Riverdale, N.Y. — The 2024 freshman class has been announced by Manhattan women's soccer coach Brendan Lawler. The addition of the five freshmen completes the roster for the upcoming 2024 season.
"With only losing two players to graduation we have an ingrained culture of dedication to hard work and this class will only strengthen that," Lawler said. "We preach the process over the outcome in our program and these players understand that in order to succeed they must be dedicated to all the small details, on and off the field, every day."
Name: Mackenzie Lennon
Position: Defense
Hometown: Walden, NY
High School: Valley Central High School
Accomplishments:
-NY Section 9 Champion
-NY Non Public A Sectional Champions
-NJ Non Public A State Champions
Why Mackenzie chose Manhattan:
I chose Manhattan because of the welcoming environment I instantly felt when meeting some of the team for the first time. I also chose it for its academic reputation, and its close proximity to home is an added bonus so I can easily see my family.
Head Coach Brendan Lawler:
Kenzie is a versatile wide player with the desire to attack no matter what position she is playing. She has the ability to serve dangerous balls and create quality scoring chances from wide areas. Kenzie knows what it takes to compete at the highest levels.
Name: Julia Wagstaff
Position: Defense/Midfield
Hometown: Burlington, CT
High School: Miss Porter's School
Accomplishments:
-All-NEPSAC 2023
-All-Founders League 2023
-Miss Porter's All-Star 2022
-Two-time Founders League Champion
-Worked with A Shot For Life, a non-profit that fundraises cancer research initiatives
Why Julia chose Manhattan:
Manhattan has an amazing business program and business is what I would like to pursue. I love the city and how exciting it is. There is so much to do and see around me. Being in the city comes with a lot of opportunities and I want to reside here after college and hopefully get an internship during my last year here.
Lawler:
Coming from the Elite Clubs National League, playing the top level of competition in the country on a regular basis, Julia knows what it takes to compete. She is a hard-nosed defender who can also play in the midfield. She brings a relentlessness to the field which is vital for a team's success.
Name: Julia Leonard
Position: Midfield
Hometown: Newburgh, NY
High School: Newburgh Free Academy (NFA)
Accomplishments:
-NFA Scholar-Athlete Award
-Ralph Petrillo Sr. Scholarship
Why Julia chose Manhattan:
I fell in love with the campus and the girls I met on the team when I visited. It also offers everything I want and need for my academic success and future career path.
Lawler:
Julia is a strong central midfielder that supports her teammates well. She has shown important versatility to play all of the midfield positions while helping the team both in penetration and possession. Julia has experience competing in and winning championship games.
Name: Lily Bandel
Position: Defense
Hometown: Monroe, NY
High School: Monroe Woodbury High School
Accomplishments:
-Two-Time NY Section 9 Champion
-Two-Time Regional Champion
-Member of the All-Class AAA/AA select team
Why Lily chose Manhattan:
I chose Manhattan because of the amazing academic and athletic opportunities it offers me. I love the team's environment both on and off the field and their drive to make each other better every day. Manhattan is also close to home for me which means my family is able to come watch me play. I'm so excited for the journey ahead!
Lawler:
Lily is a strong defender that can play anywhere along the back line and could play more advanced as well. Her fitness, ball striking, and ability to get forward will all translate well at the next level. Lily knows what it takes to win state cups and play against top teams in the country at nationals.
Name: Faith Zollo
Position: Defense/Midfield
Hometown: Monroe, NY
High School: Monroe Woodbury High School
Accomplishments:
-Two-Time NY Section 9 Champion
-Captain for the 2023 season
Why Faith chose Manhattan:
I chose Manhattan for its highly regarded academic reputation, its smaller size, its proximity to my home, and for the opportunity to play on the women's soccer team.
Lawler:
Faith is a hard nosed central midfielder that is always up for the battle. She always empties the tank to help her teams win and has been a vital part of a high school program known for making deep championship runs.
