A Fresh Wave of Talent
Saint Joseph’s College is set to reshape its women’s soccer program as eight new student‑athletes join the squad for the 2026 campaign. The announcement comes on the heels of a solid 2025 season in which the Monks posted an 8‑8‑1 overall record and a 7‑5‑1 mark in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), culminating in a No. 6 seed for the GNAC Tournament before a quarterfinal exit against Lasell University.
Among the newcomers, the coaching staff has identified a clear need for depth between the posts and up front. The group includes a goalkeeper, five midfielders and two forwards, each bringing a distinct skill set that the staff believes will translate into immediate on‑field impact.
Guardian of the net, Gabby Chasse, hails from Brewer, Maine, and arrives with a reputation for composure under pressure. Her addition is expected to stabilize a defensive line that has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced inconsistency in recent seasons.
The midfield will be bolstered by Isabella McCall, Abigail Kajunski, Carina Castagna, Rachel LaSalle and Annika Kurotori. McCall and Kajunski bring experience from the New England prep scene, while Castagna and LaSalle add versatility in distribution. Kurotori, a California native, expands the program’s geographic footprint and is anticipated to inject a fresh tactical perspective.
Up front, forwards Paige Garlock and Annalise Stimmell return to the collegiate stage after sharing a high‑school career at Sanford High School. Their chemistry, forged on the high school pitch, should provide the Monks with a dynamic attacking option as they look to increase scoring efficiency.
Geographically, the class reflects a strong concentration of in‑state talent, with six of the eight players originating from Maine — specifically from Brewer, Sanford, Turner, Scarborough and Portland. Additional recruits from Massachusetts and California underscore the program’s expanding reach, linking the New England corridor with the West Coast.
The 2026 schedule promises 17 matches, beginning with a GNAC opener at the University of New England on September 1. The team’s home debut will take place on September 4 against Husson University, a game that will serve as the first test of the new roster’s cohesion.
With a blend of local roots and out‑of‑state promise, Saint Joseph’s College hopes to translate this fresh talent into a competitive edge within the GNAC. The coaching staff’s strategic additions aim not only to improve upon last season’s record but also to cultivate a sustainable pipeline of talent for the program’s future.