. I can't wait to represent my dream school on and off the field."Â
Driscoll on McCamey:
"Tyler brings a terrific pedigree to our program. Every time we had the opportunity to watch her play the past couple of years, she has been the epitome of composure. Technically, she is great with her feet, which is something we look for in all of our keepers, and her long-range distribution over distance is really impressive. Her command on crosses is top-notch and she is a very athletic shot stopper. Most importantly, she has a commanding presence and confidence about her that provides assurance to her back line and teammates."
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A Goalkeeper from Atlanta, GA and @NTH_Tophat Tyler McCamey. Tyler is the #28 player in the South Atlantic Region as selected by @topdrawersoccer #GoTigers #Tigers2024 #AnotherChapterBegins pic.twitter.com/EWYZkN5K1j
— Princeton WSoccer (@PrincetonWSoc) May 27, 2020
Ella Midura
5-7 Forward/Center Midfielder
Wellesley, Mass.
High School: Noble and Greenough School (Coach: Joanna Hallac)
Club Team: FC Stars ECNL (Coach: Jason Dewhurst)Â
Accolades:
- Ranked #165 Nationally in Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2020
- Ranked #73 Midfielder in Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2020
- ECNL Northeast Player of the Year (2019)
- ECNL All-America Team (2019)
- ECNL Northeast All-Conference Team (2018 & 2019)
- ECNL Northeast Conference Selection Program (2018 & 2019)
- Massachusetts all-state team (2019)
- All-NEPSAC team (2019)
- All-New England team (2019)
- Noble and Greenough School Team Captain (2019)
Why Princeton?:
"I chose Princeton because of its optimal balance of superior academics and elite athletics. From the first time I stepped on Princeton's beautiful campus, I fell in love with the school and its supportive community. I look forward to being challenged academically and athletically in an environment where everyone strives for success. The amazing coaching staff, inspiring players, and welcoming sense of family on the team along with the promise of an excellent education make Princeton a perfect choice. I feel very lucky for the opportunity to play at Princeton and I'm so excited to be a Tiger in the fall!"Â
Driscoll on Midurai:
"Ella exudes confidence with the ball at her feet. She is a 1-v-1 artist who relishes the opportunity to attack opposing defenses whenever possible. Ella can play centrally as an attacking center mid creatively breaking down center backs or as a wide forward looking to isolate wide backs. Her composure, fast footwork and ability to improvise enable her to excel in tight spaces and, specifically, in the final third. Ella also possesses an accurate shot from distance and the ability to play dangerous passes leading to goal scoring opportunities for her teammates."
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An Attacking Midfielder from Wellesley, MA and @starsofma Ella Midura. Ella is the #165 player overall in the IMG Top 200 as selected by @topdrawersoccer and was selected as the Northeast Conference Player of the Year by @theecnl #GoTigers #Tigers2024 #AnotherChapterBegins pic.twitter.com/WDNYwNf2ct
— Princeton WSoccer (@PrincetonWSoc) May 27, 2020
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Aria Nagai
5-3 Attacking Midfielder
Herndon, Va.
High School: Chantilly (Coach: Melissa Bibbee)
Club Team: BRYC Elite Academy (Coach: Tyler Mishalow)
Accolades:
- Ranked #106 Nationally in Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2020
- Ranked #45 Midfielder in Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2020
- Chantilly High School Team Captain (2020)
- BRYC Elite Captain (2015-2020)
- ECNL National Training Center Best XI (2019)
- ECNL All Conference Team selection (2018 & 2019)
- First-team all-district (2018 & 2019)
- First-team all-region (2018 & 2019)
- Second-team all-state (2019)
"I chose Princeton not only because of the beautiful campus and the opportunity to challenge myself both athletically and academically, but because of the sense of belonging and welcoming nature of the community. Walking around campus, learning of the various resources I had at the school in order to succeed both athletically and academically truly made me feel at home. The sense of camaraderie in the community was such a welcoming, comforting feeling that I felt could not be replicated anywhere else. Knowing that I had the support I needed and that people cared about my success on and off the field was an instrumental factor in choosing Princeton. I'm so excited to have the opportunity to study at one of the best universities in the world while playing the sport I love, surrounded by people that want me to thrive."Â Â
Driscoll on Nagai:
"Aria possesses unique awareness on the field. She has the ability to control the tempo of the game with her vision, technical proficiency, array of passing and confidence in 1-v-1 and 1-v-2 situations. There is a noticeable joy whether she beats players off the dribble or makes a deceptive final pass to assist one of her teammates. Every time our staff watched her play during her recruitment, we were left in awe by a moment of her brilliance. Her vast skill set and offensive qualities make it impossible to know what she will do next, and that is a rare gift."
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A Midfielder from Herndon, VA and @BRYCElite Aria Nagai. Aria is the #106 player overall in the IMG Top 200 as selected by @topdrawersoccer and an @theecnl National Training Center Best XI #GoTigers #Tigers2024 #AnotherChapterBegins pic.twitter.com/4mXHjsxgXN
— Princeton WSoccer (@PrincetonWSoc) May 27, 2020
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Grace Porter
5-5 Midfielder/Back
Oakland, Calif.
Bishop O'Dowd (Coach: Lauren Nadler)
Club Team: EBU Bay Oaks Mavericks (Coach: Jon Nishimoto)
Accolades:
- First-team WACC (2018-2020)
- Bishop O'Dowd MVP (2018-2020)
- Bishop O'Dowd Captain (2018 & 2020)
- ODP State Team 2019
- EBU Bay Oaks Team Captain (2015-2020)
Why Princeton?:
"Growing up, I heard a lot about Princeton because many people in my family have gone there. Because of this, I always knew that I would be interested. A little over a year ago, I got the opportunity to visit the campus for the first time, and that's when I really began to understand what makes Princeton so special. I immediately noticed a sense of community among the students and also a genuine excitement they each had for what they were studying. The soccer program was also a very big draw for me. There is such a clear emphasis on sisterhood and teamwork that I really appreciated. In addition, I have really enjoyed getting to know the coaching staff, and am very excited to have the privilege to be a part of the team. Simply put, I believe that Princeton has the perfect balance of academics, athletics, and community, and there truly is no other school like it."Â
Driscoll on Porter:
"Grace is a player that brings athleticism, vision and an impressive range of passing. She excels in the box-to-box midfield position, naturally covering ground and valuing both the defending and attacking elements of the position. Her timing of late runs out of midfield is impeccable, as is her ability to release players behind the back line with a longer accurate pass. She possesses a lethal left foot, which she is not afraid to unleash from distance and offers another consideration for our set piece arsenal."
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From The Golden State, City of Oakland and @EBUSoccerClub Grace Porter. Grace is a midfielder/defender and was a First Team All-WACC selection #GoTigers #Tigers2024 #AnotherChapterBegins pic.twitter.com/XrKmSt2aHw
— Princeton WSoccer (@PrincetonWSoc) May 27, 2020
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