Women’s Soccer Inks Nation’s No. 1 Class on Signing Day

GK | Northfield, Ill. | Chicago FC United 

Fowler will come to Happy Valley as one of the top goalkeepers in the nation and is ranked No. 2 at her position, according to TopDrawerSoccer. The outlet lists her as the No. 35 player in her class and a four-star prospect. She is ranked as the best goalkeeper in Illinois and in the Midwest and is the No. 2 player in the state, only behind fellow Nittany Lion signee, Williams. Fowler plays club soccer for Chicago FC United and has been a member of the program since 2019. She was a U-15 Chicago FC United Girls Academy 2025 National Champion, named to the TopDrawerSoccer National Tournament Best XI and received a Girls Academy National Talent ID invitation four times. The Northfield, Illinois native attends New Trier Township High School where she is a two-time state champion, 2025 and 2026 United Soccer Coaches All-American and three-time CSL All-Conference honoree. On the national team circuit, Fowler was a USYNT U-15 CONCACAF Champion and has attended USYNT camps internationally and abroad. Fowler plans to major in business before a professional soccer career. Following her playing days, she wants to work in special education or have a leadership role in business. 

Why Annie Chose Penn State 

“I chose Penn State because of the amazing coaching staff, the school’s incredible athletic history and the opportunity to be part of such a successful program. I have always loved the school spirit and pride that comes with Penn State, and I cannot wait to be part of that environment while pushing myself to become the best player I can be.” 

Coach Dambach on Fowler 

“Annie is an elite goalkeeper with a calmness about her that you cannot teach. She is incredibly steady under pressure, and that composure gives everyone in front of her confidence. We are thrilled to have her joining us.” 

M | Leesburg, Va. | Virginia Development Academy 

Morrell chose Penn State as one of the most highly touted prospects in the country. She is ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the nation and No. 2 midfielder, according to TopDrawerSoccer. The elite, four-star recruit hails from Leesburg, Virginia and was the Gatorade Player of the Year in her state. Morrell has been a mainstay in the USYNT system as a member of the U-15, U-16 and U-17 teams. She helped the U-15 and U-17 squads become CONCACAF champions to qualify for the World Cup and has been invited to USYNT camps across the United States and Europe. Her club accomplishments are equally extensive as a member of the Virginia Development Academy as well as Loudoun Soccer and TSJFC Virginia. Morrell has been a two-time ECNL Girls All-American and Mid-Atlantic Player of the Year. She was also an ECNL Girls Mid-Atlantic Conference champion twice. At the high school level with St. Paul VI Catholic, she was the 2026 Most Outstanding Player on her team in addition to being named First Team All-WCAC, First Team Washington Post All-Met and a 2024 WCAC champion. She will attend Holston Academy online to graduate in December and enroll at Penn State in January where she intends to major in kinesiology. She hopes to play professional soccer and then become an athletic trainer. Morrell is a sixth-generation Penn Stater. Her great grandfather, Paul Etters, was the Athletic Budget Director for Joe Paterno for over 30 years and retired in 1990. 

Why Taylor Chose Penn State 

“Coach Dambach and the entire coaching staff are awesome. I feel I can grow as a player under her leadership, make an impact and help win championships at Penn State. The players are very welcoming, and I love the culture, the facilities and the support the school provides for student-athletes.” 

Coach Dambach on Morrell 

“Taylor is an incredibly dynamic, creative attacking player who can change a game in a moment. She is dangerous on and off the ball, and when she is running at defenders, she causes all kinds of problems. She is going to be a lot of fun to watch.”

D | Glendale Heights, Ill. | Eclipse Select SC 

One of the most shutdown defenders in America, Williams will join the Blue & White as the No. 11 overall prospect and No. 2 defender, according to TopDrawerSoccer. The Glendale Heights, Illinois native joins Fowler from The Prairie State. The four-star recruit is another frequent on the USYNT with appearances on the U-15, U-16 and U-17 teams. She was an alternate for the U-15 CONCACAF squad before competing with the U-16 national team. As a member of the U-17 squad, she joined the team for the CONCACAF qualifiers and was a starter at the U-17 World Cup. Williams has been a member of Eclipse Select Soccer Club since 2021 and played club soccer for Bloomingdale Lightning FC prior to that. At the club level, she was a U-15 All-American in 2024, three-time First Team All-Conference selection, won the Conference Cup in 2024 and played in the Continental Tire ECNL National Selection Game in Phoenix, Arizona. She has also been a team captain since 2023. Williams is a high honor roll student at Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Illinois where she has earned letters as a member of the track team. She was the girls track MVP during the 2024-25 season. Williams intends to major in business or kinesiology at Penn State and wants to play professional soccer following her time as a Nittany Lion. 

Why Anaiah Penn State 

“I chose Penn State because the coaches are incredible, and Coach Dambach truly wants you to become the best player and person you can be. The entire coaching staff will 100% invest in you and help you reach your full potential! My goal is to play professionally, and I fully believe Penn State can help me get there! They have such a strong winning culture and mentality, and from the beginning, it just felt like home!” 

Coach Dambach on Williams 

“Anaiah is the kind of center back you build a team around. She is a tremendous athlete, comfortable on the ball and a natural leader. Her presence on and off the field is going to have a big impact on our program.”