On Wednesday, Dec. 15, Pennridge seniors Emily Kriney, Leah Malone and Aubrey Long were recognized for committing to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level.
The Class of 2022 leaves behind a remarkable legacy despite enduring the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this year’s senior class was a key piece of the program’s first ever PIAA 4A state title in 2020.
“I think it was tougher because of COVID because we definitely had to be mindful both in and out of soccer, making smart decisions and making sure we weren’t putting ourselves in positions where we might get sick and playing through it,” senior Leah Malone said. “We had different conditions, and last year, we had all must-win games as soon as we got in the playoffs – definitely high stakes and pressure, but the biggest thing that pushed us all was the chemistry. We were all in the same boat going through a really hard time, and I think that really brought us closer together. I’ll say it so many times – the team chemistry last year and even this year was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
Coach Audrey Anderson: “Our senior class this year, whether they signed or not, have just done a tremendous job for this program, caring so much about it and wanting to make the players who have come before them proud of them. They always wanted to leave it better than when they came in. There were a lot of players before them that were great players. We talk about legacy, and what this senior class has done for this program is amazing. They put us on the map. These kids coming up through the program – they now know it’s doable. We’re a small school in Perkasie, Pa., and people know about us now. I’m happy that the senior class had such a big role the past four years with this program.”
Emily Kriney – Bloomsburg University (Soccer)
Major: Nursing
Final list of colleges: Bloomsburg, Tampa, University of Hawaii, FAU, West Point (Army), Nova Southeastern
Reasons for choosing Bloomsburg: “To play soccer”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “Growing up playing the sport, I knew I wanted to keep playing.”
Coach Audrey Anderson says: “Coaches fear when they see Emily Kriney on the field, so losing her junior year to an ACL injury and then getting her back this year and having her out for playoffs hurt us. Coaches know her. They know her speed, her intensity when she plays and her desire to work harder than the defenders of the opposing team.”
About Emily:
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite music: Country
Aubrey Long – Wagner College (Soccer)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Wagner, Rider
Reasons for choosing Wagner: “I loved the team, coach and campus.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I always wanted to play college soccer. Then after tearing my ACL and not being able to play soccer really made me realize how much I would miss it if I stopped playing. My recruiting process started the summer of 2021.
Coach Audrey Anderson says: “Aubrey has had a rough time with injuries and a concussion this year, but she sees the field really well. She’s going to do great. I’m excited to see her go on and play especially this spring to get her feet wet before she goes on to college.”
About Aubrey:
Favorite food: Chocolate covered pretzels
Favorite TV show: Friends
Favorite music: Pop/Country
Leah Malone – High Point University (Soccer)
Major: Advertising/Public Relations and Strategic Communications
Final list of colleges: High Point, JMU, Georgetown, University of Delaware
Reasons for choosing High Point: “It has a pretty campus, good resources for the future, nice coaches and a good location.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I started at Deep Run and then went to FC Bucks ECNL. I thought about playing in college in seventh grade and started emailing coaches and doing ID camps in eighth grade, going to recruitment showcases in ninth and visiting schools. I narrowed down my list sophomore year and chose High Point University in October 2020.
Coach Audrey Anderson says: “We were just talking about what Leah has contributed over her four years, getting us into the state tournament freshman year with the tying goal and a game-winning goal over Abington, and that seemed to be her pattern over the four years here. She wasn’t afraid of the big moments.”
About Leah:
Favorite food: Mac ‘n Cheese
Favorite TV show: The Bachelor shows
Favorite music: R&B
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