Recognizing Excellence in Multiple Sports

As the graduation festivities approach, we take a moment to honor the standout women’s student-athletes of the Class of 2025. These individuals have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also made significant contributions to their teams and the University.

Women’s Basketball: Stina Almqvist

Stina Almqvist, a senior guard from Sweden, transformed her role from a newcomer into a captain and member of the prestigious 1,000-point club. A standout athlete, she averaged 15.3 points per game in her final season, achieving first-team All-Ivy and All-Big 5 recognitions.

Softball: Payton Bean

Senior pitcher Payton Bean demonstrated leadership on the mound, claiming Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors in 2022. Her performances led the team in wins, setting benchmarks for the Quakers with a focus on development and resilience.

Gymnastics: Emma Davies

Emma Davies has been pivotal in helping Penn secure four consecutive Gymnastics Eastern Conference championships. In her final year, she recorded a career-high of 9.925 on the floor exercise, solidifying her legacy as a top competitor.

Track and Field: Jocelyn Niemiec

A senior sprinter, Jocelyn Niemiec has consistently excelled, breaking program records in both indoor and outdoor 4×400 relays. As a three-time NCAA Championships qualifier, her achievements demonstrate her prowess and leadership in the sport.

Field Hockey: Meghan McGinley

A four-year starter, Meghan McGinley served as captain, earning multiple All-Ivy honors. Her tenacity on the field contributed significantly to the team’s defense, ensuring a strong legacy.

Tennis: Eileen Wang

Senior Eileen Wang made significant strides in both singles and doubles competitions, being recognized as a first-team All-Ivy player. Her winning performances aided in securing victories for the Quakers throughout her career.

Golf: Natalie Cao

Natalie Cao has been a consistent and high-performing golfer for Penn, earning second-team All-Ivy honors after a standout performance at the Ivy League championships.

Lacrosse: Anna Brandt

Anna Brandt, a midfield star, holds the program records for goals and draw controls. Her two accolades as Ivy League Midfielder of the Year mark her as a historic player in the program.

Soccer: Maya Leschly

Maya Leschly was recognized as a second-team All-Ivy defender, contributing notably to the defensive discussions throughout her tenure, encompassing 57 starting games and assists in several shutouts.

Squash: Emma Wolf

Emma Wolf’s involvement helped propel Penn’s squash team to various victories, including crucial wins in high-stakes matches during her career.

Rowing: Brooke Caragher

Senior rower Brooke Caragher earned her place in the varsity 8+ boat, contributing to the team’s accomplishments and showcasing leadership skills as captain.

Volleyball: Kat Alexander

Defensive specialist Kat Alexander’s consistent performance and leadership were crucial in shaping a brighter future for the Quakers’ volleyball team by her final season.

Fencing: Sabrina Cho

Sabrina Cho, a senior foilist, has set various records throughout her fencing career and contributed significantly at NCAA championships, enhancing the reputation of the program.

Swimming: Izzy Pytel

As a co-captain and breaststroke expert, Izzy Pytel consistently qualified for Ivy League championships and inspired her teammates through her leadership and commitment to performance.