UNIVERSITY PARK, Pennsylvania – The Penn State women's hockey team added two student-athletes to its program in the 2020 signing day period in defender Karley Garcia and forward Mya Vaslet.
Both student-athletes signed their national letters of intent to join the Nittany Lions for the 2021-22 school year.
"We are fired up to have Karley and Mya join our Penn State family," said head coach Jeff Kampersal. "They are great humans that have developed their playing and leadership skills at their current outstanding hockey programs."
Both Karley and Mya's biographies are listed below:
KARLEY GARCIA
Position: Defense
Height: 5-7
Shooting Hand: Right
Hometown: Roseville, California
Current Team: North American Hockey Academy
PRIOR TO PENN STATE
Named alternate captain of the North American Hockey Academy of the Junior Women's Hockey League (JWHL) in 2018-19…Won JWHL Championship in 2019-20…Scored 41 points in 57 games in 2019-20 season…Attended USA Hockey development camps at U15, U16/17, and U18 Top 70 divisions…Moved to Vermont from California to pursue hockey opportunities at NAHA in 2018…Won 2017 NorCal State Cup soccer championship and named title game MVP for the Placer United Girls Development Academy.
PERSONAL
Full name is Karley McKenna Garcia…Parents are Steve and Kristy Garcia…Has one sister, Kelsey…Intends to major in kinesiology…Born July 9, 2003 in San Jose, California.
WHY KARLEY CHOSE PENN STATE
"I chose Penn State because I feel it is a great fit for me. It is the perfect combination of a great hockey program, exceptional academic opportunities, as well as an amazing coaching staff. When I first saw the campus, I fell in love with it. It not only has amazing sports facilities but a lively atmosphere where I feel like I can fit in and thrive."
COACH KAMPERSAL'S VIEW
"Karley is a tough 1v1 defender. She makes the correct first pass and likes to join the play. Her mobility on the offensive blue and ability to read plays makes her a threat. "
MYA VASLET
Position: Forward
Height: 5-9
Shooting Hand: Left
Hometown: Stittsville, Ontario
Current Team: Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins
PRIOR TO PENN STATE
Named top forward at the 2019 Canadian Women's U18 National Championship while playing for Team Ontario Blue alongside Nittany Lion teammate Alyssa Machado…Scored four points (2G, 2A) in five games played for the tournament…Joined Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins for the 2020-21 PWHL season…Played three seasons with the Nepean Jr. Wildcats 2017-20…Netted 11 goals and scored 30 points in 84 regular season games for the Wildcats…Attended Ontario Women's Hockey Associate (OWHA) U18 Strength and Conditioning and High Performance camps in 2019…Played in the 2019 OWHA U16 Challenge Series vs. Team Japan…Attended high school at Peak Academy.
PERSONAL
Full name is Mya Nicole Vaslet…Parents are Jason Vaslet and Kari-Ann Brooks…Has one brother, Ethan…Intends to enroll in the Division of Undergraduate Studies…Born April 6, 2003 in Stittsville, Ontario.
WHY MYA CHOSE PENN STATE
"I chose Penn State because of the amazing coaching staff the women's hockey team has, and what their program had to offer. As well, the school has many different programs that interest me."
COACH KAMPERSAL'S VIEW
"Mya is a gritty and explosive two-way forward, who was named the top forward at the Canadian Nationals last year. We are looking forward to Mya making a significant impact on our program."
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