On Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, Wissahickon seniors Natalie Ryan, Margaret Wilde and Anna May were recognized for committing to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level. (Included in the photo is Emma Baker, who also was a member of the soccer team and will continue her lacrosse career at Townson.) Check out the photos of the event by Keith Clemens Photography at the following link: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/p308497577
Anna May – Muhlenberg College (Soccer)
Major: Accounting
Reasons for choosing Muhlenberg: “I wanted to play soccer competitively while focusing on academics and my future after college. Muhlenberg is close enough to home and felt like the
perfect choice. I am able to have a small student-to-teacher ratio, and the campus was gorgeous. The team and coach were super welcoming and seemed like they loved playing and coaching.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I started thinking about playing in college around seventh grade. I switched to a more competitive club team and began to really fall in love with soccer. I started to get into the recruiting process around the end of eighth grade. I went to a college camp in the summer, and it took off from there.”
Coach Chris McDaniels says: “I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Anna May for the last four years as part of the girls’ soccer program at Wissahickon. My best memory of Anna – one moment in time – would be her overtime game-winner in six seconds against a really good Abington team. Played the ball out to Anna, she dribbled through two players, put the ball in the top corner, and we walked off in six seconds with the win. In general, Anna was a player who contributed so much to this program in four years. She played numerous positions, always gave 100 percent and just made us a better team across the board. Good luck to Anna playing next year at Muhlenberg College. I’m hoping for the best for her.”
About Anna:
Favorite food: Pineapple Stuffing
Favorite movie: Too many to choose from
Favorite music: Pop
Natalie Ryan – Kutztown University (Soccer)
Major: Psychology/Pre-med track
Reasons for choosing Kutztown: “My older sister played there, and I really liked the campus when I visited. After getting a formal visit and talking with the coach more, I decided that was where I wanted to be. Their academics were also important.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I knew that I wanted to play soccer for as long as I could when I was a little kid, so the decision to play in college wasn’t a difficult one. The recruiting process was a little different for me because I had already known coach Erik (Burstein) as my older sister played for him already. He reached out to me as soon as he could, and Kutztown was my top choice to begin with since I was familiar with the area and the program. I did look at other schools, but after visiting one of them, I decided Kutztown was the place for me.”
Coach Chris McDaniels says: “I have had the pleasure of coaching Natalie ‘Scoops’ Ryan for the past four years on my Wissahickon girls’ soccer program. A moment that stood out to me as far as Natalie’s performances over the past four years was her ability to hit free kicks. In particular, a free kick she scored against Pennridge on our grass field from about 35 yards out. She stuck a ball in the top corner in really impressive fashion. Beyond that, overall, Natalie has played pretty much every position over the course of four years and performed at every single position at a really high level in a way that’s helped us be a better team. I want to wish Natalie the best of luck moving forward as she continues to play soccer next year at Kutztown University.”
About Natalie:
Favorite food: Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Favorite movie: Whiplash
Favorite artist: Young the Giant
Margaret Wilde – University of Pittsburgh (Soccer)
Major: Physical Therapy or Athletic Training
Final list of schools: Pitt, Michigan, Northeastern, Hofstra, Richmond, Loyola (Md.)
Reasons for choosing Pitt: “I chose Pitt because of its highly respected academics and nationally ranked athletics. I loved the campus feel and its proximity to the city of Pittsburgh. The Pitt soccer coaching staff is extremely supportive, and the atmosphere they created was one I immediately wanted to be part of.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I knew I wanted to play soccer collegiately when I was in middle school. I moved to one of the greatest soccer clubs in the state and started seriously getting into the recruiting process freshman year. I attended different showcases around the country and was able to play in front of many college coaches. Even after going through a series of lengthy knee injuries, my love for soccer never changed. With that, I kept working hard on and off the field and committed to an amazing ACC program.”
Coach Chris McDaniels says: “I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Margaret Wilde in girls’ soccer at Wissahickon the past year. My best memory of Margaret was the fact that – as a player who only played for us one year her senior season, the immediate impact she made on our team and our training with her competitive spirit. She plays every game to win, she loves to score goals, and she just brought our training up a level, and it led to a lot of success for us. I wish Margaret the best of luck next year at the University of Pittsburgh.”
About Margaret:
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite movie: Legally Blonde
Favorite music: Pop Music
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