Alumni Rundown: Players to watch

CHICAGO, Ill. - The 2024 collegiate season is finally here! With over 120 Eclipse Select alumni set to compete at the NCAA and NAIA levels this fall, we've highlighted some standout players you'll want to follow closely.

Kennedy Berschel, M - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

As Kennedy prepares to begin her fifth and final season with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she stands out as a key figure in the Fighting Illini program. Over the years, she has become a dependable and dynamic player, known for her on-field leadership and steady performances.

Berschel has been a cornerstone of Illinois’ defense, starting all 17 matches in the 2023 season and logging an impressive 1,317 minutes out of a possible 1,530. Her ability to contribute on both ends of the field was evident as she set new career highs in goals (2) and assists (2). Beyond her statistics, Berschel’s leadership and experience have been invaluable to the team. 

As she steps into this final season, she aims to leave a lasting mark on the program, guiding the Illini with her reliable presence and competitive spirit. We can expect to see Berschel continue to make significant contributions as Illinois strives for success this year.

Hannah Bebar, M - Duke University

Entering her final season with a new team at Duke University, Hannah’s impressive record at Harvard highlights her remarkable collegiate career thus far. Over her three years with the Crimson, Hannah started 45 of 47 matches, showcasing her dependable presence on the field. She accumulated an outstanding 17 goals and 25 assists, with seven of those goals being decisive game-winners. Her performance was crucial in the team’s success, as she played 3,528 minutes and helped lead the team to three consecutive NCAA Championship appearances.

Bebar's tenure at Harvard was marked by significant achievements, including guiding the team to its first Ivy League Tournament Championship in 2023. Her contributions left a profound impression, as she finished her Harvard career ranking 11th in program history for points (59) and tied for sixth in assists (25). Notably, Bebar was one of only five Harvard players to earn multiple All-America honors, solidifying her legacy as one of the program's all-time greats.

As Bebar transitions to Duke, she brings with her a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence. Her leadership and skills will undoubtedly be pivotal as she aims to make her final collegiate season an unforgettable one.

Lauren Boafo, GK - Western Michigan University

As the 2024 season approaches, senior goalkeeper Lauren Boafo is set for another standout year with the Western Michigan Broncos. Last season, Boafo's impressive performance earned her the MAC Goalkeeper of the Year award and First Team All-MAC honors, highlighting her exceptional skills between the posts.

Boafo’s contributions were instrumental to the team's success, starting all 19 games and achieving a remarkable 0.84 goals against average, the sixth best in program history. Her defensive prowess was further demonstrated by recording nine shutouts, the third highest in a single season for the Broncos. Her 12-4-3 record stands as a testament to her consistency and reliability throughout the season.

With her impressive track record and leadership, Boafo is expected to make a significant impact yet again for her final collegiate season. 

Ben Suddeth, D - Northern Illinois University

As Ben enters his senior season at Northern Illinois University (NIU), we expect to see great things from this seasoned defender in his last year with the Huskies. In his junior year, Suddeth made 14 appearances, starting every match and clocking a total of 1,051 minutes on the pitch. His strong defensive skills were evident as he played a full 90 minutes in four matches and a season-high 96 minutes in the conference tournament semifinals.

Suddeth’s journey to NIU began with two influential seasons at Chicago State. As a Cougar, he started all 16 matches in 2022 and appeared in 17 matches in 2021, consistently earning a spot in the starting lineup and proving his reliability as a defender.

Over the off-season, Suddeth committed himself to enhancing his skills and fitness, preparing for a standout senior campaign. With his impressive track record and work ethic, Suddeth is set to be a crucial force in the team’s quest for success.

Ella Richards, F - Boston College

As Ella begins her junior season at Boston College, she has already established herself as a prominent forward on the team. She has regularly demonstrated her skills and commitment on the field, and her accomplishments in the past two seasons have set high expectations for the upcoming year.

Last season, she played in all 18 contests, starting 17 of them, and logged 1,214 minutes on the field. Richards consistently played no less than 44 minutes per game, showcasing her stamina and dedication. She led the team with 16 points, scoring twice in a single game against San Jose State and recording points in eight contests throughout the season. Her leadership and steady contributions have made her an invaluable asset to the team.

Her impressive track record and devotion make her a key player to watch in the upcoming year. With her talent and determination, Richards is set to make a significant impact on the field once again.

Tommy Coughlin, M - University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Entering his junior season at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, anticipation is high for Tommy Coughlin to continue making a significant difference on the field. His impressive performances over the past two seasons have established him as a key midfield player for the Phoenix this year.

In his sophomore year, Coughlin demonstrated his reliability and skill, appearing in 18 games and starting 16. He logged 1,440 minutes on the field and earned a spot on the All-Horizon League Second Team, a testament to his strong presence and contributions to the team. Coughlin recorded 12 shots, and scored a crucial goal in their last matchup against IUPUI. Additionally, he provided one assist, bringing his total points for the season to three.

As Coughlin embarks on his junior season, we are excited to see him build on his previous successes and continue to be a driving force for his team. 

Xcaret Pineda, M - Oklahoma State University

As the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls gear up for another exciting season, junior midfielder Xcaret Pineda’s impressive track record and relentless drive make her one to watch this year.

Pineda has been a standout player since she first joined the Cowgirls, and her sophomore season was nothing short of remarkable. She was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team and started all 20 games, showcasing her endurance and skill by ranking third on the team among field players with 1,518 minutes played. Her offensive capabilities were evident as she ranked second on the team with 17 points, scoring six goals and providing five assists.

Pineda's knack for finding the back of the net was highlighted when she scored in three consecutive games against Little Rock, Texas State, and Central Arkansas. Throughout the season, Pineda continued to deliver crucial performances, including a game-winning goal against UCF and an assist on the decisive goal in the rivalry match against OU. Her potential has also been recognized on an international level, as she attended training camp with the Mexico U-20 National Team this past spring.

With her impressive skill sets and leadership qualities, we are excited to see her continue to shine and lead the Cowgirls to new heights this season. 

Bella Najera, F - Michigan State University

Bella is set to begin her sophomore year with the Spartans after a standout freshman season. Last year, she appeared in all 22 games, making 17 starts, and led the team with 24 points in 1,547 minutes. Her impressive stats included a team-high nine goals and six assists.

Bella quickly made her mark by scoring her first collegiate goal early in the season and securing key goals in consecutive games, including a historic game-winner at Wisconsin. She was also instrumental in clinching MSU's second-straight B1G title with a decisive goal against Iowa. In the postseason, Najera shone brightly, contributing two goals and an assist in the NCAA First Round victory over Ohio, helping MSU reach its first Sweet 16. Her outstanding performance earned her Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, along with spots on the Big Ten All-Freshman team and the Big Ten Second Team.

As Bella embarks on her second season, we are thrilled to watch her continue to crush it on the pitch. 

Bella Diorio, D - Texas Christian University

As the 2024 season kicks off, we’ve got our eyes on sophomore Bella Diorio, who is primed for a standout year at TCU. Last season, Diorio showcased her potential by playing in 18 games and tying for the team lead in assists with four. 

Diorio made notable contributions throughout the season, with key assists in their matchups against West Virginia, Texas, and UCF. Her ability to create opportunities is highlighted by her total of four points, six shots, and a crucial goal.

With her growing experience and evident talent, Bella Diorio is set to make a significant impact this season. We are eager to see how she will continue to develop and contribute to TCU's success.

Mimi Van Zanten, D - Florida State University

Mimi is set for an exciting sophomore season as a defender for Florida State, building on an impressive freshman year that highlighted her talent and potential. As a key player in the Seminoles' success, Van Zanten helped the team to the 2023 National Championship, earning spots on both the ACC All-Tournament Team and the All-ACC Freshman Team.

During her freshman year, Van Zanten played in all 23 games, making 13 starts, and logged 1,432 minutes on the field. She was instrumental in both defense and attack, tallying one goal and four assists. Her contributions were crucial in Florida State’s journey to the College Cup, where the team achieved four consecutive clean sheets.

Van Zanten's defensive skills were showcased in the ACC Championship victory, where she played a full 90 minutes, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure. Her attacking contributions included an assist in a key match against a top-11 ranked opponent and scoring a dramatic last-second equalizer against a first-ranked team. Her collegiate debut was marked by an assist in the season's opening goal, and she earned her first collegiate start against a top-10 ranked team.

Van Zanten’s remarkable freshman year has set the stage for another outstanding season, and we’re excited to see what she and the Seminoles have in store this year.

Ardit Abdullai, M - Bradley University

This season, Bradley University welcomes freshman defender Ardit Abdullai, a promising talent ready to make his mark on the collegiate soccer stage. Ardit's impressive club and high school careers highlight his leadership and skill on the field, making him a valuable addition to the Braves.

Ardit served as a team captain for both his Eclipse and high school squads, where he was twice named All-Sectional and All-Conference. Along with his defensive abilities, Ardit also contributed significantly to the attack, frequently scoring goals and providing assists during his time at Eclipse. His leadership as team captain was instrumental in guiding his team to consecutive ECNL Playoff runs, showcasing his ability to bring confidence and stability to his squad.

With his impressive background and commitment to the game, we are excited to see him make an impact on the field for the Braves.

Ellie Egeland, F - University of Maryland

The University of Maryland is set to welcome an impressive new talent this season with freshman forward Ellie Egeland making her debut. Ellie, a standout from our 2006 ECNL girls squad, was ranked the No. 191 player nationally and the No. 6 player in the Midwest Region. Known for her creativity on the ball and relentless pursuit of the net, Egeland's playmaking skills are truly something special.

During her high school run, Egeland made a significant impact as a team captain, earning All-State and All-Conference honors in 2023. She was also named the 2023 NSC Offensive Player of the Year and led her team in both goals and assists in 2022 and 2023.

We are thrilled to see Egeland bring her exceptional talent and leadership to the collegiate field this season. Her dynamic play and proven track record promise to make her an exciting player to watch for the Terrapins.

126 Eclipse Select Soccer Club alumni, both male and female, are rostered across every level of college soccer at Division I, II, III, and NAIA. There are 35 alumni designated as freshmen. The remaining includes 30 sophomores, 25 juniors, 34 seniors, and two graduate students with an additional year of eligibility.