Six to Join Women's Soccer Program from the Class of 2027

Six members of the Princeton Class of 2027 will join the Tiger women's soccer program as the team gets set for its 2023 campaign, set to begin Aug. 25 at Roberts Stadium with a visit from Monmouth.

"The class of 2027 marks the eighth group of gifted student-athletes that Associate Head Coach Mike Poller and I have assembled," Princeton head coach Sean Driscoll said. "Every year we are incredibly proud to welcome new faces that will continue to enhance our program and enrich our lives. When putting this class together, our primary objective was to identify individuals who embraced the incomparable opportunity to immerse themselves into a world class education and, at the same time, demonstrated a burning desire to compete at the highest level of athletics. Esme, Cece, Bella, Zoe, Kayla, and Becca are ambitious, determined, and talented and will bring quality and depth to every position on the field. The intangibles that six of them offer will be a wonderful addition to our ever-evolving team culture and the Princeton community. We are extremely excited to welcome our newest class to a university, athletic department and alumnae base that will forever shape their lives."

Cecilia cerone welcome graphic goalkeeper Dallas Texas posed photo

Cecilia cerone welcome graphic goalkeeper Dallas Texas posed photo

Cecilia Cerone
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Height: 5'9"
Position: Goalkeeper
Club Team: DKSC 04/05 ECNL (Coach Michael Bones)
High School: Grapevine High School (Coach Steve McBride)

Accolades:

USYNT Regional ID Camps (2019, 2020, 2021)
US Youth Soccer National Champion (2019)
US Youth Soccer Golden Glove Winner (2019)
US Youth Soccer Best 11 (2019)
ECNL 1st team All Conference (2021)
Texas State Champion (2023)
Texas All State Tournament Team (2023)

Cerone on Princeton:
"When I stepped onto the campus at Princeton for the first time as a junior in high school, amidst the stress, fear, and obstacles that the college recruiting process had brought, and not knowing what the future held for me, I felt that Princeton was special. I knew that it was where I needed to be and I could not envision myself anywhere else. Seeing the opportunity I had to be surrounded by teammates, coaches, classmates, and teachers who were dedicated to helping me succeed and would push me to reach my full potential, all while simultaneously fueling my passions on the soccer field and in the classroom, was something I knew that I had to be a part of. I cannot wait to join the incredible community and experience the endless possibilities that Princeton has to offer. I am so excited to be a Tiger!"

Driscoll on Cerone:
"The first thing we look for in a goalkeeper is an innate presence. From the minute our staff first saw Cece, we felt she possessed that intangible and more. She is an explosive athlete that makes very difficult saves look routine. In addition, Cece offers a tremendous range of distribution with both her hands and feet. Her ability to start our attack quickly and accurately with long throws will provide another dimension to our offense. Most importantly, she exudes a confidence and fearlessness on crosses, which will be a massive asset in the college game."

Isabella graces center forward Smithfield Rhode Island posed photo

Isabella graces center forward Smithfield Rhode Island posed photo

Isabella Garces
Height: 6'0"
Position: Center Forward
Hometown: Smithfield, R.I.
Club Team: NEFC GA 2005 (Coaches Nick Burke, Matt Jones, Steve Grimshaw)
High School: Tabor Academy (Coach Steve Sughrue)

Accolades:

Ranked #122 Nationally in Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2023
U-17 USYNT Top 50 Player Pool (2021)
US National Training Center (2018-2021)
NEFC 04/05 GA Team Captain (2019-2023)
All-ISL (2021-2022)
All-NEPSAC Class A (2021-2022)

Garces on Princeton:
"From the first time I stepped on campus for a simple pass-through on the way to a tournament at age 13, I felt strangely at home and comfortable at Princeton. When it came time to enter the recruitment process, Princeton immediately stood above, as a school where I could find both athletic and academic rigor. I chose Princeton for the person I would become, and the unmatched opportunity I feel that is offered to continue to improve. When I first spoke to Coach Sean and Coach Mike, I knew this was the place where I could work to achieve all the success I wished for, alongside players who wanted the same. The Princeton women's soccer team radiates the grit, determination, passion, and hard work I knew I wanted in a program, all while providing a supportive, family environment that truly wants the best for its members. I feel beyond blessed and excited to start this new journey and look forward to bringing home an Ivy trophy. Go Tigers!"

Driscoll on Garces:
"Bella will add another dimension to our attack with her combination of speed, size, and strength. Her ability to play back to pressure and link with midfield as well as face up and run at opposing backlines make her unpredictable and very difficult to defend. We also place a high value on her movement inside the penalty box and appreciate her nose for the goal. Perhaps her most unique trait is her prowess in the air, which has become something of a lost art in our sport. As a result, we feel Bella has the potential to be a real threat on crosses and set pieces."

Zoe Markesini welcome graphic posed photo Markham, Ontario center back

Zoe Markesini welcome graphic posed photo Markham, Ontario center back

Zoe Markesini
Hometown: Markham, Ont.
Approx. height: 5'8"
Soccer position- Center Back
Club Team: NDC Ontario (Coach Joey Lombardi)
High School: Bill Crothers Secondary School

Accolades:

Ontario Provincial Soccer Team (2019)
Canada Games Gold medalist (2022)
League 1 Ontario Champions (2022)
League 1 Defender of the year (2022)
Canada U17 3rd place CONCACAF (2022)
Canada U17 FIFA Women's World Cup Team Captain (2022)
Canada U20 Women's PRE-CONCACAF Qualifier (2023)

Markesini on Princeton:
"When I first stepped foot onto the Princeton campus, I instantly felt a connection and could picture myself there. The incredible balance of academics and athletics was a clear standout for me. The women's soccer program made me feel right at home from the minute I visited. The success of the program made it extremely appealing; not to mention the like-minded players that all share the same sense of compete, drive, and unity. When initially speaking to Coach Sean and Coach Mike through the recruiting process, their genuine kindness, authenticity, and devotion to the program and players was more than apparent. Princeton offers me the opportunity to obtain a world class education and to not only develop as a player, but as a person. I can't wait to make Princeton the next part of my journey and become a Tiger!"

Driscoll on Markesini:
"Zoe has an exceptional soccer IQ and understanding of the game. The savvy she has developed over the years with the Canadian National Team is evident in her calming presence, organizational skills, and ability to play out of the back. She is rarely flustered and will provide us with the composure we value in our backline as well as the mettle and awareness required when defending. In addition, she offers innate leadership skills which has been demonstrated time and time again by her captaincy with the Canadian U-17 Team."

esme rudell welcome graphic Los Angeles calif defensive midfielder posed photo

esme rudell welcome graphic Los Angeles calif defensive midfielder posed photo

Esme Rudell
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
Height: 5'9"
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Club Team: Tudela FC LA 2005 (Coach Jacob Tudela)
High School: The Marlborough School (Coach Carl Dickson)

Accolades:

Club team captain (2016-2023)
2 year high school varsity captain (11th & 12th)
High school MVP (12th)
High school coach's award (9th/11th)
Angelus League champs (2023)
Angelus League MVP (2023)
Sunshine League 1st Team (2022)
CalSouth ODP pool (2020/21)

Rudell on Princeton:
"From my first visit to Princeton, I knew I was in the right place. I got home and immediately started counting down the days until I could get on campus and join such a fantastic team. I've been with my club team for a really long time, they're family, so I always thought it'd be impossible to find a team environment that could live up to that experience. However, to my surprise, I found it in Princeton. Princeton embodies the perfect blend of academic excellence and a historic athletic tradition, which work in conjunction to support and push each student-athlete. I know that the coaching staff, team, and surrounding community will help shape me to be the best version of myself, both on and off the field."

Driscoll on Rudell:
"Esme has the uncanny ability to change her game to suit her opponent. She can play with finesse and keep the tempo high with her technical quality and awareness or she can mix it up and play a more physical and combative style. Her value of the ball, ability to play with both feet, and defensive presence will be a great addition to our midfield or backline. While she possesses many impressive qualities, it is her willingness to do anything for her team's success and an unstoppable engine that stand out above all else."

Rebecca sherry welcome graphic defender Tiburon calif posed photo

Rebecca sherry welcome graphic defender Tiburon calif posed photo

Rebecca Sherry
Hometown: Tiburon, Calif.
Height: 5'10"
Position: Defender
Club Team: Mustang SC ECNL (Mike Kelley and Patrick Uriz) / Kaohsiung Sunny Bank (Coach Takeshi Inoguchi)
High School: Marin Academy High School (Josh Kalkstein)

Accolades:

Top Drawer Soccer #23 Ranked Player for Northern California & Hawaii in Class of 2023
NorCal PDP Pool (2018-2021)
US Soccer Training Center Invite (2017-2018)
US Youth Soccer Region IV ODP Team (2018-2019)
Cal North ODP State Team (2017-2019)
Bay Counties League West MVP (2022)
High School Team Captain (2021, 2022)
North Coast Section CIF D4 Champion (2022)
Bay Counties League West 4x Undefeated League Champion

Sherry on Princeton:
"Raised in a multiracial family that values education above most else, my recruiting process was shaped by finding a balance between an academically rigorous experience, an elite Division I soccer program, and a diverse, inclusive student body. Princeton women's soccer's possession-oriented, attack-minded style stood out to me throughout my process as a lively, enjoyable system similar to the ones I had thrived in at a youth level. From my first conversations with Coach Sean and Coach Mike, I unequivocally believed in their vision and drive in continuing to build PWS as a powerhouse. More importantly, their emphasis on building a team culture committed to personal development, not just as athletes or scholars but also as human beings, deeply resonated with me. This could not have been more apparent in the warm, genuine reception from the team during visits to campus. Academically, Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs offers unparalleled access to global experts as professors and mentors and will prepare me for a career beyond soccer. I know there is no better place to spend the next four years. Princeton is the ideal amalgamation of academic and athletic excellence with a diverse, supportive community, and I could not be more thrilled to be a tiger!"

Driscoll on Sherry:
"Among the many traits we admire in Becca, her versatility jumps off the page. Over the past few years, she has played all three positions across the front line and has also become adept in the wide back position. Regardless of where she plays, her tenacity is evident as is her athleticism. She also possesses a terrific left foot, which provides a real threat in terms of flank service and shots on frame. Becca's competitive drive is unmistakable as is her ability to impact the game both with and without the ball."

Kayla wong welcome graphic midfielder manalapan New Jersey posed photo

Kayla wong welcome graphic midfielder manalapan New Jersey posed photo

Kayla Wong
Hometown: Manalapan, N.J.
Height: 5'4"
Position: Midfielder
Club Team: PDA Blue 04/05 ECNL (Coach Mick Smith)
High School: Freehold Township (Coach Dave Patterson)

Accolades:

Ranked #61 Nationally in Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2023
ECNL National Selection Game (2022)
ECNL All Conference North Atlantic (2021)
US U17 WNT Camp (2021)
Id2 National Selection International Tour (2020)
International Champions Cup-All Tournament Player (2019)
US U15 WNT Camp (2019)
ECNL National Training Camp (2018)
id2 Training Camp (2018)
PDA Team Captain (2017-present)
Freehold Township Team Captain (2021-2022)
NJGSCA State Top 20 January (2023)
2022 NJGSCA Top 20 Central Region (2023)
2022 United Soccer Coaches All East Region (2022)
2022 All Division, All Monmouth, All Shore
All Group 4, All State First Team December 2022
A North Player of the Year (2022)
Monmouth County Player of the Year (2022)
2022 High School All American November 2022
2021 All State Team December 2021
2021 All Group Team December 2021
2021 NJGSCA Top 20 Central Region December 2021

Wong on Princeton:
"Ever since I was a little girl, I have always dreamt of what it would be like to go to Princeton. Growing up a mere 30 minutes away, I would ride down Nassau Street and admire the historically rich architecture and picturesque scenery encapsulated within those ivy walls. However, it wasn't until my freshman year when I had the exciting chance to be a ball girl for one of the home soccer games that I got to see what it was really like to be a Princeton tiger. At that game, I experienced, first-hand, the gritty culture of the team and the passionate energy coming from Coach Driscoll and Coach Poller. The stands were packed with fans, and I instantly began to realize how close knit the Princeton community was. My recruitment process only confirmed that Princeton's breathtaking campus, school spirit, and dedication to academics and athletics were truly unmatched. Now, each time I step on campus, I am reminded of how grateful I am to be a Tiger and how exciting the future will be. I am ecstatic to call Princeton my home for the next four years, and I look forward to embracing every valuable challenge, opportunity, and lesson that Princeton offers me. Go Tigers!"

Driscoll on Wong:
"When identifying midfielders, our priority is to find players who demonstrate comfort on the ball under any amount of pressure. Every time we have watched Kayla play, our staff has walked away impressed with her awareness, composure, and technical proficiency. Her speed of play is excellent due to her vision and astute decision making. In addition to her attacking capabilities, Kayla is an equally talented defender that is relentless in her work rate and wins a high percentage of individual duels. With her attributes, we believe she has the potential to play in any of our midfield positions."

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Recent Results