Penn State’s season is set to begin on Aug. 29, with a rematch against Virginia on the horizon, but the Nittany Lions will look a bit different this time around.
The departure of all-time leading scorer Sophia Gladieux leaves Penn State searching for its next wave of stars.
Here are five players to watch this upcoming season.
1) Natalie Freeman
A steady presence in midfield and forward lines, Natalie Freeman enters her junior season embodying the resilience Penn State needs post-Gladieux. In 34 career games, she has three goals and one assist.
Last season, Freeman ranked tied for sixth on the team in scoring with four points and was among the Big Ten’s top 40 in shots on goal, forcing saves on 16 of 24 attempts.
Freeman blends offensive awareness with steady play, making her a dependable presence, and her decisive actions showed last September with a game-winning goal against Indiana.
2) Aby Deverka
Goalkeeper Aby Deverka made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors twice. She logged 663 minutes with a .660 save percentage and a goals allowed average of 3.17, ranking 14th and 16th in the Big Ten, respectively.
Deverka finished her rookie season with 68 saves, four goalie wins and earned a spot on the USA Field Hockey U21 team — a sign of her potential to become an elite keeper. Her quick reflexes and composure under pressure will be critical to Penn State’s defense this year.
Goalkeeper Aby Deverka (13) stands in front of goal during the Penn State field hockey game against Virginia at the Field Hockey Complex on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Cavaliers beat the Nittany Lions 2-1.
Chris Eutsler
3) Ella Jennes
A senior forward with 54 career appearances, Ella Jennes brings experience and composure to the offense. She tallied two assists in 2024 and was among the conference’s top 50 in shots with 17.
Jennes thrives in clutch moments. She scored game-winning goals against Kent State and Michigan State last season, which are her only two career scores, and has three career assists.
In her final season, Jennes’s ability to create scoring chances will be a key asset for the Nittany Lions.
4) Anouk Knuvers
Defensive standout Anouk Knuvers has built her reputation on shutting down opponents. While her offense is modest with just three career assists, Knuvers’ defensive consistency is unmatched, earning second team All-Big Ten and NFHCA All-Region honors in 2023.
The Netherlands native missed all of last season with an injury, so her return is crucial for a Penn State team that had the highest goals allowed average in the Big Ten last season.
Additionally, Knuvers’s leadership in the backfield as a graduate student will be especially important, and will help anchor Penn State’s defensive strategy.
5) Sophia Mannino
Midfielder Sophia Mannino returns for her senior season with 54 games played. Across her career, she has four goals and three assists for 11 career points, including a game-winning goal against Princeton last fall.
In 2024, Mannino ranked fourth on the team in scoring with seven points and maintained a .563 shots on goal rate. Her ability to transition from defense to offense and maintain possession in tight spaces makes her a crucial connector in the midfield.
Penn State Field Hockey midfielder Sophia Mannino (42) runs with the ball during a match against Maryland on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2024 at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex in University Park, Pa. The Terrapins beat the Nittany Lions 4-2.
Matthew Kemper
Other notable players
Sophomore forward Katelyn Strawser impressed last year, scoring two goals and adding an assist for five points in 17 games. She ranked fifth on the team in scoring with a strong .727 shots on goal rate. With increased playing time this season, Strawser could emerge as a key offensive contributor.
Meanwhile, defender Morgan Snyder started 16 of 17 games in 2024. Ranking ninth in the Big Ten with one defensive save, Snyder demonstrated strong positioning and is ready for a larger role in the backfield with a year of experience behind her.
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