PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers women's soccer has officially signed 10 highly touted student-athletes to the program as part of the 2018 signing class, head coach Mike O'Neill announced Wednesday.
 
"The coaching staff is very excited to announce the 2018 Rutgers women's soccer class," said O'Neill. "We have brought in another accomplished class deep in talent and, more importantly, character. This group has the dedication and work ethic that embodies the Rutgers standard both in the classroom and on the field."
 
The newcomers will enhance an already stacked lineup that advanced the squad to its sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament and fourth straight Big Ten Tournament in 2017. Hailing from the top youth clubs in the country, the signing class includes two players who have spent time with the US Women's National Team program, including a U-17 Youth World Cup participant and U-18 National Team member. Additionally, a high school all-american, four national champions, two state champions and seven New Jersey standouts.
 
"I would like to thank the coaching staff of Lubos Ancin, Trish DiPaolo, Rich Alberto, Madison Tiernan, Callie Duliba and Meghan Ryan, our recruiting coordinator, for their tireless work in bringing in a class of student-athletes with such depth from the top clubs in the country. We look forward to them joining R family and making an immediate impact. Forever Rutgers," said O'Neill.
 
Joining the Scarlet Knights for the 2018 season are Ashley Atubi, Hayley Baer, Nicole Binkley, Mya Daniels, Alicia D'Aoust, Emily Harrigan, Shea Holland, Emma Huntzinger, Meagan McClelland, and Madison Tyree.
 
Ashley Atubi
Forward | 5-8
Club: Players Development Academy
North Plainfield, N.J. | North Plainfield HS


 
Prior to Rutgers: Four-years varsity soccer letterwinner at North Plainfield, registering 111 goals and 17 assists in her career… named captain for her junior and senior seasons…four-time Skyland Conference First Team Mountain Division selection…named a 2017 Player to Watch for the All-American Team…tabbed First Team All-Group II in 2015… honored as a NJ Scholar-Athlete of the Week on News 12 New Jersey…plays for one of the top clubs in the nation at PDA…also ran track for North Plainfield.
 
Personal: Daughter of Friday and Franca Atubi…has four siblings, Dromo Quaye, Chiemezue, Chigozie and Jessica Atubi…from an athletic family…brother Chigozie Atubi plays men's soccer at Rutgers Newark University… brother Dromo Quaye plays men's soccer at William Paterson University.
 
Atubi on Why She Chose Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because of the respect, family, unity, and passion it represents. Coming from North Plainfield, those are characteristics that I have lived with my entire life and choosing Rutgers just felt like fate knocking at my door."
 
O'Neill on Atubi: "Ashley is a dangerous forward blessed with speed and athletic ability. Her drive and desire to improve is very impressive. Ashley has a bright future."
 
 
Hayley Baer
Midfielder | 5-8
Club: NJ Stallions Stampede
Mahwah, N.J. | Mahwah HS
 


Prior to Rutgers: Eight-year captain of NJ Stallions Stampede…guided the team to the 2017 National Cup title as the leading scorer in the event… also helped secure a USCS Mid-Atlantic Regionals Championship in same year...member of the Mahwah High School varsity soccer team (2014-15, 2016-18) and Immaculate Heart Academy's squad (2015-16)…three-time all-league, all-county and all-state honoree (2014, 2016, 2017) …registered a team high in goals and assists in 2017… led Mahwah to a league title and to a state sectional championship (2016) … led Immaculate Heart Academy to the state title in 2015, picking up all-league and all-county status as a forward…participated on the varsity basketball team at Mahwah (2016-17).. 2014-18 member of Minds in Motion for receiving high honors as a varsity athlete…National Honor Society member (2014-18).
 
Personal: Daughter of Holly and Herb Baer…has two brothers, Matthew and Michael…long family history of relatives attending Rutgers University.
 
Why Baer Chose Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers University because not only is it a prestigious academic school, but it has highly competitive Division 1 sports, as well. I've been coming to Rutgers to visit ever since I was a little girl and I fell in love with the campus and its atmosphere every time. The Rutgers women's soccer coaches also played a huge role in my commitment. The family atmosphere they create around the team and the reward of playing at such a high level of soccer really drew me in. Lastly, I am very proud to be representing my home state on the collegiate level."
 
O'Neill on Baer: "Hayley is a proven leader whose competitive nature is very contagious. She has had success at every level and we look forward to adding a quality player with a winning mentality to our program."
 
 
Nicole Binkley
Midfielder | 5-6
Club: Players Development Academy
Burlington, N.J. | Burlington Township HS
 


Prior to Rutgers: Plays for one of the top youth clubs in the country at PDA…four-year varsity starter at Burlington Township…named captain junior and senior seasons…named team MVP in 2015 and 2016, as well as Rookie of the Year in 2014…three-time SJSCA All-South Jersey All-Star (2015-17)…three time NJGSCA All-State honoree (2015-17)…participated in the Senior Burlington County Scholastic League and South Jersey All-Star games in 2017…a Courier Post Second Team All-Star and Burlington County Times First Team All-Star in 2017…voted NJ.com's Top 20 NJ Midfielder in 2017…a BCSL Second Team All-Star in 2014…also a varsity track member (2014-16)…National Honor Society member (2017-18)…four-year member of the Student Government…2018 Class Vice President and Class Historian.
 
Personal: Daughter of Bill and Karen Binkley…has three siblings, Amanda, Marisa and Luke…sister Amanda and three cousins compete in collegiate athletics…intends to major in marine biology.
 
Why Binkley Chose Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers University for many different reasons, but every reason circles back to family. This aspect is one of the most important values of everyone in the University, and also one of the greatest parts of my life. I grew up my entire life with my parents coming to every one of my games, and being close to home so this could continue throughout college was another important factor to me. The coaching staff and the girls on the team spread such a good vibe to me and I always enjoy being around them when I visit Rutgers. Every time I leave the campus after visiting, I am left with the feeling that this is where I'm meant to be!"
 
O'Neill on Binkley: "Coley's blue-collar mentality will lead her to being successful at the collegiate level. She has a strong desire to grow and her best soccer is still yet to come. We are excited to add her to our family." 
 
 
Mya Daniels
Forward | 5-7
Club: NJ Wildcats
Long Branch, N.J. | Long Branch HS


 
Prior to Rutgers: Four-year varsity starter and captain for Long Branch Lady Waves…holds the school record with 74 career goals…named NJ.com's Striker of the Year and a Group III First Team in 2017…received The John Cobbs Senior Excellence Award given by the Shore Soccer Officials Association…finished as the leading scorer of the Shore Conference in 2017… earned all-division first team in 2017…also participated in indoor track and lacrosse at Long Branch…member of the African American Culture Club, National Honor Society, and Student Council…received high honor roll all four years.
 
Personal: Daughter of Judy Daniels and William Bowles…has four siblings, Myesha, Tyrell, Dominick, and William.
 
Why Mya Chose Rutgers: "The very first visit I had to Rutgers, I knew it was the perfect school for me. It isn't too far from home so I would still be able to have the support of my family. I am very family oriented and it is important for me to be with a team that would make me feel as though I am part of one big family. I come from a background of very talented and driven coaches who cared about me and pushed me to excel, which made it a necessity to attend Rutgers, where the coaching staff is caring and encouraging. I know that they will help me grow in the very sport that I love. The high school I attend is very diverse and I always dreamed of going to a university that was similar in that way. Rutgers seemed like home."
 
O'Neill on Mya: "Mya's overall knowledge of the game paired with her speed and athleticism will make her a dangerous player at the collegiate level. She has a natural ability to score goals."
 
 
Alicia D'Aoust
Forward | 5-4
Club: FC Fury Developmental Academy
Smithtown, N.Y. | Smithtown HS West


 
Prior to Rutgers: Attended the US Girls National Team Camp … participated in the US Club Soccer National ID2 Camp and ranked by TopDrawerSoccer.com as Best XI Players at Camp…current leading scorer for FC Fury Girls Developmental Academy U-18 Team, one of the top clubs in the nation…member of the US Youth Soccer ODP Region 1 Team… named a Top Drawer Soccer IMG Academy Top 150 Player…four-year varsity letterwinner and a team captain with Smithtown High School West…earned all-county, first team all-state, NSCAA All-Region as a freshman...also named SCGS League Player Of The Year Award…three-time Newsday All-Long Island Team…three-time New York All-State Team…two-year Golden Boot winner…led team to County Championship game her freshman and junior seasons… member of the National Honor Society, Italian Honor Society, and Social Studies Honor Society.
 
Personal: Daughter of Rick and Jackie D'Aoust…has one brother, Logan.
 
Why D'Aoust Chose Rutgers: "Out of the many reasons I chose Rutgers University, the top reason would have to be the coaches and the family atmosphere they provide. All of the staff and coaches are some of the best people I have ever met. I could tell from the first game I watched how much they really care for their players and encourage them to be the best they can be. Additionally, all of the players seem to really connected and seem so close.  While I was being recruited, I knew I wanted to be part of something so special. Rutgers is also one of the best universities in the country, with over 100 majors to choose from I know it will be a great academic fit for me. I can't wait to become a Scarlet Knight!!"
 
O'Neill on D'Aoust: "Alicia's 1v1 attacking mentality and craftiness makes her an impact player. Her work ethic combined with her tactical knowledge allows her to create chances and score goals."
 
 
Emily Harrigan
Forward | 5-7
Club: Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy
North Huntingdon, Pa. | Norwin HS
 


Prior to Rutgers: Four-year varsity starter at Norwin High School…named to the United Soccer Coaches Girls All-America Team and the USA Today All-USA Preseason Team (2017)…participated in the 2017 HS All-American game…broke the school record with 93 career goals, while also posting 61 career assists…led the team to a 2017 State Championship…a Gatorade Player of the Year Nominee (2016-2017)…four-time all-section award recipient (2014-2017)…three-time All-WPIAL Award honoree (2015-2017)…two-time All-State Award (2016-2017)…led the team to three-time section championships (2014-2016) and two-time WPIAL Champions (2015-2016)…tabbed 2017 Post Gazette Player of the Year…two-time Tribune Review Player of the Year (2016-2017)…the 2016 PA Coaches Association Player of the Year…three-time US Club Soccer National Champions with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds…took fourth at the Unified Track States, where high school students with and without intellectual disabilities participate…recognized for excellence and high honor roll (2010-present)… National Honor Society Member (2014- present).
 
Personal: Daughter of Kimberly and Kevin Harrigan…has two siblings, Ashley and Ryan.
 
Why Harrigan Chose Rutgers: "I always knew that I wanted to go to a big school and play Division I soccer. Rutgers is ranked among top universities in the world and has Division I soccer in the Big Ten Conference. My family and I made several trips to Rutgers and the atmosphere created an energy that was present every time I stepped foot on campus. It already felt like home to me. I have a wide variety of majors to choose from. Also, I've always wanted to attend somewhere with people from all different parts of the world. Also, with the success they've had in soccer the past years, I was well aware of the program that the University had. I knew Rutgers was the perfect fit for me."
 
O'Neill on Harrigan: "Emily is a versatile player who can play up top or in the midfield. She is a very smart player with strength and power who knows how to create for herself and others. She has a strong desire to develop every aspect of her game."
 
 
Shea Holland
Back | 5-5
Club: Players Development Academy
Toms River, N.J. | Toms River East HS


 
Prior to Rutgers: Invited to US U-17 Women's National Training Camp and ECNL National Camps…led PDA, one of the top youth clubs in the country, to an ECNL National Championship in 2016…four-year letterwinner for the Toms River East Raiders…led the team to runner-up finishes in two state finals her sophomore and senior seasons...guided the Raiders to an overall record of 13-6-1 in 2017…a four-time all-division selection…named the Coaches Award recipient her sophomore year…awarded MVP her junior year…an Honor Roll student…Sportsmanship Award recipient.
 
Personal: Daughter of Michael and Donna Holland…has two siblings, Brianna and Michael…intends to major in sport medicine.
 
Why Holland Chose Rutgers: "Rutgers was the best fit for me. Overall, it is a great athletic and academic school. Soccer is a big part of my life and Rutgers gave me the opportunity to continue to play the sport I love at a high level. In my eyes, they have the best coaching staff. These coaches bring out the best in their athletes and care for them like family. This school will provide me with a bright future by making sure I am given all the tools to go after my future plans. Rutgers is also a very big well known school where students apply from all over the world. This will allow me to meet new faces and gain relationships I hope to keep forever. Rutgers goes the extra mile for their students and it is something I want to be a part of. It is also important to me that my family doesn't have to travel too far to watch me play. Family is everything and I want my parents to see me grow through the process."                   
                                         
O'Neill on Holland: "Shea's tactical knowledge of the game and position makes her a very good defender. Her organization and leadership will fit well within our standard."
 
Emma Huntzinger
Goalkeeper | 5-10
Club: Cedar Stars Academy
East Windsor, N.J. | Hightstown HS 


 
Prior to Rutgers: Cedar Stars Girls Development Academy U-18 Team…three-year letterwinner at Hightstown High School…a 2016 Mercer 33 honoree…a two-time NJGSCA Sectional Recipient (2015, 2016)…named to the All-Colonial Valley Conference First Team in 2016…member of the U14-U16 ECNL teams at Match Fit Academy…an Honor Roll student…also a four-year letterwinner for the varsity basketball team.

Personal: Daughter of Ana Gould and Gary Huntzinger.
 
Why Huntzinger Chose Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers University because I want to play soccer for my state school. I've grown up around campus and the family atmosphere of the soccer program made it feel like home."
 
O'Neill on Huntzinger: "Emma is Rutgers through and through. Her stature and build makes her an exceptional keeper who will add to the competitive environment."
 
Meagan McClelland
Goalkeeper | 5-9
Club: Players Development Academy
Kearny, N.J. | Kearny HS


 
Prior to Rutgers: Current member of the U-18 Women's National Team…member of the U-17 US Women's National Team, competing at the U-17 Youth World Cup in 2016… led PDA, one of the top youth clubs in the country, to an ECNL National Championship in 2016…four-year letterwinner for Kearny High School…three-time all-county first team honoree (2015-17)…named All-Group IV Third Team in 2015…earned the honor of Freshman MVP in 2014 and Varisty MVP in 2015…also all-county first team basketball player, collecting MVP and Rookie of the Year awards, surpassing 1,000 career points.
 
Personal: Daughter of Coleen and Patrick McClelland…has two siblings, Patrick and Connor…intends to major in criminal justice.
 
Why McClelland Chose Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers for the incredible campus, academics, women's soccer program, and coaching staff. I can't wait to call this place home for the next four years."
 
O'Neill on McClelland: "Meagan is a hardworking goalkeeper with a great ability. Her experience, leadership and communication makes her a veteran between the posts."
 
 
Madison Tyree
Back | 5-4
Club: Players Development Academy
Voorhees, N.J. | Eastern Regional HS


 
Prior to Rutgers: Plays for one of the top youth clubs in the country at PDA…four-year varsity soccer letterwinner…as a senior captain led the team to a SJSCA Couches Cup Tournament title…led the team to four Olympic Conference Championship titles…two-time Coaches Tournament Champion (2015, 2017)…participated in the Senior All-Star South Jersey Game in 2017…a first team all-conference selection, an all-state offensive honoree in 2017…collected MVP Defensive Player of the Year and all-state sectional defensive honors in 2015…also a member of the track and field team at Eastern Regional…as a member of the BCC Aquabarons swim team, held several South Jersey Championships in the 25m and 50m freestyle and backstroke, along with the 100m individual medley…an advocate to stop animal cruelty.
 
Personal: Daughter of Robert and Laura Tyree…has a brother, Ethan…cousin, David Tyree, is a 2007 Super Bowl Champion with the New York Giants.
 
Why Tyree Chose Rutgers: "Rutgers has always been my dream college. During my high school years, there have been multiple Eastern players that I admire and look up to that have gone to Rutgers. My brother is also at Rutgers and he is one of my greatest motivators and supporters. I've been following women's soccer program for several year and I've always aspired to play at such a high level. I also realize a degree from this University will prepare me more for life and success in the future. Rutgers University and Rutgers women's soccer will challenge me as a student and athlete to a higher level of play and education. I look forward to it and I am ecstatic to be part of such a great program."
 
O'Neill on Tyree: "Madison is athletically gifted with an eagerness to continue to learn and improve. She adds blue-collar mentality and a great 1v1 presence to the team."
      
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