PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Coming off its second consecutive Big Ten Championship appearance, fifth straight NCAA showing, and third consecutive final top 25 ranking, Rutgers women's soccer is gearing up for its 2017 campaign.  Under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Mike O'Neill and staff, the Scarlet Knights are excited to build on the program's success.
 
Although a young team with a total of 21 sophomores and freshmen, the Scarlet Knights were ranked No. 21 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll and voted to finish third in the Big Ten Preseason Poll. Along with several veterans returning, the incoming class features an NSCAA National High School Player of the Year, three high school All-Americans, and multiple youth national team players.
 
"Yes, the team is young but there is a lot of experience in our sophomores and freshmen complemented with great ability and leadership of our upperclassmen. That is good for competition in all positions," said O'Neill. "With a win and a tie against two quality opponents in preseason we are one step closer to building a team."
 
LEADERSHIP
With 17 returners and 11 new faces, the Scarlet Knights will first look toward the leadership of the program, highlighted by a tight knit and diverse group of captains in Colby Ciarrocca, Christy Monroy, Casey Murphy and Kenie Wright.
 
"They all understand what it takes to win. Knowing their character and leadership ability, they will want to lead a team that when the season is over there are no regrets," said O'Neill.
 
"The four have all different roles which balance each other out really well," said associate head coach Meghan Ryan. "They are strong individuals, but together they are unstoppable as leaders."
 
"What impresses me the most is how they lead by example and set the standard for success," said assistant coach Trish DiPaolo.
 
DEPTH
While the roster may be a young one, the depth is not to be overlooked. With versatility and depth at each position, the group continues to push each other to become better day in and day out.
 
"We have a lot of talented players so as a staff we are excited," said Ryan. "This is a very deep team.  They must understand the importance of using our depth and how it will play into our success this season."
 
"We talk about 28 strong," said O'Neill. "Part of the Rutgers standard is that you get better every training session. You come in every day and put the work in for your teammates. The goal is to to compete for championships every year. That is a huge piece of the Rutgers standard."
 
BIG TEN PRESEASON HONORS LIST
Three Scarlet Knights - forward Colby Ciarrocca, midfielder Nicole Whitley and goalkeeper Casey Murphy - were named to the Big Ten Women's Soccer Preseason Honors List.

Ciarrocca returns as RU's leading scorer after finishing second on the team with 17 points and third with five assists. Whitley enters the year after boasting 2016 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, All-Big Ten Third Team and Big Ten All-Freshman Team accolades. Whitley led the squad with 10 assists in her rookie campaign, along with three goals.

Murphy, a MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List selection, is back with the Scarlet Knights after joining the U.S. Under-20 Women's National at the U-20 FIFA World Cup in Papua New Guinea last year. She started all six games in the net, boasting the most saves (21) and highest save ratio (77.8) among all goalkeepers at the tournament.
 
GOALKEEPERS
Leading the crew of goalkeepers is Murphy, who looks to build on a 2015 campaign that culminated with NSCAA Second Team All-American and Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year accolades.
 
The group's depth continues with added experience from Brianna Scarola and the addition of newcomer Caitlyn Ferreira.
 
BACKS
The knowledge and familiarity from Courtney Norton, Chantelle Swaby, and Wright will anchor the backs this season, along with Amanda Visco, a Big Ten All-Freshman selection. Returners Tiernny Wiltshire and Megan Katona will round out a strong back line.
 
The Scarlet Knights welcome Jamie Frank, Dana Goldstein, and Jezlyn Jimenez to the group.
 
MIDFIELDERS
Whitley and Taylor Aylmer, also a Big Ten All-Freshman selection, return to boast the midfield position.  Adora Moneme and Christy Monroy are also key contributors in the midfield.
 
 The additions of Alexa Ferreira, Gabby Provenzano and Ciara Terabasso round out the midfield unit. 
 
FORWARDS
Led by Ciarrocca, the returners of Carina Hendley, Brittany LaPlant, Jenna Sayers, and Brianna Starr complement the strong attacking group.
 
Additionally, incoming freshmen Amirah Ali, Aolani Colon, Alaysia Lane, and Nneka Moneme are expected to have an immediate impact.
 
SCHEDULE
The 2017 slate features 10 NCAA qualifiers, 13 teams that finished in the top 100 in RPI and 11 home matches at Yurcak Field. Overall, five of RU's opponents are ranked in the top 25 of the United Coaches Preseason Poll. For a full breakdown of the schedule click here.
 
"I can't wait for the season to get started, especially games at Yurcak Field" said DiPaolo. "We have built an incredible game day experience for our fans that have now become part of 'R Family.'"
 
THE EDGE
The Scarlet Knights' mantra for the 2017 season is "The Edge."
 
"The goal is to work hard to create 'The Edge' in all that we do," said assistant coach Lubos Ancin. "Because this is what is going to separate us from everyone else."
 
"It's about the small things and the details," added O'Neill. "It really is what you do when no one is looking, doing the extras to get that edge, doing whatever it takes to make sure the team is successful."  
 
While focusing on The Edge, the goal of the team remains simple, to come out every day, work hard, get better and enjoy the process. With the strength of family, the depth of the roster and this mentality, Rutgers is looking forward to the 2017 season.
 
Rutgers opens the year at home with two quality opponents this weekend. The Scarlet Knights will host Loyola Marymount on Friday, August 18 at 7 p.m. followed by Monmouth on Sunday, August 20 at 2 p.m.