Stainton Announces 2018 Recruiting Class
2/15/2018 2:59:00 PM | Women's Soccer
South Orange, N.J. – Seton Hall women's soccer head coach Rick Stainton has announced the 2018 recruiting class that includes nine future Pirates who submitted their national letter of intent on National Signing Day last Wednesday.
This year's signees are from six different states and two countries: Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Ontario, Canada (3), Pennsylvania and Virginia (2).
Emily Arellano | Wadsworth, Ohio | Forward | Cleveland FC
Was a four-year varsity midfielder for Paul Williford at Wadsworth High School…Served as team captain as a senior year…Was a member of the 2017 Suburban League Championship team…Was named 2016 All-State Second Team…Is a seven-time Ohio North State Cup Champion…Chose Seton Hall for its academic reputation and resources.
Head coach Rick Stainton on Arellano: "Emily is very athletic, quick, technical and versatile. She is capable of playing many different roles. As a defender, she attacks out of the back quickly with confidence. As a midfielder, she is good in combination with creative and deceptive technical ability. As a winger, she gets behind defenders by unbalancing them with the dribble or pass. She's very effective in setting up teammates but can also make you pay with finishing chances herself."
Claudia D'Angelo | Stoney Creek, Ontario | Midfielder | Saltfleet Stoney Creek
A four-year varsity midfielder and two-year captain for Cardinal Newman High School…Was honored as Junior and Senior Athlete of the Year…Helped guide her school to two City Championships (2016, 2017), as well as a finals appearance (2015)…Member of the 2011 Barrie Cup Champions, 2012 and 2013 Robbie Cup Champions and 2014 Ontario Cup Champions… Was also a four-year member of the varsity basketball team where she served as a three-year captain…Chose Seton Hall because of her immediate connection with the campus and coaches.
Head coach Rick Stainton on D'Angelo: "Claudia is one of the most creative players I have seen. She does things that make you ask, "How did she pull that off?" What impresses me about Claudia is that she is very methodical but creative, consistent and smooth. She is the player who sets up the one who is going to assist that next player for the goal. The second-assist type of player. The player who goes unnoticed. She breaks defenses down. Her vision and technical ability sets her apart from many."
Marisa DiFonso | Joppa, Md. | Defender | Bethesda ECNL
Was a four-year varsity forward, defender and outside midfielder under the tutelage of Hayley Howe at The John Carroll School…Was named 2017 All-Harford County First Team…Chose Seton Hall because of the campus, coaches and the proximity to New York City.
Head coach Rick Stainton on DiFonso: "Marisa is an aggressive back who wins tackles and is composed in possession. Her athleticism allows her to recover, provide support and get involved in transition very well. She possesses great soccer traits and exhibits versatility to make an impact in various roles and situations."
Lauren DiPietro | Stoney Creek, Ontario | Defender | Saltfleet Stoney Creek
Was a four-year varsity fullback and winger at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School …Served as a team-captain as a junior and senior…Ranked the No. 1 prospect in Ontario by GotSoccer.com (2013,2014,2015)...Played in the 2014 Canadian National Soccer Championships where her team totaled 21 goals and zero goals against…Given "Fair Play" award at 2014 Canadian National Soccer Championships… Was also a member of the varsity basketball and volleyball teams…Chose Seton Hall because its promotion of academic excellence as well as spiritual and personal growth.
Head coach Rick Stainton on DiPietro: "Lauren is an attacking back who can "fly" up and down the flank. She is very impactful on both sides of the ball. She is deceptive in size, but very strong, confident and influential. She has the knack of cutting angles to make it tough for attackers to get in behind. She reads the game, anticipates and intercepts passes very well. She is very quick in transition to start attacks. Her ability to go inside or outside will create dangerous opportunities for our team."
Kiley Harnish | Middlebury, Conn. | Forward | Connecticut FC ECNL
A four-year varsity forward and midfielder under the guidance of Phil Mongelluzzo at Holy Cross High School…Served as a team captain…Along with her soccer career, was a member of the varsity swim and track team…Was awarded named to the All-Naugatuck Valley League team as a Junior (2016) and a Senior (2017)…Was named the "Best City Player" in 2016…Scored three goals in the 2016 "All Star City" game and was awarded Most Valuable Player…Chose Seton Hall because of how comfortable she felt during her visit.
Head coach Rick Stainton on Harnish: "Kiley has the prototypical build conducive to the size and strength of our conference. She is an attack-minded player who is dangerous when facing up to defenders, but also has the ability to play back to goal. She can strike from various ranges, with power or creativity. She is composed, but a handful to deal with around the box. She possesses the mentality to take risks with the intentions of making something happen."
Lizzy Kirk | Yardley, Pa. | Midfielder | FC Bucks ECNL
A four-year varsity center midfielder under the direction of Kim Voorhees at Pennsbury High School…Also earned a total of eight varsity letters running the 800 and 1600 during indoor and outdoor track…A 2016 and 2017 All-National Conference selection…Scored a total of 15 career goals and 12 assists…High school team went 73-9-5 during her tenure and was a four-time league champion and two-time district champion…A member of the Pennsylvania State Champion distance medley relay track squad…Enjoys skiing, running and reading…Chose Seton Hall because of the competitive BIG EAST Conference and the exceptional business program.
Head coach Rick Stainton on Kirk: "Lizzy is one of those "under the radar" gems. She is already impactful and successful as a player, but I don't think she has come close to what I believe she can become and how she can influence a game. With her drive and will, she can soar! She is a fast, fit, technical, box-to-box midfielder with many of the physical attributes that can match up and contribute well with conference opponents. Her mobility and combination play makes her dangerous in attack. Her ability to get back and recover quickly provides a good defensive presence."
Sydney Kulenguski | Annandale, Va. | Midfielder | Arlington Red 99
Was a two-year varsity midfielder under Warren Williams at Wilbert Tucker Woodson High School…An All-District First Team selection in 2017…Played club soccer for the Arlington 1999G Red, where she served as team-captain…Chose Seton hall because of her love for the campus, facilities and the athletics.
Head coach Rick Stainton on Kulenguski: "Sydney is a midfielder who loves and needs to be on the ball. She links up the lines very well with the ability of getting up and down the field. She is a playmaker who can beat defenders with passes through and behind. She doesn't shy away from taking shots and has tools to be a threatening with set plays."
Erin O'Neill | Randolph, N.J. | Defender | STA Soccer
Was a four-year varsity defender and midfielder under Colleen Suflay at Randolph High School…Served as team-captain as a senior…Named first team all-conference as a senior and 2nd team all-conference as a junior…Named NJGSCA All-State as a senior…Won conference and county championships as a freshman…Chose Seton Hall because of her three-generation Pirate legacy .
Head coach Rick Stainton on O'Neill: "Erin is a third generation Pirate! She is someone who understands what it takes and has great pride in being a Seton Hall Pirate. She is a defender who works hard to break up plays. Someone who has the mindset to do what she can for the greater success of the team. She possesses a work ethic and spirit that will challenge for opportunities."
Emma Ramsay | Mississauga, Ontario | Midfielder | Stoney Creek Battalion
Attended Lorne Park Secondary School…Trained at the provincial level since 2013…A member of the U14, U15 and U16 Ontario Provincial Team…Started for the U18 Canada Games program in 2017…A three-year captain of the Stoney Creek Battalion soccer club…While at Lorne Park also participate in field hockey, rugby and volleyball...Grandfather played football at the University of Toronto…Enjoys traveling, readings, skiing, snowboarding and working out.
Head coach Rick Stainton on Ramsay: "Emma embodies many, if not all, of the traits we look for to represent Seton Hall. Emma is a powerful, tough, gritty player who has very good technical ability and tactical savviness. Her work rate is continuous and extremely effective. She has the mindset of doing what it takes to be successful combined with the will to get the job done. Emma is very determined and will certainly contribute greatly to our future success."
Coach Stainton overall statement on 2018 recruiting class: "There is a lot of excitement around this incoming class of 2018! This class adds further depth and experience to our already talented roster. As our program continues to grow and compete, this class will further challenge and strengthen our program to greater heights."
"We are a program of great character, which is a standard that this class understands and embraces! This class has the grit, will, determination, and work ethic that our program currently expects and demands. We look forward to their contributions in the success ahead for our program."
This year's signees are from six different states and two countries: Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Ontario, Canada (3), Pennsylvania and Virginia (2).
Emily Arellano | Wadsworth, Ohio | Forward | Cleveland FC
Was a four-year varsity midfielder for Paul Williford at Wadsworth High School…Served as team captain as a senior year…Was a member of the 2017 Suburban League Championship team…Was named 2016 All-State Second Team…Is a seven-time Ohio North State Cup Champion…Chose Seton Hall for its academic reputation and resources.
Head coach Rick Stainton on Arellano: "Emily is very athletic, quick, technical and versatile. She is capable of playing many different roles. As a defender, she attacks out of the back quickly with confidence. As a midfielder, she is good in combination with creative and deceptive technical ability. As a winger, she gets behind defenders by unbalancing them with the dribble or pass. She's very effective in setting up teammates but can also make you pay with finishing chances herself."
Claudia D'Angelo | Stoney Creek, Ontario | Midfielder | Saltfleet Stoney Creek
A four-year varsity midfielder and two-year captain for Cardinal Newman High School…Was honored as Junior and Senior Athlete of the Year…Helped guide her school to two City Championships (2016, 2017), as well as a finals appearance (2015)…Member of the 2011 Barrie Cup Champions, 2012 and 2013 Robbie Cup Champions and 2014 Ontario Cup Champions… Was also a four-year member of the varsity basketball team where she served as a three-year captain…Chose Seton Hall because of her immediate connection with the campus and coaches.
Head coach Rick Stainton on D'Angelo: "Claudia is one of the most creative players I have seen. She does things that make you ask, "How did she pull that off?" What impresses me about Claudia is that she is very methodical but creative, consistent and smooth. She is the player who sets up the one who is going to assist that next player for the goal. The second-assist type of player. The player who goes unnoticed. She breaks defenses down. Her vision and technical ability sets her apart from many."
Marisa DiFonso | Joppa, Md. | Defender | Bethesda ECNL
Was a four-year varsity forward, defender and outside midfielder under the tutelage of Hayley Howe at The John Carroll School…Was named 2017 All-Harford County First Team…Chose Seton Hall because of the campus, coaches and the proximity to New York City.
Head coach Rick Stainton on DiFonso: "Marisa is an aggressive back who wins tackles and is composed in possession. Her athleticism allows her to recover, provide support and get involved in transition very well. She possesses great soccer traits and exhibits versatility to make an impact in various roles and situations."
Lauren DiPietro | Stoney Creek, Ontario | Defender | Saltfleet Stoney Creek
Was a four-year varsity fullback and winger at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School …Served as a team-captain as a junior and senior…Ranked the No. 1 prospect in Ontario by GotSoccer.com (2013,2014,2015)...Played in the 2014 Canadian National Soccer Championships where her team totaled 21 goals and zero goals against…Given "Fair Play" award at 2014 Canadian National Soccer Championships… Was also a member of the varsity basketball and volleyball teams…Chose Seton Hall because its promotion of academic excellence as well as spiritual and personal growth.
Head coach Rick Stainton on DiPietro: "Lauren is an attacking back who can "fly" up and down the flank. She is very impactful on both sides of the ball. She is deceptive in size, but very strong, confident and influential. She has the knack of cutting angles to make it tough for attackers to get in behind. She reads the game, anticipates and intercepts passes very well. She is very quick in transition to start attacks. Her ability to go inside or outside will create dangerous opportunities for our team."
Kiley Harnish | Middlebury, Conn. | Forward | Connecticut FC ECNL
A four-year varsity forward and midfielder under the guidance of Phil Mongelluzzo at Holy Cross High School…Served as a team captain…Along with her soccer career, was a member of the varsity swim and track team…Was awarded named to the All-Naugatuck Valley League team as a Junior (2016) and a Senior (2017)…Was named the "Best City Player" in 2016…Scored three goals in the 2016 "All Star City" game and was awarded Most Valuable Player…Chose Seton Hall because of how comfortable she felt during her visit.
Head coach Rick Stainton on Harnish: "Kiley has the prototypical build conducive to the size and strength of our conference. She is an attack-minded player who is dangerous when facing up to defenders, but also has the ability to play back to goal. She can strike from various ranges, with power or creativity. She is composed, but a handful to deal with around the box. She possesses the mentality to take risks with the intentions of making something happen."
Lizzy Kirk | Yardley, Pa. | Midfielder | FC Bucks ECNL
A four-year varsity center midfielder under the direction of Kim Voorhees at Pennsbury High School…Also earned a total of eight varsity letters running the 800 and 1600 during indoor and outdoor track…A 2016 and 2017 All-National Conference selection…Scored a total of 15 career goals and 12 assists…High school team went 73-9-5 during her tenure and was a four-time league champion and two-time district champion…A member of the Pennsylvania State Champion distance medley relay track squad…Enjoys skiing, running and reading…Chose Seton Hall because of the competitive BIG EAST Conference and the exceptional business program.
Head coach Rick Stainton on Kirk: "Lizzy is one of those "under the radar" gems. She is already impactful and successful as a player, but I don't think she has come close to what I believe she can become and how she can influence a game. With her drive and will, she can soar! She is a fast, fit, technical, box-to-box midfielder with many of the physical attributes that can match up and contribute well with conference opponents. Her mobility and combination play makes her dangerous in attack. Her ability to get back and recover quickly provides a good defensive presence."
Sydney Kulenguski | Annandale, Va. | Midfielder | Arlington Red 99
Was a two-year varsity midfielder under Warren Williams at Wilbert Tucker Woodson High School…An All-District First Team selection in 2017…Played club soccer for the Arlington 1999G Red, where she served as team-captain…Chose Seton hall because of her love for the campus, facilities and the athletics.
Head coach Rick Stainton on Kulenguski: "Sydney is a midfielder who loves and needs to be on the ball. She links up the lines very well with the ability of getting up and down the field. She is a playmaker who can beat defenders with passes through and behind. She doesn't shy away from taking shots and has tools to be a threatening with set plays."
Erin O'Neill | Randolph, N.J. | Defender | STA Soccer
Was a four-year varsity defender and midfielder under Colleen Suflay at Randolph High School…Served as team-captain as a senior…Named first team all-conference as a senior and 2nd team all-conference as a junior…Named NJGSCA All-State as a senior…Won conference and county championships as a freshman…Chose Seton Hall because of her three-generation Pirate legacy .
Head coach Rick Stainton on O'Neill: "Erin is a third generation Pirate! She is someone who understands what it takes and has great pride in being a Seton Hall Pirate. She is a defender who works hard to break up plays. Someone who has the mindset to do what she can for the greater success of the team. She possesses a work ethic and spirit that will challenge for opportunities."
Emma Ramsay | Mississauga, Ontario | Midfielder | Stoney Creek Battalion
Attended Lorne Park Secondary School…Trained at the provincial level since 2013…A member of the U14, U15 and U16 Ontario Provincial Team…Started for the U18 Canada Games program in 2017…A three-year captain of the Stoney Creek Battalion soccer club…While at Lorne Park also participate in field hockey, rugby and volleyball...Grandfather played football at the University of Toronto…Enjoys traveling, readings, skiing, snowboarding and working out.
Head coach Rick Stainton on Ramsay: "Emma embodies many, if not all, of the traits we look for to represent Seton Hall. Emma is a powerful, tough, gritty player who has very good technical ability and tactical savviness. Her work rate is continuous and extremely effective. She has the mindset of doing what it takes to be successful combined with the will to get the job done. Emma is very determined and will certainly contribute greatly to our future success."
Coach Stainton overall statement on 2018 recruiting class: "There is a lot of excitement around this incoming class of 2018! This class adds further depth and experience to our already talented roster. As our program continues to grow and compete, this class will further challenge and strengthen our program to greater heights."
"We are a program of great character, which is a standard that this class understands and embraces! This class has the grit, will, determination, and work ethic that our program currently expects and demands. We look forward to their contributions in the success ahead for our program."
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