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Women’s Soccer Announces 2021 Signing Class
11/11/2020 3:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo women's soccer head coach Shawn Burke announced his 2021 signing class on Wednesday. The Bulls welcome three student-athletes to a team that made their sixth straight MAC Tournament appearance, and first MAC semifinals appearance since 2015, a season ago.
"Although a small class in numbers, it won't be when it comes to the impact these three players will have on our program," said Burke. "Their character, soccer IQ's and versatility will bring
tremendous strength and depth to our squad.""
Kaylin Ricci – Massapequa, NY – Massapequa Soccer Club – Defender
Ricci comes to Buffalo from Massapequa, NY where she currently plays for Massapequa High School as well as the Massapequa Soccer Club. She is coming off a stellar junior season in which she helped lead her team to the 2019 Section VIII and Class AA Long Island Championship titles as well as a semifinal appearance in the New York State Championship. Ricci was named to the All-Section team as a result of her efforts. In 2017, Ricci was a USYS Eastern New York State Champion with her MSC team and in 2018 was selected to participate in the Generation Adidas International Program in Lyon, France. Off the pitch she is a member of the National Honor Society.
Burke on Ricci: "Kaylin's leadership, versatility and athleticism made for a standout club and high school career in Massapequa. She plays both sides of the ball at a high level and can play wide or central positions. Paired with her work rate, Kaylin has all the tools to come in and have an immediate impact."
Kaya Schultz – West Orange, NJ – West Orange High School – Midfielder
Schultz comes to Buffalo from West Orange, NJ where she competes for West Orange High School and Match Fit Academy ECNL. She was named First Team All-Conference as a junior after earning a spot on the All-Conference second team as a sophomore and freshman. She has recorded 17 career goals and 22 career assists over her first three seasons. Schultz also competes for the Mountaineer basketball team where she helped lead her team to the 2019 SEC County Championship as well as the 2018 Section 1 Group 4 championship. Schultz excels off the pitch as well as she is a member of the Escriptus National Honor Society and the Junior Honor Guard while also ranking in the top 10% in her class.
Burke on Schultz: "Kaya is a standout midfielder who truly understands the pulse and pace of the game. A product of a very talented midfield group at Match Fit, Kaya can impact a game on either side of the ball. She brings a blue collar mentality to the position which will translate well here to UB."
Arianna Zumpano – Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada – WNY Flash Academy – Forward
Zumpano comes to Buffalo from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada where she plays for A.N Myer Secondary School and the Western New York Flash. Zumpano was named u16 Ohio Valley Player of the Year, is a two-time selection to the ECNL Ohio Valley all-conference team and was named to the u16 ECNL All-American team. Zumpano has been an integral piece of her WNY Flash team, leading them to three appearances in the ECNL National Playoffs from 2017-19. Off the pitch she is a four year member of the honor roll.
Burke on Zumpano: "Ari has already made a name for herself on the national stage with her prolific club career at the WNY Flash. Her ability to find the back of the net and open up opportunities for her teammates will translate well to the next level. Ari will be a dangerous threat amongst our attacking core for years to come.
"Although a small class in numbers, it won't be when it comes to the impact these three players will have on our program," said Burke. "Their character, soccer IQ's and versatility will bring
tremendous strength and depth to our squad.""
Kaylin Ricci – Massapequa, NY – Massapequa Soccer Club – Defender
Ricci comes to Buffalo from Massapequa, NY where she currently plays for Massapequa High School as well as the Massapequa Soccer Club. She is coming off a stellar junior season in which she helped lead her team to the 2019 Section VIII and Class AA Long Island Championship titles as well as a semifinal appearance in the New York State Championship. Ricci was named to the All-Section team as a result of her efforts. In 2017, Ricci was a USYS Eastern New York State Champion with her MSC team and in 2018 was selected to participate in the Generation Adidas International Program in Lyon, France. Off the pitch she is a member of the National Honor Society.
Burke on Ricci: "Kaylin's leadership, versatility and athleticism made for a standout club and high school career in Massapequa. She plays both sides of the ball at a high level and can play wide or central positions. Paired with her work rate, Kaylin has all the tools to come in and have an immediate impact."
Kaya Schultz – West Orange, NJ – West Orange High School – Midfielder
Schultz comes to Buffalo from West Orange, NJ where she competes for West Orange High School and Match Fit Academy ECNL. She was named First Team All-Conference as a junior after earning a spot on the All-Conference second team as a sophomore and freshman. She has recorded 17 career goals and 22 career assists over her first three seasons. Schultz also competes for the Mountaineer basketball team where she helped lead her team to the 2019 SEC County Championship as well as the 2018 Section 1 Group 4 championship. Schultz excels off the pitch as well as she is a member of the Escriptus National Honor Society and the Junior Honor Guard while also ranking in the top 10% in her class.
Burke on Schultz: "Kaya is a standout midfielder who truly understands the pulse and pace of the game. A product of a very talented midfield group at Match Fit, Kaya can impact a game on either side of the ball. She brings a blue collar mentality to the position which will translate well here to UB."
Arianna Zumpano – Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada – WNY Flash Academy – Forward
Zumpano comes to Buffalo from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada where she plays for A.N Myer Secondary School and the Western New York Flash. Zumpano was named u16 Ohio Valley Player of the Year, is a two-time selection to the ECNL Ohio Valley all-conference team and was named to the u16 ECNL All-American team. Zumpano has been an integral piece of her WNY Flash team, leading them to three appearances in the ECNL National Playoffs from 2017-19. Off the pitch she is a four year member of the honor roll.
Burke on Zumpano: "Ari has already made a name for herself on the national stage with her prolific club career at the WNY Flash. Her ability to find the back of the net and open up opportunities for her teammates will translate well to the next level. Ari will be a dangerous threat amongst our attacking core for years to come.
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