Penn State women’s soccer signs Belgian U-19 WNT forward Marthe Hens

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – Penn State women’s soccer head coach Erica Dambach announced the signing of Belgian U19 and U17 standout forward Marthe Hens to the Nittany Lions’ 2026 roster.

“Our Penn State women’s soccer family is so happy to welcome Marthe to Happy Valley,” Dambach expressed. “Through the first few years of her youth national team career in Belgium, Marthe has showcased incredible versatility and effectiveness, both in her attacking and in her ability to generate opportunities for her teammates. Penn State has a long tradition of developing elite attacking players from many different walks of life, and we are ecstatic about bringing Marthe in to continue that storied history while she continues to elevate her game.”

MARTHE HENS | FRESHMAN | FORWARD | ANTWERP, BELGIUM
CAMPUS REDINGENHOF LEUVEN / CLUB BRUGGE K.V.

One of the most intriguing youth prospects coming out of Europe in recent years, Hens joins the Nittany Lions as a decorated athlete working alongside both the U19, U17 and U16 Belgian Youth National Teams in international competition. A powerful presence in the front of the formation, Hens boasts a wide array of club and international team experience, highlighted by dominance with Club Brugge K.V. over the last few years. Hens is a two-time national champion in Belgium with Club Brugge at both the U21 and U16 levels, adding a pair of Belgian Cup appearances with the organization at the U18 and U16 classifications. Hens has been an integral piece in the Belgian Women’s Youth National Team system over the past few years, with the incoming Nittany Lion registering 13 caps in the 2026 season to date with the U19 and U17 rosters, amassing four goals and an assist through this point in the year.

A native of Antwerp, Belgium, Hens was born in the summer of 2008 and is the youngest daughter of Jurgen Hens and Colette Blancquaert. She has three siblings, Arthur, Cyriel and a twin brother named Leon. During her time in Happy Valley, Hens plans on studying criminology in the Penn State College of Liberal Arts. She hopes to continue her soccer career professionally upon graduation and ultimately look to leverage her prospective degree in criminology to one day work in the legal field.

FOLLOW MARTHE ON SOCIAL
Instagram | @marthehens
TikTok | @marthehens

WHY MARTHE CHOSE PENN STATE: “I chose Penn State because it immediately felt like the right fit for me. My interactions with the coaching staff gave me great confidence in their vision and in their ability to support my development both on and off the field. Building that trust was especially important to me as an international student. In addition, Penn State stands out for its high standards in both athletics and academics. I am looking for an environment that will challenge me and help me grow in all aspects, and I believe Penn State provides the ideal balance. This combination made my decision very clear.”