Penn State has consistently produced elite talent, and in 2025, its alumni are making waves on professional fields all around the world.
From several National Women’s Soccer League teams to European clubs, former Nittany Lions are leaving their mark at every level.
Jordan Fusco
One of the newest professionals is Jordan Fusco. She transferred to Penn State from Tennessee, where she had 14 goals across 61 games. In her lone season with the Nittany Lions, she started all 25 games in the regular season and tallied three goals and 12 assists, earning a spot on the United Soccer Coaches All-Region Third Team.
Now with the San Diego Wave in the NWSL, she has made one appearance off the bench and is still looking for her first professional goal.
Ginger Fontenot
Ginger Fontenot followed a similar path as Fusco to the next level, transferring to Penn State after earning All-Ivy League honors twice during her three seasons at Penn. As a senior, she anchored one of the nation’s most experienced backlines and started all 25 matches, contributing a goal and an assist.
After being invited to preseason camps with both the San Diego Wave and Racing Louisville FC, she signed with Brooklyn FC of the USL Super League. Fontenot has played 144 minutes over three matches, including one start.
Defender Ginger Fontenot (28) prepares to kick the ball during the Penn State women’s soccer game against Michigan State at Jeffrey Field on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Spartans beat the Nittany Lions 1-0.
Ella Freda
Kerry Abello
Veteran defender Kerry Abello continues to shine in the NWSL. After five seasons as a Nittany Lion, where she scored 17 goals, Abello was selected 24th overall by the Orlando Pride in the 2021 NWSL Draft. She recently signed an extension with the Pride through the 2026 season.
In the 2025 season, she has appeared in every game so far, with 773 minutes played, the third most on the roster. This summer, she made her debut for the U.S. Women’s National Team in a 4–0 win over Jamaica on June 3, starting the match and making a strong impression.
Sam Coffey
Another standout is Portland Thorns FC midfielder Sam Coffey. Coffey played for Penn State from 2019-21 and has become a core player for Portland’s lineup.
With 1053 minutes under her belt, 10 shots on goal and 21 tackles in 2025, Coffey continues to prove her value at the next level. She’s also been a regular presence with the U.S. National Team, including at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Forward Sam Coffey (17) breaks past Indiana’s defense to take a shot at the goal during the Penn State women’s soccer match against Indiana University on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, at Jeffrey Field. Penn State defeated Indiana 3-0.
Regan Gross
Olivia Smith
On the international stage, Olivia Smith has rapidly reached stardom. She spent just one season at Penn State in 2022-23, scoring three goals and recording one assist in 16 games.
Since then, she has flourished as a seasoned professional in Europe. In her most recent season with Liverpool FC, Smith scored seven goals across 20 appearances with the European club.
In a historic move ahead of the 2025 season, Smith transferred to Arsenal for 1 million euros, making it the highest transfer fee in women’s soccer history.
With seasoned pros in the NWSL and Europe, Penn State women’s soccer continues to serve as a launchpad for elite talent. Whether it’s alumni on the rise in the pros or current Nittany Lions dipping their feet in the waters of the next level, Penn State’s influence in the global game is only growing with each passing season.
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