Women's Soccer | 6/28/2023 10:00:00 AM

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Women's soccer head coach Tafadzwa Ziyenge welcomes six freshmen to the Buccaneer side for the fall of 2023.

Midfielder Daniela Atherton, forwards Katelyn Billoch, Shienne Gadson, and Helena Macedo and defenders Cordelia Brown and Sarah Sedelsky will bolster the team this fall.

"We are very excited about bringing in high character hardworking individuals to jump start the 2023 campaign," Ziyenge said. "Graduation robbed us of several leaders and key characters and the incoming class is very aware of the huge shoes they're expected to fill."

Atherton (5-4, Milford, Mass.) was a two-time Metrowest player and three-time Hockomock League All-Star at Milford High under coach Antonio Pinto. As a senior, she scored 14 goals and added eight assists.

"Daniella is a very versatile player with incredible fitness and high work rate," Ziyenge said.

"I choose Barry because of the welcoming team environment along with the great level of competition that will give me the opportunity to reach my fullest potential as both a player and a person," Atherton said.

Billoch (5-2, Miami, Fla.) helped lead coach Kurt Divich's Doral Academy Firebirds to the regional semifinals as a senior, scoring 11 goals with three assists. She was named to the 7A-5A First-Team All-Dade County by the Miami Herald.

"Katelyn is the ideal blue-collar player with a tireless work ethic," Ziyenge said.

"I chose Barry because of the competitiveness and quality of the team," Billoch said. "They also have excellent educational programs that pique my interest. At Barry, I'll be able to pursue my professional ambitions, because I will be in an environment surrounded by young people who are also passionate about achieving their goals."

Gadson (5-4, San Antonio, Texas) was an explosive talent at Brandeis High for coach Kelsie Fisher. Despite playing in only seven of the Broncos' 23 games, she led the team with 11 goals and added three assists.

"Shienne is a creative striker who can unlock defenses with speed and quickness," Ziyenge said.

"Since the first day I met the girls, I was embraced with such love and acceptance it felt like a family," Gadson said. "Coming from a team that preached family, it just felt like a perfect match for my academic and athletic aspirations."

Macedo (5-4, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) played for coach Miguel Moreno at Coral Gables High, but hails from soccer rich Brazil. In 54 games, as a four-year letterwinner for the Cavaliers, she scored 44 goals and added 19 assists. She was a third-team All-Dade pick by the Herald as a senior and junior.

"Helena is a very creative striker with an ability to finish chances in front of goal," Ziyenge said.

"I chose Barry because it is a school that will push me to my limits and push me to be a better player all while keeping me close to home," Macedo said.

Brown (5-8, Austin, Texas) was a four-year letterwinner for coach Landon Maddox at Liberty Hill High in Texas. Brown helped lead the Panthers' defense that allowed just 0.76 goals per game and posted 13 shutouts in 25 games. She also added a goal and two assists.

"Cordelia is a level-headed outside back, equally comfortable operating in a central defensive role," Ziyenge said.

"I choose to be on a constant quest in order to become the best version of myself, and I believe that Barry will help me achieve that," Brown said.

Sedelsky (5-3, Pembroke Pines, Fla.) played for coach Fred Wilde at West Broward High, leading the Bobcats to a the regional quarterfinals. She led a defense that allowed just 17 goals in 17 games and posted six shutouts. She added four goals and chipped in three assists.

"Sarah brings high energy and can operate as both an outside defender or winger," Ziyenge said.

"I choose Barry because of the strong business school, competitive play, and the location," Sedelsky said.

The Bucs finished last season 8-5-4 and fifth in the Sunshine State Conference at 3-3-4. The six freshmen join transfers Maya Caon, Alia Jaidi and Makenzie Shean in the class.