Coming off a highly successful 2022 season, the University of Hartford women's soccer team is looking to soar to greater heights in 2023. 
 
John Natale's squad returns 14 student-athletes, including seven starters, from a team that finished 10-3-1.


 
"I am excited about the possibilities for this squad," said Natale. "We bring back a very prolific scorer and our defense should be very stout as well. However, the greatest assets for us will be our leadership from our older players. The addition of three transfers will enhance our athleticism and make us very dynamic on all three levels."
 
Any conversation about Hartford women's soccer begins with senior Imani Jenkins, who was a second-team United Soccer Coaches Association All-Atlantic Region. She finished the season with 14 goals, which was ranked among the top 10 in the country, and seven game-winners. The seven game-winners ranked top-5 nationally. With 32 points, Jenkins is the highest-scoring player for the Hawks over the past 10 seasons.
 
While all the offensive attention may be directed in Jenkins' way, midfielder Victoria Jedroychowski led the team with five assists, while midfielder Christina Stone had four assists each. Midfielder Ishani Sharma returns after having three assists to go along with four goals. 
 
"Our unselfishness and team-focused awareness make us a dangerous offensive team," said Natale. "The team-first mentality that permeates throughout our roster is what is ultimately going to push us to achieve all of our goals." 
 
Forwards Camryn Wilkinson and Rebecca Opdenbrouw will look to expand on their impact from a season ago. Transfers Leah Barbieri and Mayson Massaro will bring more offensive diversity to the Hartford attack, while freshmen Kathleen Brush and Morgan Egan will be in the mix as well. 
 
Behind Stone, Jedroychowski, Sharma, and Juliana Chiarella; Tara Martin, Lila Doyle and freshmen Reese Sadler, and Danielle DiNitto will compete for minutes in the midfield.
 
Lindsay Metcalfe and May Cervone return to anchor the Hartford defense. Elise Engquist, Andrea Buzas, and freshman Mia Mangalji will provide depth on the backline.
 
The back third will be vital for Hartford as the Hawks will break in goalkeepers Mira Mahmoud and Sejal Johnson.
 
Hartford kicks off the season 4 p.m. September 1 at the University of Saint Joseph.