LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Women's Soccer Head Coach Steve Karbowski has announced the addition of six incoming freshmen during the Early Signing Period to comprise the Saints Class of 2028.  
 
"We are pleased to welcome this talented class to our women's soccer program," said Karbowski, who is set to enter his 26^th season at the helm this fall. "This group will provide some strong defensive additions, as well as some quality in the attacking end. They are a respectful and committed group of student athletes who will represent the Siena community and the women's soccer program well."
 
Cate Burns is a 5-9 goalkeeper from Spencerport, New York who re-wrote the record books this past fall. Burns led the Rangers to a perfect 23-0-0 record, culminating in the Section V Class AA Championship, while posting a Section V single-season record 20 shutouts. A Second Team All-State selection who was heralded as the Top Keeper of the Tournament for the Section V Class AA Playoffs, she wrapped up her distinguished career on a 40-match unbeaten streak. A four-year varsity starter and two-time team captain, Burns led Spencerport to four Sectional titles. A 4.0 student, she played six years of club soccer for WNY Flash ECNL, highlighted by an Elite 8 and ECNL Nationals appearance.
 
"Cate is a well-rounded goalkeeper," said Karbowski. "She brings a high level of club experience and leadership qualities. Cate has the ability to make all the saves, is composed with the ball at her feet, and comes with a great training mentality."
 
Lily Farrell is a 5-7 midfielder from nearby Voorheesville, New York who amassed a school-record 118 career goals spanning a standout five-year varsity career. She captained the Blackbirds to new heights this past season, breaking her own school-record with 50 goals to propel Voorheesville to a Colonial Council title and the school's first-ever NYS Class B Regional Championship Game. For her efforts, Farrell was proclaimed Class B First Team All-State, Section II Class B Player of the Year, Colonial Council Offensive Player of the Year (second time in her career), and Albany Times Union Girls' Soccer Small School Athlete of the Year. She played six years of club soccer with the Albany Alleycats. Farrell is set to join her older sister Emma, a soon-to-be rising junior, on the Saints this coming fall.
 
"Lily is a very complete central midfielder," said Karbowski. "She is strong and tough on the defensive end, while also being a great distributor of the ball. Lily's individual skill will provide a strong presence in the middle of the field while contributing to the team's possession."
 
Natalie Harwood is a 5-7 back from Monroe, New York who co-captained Monroe-Woodbury to the Class AAA State Finals and a Section 9 Championship this fall. For her exploits, Harwood was heralded Class AAA Third Team All-State and Section 9 All-Section. Overall, she helped guide Monroe-Woodbury to three Sectional and two Regional Championships. Harwood played nine years of club soccer for Force FC G06 ECNL-R where she was a five-time captain who led her squad to a pair of New York State Championships.
 
"Natalie is a strong 1v1 defender with very good speed," said Karbowski. "She is a disciplined player who plays simple and efficiently out of the back. As an outside back, Natalie has the ability to get forward to support the attack with her speed and fitness level."
 
Briana Neary is a 5-7 midfielder/forward from Massapequa, New York who was named to the 2023 All-American Watch List while leading Massapequa to a State and three County Championships. This past fall, she was named both a Class AAA First Team All-State and Newsday All-Long Island Girls' Soccer Team selection for the second straight season. Neary played two years of club soccer for Long Island Soccer Club '06 GA, where she was selected for the GA Academy Talent ID Event for the Northeast Conference. A multi-sport standout, she is also a three-time All-County selection in basketball who was named 2023 All-State, All-Long Island, and her conference's Player of the Year.
 
"Bri is a dynamic offensive player," said Karbowski. "She can play in an attacking midfield role or as a striker. Bri is a great athlete, and very good and creative on the dribble. Her ability to set up her teammates as well as finish her opportunities will provide a great addition to the offensive end."
 
Catherine Rogers is a 5-6 midfielder from Webster, New York who was named both a Class AA Second Team All-State and the Divisional Player of the Year after registering 21 goals and 18 assists this past fall for Webster Thomas. A three-time team captain, she was a four-time First Team All-County selection while also earning All-State acclaim as both a sophomore and junior. Rogers played 12 years of club soccer for Lakefront FC as well as three years concurrently for Penn FC, which she led to a Pennsylvania State Cup Championship.
 
"Catherine is a strong possession player who is also very good at running at the defenders," said Karbowski. "She has very good vision, and can distribute with a good range of passes. Catherine's versatility as a midfielder will be welcomed both defensively and creating scoring opportunities."
 
Anna Swyers is a 5-6 back from Ottawa, Ontario who is a Canadian National Development Centre Trialist and member of Team Ontario. Swyers, who attends Saint Mark, was invited back to train with the Canadian U20 National Team back in October. She has played 14 years of club soccer for Ottawa South United, including five years with the ODPL squad.
 
"Anna is a very versatile player," said Karbowski. "She has the skill and vision to play anywhere on the offensive side, but may be best attacking from the back. Anna is a committed and hardworking player who plays with a great energy and personality. Her strong defensive presence will compliment her ability to play out of the back."
 
The sextet joins a Siena Women's program poised to take the next step this fall, after a youthful squad achieved a four-spot improvement in the MAAC Standings during the 2023 campaign.