Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (8/28/2023) – "This year marks an important milestone for our program," stated Gwynedd Mercy University Head Women's Soccer Coach Mike Nelms. "We are now building on a foundation of talented, dedicated, and vibrant young women. As these ladies develop trust in each other, they will foster a true Griffin sisterhood; a bond that will not only fuel their passion and play on the field, but provide them with rewarding lifelong relationships."
 
In 2022, Gwynedd Mercy University finished 2-12-3 overall and 0-6 in the Atlantic East Conference (AEC). In 2023, the Griffins begin their third season under the direction of Coach Nelms. "This is phase three. In phase three our goal is to compete in every game. I have no doubt that we have the talent to do that," issued Coach Nelms. "We have some proven goal scorers, a deep pool of experienced contributors, and some sharp goalkeepers. Add to that an incoming class of skilled freshmen and transfers, and you got a team that can change a culture!"
 
A 13-point (6 goals, 1 assist) debut season and an indominable spirit earned sophomore midfielder Bethany Beinlich (Forks Ville, Pa.) captain duties for the 2023 season. "Bethany has set the tone for our team," said Coach Nelms. "She is what we look for in all our student-athletes and she deserves to be the captain of this team." Beinlich scored six goals in her freshman season with a goal in Gwynedd Mercy University's 4-2 win over Penn State Brandywine (Sept. 6), a hat trick in a 6-0 win over the University of Valley Forge (Sept. 8), and both Griffin goals in a 2-2 tie at Clarks Summit University (Sept. 10). The last two performances earned her the AEC Women's Soccer Offensive Player the Week title on September 12.

Beinlich's returning support will come from seniors Ireland Smith (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Inez Williams (Philadelphia, Pa.), and juniors Jordyn Basile (Quakertown, Pa.), as well as fellow sophomores Kaitlyn Lavin (Hatboro, Pa.), Hailey Pinto (Rio Grande, N.J.), and Kailah Tumelty (Warminster, Pa.). Basile was the most productive of the group with seven points (3 goals, 1 assist) including a breakaway game-winning goal in the 51^st minute of the Griffins' 4-2 triumph over Penn State Brandywine. "Smith, Williams, Ricci, Lavin, Pinto, and Tumelty all saw extensive time in 2022," said Coach Nelms. "Each one of those ladies are now experienced and will challenge our new comers to elevate our play. We are so blessed to have them back in the fold."
 
Also returning in 2023 are sophomore goalkeepers Madisson Ronn (Warrington, Pa.) and Natalie Gablein (Philadelphia, Pa.). Coach Nelms is enthusiastic about his net minders after impressive freshmen seasons, "Madisson had an outstanding season. She saw a lot of time and came up big for us. Natalie was just as impressive. She gave us some very good minutes in goal last season, but also showed some versatility and leadership with her ability to confidently in the field." Ronn set single-season program records with 163 saves and 10.87 saves per game. She led the AEC in the former, while posting a 4.32 goals-against average (GAA) and a .748 save percentage. Gablein made five appearances and four starts in goal; she totaled 22 saves on a 3.10 GAA and a .759 save percentage. As a field player, Gablein started in 10 contests and recorded her first collegiate goal as the Griffins' fourth tally of the 4-2 victory over Penn State Brandywine.
 
"We graduated some great student-athletes last year," said Coach Nelms. "Pioneers like Megan Crammer '21, Claudia Krouse '22, Molly Fleming '23, Alexis Myers '21, and Kelsey Breisch '23, who directed our program in the right direction. This year, we look to build on their contributions with a large class of freshmen and transfers." Junior midfielder Carolyn Weir (Warminster, Pa.) and sophomore defender/midfielder Jordyn Fregia (Levittown, Pa.) come to Gwynedd Mercy University via Bucks County Community College. The Centurion duo will make an immediate impact with their experience and pedigree. Joining Weir in the midfield will be freshmen Bridget Cannon (Bensalem, Pa.) and Elena DiPrinzio (Warrington, Pa.), while Fregia joins fellow defensive newcomers Ella Freeling (Fallsington, Pa.), Rebecca Gordon (Sicklerville, N.J.), Kayla Lelionis (Levittown, Pa.), Gianna Masci (Philadelphia, Pa.), and Jess Parker (Philadelphia, Pa.). Cannon and Gordon have impressed early, both demonstrating the ability to control with confidence. Other additions to the 2023 roster include freshmen forwards Demmi Fox (Huntingdon Valley, Pa.) and Ksenia Semenovykh (Warrington, Pa.), as well as freshman goalkeeper Miranda Abrams (Philadelphia, Pa.). Fox and Semenovykh will make opponents take notice in the box, while Adams will challenge Ronn and Gablein for playing time.
 
"Play hard, play together, Griffins for life," trumpeted Coach Nelms. "As much as we are dedicated to success on the field, there is more to this game than what happens between the lines. It's also about building relationships that last a lifetime, helping each other on this collegiate journey, and enjoying the quality time we get to spend together."
 
The 2023 Gwynedd Mercy University women's soccer season gets underway on Friday, September 1, when the Griffins visit Penn State Brandywine for a 4:00 p.m. kickoff.