July 26, 2017
With the 2017 women's soccer season slowly approaching, GoPSUsports.com is asking each member of the 2017 signing class a few questions in order to get to know them better. We are ending the series this week with defender/midfielder/forward Kerry Abello.
A native of Batavia, Ill., Abello attended Benet Academy and played club soccer for Eclipse Select. While at Penn State, Abello plans to major in pre-med.
GoPSU: So far this summer you have attended three training camps with the U.S. Women's National Team youth program, what does it mean to you to wear the Red, White, & Blue?
KA: It's honestly a dream come true to be able to represent the U.S. Playing with and against some of the best players at my age is a very rewarding and humbling experience, something I wouldn't trade for the world. I love every opportunity I get to wear the Red, White, and Blue, and show the pride I have for my country by competing on the soccer field.
GoPSU: What stood out to you about Penn State and the women's soccer program during the recruiting process?
KA: The one thing that immediately stood out so clearly to me about Penn State was the people, especially the people surrounding the women's soccer program. Every person I have encountered at Penn State has always been so friendly, hardworking, and ready to help.
Obviously, Penn State has a more than reputable soccer program and high-level academics, but the people at Penn State immediately made it feel like home.
GoPSU: Prior to joining the Nittany Lions you were named a three-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-American, what does that honor mean to you?
KA: I am especially grateful for this honor because I see some of the best soccer players I know beside me as All-Americans. Being able to receive the same honor as players I have played with at the highest level, learned from, and looked up to is astounding to me. I am also so grateful for all of the support I have received throughout the years from my coaches, teammates, family and friends that made me receiving this honor possible.
GoPSU: You are going to be donning No. 2 for Penn State, why did you choose that number?
KA: The number two has a special significance to me, because it was the number I wore in my first international game with the U.S. national team. Other than that instance, I have not worn the number two since, and I am excited to wear it for Penn State this year!
GoPSU: What is one thing the fans should know about Kerry Abello?
KA: One thing the fans should know about me is that I get really nervous before every game I play. Whether it is for the national team, my club team, or just a pick-up game I'm playing with friends, the nerves always hit sometime before the referee blows the first whistle.
I'm sure I'll get those same nerves before every game I play in a Penn State jersey. I get nervous because I want to be the best player I can be for my teammates and for my coaches, and because I want to make my parents proud. But once the whistle blows, and I touch the ball the first time, the nerves are gone, and it's game time!