Girls Soccer Network is officially launching the newest class of Soccerista United this Friday and with it, another wave of powerful connections between young players and the athletes they look up to.
Now in its fourth cohort since launching in 2022, Soccerista United has become one of the most meaningful programs in the girls’ game — pairing elite Division I players with girls in the GSN community for mentorship, guidance, and something that’s hard to replicate anywhere else: a real “big soccer sister” relationship.
Built as an NIL-based program, Soccerista United gives college athletes the opportunity to mentor the next generation while building their own voice and platform — creating a cycle that strengthens the game from the ground up.
The program was originally co-created by Boston Legacy midfielder Sam Angel during her time interning with GSN, and it has continued to evolve into a cornerstone of the Girls Soccer Network community. Now, the program is being led by Olivia Damico, a former Penn State standout who is currently playing professionally in Dublin, Ireland.
Since its launch, Soccerista United mentors have come from some of the top programs in the country — including UCLA, Stanford, Florida State, the University of Pennsylvania, and Santa Clara — with many going on to play at the highest levels of the sport, from the NWSL to the U.S. Women’s National Team pipeline.
Here are a few of the mentors stepping up this session:
Kieryn “KJ” Jeter — University of Georgia
Five-time U.S. Youth National Team U-20 camp invitee
Piper Coffield — Indiana University
Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2023), Big Ten Players to Watch (2024)
Lola Abraham — University of Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year
Charlotte Kohler — Stanford University
ACC Champion 2025
Through one-on-one connections, conversations, and ongoing support, these mentors offer something young players don’t often get access to: real insight into what it takes to navigate the path from youth soccer to the college and professional game.
“Creating Soccerista United with Jen almost five years ago has honestly been the gift that keeps on giving,” said Sam Angel. “Girls still thank me for introducing them to their mentor, who has become a meaningful figure in their lives. There’s no better feeling.”
For GSN founder Jennifer Gruskoff, the impact goes beyond individual mentorship.
“Soccerista United is about connection, access, and belonging,” she said. “When a young player builds a relationship with someone who is living the path she dreams about, it changes how she sees herself in the game. It builds confidence, expands what feels possible, and deepens her connection to the sport in a lasting way. That’s how you don’t just develop players, you build lifelong fans of women’s soccer.”
At its core, Soccerista United reflects what Girls Soccer Network has always stood for: supporting the whole player and creating a stronger, more connected future for the game.
Applications for the newest Soccerista United cohort are now open. Please contact Oliva at odamico@girlssoccernetwork.com
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