Despite their young roster, the Penn State Altoona women's soccer team believes they have a wealth of experience that will help the Lions ascend the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference this season. 

Penn State Altoona went 6-9-2 overall and 5-2-1 in the AMCC last fall, when the team was the third seeded team in the playoffs. The Lions reached the semi-finals, where they were defeated by second-seeded Pitt-Greensburg.  

On the field, the team returns second-team all-conference selection, senior midfielder Rachel Rutkowski (Canonsburg, PA/Canon-McMillan), as well as third-team all-conference pick, sophomore defender Madeline Boser (Beaver, PA/Beaver). Rutkowski would finish the season with two goals and one assist. Boser started all 17 games for the Lions, becoming a crucial member of a defense that only conceded 33 goals, the third least in the conference.  

Head coach Pam Snyder Etters, who is entering her 15th season at the helm of the women's soccer program, expects the team's two seniors to contribute heavily this season.  

"There are two seniors that we expect significant contributions from in forward Jordan Yaletsko (Philadelphia, PA/Philadelphia Academy Charter) and midfielder Rachel Rutkowski. Jordan is a gutsy and aggressive player who loves the game and loves to score. Rachel is a returning all-conference player and a reliable staple in the midfield. Equally threatening on both offense and defense, we expect her to play a significant role in our success this fall." 

Senior midfielder Hailey Yaletsko (Philadelphia, PA/Philadelphia Academy Charter) rounds out the Lions' senior class, entering her fourth year with the program. 

Between the posts, Etters is excited for junior shot stopper Mya Torres (Culpeper, VA/Culpeper County) to make her debut this season. 

"We are very happy to have picked up transfer, Mya Torres, this fall. One of our greatest concerns in the off-season was the goalkeeping position. While Mya did not see playing time at her former institution behind a solid upperclassman, she is a former Virginia ODP athlete and is beyond ready to step onto the field as our starting keeper in her junior year." 

Additionally, returning defender Erin McCarrie (Blackwood, NJ/Paul VI) will bring plenty of college soccer experience to the team's lineup 

Etters also has a strong belief in the team's sophomore's class. 

"Our sophomore class is one of the best classes we have seen here at Penn State Altoona. While only sophomores, most of them were starters as freshmen and all of them saw solid playing time, so their experience is certainly beyond that of a typical sophomore. Three of these athletes, Kylei Martin (Mifflinburg, PA/Mifflinburg), Madeline Boser, and Grace Turner (Stevensville, MD/Kent Island), will anchor our backline. Madi was an all-AMCC defender as a freshman, and Kylei and Grace are both strong and intelligent players. Taylor Fredrick (Mifflinburg, PA/Mifflinburg) is expected to contribute her talents in the midfield. One of the best ball handlers in the conference, I expect her to manage the middle of the park and bring vision and range. Additionally, Bridget Martin (Manheim, PA/Manheim Central) and Kira Knox (Clearfield, PA/Clearfield) should see expanded minutes this season, earning opportunities in both the midfield and front line." 

The freshman class is full of talent and focused energy, according to Etters. 

"Our freshman class has also brought a vibrant but focused energy to the squad throughout pre-season. Freshman Kira Trexler (Martinsburg, PA/Central) comes off a standout high school career, and we anticipate big things lie ahead for her. Jayda Tilghman (Mifflinburg, PA/Mifflinburg) comes to us from the same high school as sophomores Taylor Frederick and Kylei Martin. They have both spoken so highly of her throughout the recruiting process, and she has not disappointed. Her strength, speed, and knowledge of the game will allow her to transition quickly to the college game. Perhaps the biggest surprise so far has come from freshman Ivory MoDavis (Bethlehem, PA/Southern Lehigh). She has brought a lot of energy, confidence, and determination to preseason. Rounding out our freshman class are Emma Spanik (Blandburg, PA/Glendale), Camryn Morley (Coatesville, PA/Coatesville), Ava Lilliock (Malone, NY/Franklin Academy), and Alexa Adiarte (West Grove, PA/Avon Grove). I expect all four of these athletes to provide depth to our program and see playing time this fall." 

Penn State Altoona opens its 2025 schedule with an away game this Friday, August 29, against Wilson at 5:00 p.m. The Lions will face seven more non-conference opponents before kicking off their AMCC schedule with a major match against last year's AMCC champions, Penn State Behrend, on Saturday, September 27 at 1:00 p.m. 

The team's full schedule can be viewed on psaltoonalions.com. 

"Overall, we are excited to see what this team can put on the field," said Etters. "With such a significant turnover in our roster, we anticipate a few mild growing pains, but we are still looking to secure playoffs and have a chance at a championship when all is said and done."