2024 • FRESHMAN SEASON
Season: Did not see action, utilizing her redshirt.
HIGH SCHOOL & CLUB
One of the highest-ranked attacking prospects in the 2024 class, Hess arrives at Penn State following an impressive career at the high school, club, and U.S. Youth National Team development levels… Hess attended Freedom High School in Virginia and was her school’s Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023… In 2023, Hess picked up All-Region First Team, All Cedar-Run District First Team and Washington Post All-Met First Team accolades… She handled her club commitments with a trio of organizations over her youth career, finishing off at TSJ FC Virginia under the direction of Bobby Puppione and Christian Cziommer… She participated in GA Mid-Atlantic and GA National Talent ID camps in addition to picking up a Girls Academy National Championship in 2023… Hess was a part of multiple USYNT Regional Camps, most recently being named to the U17 National Team player pool… Hess ranked as the No. 27 prospect in the nation according to TopDrawerSoccer and was the top prospect in the state of Virginia according to PrepSoccer.
PERSONAL
A native of South Riding, Virginia, Hess is the daughter of Christine and Keith Hess… She has two siblings, both brothers, named Luke and Mason… Her uncle, Mike D’Ercole, attended Penn State and graduated in 1987… While at Freedom High School, Hess booked a 4.0 GPA each year of her academic career and earned a placement on the Principal’s List in 2022… She was also a participant in the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) during her tenure at Freedom… Hess plans to study business at the prestigious Penn State Smeal College of Business during her time at PSU with an expected graduation date set for the spring of 2028… She hopes to continue her career professionally after college and looks to work in sports marketing at the conclusion of her playing days… In her free time, she enjoys baking and playing other sports, like basketball.
WHY PENN STATE
“I chose Penn State because the moment I got on campus, it felt like home. Penn State was the perfect fit for me academically and athletically. The culture of the team and the school is like no other, and it really feels like a family. I know this team and this school is going to challenge me and help me grow as a person and player, both on the field and off. The coaching staff is incredible, and they have crafted this program to be one of the best in the country. You can instantly tell that this group of people is incredibly special, and I am so excited to be a part of it.”