SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University head women's soccer coach Sam Odell announced the 2025 Shepherd women's soccer recruiting class. Fifteen student-athletes have signed letters-of-intent to play soccer for the Rams this fall.

Shepherd is coming off the best season in program history as the Rams posted an 18-2-4 overall mark with a 13-1-2 record in PSAC East play. The Rams were PSAC champions, Atlantic Region champions, and advanced to the Elite Eight. Shepherd ranked eighth in the final United Soccer Coaches Poll. The Rams return a trio of All-Americans in senior forward Lydia Gable (Felton, Pa./Kennard Dale), senior midfielder Sarah Peternel (Wolfeboro, N.H./Virtual Learning Academy Charter School/New Hampshire), and redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Wilt (Saint Leonard, Md./Calvert).

The Rams look to build upon last year's success as they open the 2025 season on Sept. 6 at home against Lock Haven at 4:30 p.m. Shepherd's 16-game slate features eight contests at home, where the Rams posted a 10-1-1 mark last season.

Below is a breakdown of the 2025 recruiting class.

Sam Broady (Williamsburg, Va./Walsingham Academy), a 5-5 freshman forward, was a five-year standout at Walsingham Academy. She was a four-year team captain and Team MVP.  Broady was named Female Athlete of the Year in 2025. She was a three-time first team All-Conference choice and a first team All-State selection as a senior.
 
Odell on Sam Broady
"Combative and energetic, Sam is a hard-working player who combines this with an innate ability in front of goal that will see her hone her craft here at Shepherd."
 
Abbie Davis (Pottsville, Pa./Pottsville Area), a 5-3 freshman forward, lettered four years at Pottsville Area High School. She was a three-time first team All-County selection. Broady tallied 31 goals and 49 assists for her career.
 
Odell on Abbie Davis
 "Abbie comes to us with a range of club experiences that saw her develop across a variety of positions. Her craft and intelligence in tight areas are abilities that we look forward to welcoming to Shepherd."
 
Katelyn Economopoulos (Grantsville, Pa./Lower Dauphin/Kutztown), a 5-3 junior midfielder, lettered four years in soccer at Lower Dauphin High School where she was a member of four soccer division champion teams and one district champion team. Economopoulos is a transfer from Kutztown where she gained second team All American, PSAC Freshman of the Year, first team All-PSAC East, and first team All-Region honors.
 
Odell on Katelyn Economopoulos
"Katelyn's well-rounded technical base and creativity in attacking areas are a credit to her game. She brings with her a wealth of collegiate experience that we are looking forward to welcoming."
 
Ella Furlong (Liverpool, England/Wirral Grammar/San Diego State), a 5-5 junior midfielder, was a standout a Wirral Grammar. She played at the prestigious Manchester City Academy in Manchester, England. She saw time at multiple positions while at Manchester City, including central midfield and outside back. Furlong is a transfer from San Diego State.
 
Odell on Ella Furlong
"Ella will add valuable experience in strengthening our midfield. A youth career spent learning the game in England will add a unique element to the team that we are excited to welcome."
 
Ella Morningstar (Vienna, Va./Paul VI), a 5-5 freshman forward was a standout at Paul VI Catholic High School. She was a two-time All-Conference honoree and a member of the 2024 WCAC Girls Soccer Championship team. Morningstar started in all 16 games in 2024 and helped lead her team to a 13-2-1 record.


Odell on Ella Morningstar
"A fast, energetic attacker, Ella isn't afraid to take defenders on with a bravery that will see her excel. We are excited to be working with her as she continues to develop her game."

 Adena Nielsen (Bethesda, Md./Walter Johnson), a 5-4 freshman forward/midfielder, was a standout at Walter Johnson High School. She earned Wildcat Award honors, She garnered numerous academic awards, including Walter Johnson HS Spectator Art Magazine, Selected Artist, and Art and Technology Award for Excellence in Ceramics & Sculpture accolades.

Odell on Adena Nielsen
"A technical, creative player, Adena has the versatility to play a range of positions and do so with skill. It is these abilities that she will look to utilize during her time on the program."

Aniyah Parker (Egg Harbor Township, N.J./Egg Harbor Township), a 5-3 freshman defender/midfielder, lettered four years in soccer at Egg Harbor Township High School. She was a two-year team captain and a three-time first team Cape Atlantic League choice. Parker was also a two-time All-South Jersey and All-State selection.
 
Odell on Aniyah Parker
"A well-rounded player who is known for her ability to create opportunities on one end of the field and also prevent them at the other. Aniyah's energy and aggression will be of great benefit to the team."

Mary Beth Skelton (Nesbit, Miss./St. George's Independent School/UT Chattanooga), a 5-5 redshirt-sophomore defender, was a two-time All-District and All-Metro choice at St. George's. She gained All-State and East vs. West Game MVP honors. She is a transfer from UT Chattanooga where she tallied one goal for the Mocs.
 
Odell on Mary Beth Skelton
"Mary Beth is a technical midfielder who sees the game very well. Her knowledge and passion drive her performances and make her a valuable addition to the team."
 
Morgen Smith (Clarksburg, Md./Poolesville/Radford), a 5-10 sophomore defender, lettered four years in soccer at Poolesville. She was a member of the 2021 and 2022 division champion teams. She was named Team MVP in 2022 and was selected as a team captain as a senior. Smith comes to Shepherd after playing at Radford last season
 
Odell on Morgen Smith
"Morgen brings a wealth of ability to our back line with her athleticism and play-making ability. We are thrilled to have her solidifying our defense and look forward to her growth in the program."
 
Sadie Smith (Ellicott City, Md./Howard), a 5-8 freshman forward, was a standout at Howard High School. She lettered in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. She was also a member of the 2023 Maryland basketball state champion team.
 
Odell on Sadie Smith
"A versatile attacking player, Sadie plays with both skill and aggression. Her knack for creating in the attacking third will make her an exciting player to welcome to the squad." 
 
Alex Stuart (New Market, Md/Linganore/Eastern Kentucky), a 6-0 redshirt sophomore goalkeeper, was a standout at Linganore High School. Stuart was a second team CMC selection and a two-time team captain. She posted an .845 save percentage in goal for the Lancers. Stuart is a transfer from Eastern Kentucky.
 
Odell on Alex Stuart
"A goalkeeper with good presence and natural shot-stopping ability, we are excited to bring Alex and her previous collegiate experience to our goalkeeping department."

Ava Waibel (Haymarket, Va./Patriot), a 5-3 freshman midfielder, was a four-year letterwinner at Patriot High School. She gained second team All-Cedar Run District accolades as a senior. Waibel was also named to National Honor Society and was an AP Scholar.
 
Odell on Ava Waibel
"A strong central midfielder with both energy and vision, Ava's understanding of the game is a key trait of hers that she will look to draw on throughout her career at Shepherd."
 
Kendall Wright (Ashland, Va./Hanover), a 5-8 freshman goalkeeper was a two-time first team All-Region choice at Hanover High School. She lettered in soccer and basketball. She added second team All-State and second team All-Metro honors.
 
Odell on Kendall Wright
"A skilled goalkeeper with the ball in her hands and at her feet, we are excited to welcome Kendall into our goalkeeping department and to help her build on her foundation."
 
Natalie Zambrano (Germantown, Md./Northwest/Montgomery College), a 5-2 junior midfielder, was a standout at Northwest High School. Zambrano is a transfer from Montgomery College where she scored seven goals and added nine assists for her career.
 
Odell on Natalie Zambrano
"Coming off a strong two years playing for Montgomery College, Natalie is a technical player who will bring her spark to the midfield alongside her experience."
 
2025 Shepherd Women's Soccer Recruiting Class
Name                                                 Year       Pos.       Hometown/High School/Previous School
Sam Broady                                        Fr.           F           Williamsburg, Va./Walsingham Academy
Abbie Davis                                        Fr.           F            Pottsville, Pa./Pottsville Area
Merritt Delk                                        So.          F            Wheeling, W.Va./Wheeling Park/Toledo
Katelyn Economopoulos                    Jr.           M            Grantsville, Pa./Lower Dauphin/Kutztown
Ella Furlong                                       Jr.           M            Liverpool, England/Wirral Grammar/UT Chattanooga
Ella Morningstar                                Fr.           F             Vienna, Va./Paul VI
Adena Nielsen                                  Fr.           F/M         Bethesda, Md./Walter Johnson                                               
Aniyah Parker                                   Fr.           D/M        Egg Harbor, N.J./Egg Harbor Township
Mary Beth Skelton                        R-So.          M            Nesbit, Miss/St. George's Independent /UT Chattanooga
Morgen Smith                                  So.          D             Clarksburg, Md./Poolesville/Radford
Sadie Smith                                      Fr.           F             Ellicott City, Md./Howard
Alex Stuart                                   R-So.           GK          New Market, Md./Linganore/Eastern Kentucky
Ava Waibel                                       Fr.           M            Haymarket, Va./Patriot
Kendall Wright                                  Fr.          GK          Ashland, Va./Hanover
Natalie Zambrano                            Jr.           M            Germantown, Md./Northwest/Montgomery College