Lafayette College women’s soccer team inks five recruits from four states

EASTON, PA – Lafayette College women’s soccer head coach Mick Statham announced the addition of five new Leopards to the Class of 2029.

Lafayette’s incoming signees hail from four different states and encompass all four positional groups. The class features two midfielders, a defender, a forward and a goalkeeper from Pennsylvania, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York.

“I am very proud of the student-athletes that have committed to Lafayette in this class”, Statham said. “They are talented group which will no doubt improve our quality. I also love all their personalities. They are smart, enthusiastic and incredibly warm and positive. I look forward to the class enhancing the fabulous returning group we have.”

More information on each of the newest Leopards can be found below:

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Katie Edwards

AT DOWNINGTON STEM: Four-year varsity player…senior captain…2024 All-Ches-Mont First Team… 2023 All-Ches-Mont Second Team…2021 District 4A Champion…2023 ECNL North Atlantic All-Conference Team with youth club FC DELCO…served as a Student-Athlete Leadership Council Member…International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate…member of the National Honor Society…Chess Club Executive…distinguished honor roll.

Why Lafayette: The opportunity to play Division I soccer while excelling academically in a competitive and supportive environment is why I instantly knew I wanted to be a Leopard.

Calleigh Elder

AT BELLINGHAM: Five-year varsity starter…2023 Tri-Valley League All-Star…2024 Tri-Valley League All-Star…played club soccer with Scorpions SC…three-time team MVP…four-year high honor roll student…member of the National Honor Society.

Why Lafayette: I chose Lafayette because the minute I walked on campus, I knew that I wanted to spend the next four years there. The combination of rigorous academics, competitive soccer, and being a perfect distance from home made the decision to attend Lafayette a seamless, easy commitment to make. The team and coaches instantly welcomed me from my first visit and made me feel at home.

Mary Claire Galante

AT ST. IGNATIUS: Two-year varsity starter…amassed over 200 career saves…All-Conference selection two times…All-Sectional Team two times…All-Conference Academic Team two times…2024 voted No. 1 goalkeeper in the section by the IHSSCA…played for 2024 IHSA regional and sectional champions…2024 IHSA 2A quarterfinalists…played club soccer for Eclipse Select…qualified for 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 ECNL National Playoffs…member of the National Honor Society…member of the Spanish Honor Society

Why Lafayette: From the moment I drove up College Hill, I knew that Lafayette was the perfect place I had been looking to spend the next four years of my life. The coaches are remarkable and I know their style of coaching will help me push myself to grow as both a person and player. In all, the ability to challenge myself and pursue rigorous academic and athletic excellence whilst surrounded by a fun, supportive, and dedicated group of women was everything I had ever asked for in my college experience.

Alle Hughes

AT PELHAM MEMORIAL: Totaled over 45 goals and assists in high school…four-year varsity starter…led team in goals…senior captain…Lohud Elite 11 Finalist Watchlist two times…Lohud Elite 11 Best of the Rest List…played for New York Soccer Club…Girls Academy League Champions Cup Finalist…3 Star Ranked Player by Top Drawer Soccer…All-Lower Hudson Valley/Westchester/Putnam County All-Star team honors…All-Section honors two times…All-League honors four times…National Honor Society…English/Math/Spanish/Science National Honor Societies

Why Lafayette: From the moment that I first stepped on campus and met Coach Statham, Coach Herr, and the team, I instantly knew that Lafayette was the place that I wanted to spend my next four years. The very competitive soccer program, amazing people, challenging academics, and beautiful campus made my decision easy, and I can’t wait to be a Leopard!

Era Methoxha

AT ST. GEORGE’S: ODP Midwest Regional Team member…WPSL Summer League member…starter for Bayer Leverkusen…German Bundesliga U17 Championship winners…Bayer Leverkusen U23 Player…Albanian National Team player for four years…named U16 and U17 captain…called up to Women’s National team for games against Belgium and Armenia.

Why Lafayette: I chose Lafayette because it provides the perfect balance of strong academics, community and a competitive athletic program. The campus and support for student-athletes made it feel like the perfect fit for me. As I went on my visit, I saw many appealing aspects that got me very excited about my future and made me call Lafayette home. The beautiful atmosphere and society that Lafayette holds offers the perfect place for growth on so many different levels. I cannot wait to continue the next 4 years of my academic and athletic career as a Leopard!